The Decisive Battle: Marine vs. Pirate Emperors
After a brief discussion, the Marine commanders decided to launch a direct bombardment on Punk Hazard. Akainu's rationale was clear: the Beasts Pirates and BIGMOM Pirates collectively commanded at least 100,000 troops. Normally, the Marine could not hope to confront two pirate emperors simultaneously. But with Kaido and Big Mom already engaged in a fierce battle, all the main members of the BIGMOM Pirates were isolated on the island. Their fleet anchored at the port was a sitting target. Destroying it would leave the pirates stranded, forcing them to sink into the sea along with the island.
Relying on intelligence provided by the World Government, the Marine had the upper hand. It was an unprecedented opportunity, with two top fighters and five Vice Admirals at their disposal. Allowing the pirates to escape was not an option.
Despite Aokiji's initial inclination to consult headquarters, he understood the urgency and agreed with Akainu's decision. As Marine's ultimate power, the Buster Call warships were equipped with top-notch artillery, superior in range and power to their opponents.
As the order was given, the warships erupted with blazing fire, the roar of artillery echoing across the sea. Countless huge cannonballs rained down on Punk Hazard, billowing thick smoke and causing chaos. Pirates on the ships were killed, stunned by the shockwaves, or turned into burning figures jumping into the sea. In just one round of shelling, over twenty pirate ships were obliterated, resulting in countless casualties. The relentless bombardment devastated the fleet anchored at the port, filling the air with smoke and turning the bright sky gray. Shockwaves swept across, making the sea rough and causing the entire island to tremble slightly.
The Sky Battle Halts
In the sky, Big Mom and Kaido paused their fierce fight, shocked and enraged by the scene below. Big Mom was heartbroken over the loss of her subordinates, while Kaido was concerned about Caesar Clown. The artificial Devil Fruit was crucial to his ambitions, and he couldn't afford to lose his hope for dominance.
"Damn it, Marine! Are you going to interrupt my business?" Kaido roared, feeling his anger rise. From a distance, a warship opened its massive mouth, and a dazzling beam of light filled with destructive energy quickly condensed. The next moment, a huge, blazing heat beam swept over, distorting the air with its intense heat.
Akainu, surrounded by crimson lava, shouted angrily, "Don't take me lightly!" The temperature around him rose sharply, forcing the sailors on the deck to retreat. "Hellhound!" Akainu's red magma formed huge, ferocious dog-headed monsters that collided with the falling heat beam, creating a landslide-like roar. A terrifying shockwave swept the battlefield, producing a vast expanse of white steam on the sea.
The Admiral's Assault
Just as Kaido was about to continue his attack, a huge ice bird struck his belly at an incredible speed. The biting cold spread rapidly, freezing Kaido's movements and causing his blood to stop flowing. His muscles, bones, and cells began to freeze, the temperature dropping to extreme lows. Within moments, Kaido's massive body was encased in ice, forming a gigantic ice sculpture. However, his immense power shattered the ice within seconds, and Kaido's disdainful eyes glared.
"Marine Admiral, is this all you can do?" Kaido taunted, his anger building.
Akainu's face twisted in fury as he raised his hands. "Meteor Volcano!" Lava erupted from his fists, turning the sky red as countless molten rocks fell towards Kaido. Simultaneously, Aokiji unleashed a barrage of ice spears, overwhelming Kaido with a high-intensity attack that even he struggled to withstand.
The Marines' Tactical Advantage
"Marine Admiral, Aokiji! Akainu! How is this possible?" Katakuri, Owen, and the remaining cadres were stunned. Marine Admirals, the organization's strongest combat force, were crucial to global defense. Deploying two Admirals simultaneously was unprecedented and perfectly timed, suggesting a deliberate trap.
The World Government's Plan
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, the Five Elders watched the scene with satisfaction. "Everything is going according to plan," one elder remarked. With the BIGMOM Pirates trapped, their defeat was inevitable. Guarded by five Vice Admirals, even Big Mom would struggle to destroy the warships.
The sword-wielding elder sneered, "No one can fight against the Buster Call or defeat two Marine Admirals at once." The other elders nodded, recalling how even the notorious "Devil's Descendant" Bullet had fallen under Buster Call. Kaido, despite being the world's strongest creature, would be no exception.
Saint Satan, relieved, commented, "Kaido's defeat is certain. Even if we don't capture Charlotte Linlin, our primary goal is achieved. The BIGMOM Pirates are severely weakened and cannot cause trouble. The world is about to change. It's time for Marine to enter the New World. Once Kaido is dealt with, we'll move to control Wanokuni."
The Five Elders, confident in their victory, discussed their next steps. For them, the battle was nearly won, and they could now focus on consolidating their gains.