Just as Shiro was locked in a fierce battle, taking on Akainu, and another powerful adversary, the system triggered an unexpected alert.
[Ding! A major danger is imminent! Choose your response.]
[Option 1: As danger approaches, evacuate Boa Hancock, Nico Robin, and other cadres of the Central Authority immediately. Reward: Advanced Observation Haki (you can completely suppress the opponent's Haki in a specific time!).]
[Option 2: 'The Banner of the New Order': As the supreme commander of the Central Authority, block the danger with your own strength until all the soldiers under your command safely evacuate! Reward: The Physique of the Gods (the strongest physique in the world, capable of standing against the true gods of the world!).]
The system's voice echoed through Shiro's mind as he grappled with the decision.
He didn't expect such a drastic choice at this moment. A major danger? There were few forces in this world capable of presenting such a threat to Shiro.
There was no doubt—it had to be the World Government.
But what could possibly warrant such a forewarning from the system? Was the World Government planning to resurrect powerful figures like Roger or Rocks? That seemed impossible!
Before Shiro could dwell on it further, a colossal disturbance erupted in the skies above the Island of War. Sixteen dazzling beams of light enveloped the entire island.
In that moment, even Shiro couldn't hide his shock.
"This is… Imu?!"
There was no hesitation as Shiro realized what was happening. He instantly activated his Haki and moved with lightning speed.
Fortunately, Shiro had been training diligently with the Empress, Boa Hancock, and had strengthened his physique considerably. Though he had used up much of his strength earlier, there was still more than enough left.
Shiro darted towards the depths of the island as the sixteen rays of destruction descended from the sky. He could feel the impending annihilation—the entire Island and surrounding sea would soon be reduced to an abyss tens of thousands of meters deep.
The system had been right. This was a monumental crisis.
Regardless of the choice, Shiro had to first ensure the safety of Hancock and Robin.
"Husband!" Pirate Empress Boa Hancock called out, sensing the danger in the sky.
"Hancock, I don't have time to explain. I'll be fine, but we need to act now!"
Without hesitation, Shiro picked up Hancock and swiftly moved to Robin. Without a word, he pulled both women into his arms and, with a burst of speed, raced towards a nearby portal.
Though Hancock and Robin were reluctant to leave him, Shiro knew he couldn't afford to be distracted. He gently but firmly pushed them into the portal—the Central Authority's evacuation device.
The situation had become too dangerous. If they stayed, they would only put themselves in greater danger and force Shiro to divide his focus. He wouldn't risk it.
By the time he had sent them through the portal, only ten seconds had passed. But those ten seconds were enough for the destructive beams to begin descending rapidly.
A crushing aura of destruction enveloped the island.
Even Shiro had to admit it—this was terrifying.
Was this Imu's power? Or perhaps the fabled ancient weapon, Uranus? If such attacks could be unleashed without restriction, the implications were horrifying.
But there was no time to ponder.
"Fujitora, Enel, ensure your own safety first. Push the troops through the portal at full speed. You have three minutes, no more!" Shiro ordered with urgency.
These sixteen rays were indeed deadly, but Shiro was determined to see how far his current limits could take him. And more importantly, he had to save the soldiers who had defected from the Navy to join the Central Authority. He couldn't let their sacrifices be in vain.
"Sengoku, take the remaining sailors and retreat! If you don't, you'll all perish along with this island!" Shiro shouted in warning, trying to give the Marines a chance to escape.
If he had more time, he would have tried to reason with them, showing how the World Government treated them like expendable pawns. But now, every second counted.
"Sakazuki! Borsalino! Don't waste time, save as many as you can!" Sengoku ordered, his voice filled with tension as he watched Shiro take to the skies, charging directly into the path of destruction.
Shiro was now faced with the challenge of defending against sixteen devastating attacks. He summoned every ounce of his strength, channeling his Haki and unleashing the full power of his Rokushiki techniques.
The forces of nature collided. The seven natural elements—gold, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, and thunder—combined into a wall of resistance against the destructive beams.
Beneath that wall, blood trickled from Shiro's mouth as he pushed himself to his limits.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Three minutes.
To Sengoku, Akainu, Borsalino, Enel, and all the others watching, Shiro seemed larger than life at that moment.
While the World Government treated the Navy as expendable, Shiro was risking everything to protect those who had joined the Central Authority.
This… was the banner of the new order.
Shiro, the Flagbearer of the New Era!
Four minutes passed.
[Ding! Task complete.]
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg