Holy Land, Mariejois
"Has the fun begun yet?"
From the empty throne, Im looked down at the Five Elders, speaking casually.
"Yes, the pirates are serious this time! What a grand event for them!" The bald, sword-wielding elder responded respectfully.
He then asked, "My lord, will our people act soon?"
"Don't worry," Im replied with a smile. "Let them fight for a while. It's best when they're both worn down. That's when we'll strike."
Im paused, eyes narrowing. "Who will lead the team this time?"
"It's me, my lord!"
The round-headed elder stood, saluting before speaking with confidence. "Rest assured, my lord! I will lead the team this time and guarantee nothing will go wrong! Finn and Sengoku will fall!"
"Good," Im nodded. "Take care of that disobedient old dog Sengoku. As for Finn... I'm quite interested in him. If you can capture him alive, do so."
"Capture alive...?" The round-headed elder shivered slightly at the thought.
While confident about dealing with the Marines, he knew Finn's strength firsthand. Capturing him alive would be nearly impossible—and dangerous. Even leading the team himself, he would likely pay an unimaginable price.
Im snorted coldly. "If it's difficult to capture him alive, just kill him. Dead, he's more useful to us than alive."
The round-headed elder relaxed, nodding quickly. "Understood, my lord!"
Naval Headquarters, Marineford
The battle begins.
Hundreds of pirate ships surrounded Marineford, advancing in a semi-circular formation.
Without delay, they began firing in unison.
Despite the lack of unified command among the pirates, their sheer numbers and destructive power were terrifying. The bombardment was relentless, and Marine's defenses were quickly overwhelmed.
Under Sengoku's command, the Vice Admirals formed the first line of defense, intercepting incoming shells. However, their numbers were limited. While the Vice Admirals could withstand the attacks, the bombardment was a grave threat to regular Marine soldiers.
Recognizing the urgency, Finn immediately opened the system's heroic spirit summoning pool.
Over the past month or two, Finn had summoned heroic spirits daily, building up a stronger pool of potential allies.
"Directional Summoning! Spell Level! Nero Claudius!" Finn called out.
A shimmering light appeared, and Shui Nero appeared before him.
"Master, I'm back! What will you have me eat today?" Shui Nero asked, her attention turning to the food she'd had last time.
"We'll discuss food later," Finn replied quickly, tossing her a Marine uniform. "Put this on, then we'll get to work."
Shui Nero blinked in confusion, glancing at her usual attire. "But Master, I love my swimsuit!"
"You'll be the center of attention in that," Finn teased. "The uniform is for the battlefield."
"Next, directional summon! Rider! Francis Drake!"
"Now, directional summon! Spear Rank! Artoria Pendragon!"
In one swift series of calls, Finn summoned three powerful servants: Nero, Francis Drake, and Artoria Pendragon.
"Alright, it's time to make your mark!" Finn pointed at the pirate ships. "Destroy as many as you can!"
"Got it, Master!" Francis Drake grinned, eager to get started. She charged forward, diving into the sea with a wild leap.
From her arms, she pulled an ancient pistol and fired several shots toward the pirate ships.
The pirates laughed loudly.
"Pfft—ahaha! Is this woman insane? She thinks a pistol can take out a pirate ship?"
"Marine's really gone mad! They've got an idiot trying to shoot ships with a pistol!"
But as the pirates laughed, the sea began to churn wildly.
"What's happening to the sea?"
Before anyone could react, a massive battleship surged from the water with a deafening roar.
It was no ordinary pirate ship—it was Francis Drake's legendary pirate ship, rising from the depths like a titan.
"Remember my name and die!" Drake shouted, her wild smile flashing as she fired several more shots from her pistol.
The pirates erupted in laughter again.
"Crazy woman, shooting at pirate ships with a pistol! She's lost it!"
But suddenly, a brilliant golden light erupted from the ship's cannons.
The pirates' laughter was cut short.
"What is that?!"
"Impossible!"
The energy beams from the cannons struck with devastating force.
One shot hit a pirate ship, and in an instant, the vessel crumpled as if it were paper in flames.
The pirates, who had been so sure of their victory, watched in horror as the ship was obliterated. And that was only the beginning.
The golden beams cut through the pirates' fleet, tearing through multiple ships in a straight line, turning them into splinters.
The pirates who were unlucky enough to be in the line of fire were disintegrated instantly, while others were sent flying into the sea, clinging to the wreckage.
The pirates who had mocked Francis Drake only moments before stood in stunned silence, their faces pale with fear.
Meanwhile, the Marines, after recovering from their initial shock, erupted into cheers, their morale surging.