A Marine butcher? I’m just fighting to live with everything I’ve got. Chapter 216 216: Sakazuki: Kuzan, Follow Me A Strike on Mary

"I can launch a strike… on Mary Geoise!"

Sakazuki's mind raced, calculating the balance of forces at G-5 Base at this very mont.

First, the enemies.

The World Governnt, alongside two Emperor pirate crews.

The World Governnt's top-tier power the Five Elders.

These five ancient beings each possessed strength on par with Admirals, and even more troubling, their almost-undying, bizarre abilities.

Sakazuki's eyes rested on a tall, resolute figure on the screen.

Hawk. The boy's power was now imasurable. Facing any one of the Five Elders head-on would be a sure victory.

Borsalino. His old friend, when serious, possessed speed and destructive force that placed him among the pinnacle of the world's warriors.

Aramaki and Issho. These two newly erged monsters were not to be underestimated one commanding endless forces of nature, the other wielding the terrifying power to manipulate gravity.

And… Zephyr.

Sakazuki's mind replayed the report on the "Zoan-type Mythical Vampire Fruit."

It allowed the user to feed on the blood of the strong, restoring their body to its peak.

Thus, standing before the Five Elders now was Zephyr at his absolute peak the Black Arm Zephyr!

Five Admiral-level warriors against five ancient monsters.

G-5 Base's elite forces were not at a disadvantage they held the upper hand.

All Hawk needed was a little ti to take down one Elder first, and the balance of the battle would tilt decisively.

Next, the Celestial Knights and their Supre Commander, Figarando Garin Saint.

Sakazuki's gaze shifted to the lower part of the screen, where ninety steel war machines pulsed with different energy waves.

PX-Light, PX-ICe, PX-Magma.

Vegapunk's latest masterpieces, perfectly replicating the original abilities of the three Admirals as deadly weapons.

And Bartholow Kuma, restored to his human form, his Devil Fruit powers intact, with strength rivaling top-tier Emperors' commanders.

Under his command, this new fleet of Pacifista could easily hold the Celestial Knights at bay.

Finally, the two Emperors of the Sea Kaido and Big Mom.

These remnants of the old era remained powerful, yet they faced the legends of the Navy.

"Buddha" Sengoku and "Hero" Garp.

Both had been reinforced by Zephyr's "Life Essence" to their peak strength. With them present, Kaido and Big Mom could not stir any real trouble.

As for the remaining battlefield forces…

CP0 lackeys, high-ranking officers of the Emperors' crews…

A faint smirk curved Sakazuki's lips.

Hawk's four rising Marine prodigies.

Whether it was Zoro or Sanji, hailed as future Admiral candidates, Hibari with the Lightning Fruit, or the reliable Dane, each could hold their own against the Emperors' so-called top fighters.

G-5 Base…

Four characters flashed through Sakazuki's mind.

He chuckled low in his chest, a deep, unrestrained sound that resonated like distant thunder.

With G-5 Base secure, it was finally ti for him to strike.

He rose slowly from his chair and approached the massive floor-to-ceiling window.

Outside lay peaceful Marineford, calm and serene.

Yet his gaze seed to pierce across miles, resting on the sacred stronghold perched atop the Red Line Mary Geoise.

"Since you have stepped out of your comfortable cage…"

"Then never return."

Sakazuki turned, picked up the Den Den Mushi on his desk, and dialed the first number.

Brbrbr~

The device was answered, instantly showing the wise face of Vice Admiral Tsuru.

"Sakazuki?"

"Chief of Staff Tsuru," Sakazuki's voice was precise and commanding. "The situation has changed."

"G-3 Base no longer requires defense."

"I need you to imdiately lead your fleet to G-5 Base for support."

…"Understood," ca Tsuru's voice after a brief pause.

She had been watching the live broadcast and instantly understood Sakazuki's plan.

Though G-5 Base was formidable, facing unprecedented enemies, an extra layer of assurance was wise.

Sakazuki ended the call.

He needed Tsuru to ensure G-5 Base remained impregnable.

He picked up the Den Den Mushi again and dialed the second number.

Brbrbr~

This call was answered almost instantly.

The screen displayed a casually disheveled man with curly hair.

Sakazuki wasted no words. "Kuzan, return imdiately from the Four Seas to Headquarters."

"Follow … in a strike on Mary Geoise!"

…

A brief silence on the other end.

Then, just a second later, Kuzan's expression shifted to resolute determination.

His voice, still carrying that distinct drawl, radiated a chilling, soul-freezing calm. "Sakazuki, understood. I'll be there soon!"

The Den Den Mushi clicked off.

Sakazuki slowly set it down, leaning back in the Marshal's chair.

From his pocket, he drew a Marshal-exclusive cigar, lighting it with steady precision.

G-5 Base was rock solid.

He and Kuzan the Navy's forr top-tier forces would personally arrive at Mary Geoise.

Tremble, Tenryuubito!

Exhaling thick smoke, Sakazuki's gaze returned to the live feed.

He waited silently, anticipating Kuzan's arrival.

…

Far out at sea, a uniquely designed motorcycle tore across the endless waters.

Where its wheels passed, the deep blue sea froze into a translucent road of ice stretching infinitely ahead.

Riding atop it was Navy Admiral Kuzan, "Aokiji."

His curly bangs whipped backward in the violent sea wind, revealing eyes no longer clouded with hesitation.

"Freezing the Tenryuubito…"

He murmured to himself, but his feet suddenly pushed harder!

Boom!

The motorcycle shot forward like a blue arrow released from a bow.

A long white trail stretched across the water, ice shards and steam rising from where the wheels had crushed the surface.

The old Ice Age had ended.

Now, it was ti for those self-proclaid gods high above…

To feel an eternal winter.

"Indeed…"

Kuzan felt the emotion in his chest, a burning fire of determination. "It's igniting!!!"