Deep within the research institute, Saint Saturn and Saint Peter effortlessly repelled the attacking Seraphim.
Even as they did so, both men could not hide their astonishment at the Seraphim's incredible durability.
"It truly is the bloodline of the Lunarian Tribe," Saint Saturn said coldly. "The defensive power of these bodies is breathtaking."
The Seraphim were knocked down again and again, yet each time they rose stubbornly to their feet as if nothing had happened. Seeing this, Saint Peter frowned slightly.
"What a troublesome opponent," he said in a deep voice. "It pains me somewhat, but if we do not completely destroy these Seraphim, we may not be able to complete our mission at all."
As he spoke, Saint Peter began transforming into his massive Human Beast Form. His body expanded grotesquely, resembling a gigantic sand worm. With terrifying biting force, he intended to tear the Seraphim to pieces. In his mind, no defense in the world could withstand a full attack from him.
But just as he was about to strike, Saint Saturn suddenly stopped him through telepathy.
"Wait."
Saint Peter paused, slightly confused, and replied through telepathy as well.
"Saturn, what happened?"
Saint Saturn responded in a calm but chilling tone.
"Gather them together. I will use my immobilization ability to restrain them. Then you go and deal with Vegapunk. The Seraphim are top tier technology, comparable to the Mother Flame. Destroying them would be a waste."
After hearing the plan, Saint Peter thought about it for a moment before nodding in agreement.
The immobilization ability of Saint Saturn's Ushi Oni form had limited effect against individuals of equal strength or powerful Haki users. However, against the Captains of the Phoenix Pirates it was more than enough.
As for the Seraphim, although they were powerful, they were still human weapons. They did not understand Haki and could therefore be suppressed much more easily.
"Good," Saint Peter replied.
At that moment, Vista, Jozu, and Jinbe all wore extremely serious expressions.
They clearly understood that with only the three of them, they had absolutely no chance of contending with two members of the Gorosei. Fortunately, the Seraphim were currently fighting alongside them.
"I never expected these Seraphim, who look like children, to possess such terrifying strength," Jozu said with clear amazement.
He had personally witnessed the Seraphim withstand the attacks of the Gorosei without suffering any visible damage. Their defensive power was so formidable that it was almost comparable to his own Diamond Fruit.
Jinbe nodded as he watched the battle unfold.
"So this is the power of the Lunarian bloodline," he said thoughtfully. "Truly astonishing."
Vista added calmly, "As long as the flames on their backs remain lit, their physical defense is nearly invincible."
Jozu grinned, sounding somewhat relieved.
"And they are still children. According to the scientist, the Seraphim can learn and grow through battle. It is fortunate that they are on our side. If these monsters with such overwhelming offense and defense ever became our enemies, the consequences would be terrifying."
Vista and Jinbe silently agreed.
Meanwhile, inside a secure hidden laboratory, several people were closely observing the battle through surveillance monitors.
Vegapunk and his five satellite bodies had witnessed everything.
Lilith could not hide her excitement.
"Main Body, the Seraphim are already a huge success!"
Shaka nodded as well.
"The power they are displaying far exceeds our expectations. And they are still growing. It is difficult to imagine how powerful they will become in the future. As expected of the 'strongest humans' you envisioned."
Seeing the performance of the Seraphim, Vegapunk finally allowed himself a satisfied smile.
Even he had not expected results this impressive.
For the first time since the conflict began, he felt a small sense of relief. If the Seraphim could hold the Gorosei back long enough, there was still a chance his life might be spared.
Vegapunk then switched the surveillance screen to observe another battlefield on Egghead Island.
The Three Emperors Alliance was currently fighting against three members of the Gorosei, two Admirals, and thirty thousand Marine soldiers.
Despite the World Government's powerful lineup, the Marines were clearly struggling against the overwhelming offensive power of the allied pirate forces.
Among the Admirals, Ace and Yamato were working together to resist Admiral Aramaki's relentless attacks.
At the same time, the other Captains were coordinating with the cadres of the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates to jointly battle Admiral Fujitora. With the additional support of the Pacifista stationed on Egghead Island, the pirates were pressing forward with unstoppable momentum.
For many of them, this battle was also a battle of revenge.
During the Whole Cake Island War, the Big Mom Pirates had only managed to win by a narrow margin. After that, the Beasts Pirates had lost Wano Country because of the World Government's intervention, suffering tremendous losses.
Now, the opportunity for retaliation had finally arrived.
However, this operation was personally led by the Gorosei. They showed complete indifference to Marine casualties. Their only concern was accomplishing their objective.
On the battlefield, the morale of the Marine soldiers was beginning to waver.
"How can we defeat monsters like these?"
"We cannot win against the Three Emperors Alliance."
"Is the Marine finished? Even the world's greatest scientist has defected to them."
Fear began spreading through the ranks.
Just then, a confident female voice rang out.
"Do not fear casualties. For justice and righteousness, we must never retreat."
Vice Admiral candidate Momousagi stepped forward and loudly rallied the soldiers.
However, before her words could restore morale, a cold voice interrupted.
"Do not shout empty slogans."
Smoothie slowly approached, her gaze filled with contempt.
"The gap in strength cannot be closed by a few meaningless words."
Momousagi immediately turned around. Her sharp gaze locked onto Smoothie, and then shifted toward Fossa, who stood behind her. Her face darkened.
Originally, she had been able to handle two Phoenix Pirates captains by herself, while still commanding the battlefield. But with the arrival of two additional opponents, the situation had suddenly become far more difficult.
"Fossa, great timing," Harta shouted with clear excitement. "This fight will be much easier now."
Fossa gave a somewhat helpless smile.
"Yes, it seems we are really going to give the Marines a serious beating this time."
Nearby, Atmos spoke with a serious expression.
"This female Marine is extremely strong. Even among men, few can match her. Honestly speaking, if I fought her alone, I might be the one who loses."
Fossa calmly took a slow puff from his cigar before stepping forward.
Although his expression remained relaxed, his tone became solemn.
"There is no personal hatred between us. But this is the reality of war."
Smoothie immediately frowned in irritation.
"What do you mean there is no hatred?"
Her voice became sharp with anger.
"On Whole Cake Island, she killed many members of the Charlotte Family. I swore that I would personally avenge them."
Fossa sighed slightly and said nothing more.
Moments later, his body began to transform. Thick white fur rapidly covered his body as he assumed the Human Beast Form of the Polar Bear Fruit.
Facing the group in front of her, Momousagi spoke coldly.
"So this is your plan, relying on numbers."
The Phoenix Pirates captains exchanged somewhat embarrassed looks.
Harta scratched his head before speaking honestly.
"To be fair, we do not like bullying someone with superior numbers. But you are a Vice Admiral candidate. In a situation like this, none of us would dare challenge you alone."
Smoothie clearly had no patience for such reasoning.
"So what if we outnumber you?"
She crossed her arms and looked at Momousagi coldly.
"When you attacked Totto Land back then, were you not also relying on numbers?"
Her voice became firm and confident.
"Do not forget, we are pirates."
Her words carried the commanding presence of an elder sister and immediately erased the hesitation in the others' expressions.
After all, pirates had never been bound by rules of fairness or honor.
War was war.
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