"First Mate, the Marines are here!"
The Roger Pirates received the news, and the Whitebeard Pirates were also alerted. All the resting pirates sprang to their feet, ready for battle.
"Prepare yourselves. A big fight is about to begin," Rayleigh said, stretching his muscles. It had been a while since they had faced such a large-scale conflict, and the fighter in him was eager for action.
Everyone gathered at the edge of the island, where three massive warships loomed on the horizon.
"Ah, old friends," Rayleigh said, recognizing Garp and Sengoku standing prominently on the lead ship. Garp had even taken off his coat, ready for action.
Shirakawa also spotted the future three admirals among the Marines, though they were much younger and held lower ranks at this time. Aokiji was with Garp, Kizaru with Sengoku, and Akainu was leading a smaller vessel.
"All evil must be eradicated," Akainu declared, his voice firm, though lacking the authority it would command in the future. An intense heat radiated from his body, hinting at his formidable power.
"Captain Sakazuki's getting serious again," a Marine on his ship muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Good," Sengoku said, nodding in approval. He saw potential in Sakazuki, recognizing his unwavering determination and strong sense of justice.
"Sakazuki's terrifying," Borsalino commented in a lazy drawl.
"Hmph. If you had half his dedication, I'd be satisfied," Sengoku said, glaring at Borsalino.
Borsalino shrugged. That was just his personality.
"Long time no see, Rayleigh. Where's Roger?" Garp boomed, even though he could sense Roger's presence clashing with Whitebeard's.
"You won't be getting to Roger today, Garp," Rayleigh replied.
"That's not for you to decide." Garp leaped off the warship and charged at Rayleigh.
"Garp!" Sengoku shouted, but it was too late.
"All forces, attack!" Sengoku gave the order.
"Kuzan!"
"Understood!" Kuzan jumped onto the sea and touched the water. "Ice Age!"
The sea instantly froze over.
"Charge!" The pirates surged forward, clashing with the Marines. These weren't ordinary pirates; they feared no Marine.
Sengoku transformed into his giant Buddha form and attacked, but Oden intercepted him. The golden light of Sengoku's transformation became a focal point on the battlefield.
Marco faced Borsalino, Kuzan fought against Jozu, the Third Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, and Sakazuki clashed with Gaban of the Roger Pirates. The remaining vice admirals and rear admirals were left to the other officers of the two pirate crews.
"Garp and Sengoku are here too?" Roger and Whitebeard both sensed the arrival of the Marine heavyweights.
They paused briefly, then resumed their fight, trusting their crewmates to handle the situation.
Shirakawa found himself facing a Marine Captain. He had deliberately sought out an opponent of similar strength, as the Admirals and higher-ranking officers wouldn't even bother with him.
"You're not bad," the Captain complimented after exchanging a few blows with Shirakawa.
"Why did you assume I was weak?" Shirakawa asked.
"Just an observation. But to make up for my underestimation, I'll give you my all."
"I wouldn't expect anything less." Shirakawa's fighting spirit surged, and the Sword of Damocles appeared above him.
"What's that?" Many Marines murmured, fear in their voices.
Even Sengoku looked at the sword solemnly, after all, the unknown is the most terrifying.
"Did that kid summon it?" Sengoku wondered, sensing a connection between Shirakawa and the sword.
He made a mental note to classify Shirakawa as a dangerous individual.
Suddenly, a burst of magma erupted towards the giant sword. It was Sakazuki's attack.
'Oh no!' Gaban thought. He didn't know if Shirakawa's sword could withstand such an attack. And it was too late to stop it; he hadn't expected Sakazuki to be so aggressive.
But just before the magma reached the sword, it was blocked by an invisible barrier. Sakazuki's attack couldn't penetrate it.
Gaban breathed a sigh of relief and turned his attention back to Sakazuki. The Marine had dared to attack someone else while they were fighting. That was disrespectful, even if Gaban wasn't particularly competitive.
If Rayleigh found out, he'd never hear the end of it. After all, Rayleigh was currently busy holding back Garp.
Garp himself was briefly surprised by the giant sword but quickly dismissed it as some rare Devil Fruit ability.
Meanwhile, Akainu was struggling against Gaban. Despite his powerful Devil Fruit, he was still young and inexperienced, facing a seasoned veteran of the Roger Pirates.
Gaban, seeing Akainu's predicament, took a swig from his wine bottle. "Your Devil Fruit might be strong, kid, but it's useless if you can't hit me."