As the CPO agents with unique abilities fell one by one, the World Government's forces faced a crushing defeat. In stark contrast, the Marines grew fiercer with every clash, their spirits soaring as victory loomed ever closer.
The entire Dongcheng District was overrun.
On their relentless march, the Marines encountered Celestial Dragons who had failed to escape in time. Without hesitation, the soldiers struck them down, their blades and bullets delivering justice to these symbols of corruption.
Soon, the Marine forces reached Pongle Castle.
A formidable defensive line awaited them, packed with Holy Land guards and surviving CPO agents. Above, on the castle's terrace, stood the last four of the Five Elders—figures embodying the highest authority of the World Government.
But they were only its public face. The true power lay with Im, the shadowy ruler few knew existed. Beyond the Elders and a select few, Im's very name was a secret.
"Heh, Sengoku. You've managed to get this far? I must admit, that's impressive," said the bald, sword-wielding Elder, his voice dripping with contempt.
Sengoku, unshaken, replied with iron conviction. "Impressive? You'll find what comes next unforgettable—though it won't matter much with your head blown clean off."
The Marines, rallying behind their leader, felt their confidence burn brighter. Sengoku would allow no room for doubt.
The bald Elder chuckled darkly. "You really are a fool, Sengoku. You have no idea what you're stirring. Wake the sleeping giant that is the World Government, and you'll find the consequences are beyond your understanding."
Sengoku's eyes remained fixed on the castle. "We've no time to waste on empty threats," he muttered to Finn. "Our momentum is at its peak. If we delay, it'll fade. We must strike now."
Finn nodded. He knew the truth in Sengoku's words. War was a game of timing. Do it all at once, and victory was within reach; hesitate, and the tide would turn.
Finn raised his voice, addressing the gathered Marines. "Soldiers! Before us lies the heart of the world's corruption. One more step, and we rid the earth of this blight. This is our moment. Tell me—what should we do?"
"Attack!" roared the Marines, their voices thundering across the battlefield.
"Then go forth!" Finn commanded. "Take your faith, your resolve, and bring an end to this evil. Kill!"
With a deafening roar, the Marine forces surged forward, an unstoppable tide crashing against Pongle Castle.
This was no ordinary battle. For many Marines, this fight was unlike any they'd faced before. Their usual prey—pirates and criminals—were mere shadows of the monstrous force defending the World Government.
Here, they fought an empire that had ruled the world for 800 years.
Inside Pongle Castle, reinforcements emerged: a line of veteran CPO agents, their movements belying their advanced age. Each one, despite appearing decades or even centuries old, moved with deadly precision.
Sengoku's face tightened. "What is the meaning of this?"
The bald Elder sneered. "These are the World Government's finest. For over a century, they've been preserved and enhanced. Thanks to our advancements, they remain as strong as they were in their prime."
"And the cost?" Sengoku demanded. "You can't cheat time without consequences."
"Of course," the Elder replied, smirking. "Their intelligence diminishes with age, devolving into little more than beasts. But that makes them perfect for us—mindless, loyal killing machines."
Sengoku's eyes burned with disgust. "You've turned them into tools. Just like everything else in your empire."
Ignoring him, the Elder raised a hand. "Mao You, show them what you've got."
From the ranks of the Elders, a long-haired man with a flowing beard stepped forward. With a low growl, he leapt into the air, the ground quaking beneath his feet.
"Zoan transformation: Phantom Cat form!" he roared.
His body twisted, shifting into a sleek, jet-black feline form. Its translucent coat shimmered with an otherworldly glow, exuding the mystique of night.
Sengoku's eyes widened. "The mythical Phantom Cat Fruit... I thought it was only a legend!"
Finn's gaze hardened. He knew the weight of Sengoku's reaction. The Phantom Cat was no ordinary Devil Fruit. In the annals of myth and power, it stood as one of the most feared.
But there was no turning back.
As the Marines charged and the Elders unleashed their monstrous might, the battle for the soul of the world began in earnest.