The battlefield that was Laugh Tale turned into a swirling maelstrom of chaos. The moment Blackbeard's crew clashed with the Straw Hats, the sound of clashing steel, gunfire, and screams echoed through the ancient island. But it wasn't just the Straw Hats and Blackbeard's crew that were here—pirates and Marines from across the seas descended upon the legendary island like vultures to a feast.
Luffy stood in the midst of the storm, his body trembling as sweat poured down his feverish face. "We've gotta… fight," he rasped, struggling to stay upright. Kikidori placed a hand on his shoulder, his own face pale and strained.
"You're not doing this alone, Captain," Kikidori said, his voice steady despite the sickly pallor of his skin.
To their left, Zoro and Sanji stood back-to-back, cutting down anyone foolish enough to challenge them. Zoro's blades flashed in the dim light, carving through enemies with precision, while Sanji's kicks ignited the air with flames, sending opponents flying.
"Where are all these people even coming from?" Sanji growled, dodging a blade aimed for his head.
"They've smelled blood in the water," Zoro replied, deflecting an incoming attack. "And everyone wants a piece of the One Piece."
Marines stormed the shore, shouting orders as they charged forward. Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals led the assault, their forces overwhelming in number. But it wasn't just pirates versus Marines—betrayals broke out among the pirate crews themselves. Crewmates turned on each other, blinded by greed and desperation.
Farther up the battlefield, Blackbeard himself fought ferociously, his laughter booming as he unleashed the power of the Yami Yami no Mi. His sweat-drenched face glistened in the faint light, his breaths labored but still defiant.
"This is what it's all about!" Blackbeard roared as he sent a wave of darkness crashing toward the battlefield, swallowing enemies whole. "The chaos! The betrayal! The victory!"
Amidst the carnage, a figure clad in black and gold strode into the fray—Dracule Mihawk. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the chaos around him, but the intensity in his eyes made it clear he wasn't here for diplomacy. With a single swipe of Yoru, Mihawk cleaved through a wave of pirates, his strikes as precise as ever.
Elsewhere, prisoners who had escaped from Impel Down joined the fray, sowing even more destruction. The battlefield was a patchwork of alliances and betrayals, with pirates fighting Marines, pirates fighting pirates, and Marines fighting each other in the confusion.
Robin and Franky held their ground near Nami and Ere'ana, protecting Luffy Jr. while Nami steered the Sunny into a safer position. Zeus hovered protectively near Nami, his form sparking with electricity as he zapped any foe that came too close.
"I can't believe this is happening," Nami muttered, her knuckles white as she gripped her Clima-Tact. "This isn't a battle—it's a massacre."
Back on the battlefield, Kikidori found himself fending off a trio of pirates, their weapons flashing as they pressed him back. Despite his illness, Kikidori's determination burned bright. He parried their attacks with his sword, the sound of clashing metal ringing in his ears.
Suddenly, a glint of steel caught his eye. Time seemed to slow as a pirate hurled a sea-stone axe straight at Luffy's back. Kikidori's heart leapt into his throat.
"Luffy!" he shouted, moving before he could think.
The axe arced through the air, its deadly edge aimed directly at the Yonko. But just as it was about to strike, Kikidori threw himself in front of Luffy, his arms outstretched.
The blade embedded itself into Kikidori's side, the force of the impact knocking him to the ground. Blood seeped from the wound, staining the dirt beneath him.
Luffy turned, his eyes wide with shock. "Kikidori!" he yelled, dropping to his knees beside him.
Kikidori winced but managed a weak grin. "Heh… You'd think… I'd let you die here?"
Luffy's hands trembled as he hovered over Kikidori, unsure of what to do. "Why did you do that?! I could've—"
"It was a sea-stone axe," Kikidori interrupted, coughing weakly. "You… couldn't have done anything."
Before Luffy could respond, Ere'ana appeared, her medical kit in hand. She quickly assessed the wound, her hands steady despite the chaos around them.
"You're lucky," she said, her voice calm but firm. "It didn't hit anything vital. But you need to stop moving, or it'll get worse."
Kikidori chuckled weakly. "Moving? I feel like I can't even breathe right now."
As Ere'ana worked to stabilize Kikidori, Luffy turned his gaze back to the battlefield. His eyes burned with fury, the weight of his crew's sacrifices fueling his resolve.
"This isn't over," he muttered, his voice low but dangerous. "I won't let anyone take what's ours."
The battle raged on, the chaos only intensifying as more players entered the fray. But even amidst the bloodshed and betrayal, the Straw Hats stood firm, their bonds unshaken.
The fight for the One Piece had truly begun.
End of Chapter 101