Chapter 266: Defeating Garp

"Captain, the Roger Pirates have broken free from the World Government's encirclement. They should be returning to the New World soon," Reinhardt reported, shifting the topic away from the Infinite Pirates. Although the Flying Pirates couldn't currently challenge the Infinite Pirates, they could bolster their own power, perhaps by seeking ancient weapons.

"Jihahaha, excellent. Prepare yourselves. Just as the Infinite Pirates have launched this massive war against the Navy, I, the Golden Lion, will also initiate a grand war. The Roger Pirates were once hailed as the greatest pirate crew in the New World. Now, let us, the Flying Pirates, defeat them and claim the secrets of the ancient weapons they gathered," the Golden Lion declared confidently.

After the death of Rocks, when the top officers formed their own crews, the Roger Pirates, with their three top fighters, were undoubtedly the world's leading pirate crew. But now, after eleven years of growth, the Flying Pirates had surpassed them in scale, and the Golden Lion was confident they could defeat the Roger Pirates.

Meanwhile, the battle between the Infinite Pirates and the Navy had raged on for seven days and nights. The island was engulfed in smoke and fire, with the Infinite Pirates now controlling two-thirds of the territory, steadily pushing the Navy back.

Despite continuous reinforcements, the Navy and Army were being slaughtered by the Infinite Pirates.

"Damn it, the Infinite Pirates are too strong. Even combined, the Navy and Army can't defeat them," Vice Admiral Tsuru remarked gravely, observing the dire situation.

She had hoped Sengoku and Zephyr could defeat the Infinite Pirates' officers, allowing them to turn the tide. But the officers were too formidable, and even the two admirals couldn't overcome their relentless attacks.

"Why hasn't the admiral issued a retreat order yet?" Vice Admiral Tsuru wondered anxiously.

She had analyzed the battlefield and knew that without further reinforcement, the Navy couldn't win. Continuing the fight would deplete the Navy's hard-earned resources and plunge them into another decline. She wished to order a retreat to minimize losses, but without the admiral's authorization, she couldn't make that call.

The battle between Mari and Borsalino had seen both retreat twice to rest, each time resuming their duel with renewed vigor. However, after seven days, neither had gained the upper hand.

"Something's wrong, danger!" Borsalino suddenly sensed a threat, though his Observation Haki couldn't pinpoint its source. He immediately turned to light, moving from his position just as an invisible bullet sliced through the air where he had stood.

"Scary, truly scary! Is this the infamous sniper from the Infinite Pirates? Terrifying!" Borsalino muttered, genuinely shaken for the first time. According to Navy intelligence, the Infinite Pirates had a powerful sniper with invisibility powers, capable of concealing bullet sounds and forms. Li Yuan had used this sniper's help to take down three top fighters before. Now, it was Borsalino's turn, and he realized just how close he had come to death.

"Natural ability users are indeed tough to snipe!" Nephales decided against targeting Borsalino again. His speed and elemental transformation made him a difficult target, and without future sight Haki, hitting him was near impossible.

"I'll focus on non-Logia Navy officers," Nephales thought, opting to target Navy vice admirals and rear admirals instead, as they were easier prey.

"Hahahahaha, Garp, you're done for. Just admit defeat!" Li Yuan taunted. Their battle had lasted seven days and nights, and unlike the last time when Garp had taken moderate injuries, this time he was severely wounded. His body was covered in gruesome sword wounds, and even Life Return couldn't heal them. 

Most critically, Garp's blood had been drained by the Seven Star Sword, leaving him pale and weak. Despite his formidable physique, the lack of blood made him fragile. Garp was now fighting on sheer willpower, but it wouldn't be long before he collapsed.

"Damn it, I, Garp, will never lose to a brat like you!" Garp roared defiantly.

As the Navy's hero, Garp understood the blow his defeat would deal to the Navy's morale. For the sake of both his pride and the Navy, he couldn't afford to lose.

Though Li Yuan had also expended much energy over the seven-day battle, his vampire abilities and enhanced physique from the Mythical Zoan: Vampire fruit allowed him to continue for another seven days if needed.

After sending Garp flying once more, Li Yuan's Seven Star Sword gathered sword intent and Haki into a blood-red coiling dragon. A massive blood dragon phantom appeared behind him, its fierce aura focused on Garp.

"Triple Essence Secret Art: Blood Dragon Sky Rend!"

Li Yuan unleashed a mighty slash, sending the roaring blood dragon hurtling toward Garp, its colossal form threatening to devour him.

"Bone Fist: Star Shatter!"

Gritting his teeth, Garp mustered all his strength into his fist, launching himself at the dragon with a powerful punch. His fist, though not as strong as before, still struck with formidable force, causing the dragon to nearly shatter. However, this time, the dragon's remnants collided with Garp, unleashing a powerful impact that reignited his suppressed injuries.

Blood gushed from Garp's mouth as he was knocked back like a broken kite.

As Garp faltered, Li Yuan charged forward. Above him, scattered clouds were drawn into a massive vortex, centered over Li Yuan. He raised the Seven Star Sword, channeling the swirling air into it.

"Triple Essence Secret Art: Tyrant's Wrath!"

Li Yuan unleashed a devastating blast, the concentrated energy combining sword intent and Haki into an unstoppable wave. Garp, still airborne, couldn't evade the attack.

"Iron Body!"

Despite his severe injuries, Garp's instincts kicked in, cloaking himself in Armament Haki to protect his vital areas.

"Boom!!!"

The shockwave hit Garp with immense force, enveloping him entirely. The wave continued towards the Navy's rear, sweeping over thousands of soldiers and leaving none alive.

Garp crashed down like a fallen star, his body wracked with pain, unable to stand.

"Vice Admiral Garp, what's wrong!!"

"Oh no, Vice Admiral Garp has been defeated by the world's greatest swordsman!"

"Run, Li Yuan is coming!"

Panic spread as the Navy realized their strongest warrior, Vice Admiral Garp, had fallen to Li Yuan. If Garp, who had slain Rocks, could be beaten, what chance did they stand?

"Garp!!!" 

Seeing Garp fall, Sengoku's eyes turned red with rage. He unleashed a furious shockwave at Barrett, attempting to break free and aid his friend. But Barrett, Kano, and Karoo, along with Hermes, had Sengoku completely surrounded.

Zephyr faced a similar predicament, trapped by Ashura Doji and Chinjao, unable to assist.

"Hahahahaha, Navy, you've lost!"

"Charge, everyone!" Li Yuan shouted, leading the charge towards the Navy's rear, his voice echoing across the battlefield, heard by all.

-Support me on Ko-Fi for 35+ advance chapters there.

https://ko-fi.com/zxc1015

Thanks!