Chapter 57 Emergency, Marine Gathering

"Carlos, do you want to compete with me?"

Zephyr stared at Carlos with intense eyes. Known as "Black Arm" to the world, his accomplishments in Armament Haki were legendary. However, since taking a step back to train new recruits, he had hardly fought seriously. Now, seeing a junior with exceptional Armament Haki skills ignited his competitive spirit.

On the other hand, Smoker, his student, had been beaten severely, which left Zephyr feeling somewhat dissatisfied. Despite being significantly stronger, he was frustrated by Smoker's inability to appreciate the importance of strength and his overly harsh actions.

Little did Zephyr know, Carlos had recently been sunbathing, which had greatly increased his strength. This new power was still somewhat difficult for him to control.

"Fight?" Carlos raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "Senior, you're getting older. It might not be wise for you to risk injury."

Zephyr snorted. "Are you underestimating me? Don't worry, I'm not so weak that I can't throw a punch! Give me everything you've got."

"In that case, I accept your challenge!"

Carlos, eager to prove himself against the former Marine Admiral, wasted no time. With a sudden burst of speed, he crossed the distance of over ten meters and appeared right in front of Zephyr.

"What a speed!" Zephyr thought, surprised.

His well-honed battle instincts took over. With his Armament Haki reinforced, Zephyr's right fist, like steel, struck out with immense force.

Carlos's expression remained unchanged. His right arm, hardened with Haki, swung in a powerful punch.

Boom!

A thunderous sound echoed. Zephyr was shocked, unable to suppress a groan as he was driven back. His legs dug two deep trenches in the ground before he was flung dozens of meters away. Nearby sailors watched in disbelief.

"How is this possible? Even Zephyr-sensei can't match this guy? Who is he?"

"Maybe the Teacher isn't as strong as we thought?"

"Well, Zephyr is getting older after all..."

As the smoke cleared, Zephyr, brushing dust off his clothes, looked at Carlos with surprise. The lingering soreness in his hands sparked a fierce fighting spirit within him.

Carlos, from a distance, met Zephyr's gaze. Their eyes locked, and it felt like sparks were flying between them.

"Boy, you're impressive!" Zephyr said. "Your Armament Haki is at a high level, no less than those who have practiced for years. But I only used 50% of my strength just now. Be ready!"

Carlos's own fighting spirit was ignited. "I look forward to it, Zephyr-senpai!"

In the next moment, both figures disappeared, and two waves of white air clashed.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of explosive sonic booms filled the air. The battle had just begun, and both fighters engaged with enhanced Armament Haki and Haki infusion. They fought with relentless intensity, their blows so powerful they seemed to tear apart the air, creating piercing screams with each impact.

Their speed was so great that it was nearly impossible to track them with the naked eye. The shockwaves from their punches roared in all directions, sweeping hundreds of meters away.

"Is this really the power of flesh and blood? Is this what Admiral-level combat looks like? It's terrifying!"

"If I could serve under such a strong man, it would be like reaching the top instantly!"

Everyone watched in awe, their hearts racing from the spectacle. Hina and Ai Yin's expressions were particularly complex.

"This guy can actually fight with the teacher like this..."

As time passed, the intensity of the battle between Carlos and Zephyr only increased. The training ground was scarred with deep craters from their punches, and it seemed on the verge of destruction.

The shockwaves even spread throughout Marineford, drawing more and more people to the scene.

"What's happening?"

"Is it an earthquake?"

After another powerful collision, Zephyr rubbed his arms and exhaled heavily. "Alright, that's enough for now. This high-intensity battle has been a bit much for me."

Despite his calm demeanor, there was an undeniable look of surprise behind his dark sunglasses. The slight tremor in his voice revealed the shock he was trying to hide.

Zephyr had initially thought he'd reached Carlos's limit, but the fight proved him wrong. Carlos's mastery of Armament Haki and its applications surpassed even Marine stalwarts like Ghost Spider, Huo Shaoshan, and Dauberman.

Zephyr sighed internally. "Alright, Zephyr, the warm-up is over. The real fight starts now!"

Looking at Carlos's determined expression, Zephyr felt a mix of admiration and envy. "Without these challenges, I'd be falling apart. You truly deserve the title of Admiral candidate."

Below, a large crowd had gathered, including Onigumo, Dauberman, and Vice Admiral Momonga. Hearing Zephyr's admission of defeat stirred mixed emotions among them.

"Admiral candidate? Really?" A tall woman with a beauty mark on her chin spoke up. She stepped forward with long legs adorned with spider tattoos and fixed an intense gaze on Carlos. "I heard you're supposed to be my deputy in front of Marshal Sengoku. I'd like to test your sword skills."

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "You?"

The woman was none other than Momousagi Gion.

"Admiral candidate? Hmm, that's not necessarily the case, is it?"

A tall woman with a beauty mark on her chin spoke up. She stepped forward, her long legs adorned with spider tattoos and fixed a piercing gaze on Carlos.

"I heard you mentioned appointing me as your deputy in front of Marshal Sengoku?"

"Excuse me, but I want to test your sword skills."

"It's you?"

Carlos raised an eyebrow slightly.

This striking and authoritative woman was none other than Momousagi Gion—the sister of Marine General Staff Officer Tsuru and a renowned swordswoman admired by the Marines for both her beauty and strength.

"Are you sure you want to fight me?" Carlos asked, intrigued.

Momousagi, with everyone's eyes on her, placed her right hand on the hilt of her sword and nodded seriously.

Carlos's interest was piqued, but he wasn't planning to use Dark Thunder or Yama today. Instead, he drew the Second Generation Kitetsu.

Clang—

With the crisp sound of the sword being unsheathed, a rich purple light erupted. A terrifying aura mixed with murderous intent surged toward them.

The onlookers shuddered, feeling a chill down their spines. Momonga and the other Vice Admirals looked on with serious expressions.

"This sword? Judging by its style, it looks like... the Demonic Blade?"

"Could this ominous aura be from the 21st-generation sword, Second Generation Kitetsu?"

"Did you acquire it in Wanokuni? I must say, this guy's luck is impressive..."

As seasoned swordsmen, they could clearly sense the extraordinary power of this sword. Carlos had previously won a sharp blade at an auction in Sabaody, adding to their envy.

Momousagi frowned. As a powerful swordswoman, she could sense the sword's exceptional strength. However, what unsettled her were Carlos's strangely shaped red and black pupils, which gave her a sense of extreme danger.

Zephyr suddenly spoke up:

"Gion, let it go!"

"Carlos excels in Armament Haki far beyond your level. You wouldn't stand a chance."

"Do me a favor and let it go this time!"

Despite his early retirement from active duty, Zephyr's insights and experience remained sharp. Carlos's casual stance and the aura he radiated were comparable to Aokiji and Akainu. The recent discussion only confirmed Zephyr's suspicion—Carlos's strength had reached Admiral level.

"Is this...?"

Momousagi looked puzzled and was about to say more when a high-pitched siren echoed over Marineford.

"It's an emergency assembly order!"

"Has something major happened?"

"Quick, gather in the conference room!"

The excitement of the moment was forgotten as they hurried towards the building.

Carlos and Momousagi sheathed their swords in unison.

Momousagi said calmly, "Forget it for now. I'll come to seek your advice another time."

Marine efficiency was evident. Under orders, Marine soldiers formed ranks and headed towards the port. Warships on missions turned their bows to return.

The spacious and bright conference room soon filled with core Marine personnel, all at least Rear Admiral rank or higher. Confused murmurs filled the room.

"Ahem. Now that everyone is here, let's begin the meeting."

On stage, Sengoku surveyed the room and said solemnly:

"News from the World Government reports that Charlotte Linlin has assembled a large fleet and is heading towards Wanokuni."

"Wanokuni? What's the connection to us?"

General Staff Officer He Fa spoke up:

"No, just two days ago, Wanokuni became a member country at the World Government's invitation. For both political and practical reasons, we must provide support."

Sengoku glanced at Carlos and nodded.

"Yes, the Five Elders have specifically ordered us to repel Charlotte Linlin and protect Wanokuni."

New member countries pay substantial sums to the World Government for protection. An attack by pirates would greatly damage the World Government's prestige.

Akainu stood up with a stern expression.

"Wanokuni? I'll go there again."

Sengoku shook his head.

"No, you and Aokiji have other tasks. The person assigned to Wanokuni has already been decided."

He looked directly at Carlos.

"Carlos, you've been in Wanokuni for several months. You're familiar with the situation and have close ties with the Kozuki clan. This task is assigned to you. Is that alright?"

Carlos nodded slightly, accepting the assignment without hesitation.

Akainu frowned.

"The enemy is Charlotte Linlin, a powerful figure on par with Kaido. Carlos may not be able to handle her."

Sengoku responded:

"Given Carlos's track record of defeating Kaido, he should be capable of dealing with Charlotte Linlin."

"To be cautious, Gion, you'll accompany Carlos to Wanokuni."

At Sengoku's words, the room's attention shifted. Surprised glances were cast towards Carlos and the silent Akainu and Aokiji.

"Is he the one who actually defeated Kaido?"

"It's no wonder he's an Admiral candidate. If the position weren't filled, he'd surely qualify with such merit!"

"The World Government truly has hidden talents. I've never heard of such a formidable figure."

Momousagi suddenly stood up.

"Wait, I have a question."

Seeing her serious demeanor, Sengoku wondered about her concern.

"Carlos has fought against the Big Mom Pirates several times and is very familiar with Wanokuni's situation. You will assist him as his adjutant."

"This..."

Momousagi seemed reluctant, prompting Sengoku's tone to become stern.

"Gion, it's crucial we repel the Big Mom Pirates and protect Wanokuni. Please cooperate with Carlos. This is an order!"

Though unhappy, Momousagi had no choice but to comply.

Sengoku then turned to Akainu and Aokiji, his expression grave.

"Recently, the Whitebeard Pirates, along with their affiliated pirate crews, have appeared near the Sabaody Archipelago. There are approximately eighty warships."

"What?!"

A gasp filled the conference room. Momonga, Doberman, and other Vice Admirals stood in shock.

Sengoku continued, his voice heavy:

"Based on their trajectory, their likely target is Impel Down."

"The significance of Impel Down is immense. If it falls, the consequences would be catastrophic. We must repel them."

"Aokiji, Akainu, Momonga, Doberman, Onigumo, the five of you must depart immediately."

"I've ordered the fleet to return, but it will take time to assemble. Until then, you must prevent the Whitebeard Pirates from reaching Impel Down!"

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