In the paradise chaos, Ron, leisurely enjoying his melon, observed as Sengoku entered the carousel facility. Whether it was due to a malfunction or an unintentional switch press, the previously wrecked carousel mysteriously began to spin once again.
Amid the cheerful music playing in the background, the combined forces of Conqueror's Haki and intense sword intent clashed within the carousel. It was evident that Rayleigh sought to eliminate Blackbeard, while Sengoku aimed to capture him alive. Their conflicting goals led to a direct confrontation, causing a series of explosions that reduced the carousel to ruins.
From the wreckage emerged a colossal Buddha radiating a golden glow, with Rayleigh, wielding a long sword and standing triumphantly with Blackbeard underfoot, on the opposing side.
"Marine will win this war at all costs," Sengoku declared. "Besides, what's the difference between killing Blackbeard now and capturing him? Let yourself go; why stick to the past?"
Transformed into a giant Buddha, Sengoku sighed with heaviness in his voice. Killing Rayleigh here would undoubtedly resurrect the remnants of the Roger Pirates.
"I promised Shendu that Blackbeard must be killed," Sengoku asserted. "Stop talking nonsense. Let me see how much you have grown over the past few decades."
Determination flashed in Rayleigh's aged eyes as his long sword, enveloped in Conqueror's Haki, swung towards Sengoku. Without taking a step back, Sengoku countered with a powerful strike, resulting in a colossal explosion that obliterated everything in its vicinity.
In the ensuing moment, Rayleigh, sensing a potential threat, quickly turned his attention aside.
"Call me; don't look around," he cautioned.
Seizing the opportunity, Sengoku swiftly stepped forward and delivered a powerful slap, accompanied by a shockwave.
"Shockwave!" Sengoku exclaimed.
Rayleigh, attempting to raise his sword in defense, found himself caught off guard. In that critical instant, countless golden particles materialized next to Blackbeard, forming the shape of Kizaru.
"Naughty Naughty, Rayleigh-san~" Kizaru nonchalantly raised his finger, aiming the dazzling light burst at Rayleigh's chest.
Faced with the dual threat of two Admiral-level opponents, Rayleigh chose not to defend. Instead, he felt a sense of confusion and drove the long sword into Blackbeard's throat.
Phew...
The sound of the sharp weapon cutting through skin and bones resonated, and a torrent of blood spurted from Blackbeard's throat, splashing Rayleigh's face. Despite being unconscious, Blackbeard's eyes snapped open, attempting to vocalize his thoughts, but his pierced throat rendered him mute.
A myriad of emotions—despair, unwillingness, and pain—engulfed Blackbeard. Throughout more than thirty years of enduring hardships, betrayals, and ruthless actions, he harbored no regrets. This was the path he had chosen to fulfill his ambitions.
On his deathbed, Blackbeard's tightly clenched fists finally relaxed, and a sense of relief washed over him. As he faced imminent demise, he found solace in the prospect of finally finding peace in sleep.
Meanwhile, Kizaru and Sengoku's attacks loomed over Rayleigh. Pulling the long sword from Blackbeard's throat, Rayleigh, covered in a scarlet aura, utilized his left hand to shield against the incoming laser while wielding his long sword with his right to fend off Sengoku's assault.
"Mr. Sengoku, would you mind if I take over from here? I have a particular interest in unique Devil Fruits, and I assure you that Rayleigh will be handled properly. Besides, it would be a waste to see a legendary figure like him rot away in Impel Down."
Sengoku sighed and nodded reluctantly. "Fine, but remember, any misstep and we won't hesitate to take action."
Ron grinned and walked towards Rayleigh. "Let's make a deal, Rayleigh. A Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit for your freedom. And don't worry, I'll make sure your retirement is comfortable."
Rayleigh narrowed his eyes but eventually agreed. "Deal."
Ron then turned to the guards. "By the way, if anyone mentions what happened here today, I might have to reconsider the deal. I'm sure you understand."
The guards nodded vigorously, not daring to utter a word. With that settled, Ron summoned a portal and, together with Rayleigh, disappeared into it.
Sengoku looked at the disappearing figures and muttered to himself, "The man who once stood at the pinnacle of the pirate world is now making deals with a tavern owner. What a world we live in."
Meanwhile, back at the battlefield, the chaos continued as the clash between Shendu, Drago, and Marine forces escalated. The impending arrival of the Whitebeard Pirates added another layer of tension to the already chaotic situation on the Sabaody Archipelago.
The Whitebeard Pirates, led by their formidable captain, Edward Newgate, made their entrance into the Sabaody Archipelago. The sea churned with their arrival as they sailed with unrivaled might, causing even the most notorious pirates in the area to pale at the sight.
The news of Whitebeard's presence spread like wildfire across the archipelago, reaching the ongoing battlefield and momentarily freezing the chaos. Shendu, Drago, and the Marine forces all paused in their clashes, their attention now focused on the approaching fleet.
Shendu, still carrying Ace under his arm, couldn't help but furrow his brows. Drago, who had been engaged in combat, also halted, looking towards the sea with a mix of surprise and wariness.
Sengoku, who had been preparing for the next move after Rayleigh's capture, squinted as he observed the massive ships emerging from the sea.
"This just got a lot more complicated," he muttered to himself.
In the distance, Whitebeard's booming voice echoed across the archipelago.
"Take Ace home!"
The atmosphere tensed as the Whitebeard Pirates advanced, and the implications of the situation were clear to everyone. The arrival of Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors, signaled a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.
The Marine forces, Shendu, Drago, and even the remnants of the Roger Pirates, who might still be lingering in the shadows, now faced the imminent challenge posed by Whitebeard and his formidable crew.
As the sea roared with the might of the approaching pirates, the fate of Sabaody Archipelago hung in the balance. The war for Ace's freedom had just taken an unexpected and dangerous turn with the arrival of one of the most powerful pirates in the world.
The Whitebeard Pirates, led by their formidable captain, Whitebeard, advanced with overwhelming power toward Sabaody Archipelago. The sea churned and roared as their ships approached, and the very atmosphere seemed to tremble under the weight of their presence.
The news of Whitebeard's arrival spread like wildfire across the archipelago. Panic and tension filled the air as the various factions, pirates, Marines, and even the Celestial Dragons, scrambled to respond.
In the chaos, Ron and Rayleigh reappeared on the battlefield, ready to confront the escalating situation.
"Whitebeard is here," Ron remarked calmly.
Rayleigh, though weakened from his previous encounter, maintained a stern expression. "We'll need to handle things carefully. The situation is more delicate than ever."
As they approached the scene of the conflict, the clash between Shendu, Drago, and Marine forces was in full swing. The sudden appearance of the Whitebeard Pirates added another layer of complexity to the chaotic scene.
Meanwhile, Sengoku and the remaining Marine forces were mobilizing to counter the imminent threat. The archipelago had become a battleground for powerful forces with their own agendas.
As Whitebeard's fleet closed in, the sheer power emanating from the old pirate shook the surroundings. The anticipation of the impending confrontation heightened, and everyone on Sabaody Archipelago held their breath.
Whitebeard's booming voice echoed across the sea, "Take Ace home!"
The battle for Ace's freedom and the fate of Sabaody Archipelago had reached a critical juncture.