Chapter 45 Akainu Aokiji Joins Forces, The Five Elders Are Sure Of Victory

After a brief discussion, the Marines decided to launch a direct bombardment.

As Akainu put it:

"The combined forces of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates number at least 100,000. Normally, the Marines would never be able to take on two Pirate Emperors simultaneously. But this situation is different."

Kaido and Big Mom were locked in a fierce battle, with all the main members of the Big Mom Pirates on the island. The pirate fleet anchored in the port was nothing more than a sitting duck.

"If we destroy their ships, the main force of the Big Mom Pirates will be trapped on the island, with no choice but to sink into the sea along with it," Akainu continued. "Even Kaido and Big Mom can't withstand the full firepower of a Buster Call."

Thanks to intelligence provided by the World Government, the Marines held the upper hand. This was an opportunity they might never have again. With two Admirals and five Vice Admirals on their side, letting the enemy escape would be a disgrace.

The other five Vice Admirals of the headquarters agreed with Akainu's strategy. Although Aokiji initially wanted to consult headquarters for instructions, he understood that the opportunity was fleeting and ultimately sided with Akainu.

As the ultimate power of the Marines to intimidate the seas, all the artillery mounted on the Buster Call warships were top-tier, far surpassing the opponent's capabilities in both range and power.

Following the order:

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The warships erupted in blazing fire, and the roar of artillery fire echoed across the sea. Countless massive cannonballs rained down on Punk Hazard. Thick smoke billowed, and splintered wood flew everywhere.

The pirates left behind on the ships were either killed instantly in the explosions, knocked unconscious by the shockwaves, or turned into human torches, leaping into the sea.

In just one round of shelling, more than twenty pirate ships were obliterated, leaving countless casualties in their wake. Yet, the Marine bombardment did not stop. Within just a few more rounds, the fleet docked in the port suffered a devastating blow.

The smoke from the explosions filled the air, blocking out the sunlight and turning the bright sky a grim gray. Shockwaves rippled across the area, turning the calm sea turbulent. Even the entire island began to tremble slightly.

In the sky above, Big Mom and Kaido, who had been fighting, paused. Upon seeing the destruction below, both were filled with shock and fury.

Big Mom's heart ached for the loss of her subordinates. Kaido, on the other hand, was deeply concerned about Caesar—the artificial Devil Fruits were a crucial part of his plan for dominating the seas. How could he stand by and watch his hopes be dashed?

"Damn Marines, are you trying to ruin my business?" Kaido growled, his anger rising.

Suddenly, the warship in the distance opened its massive maw, a blinding beam of light brimming with destructive energy rapidly forming.

The next moment, an immense, scorching heat wave surged forth, distorting the very light around it with its intensity.

"You think you can just ignore me?" Akainu shouted furiously. Crimson lava surged across his body, causing the surrounding temperature to rise by dozens of degrees, forcing all the sailors on deck to retreat.

"Hellhound!"

The red-hot magma, heated to thousands of degrees, took the form of massive, ferocious dog-headed beasts. With their gaping maws, they lunged at the fiery breath descending from the sky.

A roar, like a landslide or an earthquake, erupted in everyone's ears as a terrifying shockwave quickly swept across the battlefield. Under the intense heat of flames and lava, a vast expanse of white steam surged over the sea.

"So it's you," Kaido snarled. "Last time, we didn't settle things. But this time, I'll finish you off!"

Kaido was about to continue his attack when suddenly, a massive ice bird slammed into his dragon's belly with incredible speed.

Crunch!

The biting cold frost spread rapidly across Kaido's body. His movements slowed, and his blood seemed to stop flowing. Muscles, bones, and even countless cells within him felt as if they had frozen solid.

The temperature continued to plummet—100 degrees below zero… 200 degrees below zero… reaching an ultimate low temperature. Within moments, the giant dragon's enormous body was encased in ice, forming a colossal ice sculpture.

But Kaido was too powerful to be held for long. Mere seconds after being frozen, cracking sounds echoed as countless fractures burst forth on the ice sculpture. Ice shards fell like snowflakes from the sky.

Kaido's vertical pupils filled with disdain. "Is that all a Marine Admiral can do?"

"Hmph, not bad," Akainu retorted. "But try this on for size!"

Akainu's face twisted with rage as he raised both hands.

"Meteor Volcano!"

Lava erupted from both his fists, shooting up toward the sky. The sky turned red as countless pieces of molten lava fell from the heavens, trailing black smoke, and hurtling toward the massive dragon.

Though they exchanged no words or glances, Aokiji launched his attack simultaneously. Frost and cold air raged around him, quickly condensing into countless ice spears that shot toward Kaido in an overwhelming barrage.

Even Kaido, known as the strongest creature in the world, found it hard to withstand such a relentless onslaught. He roared in pain and fury.

"Marine Admirals… Aokiji! Akainu!" Katakuri, Oven, and the remaining Big Mom Pirates stared in disbelief.

"Marine Admirals… two of them here at once? How is that possible?!" Katakuri muttered, his voice filled with shock.

The Marines only had three Admirals, their strongest combat force. Not only did they need to guard the world, but they also had to manage the Grand Line. How many pirates had they faced? How could the Marines afford to send two Admirals here at the same time? And at such a crucial moment? It felt like a trap specifically set for them.

The shock in everyone's hearts was like a stormy sea, impossible to calm.

Holy Land Mariejois, Pangaea Castle.

The Five Elders watched the images transmitted from the battlefield, each wearing a satisfied expression.

"Everything is proceeding according to plan," one of them said.

"At this point, the Big Mom Pirates have lost their escape route. They're trapped on the island, enduring endless bombardment. Their defeat is inevitable," another added.

"With five Vice Admirals guarding the warships, even if Big Mom herself tries to destroy them, it won't be easy," a third observed. "Now, it all depends on how Sakazuki and Kuzan handle Kaido."

The sword-wielding Elder, holding the First Generation Kitetsu, sneered, "No matter how strong or resilient someone is, they can't withstand a Buster Call. And no one can defeat two Marine Admirals at once."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Unbidden, a name crossed their minds—"The Demon Heir," Douglas Bullet. Even that demon-like monster had been subdued under the might of a Buster Call. Kaido, no matter how formidable, was no exception.

Saint Saturn breathed a sigh of relief. "Kaido's defeat is certain. Even if we can't take down Charlotte Linlin, our main objective has been achieved. After this battle, the Big Mom Pirates will be severely weakened and unable to cause any further trouble."

"Gentlemen, the world is about to undergo drastic changes. It's time for the Marines to enter the New World. Once Kaido is dealt with, send the warships to Wano Country. We must bring that territory under our control."

The Five Elders leaned back on their sofas, speaking casually. To them, with events unfolding as they were, victory was all but assured. The only thing left to consider was how to consolidate their triumph.

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