Katakuri walked forward, having safely settled his younger sister Brulee. His voice was firm, resolute. "Since that is the case, we can only rely on ourselves. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki has personally arrived this time. His methods against pirates are ruthless and merciless. Only by fighting to the death can we hope to survive."
Sak nodded slightly, a determined smile forming. "Then let the Phoenix Pirates test the strength of the Marine Admirals!"
Katakuri's lips curved in a brief, grateful smile. "Thank you…"
Fossa's tone was cautious. "Katakuri, never attempt to face a Marine Admiral alone. Their strength exceeds imagination."
Katakuri inclined his head. He had never fought an Admiral directly, but he knew their terrifying reputation as the World Government's top combat force. Even newly appointed Admirals would not attain such rank without immense strength.
Smoothie's expression grew solemn. "Brother Katakuri, let's go support Mama as well."
Katakuri nodded. "Understood."
---
The clash between Sakazuki and Big Mom raged, a storm of destruction. Sakazuki's aggressive style had given him a temporary edge.
Big Mom's hesitation stemmed from her fear of Sakazuki's Magma-Magma Fruit. The sheer destructive power of his Devil Fruit, amplified by his mastery of Conqueror's Haki, made her cautious. A single punch had scorched her with heat and Haki so intense that even a direct clash was difficult to endure.
She dared not clash head-on again, recalling that even Whitebeard had suffered a near-fatal strike from Sakazuki during Marineford.
Suddenly, a boisterous laugh echoed from above. "Gyahahahahaha! Brother Sakazuki, I've come to help!"
Everyone paused, their attention drawn skyward. A figure hovered, a strange flower blooming behind him. Sakazuki's eyes narrowed. "Aramaki?"
"Is that Marine Admiral Ryokugyu?" "How did he arrive so quickly?" "With Sakazuki and Green Bull together, can Mama even withstand them?" The Big Mom Pirates were stunned. The arrival of Admiral Ryokugyu had shifted the battlefield dramatically.
Big Mom's expression darkened. Facing Sakazuki alone had been dangerous enough; now another Admiral-level threat had joined. Her confidence wavered.
Sakazuki's eyes gleamed. "Since you're here, let's work together. Let's finish this quickly and take down this old hag, minimizing unnecessary losses."
Green Bull grinned, voice bold and playful. "Gyahahaha! That's exactly why I rushed here to support you!"
At that moment, Katakuri and Smoothie arrived at Big Mom's side.
Big Mom's face softened with relief as she saw her most trusted children. "Mamamamamama, you've finally arrived! Katakuri, Smoothie!"
Sakazuki's gaze hardened, assessing the two Sweet Commanders. "Hmph, two more overconfident fools. It doesn't matter. Green Bull, make your move."
"Alright," Green Bull said with a mischievous smile. He planted his hands on the ground and roared, "Everyone, evacuate immediately! Do not enter my range!"
The Marines, well aware of Green Bull's abilities, obeyed instantly. His hands transformed into massive branches. "Forest-Forest Fruit: Forest Sea Descends!"
The ground erupted with life. Vines and trees burst forth as if nature itself had awakened, spreading rapidly across the battlefield. To the Marines, what should have been a forest of life appeared as a monstrous threat. "Get back! Do not enter his range!"
Green Bull, a Marine Admiral and the forest incarnation of the Logia-type Forest-Forest Fruit, summoned plants of all shapes and functions to fight for him.
Vines hundreds of meters long snaked across the battlefield, cutting off escape and obscuring the sky. Even the strongest of the Charlotte Family frowned at the sheer scale of the power.
Smoothie's eyes widened as she observed the towering trees. "The Forest-Forest Fruit… he's trying to trap us here to die!"
Katakuri's expression mirrored hers. The vast forest had one clear purpose: to isolate them from the outside world.
Big Mom scoffed, voice defiant. "Mamamamamama! This ability of yours would suit landscaping, little Green Bull!"
Green Bull ignored her taunts and intensified his assault. In an instant, the vines accelerated, crashing into Cake Island's surface. The earth shattered beneath their force. Pirates and Homies caught in their path were entangled, and thorn-like protrusions pierced their bodies, draining life energy with merciless efficiency.
---