On the Marine warship, following Kizaru's initial assault, Aokiji vanished in a flicker of icy mist, leaving only a chilling frost behind.
In the next moment, his white Justice cloak fluttered as he reappeared before Zyhark, hands transformed into glacial blades.
"Sasuga, Zyhark-san," he greeted casually, just as Kizaru had before striking.
Two ice lances formed behind Aokiji, each aimed at Zyhark.
"Twin Thorns!"
Quickly raising the blade in his hand, Zyhark countered.
Yamato's Haki-covered head clashed with one of the lances, shattering it into icy fragments, though it left her dizzy and cursing under her breath.
Despite Zyhark's swift response, the other ice lance pierced through his chest!
"Oh my, already using Haki and your Devil Fruit powers again?" Aokiji's eyes widened slightly.
Following his gaze, it was clear that where the lance had struck, crackling lightning arced through the wound with no trace of blood or flesh.
"Acting in haste like this isn't like you, Kuzan."
With a smirk, Zyhark's free hand glowed with electricity as he flicked his fingers.
Zzzzt!
A massive thunder dragon took form, roaring as it struck the unsuspecting Aokiji.
Though Aokiji raised an ice shield in time, the force of the blow sent him plummeting toward the seas surrounding Wano.
Yet as his body hit the surface, no splash erupted.
Instead, the ocean froze solid around his landing point, creating an expansive frozen plain that stretched across Wano's inner sea in seconds!
"A pity… I've only recovered a fraction of my strength."
Watching Aokiji rise unscathed on the icy expanse, Zyhark sighed with mild regret.
"Wait, what's happening? Why do I feel like I'm turning a bit… transparent?"
In Zyhark's grasp, Yamato's famed sword let out a bewildered sound.
Sensing the strange sensation, Yamato instinctively tried to dispel it with Haki, only for Zyhark to stop her, "Don't resist, Yamato. I'm just borrowing a little bit."
Upon closer inspection, faint purple energy emanated from his hand, casting a gentle glow on Yamato's waist.
Indeed, he was counteracting the backlash of his power with a skill learned in the fantasy world—an energy-absorption spell!
While far less effective than his usual absorption technique, even a "mosquito's bite" was something, and Yamato's strength provided just enough to stabilize his condition.
"I am honored to serve! Please, take as much as you need!"
Realizing her transparency was thanks to Zyhark's skill, Yamato cheerfully dropped her Haki, offering herself completely to his needs.
Her intense devotion and trust left Zyhark slightly taken aback.
The purple glow in his hand deepened.
"A sinner intent on overturning the rules of this world… Let me be the one to test your strength."
From the Marine warship, the sound of geta clogs echoed across the deck.
Stepping forward, Fujitora drew his cane sword, unleashing a gravity slash skyward.
Zzzzt.
The gravitational shockwave shot into the heavens, vanishing into the distance.
Seconds later, a flaming meteor pierced through the clouds, hurtling toward Zyhark at breakneck speed!
"Look, Zyhark! A meteor! A meteor is falling!" Yamato cried, her eyes widening with shock.
"What's there to panic about? It's just a pebble," Ishtar scoffed, thoroughly unimpressed.
"Then do something about it!" Yamato urged, her face taut with worry.
While she could handle the meteor herself, being immobilized by Zyhark's grip left her no choice but to rely on Ishtar.
And Ishtar… delivered a masterclass in letting people down.
"No, I, uh… used up too much energy earlier. I need some time to recharge my magic."
Ishtar's eyes darted nervously as she fiddled with her nails, avoiding Yamato's furious glare.
"You acted so confident a moment ago! What's wrong with you, idiot?" Yamato snarled, baring her fangs in rage.
Her admiration was solely reserved for Zyhark; she wouldn't put up with incompetence from anyone else.
In fact, during their previous clashes with Big Mom's forces, the two of them had bickered repeatedly, hindering their progress.
Now, fully disillusioned with the second goddess, Yamato looked to Zyhark in desperation.
"Relax," Zyhark said calmly, "when it comes to numbers, we've never had a reason to worry."
No sooner had he spoken than a fiery light ignited ahead of the descending meteor, forming into a small sun.
"Cruel Sun!"
BOOM!
The blazing sphere collided with the meteor mid-air, releasing a storm of fire and molten rock.
A muscular figure stepped out of the billowing smoke, his gleaming mustache and confident gaze unmistakable…
It was the Sin of Pride—Escanor!
Flying alongside him was a massive white dragon.
With a burst of violet lightning, the dragon Kana dive-bombed the Marine airship, shattering its reinforced steel structure into pieces.
Under the combined assault of scorching electricity, countless planks and steel beams melted into molten droplets, crashing down onto the frozen sea, forming puddles in the ice.
From the dense steam cloud, three figures emerged, surrounded by magma, purple energy, and flourishing greenery.
Such attacks were trivial for the admirals.
After destroying their vessel, Kana circled back, landing alongside Zyhark, Escanor, and their allies on the frozen sea, facing Aokiji and the four admirals.
Zzzzzt!
A flash of light streaked toward them as Kizaru reappeared, his clothes slightly singed from his previous skirmish.
Having escaped from Kuri, he returned to the battlefield.
Moments later, two more figures descended, joining Zyhark's side.
It was Boa Hancock and a slightly dazed Gecko Moria, his head embedded in the ice.
Meanwhile, King, last seen clashing with Kizaru, was en route on the back of a Wano-native boar.
However, Meowth, Aqua, and the other allies Zyhark had deployed earlier were nowhere in sight.
In Zyhark's original plan, they weren't needed in this battle.
This was a fight that had been agreed upon with Sengoku…
A showdown against the Marine's mightiest forces!
"The Marines' top forces are worthy opponents for us," Zyhark declared, releasing Yamato from his grasp and extending his arms wide.
"Unleash chaos on this battlefield of the mighty and grind them to dust!"
(End of Chapter)
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