Katakuri narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low, steady voice, his tone calm but firm as he continued his persuasion.
"Mama, the Marines have mobilized in full force. Dozens of warships are closing in, and the Fleet Admiral himself is commanding the operation. Their objective is clear. They intend to wipe out the Big Mom Pirates in a single decisive strike. At a time like this, we must act rationally and prioritize preserving our strength. If the situation worsens, we should allow our forces to withdraw in an orderly manner so we can plan for the future."
"Indeed, Mama."
Even the usually arrogant members of the Big Mom Pirates had no choice but to acknowledge the truth in Katakuri's words. Retreat was a humiliating thought, but everyone present understood how dire the situation had become. Only by preserving their forces could they hope to strike back later.
Charlotte Linlin clenched her teeth. Though reluctant, she knew Katakuri was right. After a moment of tense silence, she finally spoke.
"Fine. Issue orders immediately to all islands of Totto Land. The Marines are launching a full scale invasion. Tell them to rely on the terrain, hold their positions, and wait for reinforcements. If they can no longer hold out, they are to retreat to Cake Island. If even that becomes impossible, they may temporarily seek refuge with the Beasts Pirates or the Phoenix Pirates."
Her gaze turned sharp as she continued.
"At the same time, contact Kaido and Marco. Have the Beasts Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates honor the third clause of our alliance and come to reinforce us. Brulee, we once gave Marco a mirror. I did not expect it would be useful like this. Use your Mirror Mirror Fruit and contact the Phoenix Pirates immediately. Have them send reinforcements through the mirrors."
Brulee quickly lowered her head.
"Understood, Mama."
Katakuri stepped forward again, his voice unwavering.
"Mama, I also believe we should use Brulee's ability to send some of our younger siblings to the Phoenix Pirates for protection. Cake Island will likely become the center of the battlefield very soon."
Charlotte Linlin nodded slightly, her massive frame tense with barely restrained fury.
"Very well. I'll leave that to you. The rest of you, prepare yourselves. The Marines are coming."
"Oh!!!!"
The roar of the crew echoed through the hall, their morale surging despite the danger closing in.
On the Marine side, Sakazuki held a transponder snail, his expression cold and merciless as he issued his command.
"All Marine forces, listen carefully. Surround Cake Island immediately. Your primary objective is to sink every pirate ship in the area. Do not rush to land. This old man will send them a little gift first."
From the other end, disciplined voices answered without hesitation.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
Their unwavering obedience reflected their absolute trust in his authority.
After ending the call, Sakazuki let out a low, disdainful snort.
"The alliance of Emperors begins to crumble here. Everyone, stay clear of me."
"Yes."
Every Marine present understood exactly what that meant.
Sakazuki stepped onto the bow of the warship. His arms transformed instantly, molten magma bubbling and surging with terrifying heat as he raised them toward the sky.
"Meteor Volcano!"
The sky seemed to tear apart as countless magma fists were launched high into the air, arcing toward Cake Island like falling stars. Sakazuki had no intention of holding back. Unlike Sengoku, he did not hesitate, and he had no concern for civilians or collateral damage. His only goal was annihilation.
The magma bombs descended in waves, crashing into Cake Island with apocalyptic force.
Panic erupted instantly.
Guests attempting to flee by ship watched in horror as Marine warships opened fire. Whether they were members of the Big Mom Pirates or outsiders who had attended the birthday celebration, none were spared.
The Marines were not aiming at people directly. Their target was the ships.
Under Sakazuki's command, not a single vessel was allowed to escape.
As for those who had come to celebrate Big Mom's birthday, pirate or not, their presence alone marked them as enemies in the eyes of the Marines.
Magma rained down endlessly, engulfing Cake Island in a raging inferno. In mere moments, the island was consumed by fire, screams, and despair as pirates and residents alike fled in all directions.
Sak stared up at the falling magma, his expression grim.
"Damn it. Akainu goes all out right from the start."
Even as a Sweet Commander, facing a disaster of this magnitude left him feeling powerless. It was hard to imagine how the Whitebeard Pirates had endured such a monster during the war at Marineford.
Charlotte Linlin's eyes burned crimson as she watched her capital consumed by flames. Standing atop the thundercloud Zeus, she let out a furious roar that shook the sky.
"Damn you, Marines! I'll make you pay for this!"
In a flash, she surged forward, riding Zeus straight toward Sakazuki.
Sakazuki watched the massive woman approaching through the smoke and fire, his expression turning cold and sharp.
"Oh? She's taking the initiative."
Momousagi immediately shouted a warning across the fleet.
"Everyone, stay alert! One of the Four Emperors, Big Mom, is attacking!"
Sakazuki snorted and interrupted her.
"There's no need for interference. The power of an Emperor is beyond you. Leave her to me."
As Charlotte Linlin entered his range, her fury exploded. She gripped Napoleon tightly, her voice thunderous with rage.
"Akainu! How dare you invade this old lady's territory? Are you tired of living? Die! Elbaf Spear, Ikoku!"
A massive cylindrical sword wave tore through the air, roaring toward Sakazuki with overwhelming force.
Sakazuki did not retreat.
He kicked off the air, meeting the attack head on as magma surged from his fists.
"Great Eruption!"
The collision detonated with a deafening explosion. Magma and compressed air burst outward in every direction, scattering molten fragments across the sky like blazing stars.
Suspended in midair with Moonwalk, Sakazuki spoke calmly, his voice carrying across the battlefield.
"All Marines, prepare yourselves. Once the magma bombardment ends, land immediately and wipe out every pirate on the island."
"Yes!"
The unified response rang loud and clear.
Charlotte Linlin's face darkened further as she roared in fury.
"Sakazuki! Are you Marines truly planning to fight this old lady to the death?"
Sakazuki sneered, his gaze filled with killing intent.
"Hmph. Marines and pirates can never coexist. One year from now will mark your death anniversary, Big Mom."