"Unstoppable Mochi Thrust!"
Charlotte Katakuri unleashed the full flexibility of his Mochi Mochi no Mi, transforming both arms into rapid-firing weapons. Countless hardened mochi bullets shot toward Sakazuki, who continued advancing without pause.
A crimson glint flickered in Sakazuki's eyes. The bullets struck his magma body, producing sharp sizzling sounds before melting away completely.
Even though the attacks were infused with Armament Haki, they were too scattered to pose any real threat to a Logia user of magma.
Katakuri's expression darkened. He had no intention of facing Sakazuki head-on. His Observation Haki, which allowed him to glimpse the future, had already shown him the outcome of such a choice.
But now, the alliance had completely fallen apart. There was nowhere left for him to retreat.
As Sakazuki drew closer, Katakuri clenched his teeth and activated his awakening. The ground transformed into flowing white mochi, surging forward like a massive tide.
Sakazuki let out a cold snort. Magma erupted violently from beneath his feet, instantly melting the approaching mochi before it could reach him. A faintly sweet scent spread through the air.
Cold sweat rolled down Katakuri's forehead. He plunged his hands into the mochi-covered ground, preparing another attack, but Sakazuki gave him no opportunity.
"Dog Biting Crimson Lotus!"
A massive magma hound surged forward, radiating terrifying heat.
Katakuri's pupils shrank. He quickly raised a towering wall of mochi, reinforcing it with Armament Haki.
The magma hound slammed into the wall, releasing a thick cloud of steam.
Mochi, despite its enhanced durability, could not withstand magma for long. It melted rapidly under the intense heat.
This was not just a difference in Devil Fruits, it was a difference in power.
Since Lloyd had taken the position of Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki stood as the strongest among the Admirals.
The magma hound tore through the defense, growing larger in Katakuri's vision.
At that critical moment, Katakuri roared. Nine hollow mochi constructs appeared above him, each producing massive black fists that struck the magma hound simultaneously.
"Nine Head Mochi!"
Sakazuki narrowed his eyes slightly, acknowledging Katakuri's skill, yet his attack did not weaken.
Katakuri's arms were wrapped in mochi as he forced control over the nine fists, pushing back against the attack.
But he overlooked one thing.
Sakazuki had only been using one arm.
"Great Eruption!"
A massive magma fist roared forward, striking Katakuri directly and sending him flying.
Katakuri, who always prided himself on never falling onto his back, crashed down flat, sliding across the ground for dozens of meters before finally stopping.
By chance, he landed not far from Lloyd.
He lay sprawled in an X shape, steam rising from his burned body. His scarf had been completely destroyed, exposing his sharp, jagged teeth as he struggled to breathe.
Sakazuki approached, one arm still transformed into magma.
Katakuri forced himself up. He already understood that death was inevitable.
He did not fear it.
For him, dying in battle was not a disgrace.
Yet as that moment approached, one thought lingered in his mind.
His younger sister.
"Brulee should be hidden by now. With her ability, the Navy will not find her. Brulee, you have to survive."
The surrounding heat intensified as Sakazuki closed in.
Drawing a deep breath, Katakuri roared and charged forward despite his injuries.
His unsteady footing made the outcome obvious.
Sakazuki raised his magma-coated fist, ready to end it.
At that moment, several mirrors suddenly appeared between them.
An unusual-looking woman emerged from one of them. It was Charlotte Brulee.
"Brother!"
She rushed toward Katakuri without hesitation.
For the first time, fear appeared on Katakuri's face.
His eyes widened as he shouted,
"What are you doing here, Brulee!?"
She did not answer. Biting her lip, she grabbed him and tried to pull him into the mirror.
Sakazuki paused briefly, then frowned and launched a magma punch without hesitation.
The attack vanished into a mirror behind Brulee, absorbed completely.
A clever use of her ability, but nothing more.
Sakazuki could easily step forward and strike again. With his speed, killing both of them before they escaped was trivial.
Katakuri knew this. That was why fear gripped him.
Brulee was throwing her life away.
Before Sakazuki could act again, a powerful gravitational force erupted.
Brulee was torn away from the mirror and pulled directly into Katakuri's arms. Instinctively, he held her tightly as both of them were dragged backward at high speed.
Lloyd sat with his chin resting on his hand, his other hand slightly raised. A dark vortex spun quietly in his palm.
Thud.
Katakuri and Brulee crashed heavily at his feet.
Sakazuki paused for a moment, then understood. Lloyd had taken interest in their abilities.
Without a word, he gave a slight nod and turned away, transforming into magma as he entered another battlefield.
Katakuri struggled to lift his head.
His eyes met Lloyd's golden gaze.
His body froze instantly.
Brulee trembled uncontrollably in his arms, tears and mucus running down her face as she opened her mouth to scream.
Lloyd narrowed his eyes slightly.
"If you scream, you die."
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