Sengoku surveyed the chaotic scene before him, numerous question marks flashing in his mind. Where did these two monsters come from? Moreover, why did Shendu have Ace cradled in his armpit? Was he preparing to serve him for dinner?
The marine officials were similarly befuddled, struggling to comprehend the bizarre situation. It wasn't just the chaos; the terrifying aura exuded by Shendu and Drago during their clash sent shivers down the spines of all present Marines.
In this bewildering moment, Sengoku recalled the wry smile on Ron's face when the monsters first appeared. Could it be that their appearance was also connected to him?
"Do you know what's going on?" Sengoku inquired in a low voice.
Ron nonchalantly shrugged, "They are father and son, but there seems to be some conflict now. Don't worry, just keep going. I won't interfere."
Sengoku nodded silently and, after a brief contemplation, issued a combat order, "Do it! Everyone, do whatever it takes to retrieve Ace from that monster!"
As the order was given, Marines sprang into action. To everyone's surprise, Shichibukai Doflamingo took the forefront this time. Unexpectedly, he aimed to escalate the chaos, planning to kill Ace and pin the blame on Marine.
The strategy was clear – when the Whitebeard Pirates arrived at Sabaody Archipelago and witnessed Ace's corpse, they would retaliate, leading to mutual losses. Doflamingo could then exploit the situation to his advantage. Even if the plan failed, he felt no fear of retribution from Marine or the Whitebeard Pirates. His refuge was Ron's Tavern.
As Doflamingo executed his plan, an inexplicable sense of warmth enveloped him, evoking a feeling of home at Ron's Tavern.
"He really worked really hard this time. When I received the compulsory summoning order, I couldn't help complaining, and I'm still at the forefront. Tsk tsk tsk... There aren't many pirates like him. What do you think, Sakazuki?" Doflamingo remarked.
Kizaru's eyes narrowed under his sunglasses, expressing amazement. "There's something wrong with him," he added.
Akainu snorted coldly and vanished instantly, surprising even Kizaru with his speed. He caught up with Doflamingo within seconds, scolding his mother inwardly for the unexpected diligence.
Near Drago, Doflamingo playfully teased, "Soon, Mr. Akainu."
Akainu's face darkened, but instead of getting angry, he smiled and said, "Go ahead, I'll cover for you." His intention was clear – he wanted to see what Doflamingo's true purpose was.
Doflamingo chuckled, "You seem to have made a mistake. I accepted the call only to assist Marine. It's still up to you to charge into battle." He made it clear that he preferred diplomatic tasks.
Before Akainu could respond, a massive figure flew towards them. It was Shendu, who, due to Ace being in his arm, had been restrained by Drago.
Akainu and Doflamingo seized the opportunity. With a seemingly coordinated effort, they used their Second Generation powers to launch into the air and assail Shendu.
In mid-air, Akainu took the lead. His lava-formed right arm suddenly swelled and swung towards Shendu. "Great Eruption!" The lava fist moved straight forward, the scorching heat making the air tremble.
Boom! With a resounding bang, the lava exploded on the arm of Shendu supporting Ace. Although it didn't penetrate directly through the body, the sudden blow caused Shendu's arm to loosen, and Ace, previously caught in the armpit, fell.
Akainu's face lit up with satisfaction as lava spewed from the soles of his feet to fly towards Ace. However, just as he was about to reach Ace, Doflamingo, who had been seemingly motionless, pulled an almost transparent thread and snatched Ace into his hands.
"Leave him to me, and we can pretend that nothing happened," Doflamingo remarked.
Frustrated, Akainu growled lowly, displaying his displeasure at having his hard-earned prize snatched away.
Doflamingo, with a wild grin, added, "You'd better take care of yourself."
He violently pulled his hands down, and the colossal body of Shendu collided with Akainu in mid-air, creating an awkward moment.
Staring at Akainu in his arms, Shendu questioned his soul, "Why did you hit me?" He couldn't fathom the situation—first being chased and killed by his son after failing to kill Blackbeard in the tavern, and now being punched again.
Akainu casually explained, "I just wanted to grab Ace," struggling to break free and escape Shendu's embrace.
Negligibly, a thunderbolt as thick as an arm descended from the sky and struck Shendu directly.
Boom! Accompanied by a thunderous explosion, Shendu and Akainu were charred black, breathing out black smoke from their mouths. Fortunately, under the restoration of the horse Talisman and the Second Generation divine body, their wounds rapidly healed.
"Father, why did you promise Rayleigh to protect an irrelevant human being?" Drago questioned.
"Otherwise, you wouldn't be so embarrassed. Looking at you now makes me sick," Drago expressed with disdain as it flapped its wings and confronted Shendu.
Doflamingo, arriving on a white line, overheard this and grinned. He casually pinched Ace's neck and proposed, "Devil little dragon, how about we discuss it? You hold Shendu, and I'll kill Ace. Your father will surely suffer for many days."
Doflamingo refrained from immediately executing the plan due to his fear of Shendu's astonishing speed. Shendu, resembling a pervert, could crush him before he even had a chance to react.
"No problem," Drago readily agreed, hitting it off with Doflamingo.
Shendu's expression darkened, as did Akainu's, who was held in his arms. The four individuals in mid-air harbored their unique intentions – Akainu sought to capture Ace and eliminate the Whitebeard pirates, Shendu aimed to fulfill the agreement and ensure Ace's survival, Doflamingo intended to sow chaos by killing Ace, and Drago, frustrated with the inability to harm his father directly, opted to disgust him.
Meanwhile, at the carousel in the park, a scout rushed in, urgently reporting to Sengoku, "Mr. Sengoku... The Whitebeard Pirates suddenly appeared at the port of the thirteenth island of the Sabaody Archipelago!"
Sengoku's eyelids twitched at the news. The situation was already chaotic enough, and the unexpected arrival of the Whitebeard Pirates threatened to escalate matters further. Without hesitation, Sengoku issued orders to divide half of the troops, appointing Garp to lead a team to intercept the Whitebeard Pirates and prevent them from setting foot on the island.
Seeking to resolve the immediate crisis, Sengoku joined the action, rushing toward the carousel facility with the intention of capturing Blackbeard alive.