The thunder that illuminated the entire island instantly brought the Celestial Dragons, who were indulging in the thrill of slaughter, back to their senses.
The ordinary Celestial Dragons who survived were both shocked and furious, trembling in fear while cursing the Marine officers who protected them, scolding them as useless.
"It's Lord Zyhark! Lord Aqua and the others have come to save us!"
"Charge! Drive these damned invaders out of our country!"
"Unforgivable, they even dared to knock down the statue of Lady Aqua!!"
The appearance of Zyhark's thunder clones greatly inspired the desperate residents of the Divine Kingdom.
Recently, there had been a series of major news about the Sea Restaurant, and in almost every household in the Divine Kingdom, there was a wanted poster of the Sea Restaurant crew.
The blazing lightning completely ignited the blood of the weeping citizens, who took up their weapons and counterattacked against the Celestial Dragons.
A sacred blue radiance burst forth from their bodies, and combined with the chaos brought by Zyhark's clones, some people even broke through the Marine officers' protection, killing the high-and-mighty Celestial Dragons!
The tides of attack and defense reversed, and the entire Divine Kingdom was once again filled with wails.
However, compared to the beginning, these screams now sounded quite pleasing.
"Where is the Admiral? Where are the Holy Knights? Save me, save me!"
The Marines protecting him had already fallen. Facing the surging crowd, a Celestial Dragon was so frightened that he started crying and sniffling.
When their "noble" lives were threatened, these so-called nobles of the world revealed their true, ugly selves.
No one answered his desperate calls for help, and what greeted him were the cudgels of the Divine Kingdom's citizens.
The Admirals and the Holy Knights were well aware of what was happening on the island. They wanted to go out and provide assistance, but several figures who appeared before the central square blocked their path.
Blue cloaks flapped neatly in the fierce wind, with red electric arcs crackling, creating an incredibly oppressive atmosphere for the Marine soldiers who stood ready across from them.
Recognizing the people who descended from the sky, the Marine officers were all on high alert.
Some of the less experienced ones even trembled, breaking into a cold sweat.
Dark King Silvers Rayleigh, former captain of the Kuja Pirates Shakky, Pirate Empress Boa Hancock, Shichibukai Gecko Moria, Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma...
The notorious Thunderous Zyhark, Dragonhorn Loli Kanna, and the Arrogant Sun Escanor!
In addition to the prominent powerhouses of the Sea Restaurant, there were also the Shichibukai and legendary pirates!!
"Vegaland Galing, it's been a long time, hasn't it?"
Rayleigh gently waved the long sword in his hand, and the sharp eyes beneath his glasses brimmed with authority.
"Dark King Rayleigh..."
Galing's hand subtly moved, resting on the hilt of his rapier.
Having both participated in the God Valley incident over thirty years ago, he had a brief exchange with the deputy captain of the Roger Pirates.
They were both very familiar with each other's strength.
"Rayleigh! Even you have come..." Sengoku's expression was complex.
Although he had guessed that Zyhark would definitely come, he never imagined that this guy could gather such a group of monsters.
It should be known that anyone who appeared here today presented an even more serious threat than attacking the Marine headquarters — they were clearly going against the World Government!
Rayleigh looked at the old acquaintances in the Marine ranks and said indifferently, "Sengoku, Zephyr, you are still bound by circumstances."
His words were pointed.
"Old fellows on the verge of retirement are understandable, but Moria, Hancock, do you also intend to abandon your titles as Shichibukai and oppose us?!" Zephyr yelled angrily, venting the accumulated fury in his chest.
As an Admiral, he had the obligation to uphold the World Government's authority from the Marine's standpoint.
Yet, for some reason, upon sensing the counter-massacre of the Celestial Dragons throughout the island, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction deep inside.
Thunderous Zyhark, I admire your courage!
"Sha-ha-ha-ha! Compared to having the world forever remember my name, what does a mere Shichibukai matter?"
Moria spread his hands, shrouded in shadows, with an expression of excitement written across his leering face.
Standing amidst this battlefield filled with powerful individuals, his whole body couldn't help but tremble and rejoice!
"An old fool like you has no right to order me around!" Hancock's attitude, by contrast, was far more arrogant, her green eyes glancing sideways, her head tilted back in disdain.
Candidate Admirals Aokiji, Akainu, and Kizaru all had different expressions, observing Zyhark and the others in silence, whether with a relaxed or murderous gaze.
In addition to them, Vice Admirals like Momonga and Onigumo stood on either side, looking menacing.
Setting aside the hundred Marine warships on the outer sea, this lineup alone was enough to sweep and crush any power across the ocean!
This was evident proof of the World Government's level of concern about the Sea Restaurant crew!
Yet, what no one expected was that upon his appearance, Zyhark immediately began massacring the Celestial Dragons on the island!
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of a cane striking the ground broke the reunion of the two groups.
Sengoku and Zephyr subconsciously stepped aside, making way for Saturn, who now stood in the center of the Marine ranks.
"Zyhark, I already gave you a choice back in Mariejois."
Saturn's eyes were cold, looking at Zyhark as if seeing a corpse.
The value and potential of the Sea Restaurant crew were certainly crucial to the World Government.
This was clearly reflected in the mass production of new warships.
But precisely because of this, Saturn's apprehension toward Zyhark and his crew was far greater than for any other pirate — there was always the risk that they could lose control.
And this Divine Kingdom extermination action was, in essence, a test.
If Zyhark complied, then they could coexist peacefully. But if, as he was now, he harbored rebellious thoughts against world politics, then...
There would be no need for his continued existence!
"Well, thanks for that."
Zyhark spread his hands, assuming an even loftier stance, raising his hand and pointing to the thunder roaring above them.
"So now, I'm giving you a choice, too."
Their primary goal on this trip was to protect the citizens of the Divine Kingdom, not to engage the World Government head-on.
The more time they could buy, the greater their chances of winning this battle!
As long as Aqua and Meowth could complete their mission smoothly, relying on the natural speed advantage of the Goro Goro no Mi, it would be much easier to retreat from this battlefield.
"Evil Thunder Zyhark, colluding with Moria and Hancock to attack the Celestial Dragons, is blatantly defying the World Government's authority. On behalf of the highest authority, I hereby strip these three of their titles as Shichibukai."
However, the cunning Saturn, of course, would not let him have his way. He waved his hand dismissively at Sengoku and the others behind him.
"Execute these heinous criminals on the spot."
With that said, Saturn leisurely turned and stepped back.
It was evident that he had no intention of fighting himself.
This overwhelming force gathered here was specifically to deal with Zyhark!
Sengoku sighed heavily. Despite his conflicting emotions, he still nodded slightly, accepting the order he could not refuse.
In an instant, led by the two Admirals and supported by the three Admiral candidates, numerous officers from Marine Headquarters surrounded Zyhark and his crew.
Before anyone made a move, the violent auras clashed first, erupting into a scarlet lightning, as if tearing the sky and earth apart!
There were no fewer than five individuals with Conqueror's Haki here — a confrontation of such quantities of Haki was a rare event in the entire pirate world!
While releasing his Haki, Sengoku observed the strong ones Zyhark had brought this time.
Apart from the unexpected figures like Rayleigh and Hancock, Aqua, the Water Goddess, Meowth, the Evil Scientist, and even King, whose strength even Sengoku couldn't gauge, were nowhere to be seen.
It was clear without thinking — these missing figures were not absent but lurking somewhere, plotting something!
Despite his concerns about this, there was no hesitation on Sengoku's face.
As the highest-ranking Marine commander in this operation, he slowly raised his arm, preparing to give the order to attack.
But just then, a thunderous explosion erupted from the street behind Zyhark and his crew.
The ensuing rolling smoke completely covered that area. Amidst the raging Haki storm, several figures of vastly different heights walked out slowly.
"I was wondering why Kong suddenly issued an emergency summons; turns out it's already this lively here, fufufufu!"
Striding out from the smoke first, an ostentatious pink outfit was particularly eye-catching.
Under the sunglasses was a face filled with insolence.
Shichibukai Donquixote Doflamingo?!
The stunned Marine officers' pupils shrank, and they couldn't help exclaiming in shock.
No, not just Doflamingo!
As the dust gradually settled, the faces of the others appeared as well.
The Whale Shark, Jinbe, the Sand Crocodile, Crocodile, and the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk!
Together with Zyhark, Hancock, and Moria, all of the Shichibukai had gathered!
"You arrived just in time." Sengoku sighed in relief.
Earlier that morning, he had received a call from Fleet Admiral Kong.
Considering the breakout of Golden Lion and Barrett, as well as the unrest among the New World pirates, and with Saturn's permission, Kong had decisively summoned the Shichibukai to the Divine Kingdom.
In fact, even without this summons, they would have come to observe such a major event.
After all, the Sea Restaurant was now a force that had directly defeated the Big Mom Pirates, powerful enough to bear the title of "Emperor of the Sea"!
Every move they made could have world-shaking effects!
However, coming on their own to watch the show was different from being summoned by the World Government — the degree of freedom was incomparable.
At least in opposing the Sea Restaurant.
That was an obligation of the Shichibukai!
"Zyhark, during the battle in Alabasta, you really gave me a hard time..." Crocodile said, clad in a greatcoat, a cigar between his lips, full of a heroic demeanor.
During his return to the New World, his spirit and vitality had been tempered, shedding the decadence of the Alabasta period, with his eyes now brimming with sharp determination.
Jinbe remained silent, staring blankly at Zyhark, who stood proudly across from him.
The heavy debt of gratitude made it impossible for him to accept the World Government's summons to deal with Zyhark, but the Fishman Island had just signed a peace agreement with the World Government, and to defect now would bring devastating consequences to the entire Fishman race!
The difficult choice left this sea knight in deep distress.
Hawkeye crossed his arms, his face as impassive as ever, revealing little emotion.
The supreme-grade black sword Yoru on his back shone with a cold gleam.
Regardless of their personal feelings towards the Sea Restaurant, the appearance of these four Shichibukai broke the balance of the Conqueror's Haki clash between the two sides.
Scarlet arcs of electricity spread throughout the town, draping this battle destined to shock and shake the world with a suffocating atmosphere.
The black blade was drawn, slicing through the air in a graceful arc. Mihawk, positioned behind Zyhark's crew, was the first to step forward.
"Such an incredibly frightening growth rate, the most terrifying and powerful cohesive force on the sea, Zyhark — let the world's strongest black blade verify this infinite potential of yours!"
His hawk-like eyes focused, and Mihawk unleashed intense Haki, wrapping it around his blade.
Amidst the exploding dark-red lightning, a cyan slash powerful enough to turn the surrounding colors monochrome shot forth.
Unlike their sparring on the sea last time, Mihawk unleashed a fierce attack right from the start!
Undoubtedly, this was a Conqueror's Haki-infused slash from the world's greatest swordsman!!
The terrifying slash tore through space, and the strong gust of wind arriving first blew Zyhark's hair into disarray.
Yet, faced with such an attack, Zyhark stood still, showing no intention of making a move.
A large and imposing figure swiftly appeared in front of him, and Kuma's eyes flashed as he thrust out the attack he had been preparing between his palms.
"Ursus... Shock!"
The extremely compressed paw-shaped air wave slowly moved forward, forming a sharp contrast with the oncoming cyan slash.
BOOM!!!
The two forces clashed in mid-air, countless blade remnants blooming like fireworks, slicing towards Kuma from all directions.
Expressionless, Kuma raised his right palm, and with a "pop," all the scattered slashes disappeared into thin air, leaving only the smoke rising from the ground!
Before boarding the Endless Dream, Ginny had informed Kuma of all her experiences after escaping Mariejois.
He could not imagine a world where he lost Ginny forever, nor did he have the courage to face such a world.
As for this man beside him, who had saved the one he loved and offered him redemption, Kuma had long since resolved to risk his life!
"Revolutionary Army officer Bartholomew Kuma..."
Mihawk's pupils narrowed as he spoke the name of his opponent.
After a failed strike, he had no intention of launching another attack, retracting the blade he had swung.
Because, on either side of Kuma, two figures stepped forward: Pirate Empress Boa Hancock and Gecko Moria!
"To think you dare attack my man, Mihawk! I am utterly furious!" Hancock declared.
"Sha-ha-ha! Crocodile, Doflamingo, I didn't get enough last time on Shadow Island!" Moria added.
Though they were quite shocked by Hancock's madness, these were still formidable opponents with the same title, and Mihawk's group did not dare take them lightly, boosting their Haki to the limit, their fighting spirit surging.
After some trash talk between the groups, their auras collided from a distance, unleashing a powerful energy storm.
The original Shichibukai had all gathered, and now, a true showdown was about to begin!
(End of Chapter)
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