Admiral Sakazuki stood atop the hill, his piercing gaze fixed on the battlefield below. Before him stood two figures he loathed more than anyone else: Imai and Shanks. Two Emperors of the Sea, two pirates he vowed to destroy. Yet now, standing united, they posed a challenge that gnawed at his very core.
The problem wasn't their strength alone—it was their alliance.
He clenched his fists, magma bubbling from his skin in restless anticipation. The sight of the Red-Haired Pirates nearby, along with Boa Hancock and Nico Robin in the vicinity, only deepened his frustration. Even with his admirals at his side, doubt crept into his mind. Could they truly triumph against such overwhelming power?
Fujitora broke the silence, his voice calm despite the storm brewing ahead. "What's the plan, Sakazuki? The others can handle the crew. The two of us will focus on the Emperors."
Akainu's jaw tightened as he glared at the battlefield. "The issue is their coordination. Together, they're troublesome." His molten voice carried both frustration and determination.
Fujitora tilted his head slightly. "Troublesome, yes. But not invincible. We've faced worse odds before."
"When's Kizaru arriving?" Akainu asked sharply.
"Soon," Fujitora replied. "He's tying up loose ends but should be here shortly."
"Tell him to hurry." Akainu's voice turned into a growl. "We're moving in."
Fujitora nodded. "Understood."
Raising his voice, Akainu commanded, "Everyone, prepare for battle! Charge!"
The order ignited the Marine forces into motion, their disciplined ranks descending toward the pirates. The Admirals moved with them, their immense power radiating like beacons of dread.
Below, Imai observed the approaching forces with an unsettling grin, her crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. "This is going to be fun," she said, a sinister edge to her voice.
Shanks sighed, adjusting his sword. "Wipe that grin off your face. It's unsettling."
"I can't help it," Imai replied, her grin widening. "Look at all of them. So many to kill, so much chaos to enjoy."
Shanks shook his head. "Don't worry about the Marines. My crew will handle them. You and I—we'll take care of the Admirals."
Imai chuckled, twirling her blades. "What a day. Who'd have thought I'd be working with you? Does this count as an alliance?"
"Don't push it," Shanks said, his tone firm. "This is a one-time thing."
Before Imai could reply, her eyes flicked toward Uta, who was attempting to rise. "Stay down," Imai ordered, pushing her shoulders back. "We'll handle this."
"I can still fight," Uta protested, her voice weak.
"No, you can't," Imai replied, her voice softening. "Just sit here and watch. You've done enough."
Reluctantly, Uta relented, her body slumping back to the ground.
"They're closing in," Shanks said, his tone sharp.
Imai's grin returned. "Good. Let me show you something."
She raised her hands to the sky, her eyes blazing with an ominous glow. The once-clear sky darkened as storm clouds gathered. Rain began to fall, first in light droplets, then in a torrential downpour. Thunder roared across the heavens, its sound echoing like a prelude to destruction.
Bolts of lightning struck the ground with violent precision, scattering the Marine ranks and reducing many to ash. Akainu's molten glare narrowed as he barked, "Fujitora! We need to stop her—now!"
"Understood," Fujitora replied, his gravity powers already rippling outward.
But Imai was unfazed. Her lightning-infused movements rendered her a blur, untouchable even to Akainu's honed Observation Haki.
"Remember back then, Sakazuki?" Imai taunted, her voice dripping with malice. "Even with Kizaru, you couldn't beat me. And now, with my devil fruit? What hope do you have?"
Akainu snarled, swinging a magma-coated fist at her, only for it to be effortlessly swatted aside. She flickered behind him, her movements a dance of lethal elegance, and struck with lightning-imbued punches that sent him staggering.
"Is this the best the Fleet Admiral has to offer?" Imai mocked, her grin growing wider.
Akainu's anger boiled over. "Fine. I'll show you the true power of magma!"
The heat around him intensified, the ground melting beneath his feet. He surged forward, his magma fist aimed squarely at Imai's chest. She swiped it aside with a lightning-coated hand, her movements almost lazy. But his counterattack—a massive magma sphere—caught her off guard.
Imai's eyes widened as the sphere closed in, its heat searing her skin even from a distance. Yet, even in the face of death, her smile didn't waver. "You finally mean business," she muttered.
With a flick of her fingers, a beam of pure lightning erupted from the ground, disintegrating the magma sphere. Stray droplets burned through her hoodie, revealing patches of scorched skin.
"Damn it," she muttered, inspecting the damage. "I liked this hoodie."
Her gaze returned to Akainu, her grin turning predatory. "What's the matter, Fleet Admiral? Can't read me anymore? My eyes see further than you can comprehend."
Akainu's glare hardened. "You should have died long ago."
"But I didn't," Imai said, her voice rising. "I've shaped this world. I am power itself. You fear me. Just like everyone else here."
Her voice dropped to a whisper, yet its weight seemed to crush the battlefield. "And yet, none of you can defeat me."
A wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded from Imai, mingling with her immense killing intent. Marines fell unconscious in droves, their minds unable to withstand the pressure. Even Shanks' crew staggered under the weight, fighting to remain conscious.
Akainu dug his feet into the ground, his body trembling as he resisted the overwhelming force.
Imai raised her hand to her face, covering it with her palm. As her fingers parted, they revealed one spiraling, blood-red eye.
"She has to defeat me," Imai murmured.
Her voice reverberated across the battlefield, a harbinger of annihilation.
"As of this moment, I, who am honored by the heavens, will unleash my full power."