The assassin, clad in a loose black robe and wearing a mysterious cat mask, moved with lethal precision. In an instant, the deed was done, and he retreated without hesitation.
Katakuri's fury burned like wildfire. Witnessing his sister fall and the assailant vanish, he vowed vengeance. Yet the figure's speed was extraordinary, moving with Soru, one of the Six Powers. It was clear this was no ordinary enemy—most likely an undercover agent from the World Government or the Marines.
Though his heart demanded immediate pursuit, Katakuri's reason prevailed. Chasing the assassin would waste precious time, and it was possible the enemy intended to lure him away from Cake Island. Reluctantly, he turned back to Brulee.
Seeing the crimson stain on her chest, an endless wave of guilt washed over him. In the blink of an eye, his sister had been ambushed. Clearly, the Marines had anticipated Brulee's Mirror-Mirror Fruit ability and sought to neutralize her before she could use it.
Katakuri knelt beside Brulee, his voice tense, "Brulee, wake up! Brulee!"
"Sister Brulee!" "Quick, get a doctor! Doctor!" cried the younger Charlotte Family members, their panic piercing. The eldest were barely teenagers, and those already in the Mirror World trembled—without Brulee, they could not escape.
Katakuri's jaw tightened. Their plan to use Brulee's mirrors to evacuate the younger siblings had collapsed.
A doctor arrived swiftly, kneeling beside Brulee to assess her condition. Despite her weakness, Brulee offered a faint smile. "Brother… I think I'm going to die. Sorry, Brother…"
Katakuri's heart clenched. "Don't speak yet, Brulee!" he demanded, turning to the doctor. "What is her condition?"
The doctor's expression was grave. "It was extremely close. The bullet passed less than three centimeters from her heart. Had it struck, the consequences would have been catastrophic. She has sustained internal damage and may bleed internally. The bullet must be removed immediately, and surgery is required along with blood plasma preparation."
Katakuri nodded without hesitation. Brulee's abilities were vital—without her, his younger siblings in the Mirror World would be trapped.
---
Along Cake Island's coastline, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki waged a titanic battle against Big Mom. The destructive power of his Magma-Magma Fruit made even the surrounding Marines and Pirates hesitant, no one daring to intervene.
Homies created by Charlotte Linlin would be incinerated instantly by Sakazuki's magma.
Clutching Napoleon tightly, Big Mom roared, "You dare make this old woman your target! You think you can control me, Marine?!"
Sakazuki sneered. "Hmph, rest assured. After this, Kaido and Marco will follow. The so-called Three Emperors Alliance? Now that I am Fleet Admiral, the Great Pirate Era begun by Roger ends today. Pirates will not be arrested—they will be executed without exception!"
Charlotte Linlin's eyes burned with fury. "Hmph, as expected of the Marines' iron-blooded Admiral. But this old woman has dominated the seas for decades. You think you can kill me just because you sit in the Fleet Admiral's chair?" With a roar, she launched another furious attack.
Booms echoed across the island. Each clash of power sent eruptions of magma scattering, shaking the battlefield into a temporary stalemate.
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki…" "Mama…" The Marines and Pirates alike observed from afar, fear gripping their hearts. Even the aftershocks of the battle were deadly.
Momousagi's voice rang out, commanding all Marines, "Do not approach Sakazuki without authorization! Begin clearing the remaining Pirates immediately!"
Tokikake ordered, "Pacifista, attack! Capture all Pirates in one strike!"
The Seven Warlords threw themselves into the fray. Cracker barked, "Biscuit Soldiers, attack! Annihilate the Marines!"
Sak and the others stood on a vantage point, eyes wide at the chaos below. "The Marines are serious this time. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki is leading the charge, accompanied by two newly promoted Admirals. I wonder just how strong they are."
Fossa turned to Smoothie, concern etched on his face. "Smoothie, how are Marco and his group holding up? When will they arrive?"
Smoothie's expression was grave. "They're encountering stiff resistance from Admiral Kizaru and ten Marine warships. They said they will break through the blockade as quickly as possible."
Ulti added anxiously, "And the Beasts Pirates?"
Smoothie's expression darkened further. "They were intercepted by the Marines. Their opponents consist of former Fleet Admiral Sengoku, former Admiral Zephyr, and ten warships under Hero Garp's command."
Sak's face grew solemn. "That means neither the Phoenix Pirates nor the Beasts Pirates will reach us soon. The Marines planned this operation meticulously."
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