Chapter 118: Stalemate Situation, Unexpected Turn Of Events

"The three of us worked together and still couldn't take him down instantly. Now we're in trouble!"

Saturn stared at Carlos in the distance. The moment their opponent drew his sword, the three of them felt an overwhelming sense of terror. It was as if countless cold blades were poised at their necks, and they could die at any moment.

Figarland Garling shook his head, unable to suppress a sigh. "I've fought my entire life, but I've never seen anyone master swordsmanship to this extent. It's remarkable that he has reached this level at such a young age! No wonder those arrogant pirate emperors are no match for him."

As he spoke, his expression turned serious, and he glanced at Saturn and Nusjuro beside him. "Stay alert; this kid has the potential to kill us. Victory or defeat can turn on a dime!"

The two Five Elders couldn't help but recall the scene they had witnessed in the image bug that day. Remembering the terrifying slash that had instantly defeated Hawkeye made their hearts race, and they nodded in agreement. If their combined combat power was 100, Carlos alone was somewhere between 70 and 80 at that moment. Even if they managed to defeat him, they would likely pay a heavy price—one death and one serious injury!

As the supreme Celestial Dragons and powerful Five Elders, they couldn't accept such a dismal victory.

"It's impressive that you've pushed me to this point," Carlos said, taking a deep breath. The fierce attack from the other three had also put significant pressure on him.

Susanoo appeared to have sustained severe damage, the original purple-black form now slightly distorted. In the center of the massive body, shrouded in layers of purple light, Carlos held his sword in his right hand while pressing his left hand against his abdomen, breathing heavily.

He wasn't being careless or underestimating his opponents. The moment they launched their offensive, he had activated Susanoo's complete form. Black flames surrounded him, reinforced with layers of Armament Haki. This was his strongest form.

However, the three opponents were also rare powerhouses in the world. The leader of the Knights of God, wielding a Western sword, gave Carlos an uncanny feeling, reminiscent of his battles with Shanks. Though old, this man possessed vast combat experience, and all three Haki types had likely reached the ultimate level.

Carlos found himself in peril multiple times against the Five Elders holding First Generation Kitetsu. At this level of combat, both sides' Observation Haki had failed, relying solely on experience, instinct, and reaction.

If anyone had truly inflicted serious harm, it was Sartan, who transformed into a devil. Under the cover of his companions, he had executed a stealthy attack with his sharp tail, striking at a cunning angle. This fatal blow had pierced through Susanoo's defense and stabbed directly into Carlos's heart. Had he not dodged at the critical moment, the outcome would have been decided.

Carlos understood that if the fight continued, he might be able to kill one or two of them, but he would certainly die!

Countless thoughts raced through his mind. Taking a deep breath, he quickly assessed the situation. "This is a bit tricky..."

Seizing the brief pause in combat, Carlos began to observe the battlefield. Saint Saturn reacted similarly, remaining vigilant while glancing at another conflict nearby.

Both sides understood the stakes. The outcome of Garp, Hawkeye, and the four Knights of God would determine the overall situation.

After observing for a while, Carlos's heart sank. The Knights of God, the Celestial Dragons' strongest spear, were chosen through countless trials. Their strength was even closer to Admiral level than he had anticipated.

They seemed well aware of their disadvantage and did not attack recklessly; instead, they continued to maneuver and contain their opponents. With their exceptional teamwork, Garp and Hawkeye struggled to hold their ground against them, let alone support each other.

Carlos realized that determining a victor in this standoff would not be easy. Given the current state of the battle, it seemed to be at a stalemate.

The two Five Elders noticed this as well, and their expressions turned grim. "This is troubling."

Saint Saturn muttered, turning his gaze to the other side. Unbeknownst to them, a vast sea of soldiers had breached numerous defenses, reaching Marineford Square and clashing with thousands of guards.

Among them, a young woman with a slender figure and a pure face stood out. She led the charge at the forefront of the group.

A strange purple light enveloped the area within a hundred meters around her. As incoming bullets struck the purple light, they ricocheted harmlessly away. In this zone, no matter how badly injured the surrounding soldiers were, they were restored to health in an instant.

Under her leadership, the Marines pressed forward relentlessly; the battle would likely conclude in less than a minute.

Seeing this scene, Saint Saturn's pupils contracted. "This woman possesses the Regression Fruit ability. Judging by her appearance, she seems to have reached the level of awakening."

Realizing the implications, he shouted urgently, "Oops! Hurry! We need to stop them!"

The Regression Fruit allows the user to revert themselves and their surroundings to a previous state, from as short as a few seconds to as long as decades. If she and Carlos reunite, the enemy will become nearly invincible!

Even aside from her, this massive force of Marines is a significant threat!

Just as Sarturn's worries deepened, a wry smile emerged from beside him. "Stop? We have no spare combat power."

Saint Saturn froze, instinctively about to lash out in anger. But then, he suddenly recalled something, and a bitter smile crossed his face. He realized that if one of the three of them was sent to stop her, the remaining two would be no match for Carlos.

The same principle applied to the other battlefield. Sending anyone there would trigger a series of disastrous chain reactions. Even if they managed to prevent the two from reuniting, they wouldn't escape defeat.

Nusjuro's expression remained stone-faced. "Damn it! Is the situation truly this dire?"

"No, there's still a chance!"

Saint Saturn returned to his original form, regaining his composure. He radiated the aura of a superior.

Looking at everyone, he coldly scolded, "Marines! Open your eyes! I am the Five Elders, Saint Saturn!"

"Marine Marshal Carlos intends to rebel against the Celestial Dragons! If you help us subdue this thug, we will overlook everything that has happened!"

"If you prove yourselves, you will be promoted to the third level and rewarded with one billion beli!"

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