Boom!
At that moment, all the 'Seraphim' received their attack orders.
Without hesitation, they began their coordinated assault on Bai Ye.
One of them was the first to leap into the air.
Swish!
Drawing the imitation of the Supreme Grade Black Blade, Yoru, from its back, it unleashed a slash so powerful that it could cleave a mountain in half.
The attack tore through the sea, surging straight toward Bai Ye!
Simultaneously, another 'Seraphim,' positioned at the rear, raised its palm and released a long-range laser attack—far stronger than anything the first-generation pacifists could generate!
As the two powerful strikes closed in, another 'Seraphim' dived into the sea.
Approaching Bai Ye underwater at incredible speed, it broke through the surface, launching a surprise attack from behind in perfect synchronization with the other two strikes.
Melee combat, long-range bombardment, and stealth maneuvers—all three attacks converged with impeccable timing.
If it were anyone else, they would have undoubtedly panicked in the face of such a perfectly orchestrated assault.
But as the three attacks closed in on him, Bai Ye moved.
Stepping across the surface of the sea as if it were solid ground, his gaze remained calm and indifferent.
His eyes swept over the three attacking 'Seraphim.' Slowly, he drew the Ryūjin Jakka.
There were no flames dancing on its blade.
Yet, as Bai Ye swung the sword with Reiatsu infused into the slash, the world seemed to shift.
The space before him grew dense, heavy—like a quagmire.
The terrifying slash aimed at him entered this realm of Reiatsu, visibly slowing to a halt.
Moments later, the attack collapsed under the overwhelming force of the Reiatsu and disintegrated into nothing.
The shockwave from Bai Ye's counterattack surged forward, directly targeting the airborne 'Seraphim.'
The 'Seraphim,' mid-leap, froze in the air, its body suddenly subjected to what felt like hundreds of times the force of gravity.
Unable to resist, it plummeted to the deck below with an explosive crash, leaving behind a massive crater.
At the same time, the 'Seraphim' modeled after Jinbei, who had been approaching Bai Ye from behind, moved in for close-quarters combat.
Its objective was clear: to disarm Bai Ye by capturing the Ryūjin Jakka.
"It seems the World Government has prepared extensively for this operation," Bai Ye said calmly, immediately recognizing its intention.
As the 'Seraphim' reached for his blade, Bai Ye turned and delivered a devastating punch to its mechanical body.
Bang!
The 'Seraphim' was sent hurtling through the air like a cannonball.
It crashed into a nearby pirate ship, shattering the vessel into splinters upon impact.
Even without the Ryūjin Jakka, Bai Ye's raw physical strength far surpassed the mechanical durability of the 'Seraphim.'
Noticing the incoming long-range laser attack ahead, Bai Ye lifted his eyelids slightly.
Boom!
A burst of Reiatsu erupted from him.
With a single raised finger, he unleashed his Reiatsu.
The incoming laser, far more powerful than any previous pacifist weapon, was effortlessly blocked.
Seeing this, the distant 'Seraphim' raised its hand again, preparing to launch another round of attacks.
But Bai Ye, now irritated, said coldly, "I don't have time to waste on a bunch of scraps."
As he spoke, Bai Ye locked eyes with the 'Seraphim.'
In that moment, it froze.
For the 'Seraphim,' Bai Ye's figure seemed like an unfathomable mountain—an overwhelming presence that could not be resisted.
Sparks and electricity began to sputter from its mechanical body as it fell to the ground, unable to endure the oppressive Reiatsu that had changed the very atmospheric pressure around it.
"Impossible...!"
The researchers stationed aboard the fleet were stunned.
The 'Seraphim' were supposed to be the pinnacle of their technological advancements.
Each one cost several times more than the first-generation pacifists, with combat power rivaling the Shichibukai.
Though still experimental, they were expected to perform far better than this.
"The first phase of the 'Operation Demon Slaughter' has failed... The possibility of capturing that weapon is low. And..."
On the lead warship, Kong, the commander-in-chief of the World Government's forces, observed the outcome with disappointment.
"I underestimated the situation. Experimental weapons are just that—experiments. Against an opponent of this caliber, they couldn't even force him to reveal his true strength. It seems they are far from capable of replacing the Shichibukai."
As he spoke, Kong's aura intensified.
Taking out another phone-transponder, he issued new orders.
"Contact the recovery team and relay the data back to the World Government. Inform the Five Elders to prepare for the final phase. I will handle the rest personally."
"Yes, Marshal Kong!" came the reply from the phone.
Hanging up, Kong stared at the battlefield with a calm yet determined expression.
The failure of the 'Seraphim' didn't faze him much.
After all, their deployment was merely a test.
They were not the World Government's true trump card.
Instead, their primary purpose was to demonstrate the government's capability to replace the Shichibukai and to serve as a warning to anyone harboring rebellious thoughts.
But now, the World Government was ready to act directly.
If two Admiral-level opponents couldn't handle the situation...
Then the World Government would send three.
Four.
Even five.
The World Government had recruited ten powerful individuals in just three days—fighters whose strength was close to, or on par with, Marine Admirals.
Adding Kong himself into the mix, they were confident in their ability to eliminate Bai Ye.
No matter how powerful he was, Kong believed there was no scenario in which Bai Ye could emerge victorious.
This would be the day the legend of Bai Ye came to an end.