Chapter 392: Shichibukai? Summon?

Meanwhile, in the first half of the New World—

close to Marine G-1 Fortress, the Fallen Angel Pirates and the Navy had already locked horns in a fierce battle. Both sides fought with intensity and reached a stalemate.

But on God Valley in the far reaches of the West Blue—

Smoke and gunpowder filled the air, cannons thundered, and battle cries echoed to the heavens.

"Boom… BOOM…"

"Open fire!!"

"Stop these pirates from landing!"

"Don't let them breach our defenses!!"

"Cursed pirates…"

Aboard each Marine warship, row upon row of cannon muzzles spewed fire, exchanging bombardments with the incoming pirate ships, trying to keep them off the coastline.

Watching as part of the defensive perimeter was shattered, Vice Admiral Prodi clenched his jaw:

"Still no reinforcements? That bastard Kaido is too slow…"

From the very first moment they discovered the Rocks Pirates attacking, Kaido—who held a Marine Headquarters vice admiral rank—had received Steel-Bone Kong's orders and used the Paw-Paw Fruit to depart God Valley, heading for Mary Geoise.

"Not yet, sir. We inquired; Vice Admiral Kaido has just arrived at Mary Geoise atop the Red Line!"

"He should be here soon!"

"Vice Admiral Prodi!"

"There's something going on at the southern coastline!"

"It looks like the Shichibukai!"

"It's Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and Captain John—they're here!"

"What!?"

Prodi turned pale with alarm.

"What are they doing here? The World Government never summoned them!"

"Unclear. They're approaching the southern coast step by step. Shall we open fire?"

At the southern coast, a large Marine battleship observed the pirate fleet inching closer. A Headquarters vice admiral frowned into a Den Den Mushi, awaiting instructions. Although he held the same rank, in this operation, Prodi was in overall command and thus had the final say.

"Immediately request orders from Saint Saturn!"

Prodi ordered without hesitation.

"Yes, sir—!"

…

"Navy, protect the Celestial Dragons!!"

"Damn it, it's the Rocks Pirates!"

"That naval blockade's worthless…"

"What in the world are the Marines doing?!"

"Stand down and guard the Celestial Dragons—Holy Knights, move out!!"

At the same time, chaos engulfed the island. Most of the Celestial Dragons, who had been parading around earlier, were now terrified; many were in a total panic. Remembering how the Fallen Angel Pirates had previously kidnapped and even murdered Celestial Dragons, they worried the Rocks Pirates might do the same. Under an order from Saint Dennis, Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, the veteran members charged with guarding God Valley, along with the younger Celestial Dragons who were there to compete, gathered themselves.

They followed Saint Dennis to confront the invading Rocks Pirates.

"Yahahaha—only you?"

Tearing through the defenses with unstoppable momentum, Rocks D. Xebec—wreathed in darkness, looking like a demon—observed with a sinister grin as Saint Dennis, a figure brimming with lightning and wings, attacked fiercely:

"That's not enough to impress me at all!"

Clang!!

Sparks flew as blades clashed. Two waves of strong Conqueror's Haki collided in midair.

"Piri…pala…"

Black-red lightning crackled all around, radiating outward in all directions.

But the outcome was no surprise: Saint Dennis's strength fell short. He couldn't hold out against the ferociously powerful Rocks. In only a few moves, a blow of massive force blasted him backward, barely letting him steady himself on weaker footing.

"Looks like all these years, you've stood still while I've grown…"

Rocks sneered.

Saint Dennis was the same as ever, no noteworthy improvement. But Rocks D. Xebec had changed dramatically. Only that monster Eir could make him cautious. Otherwise, in a one-on-one, he feared no one.

"Dark Water!!"

The terrifying gravity of the Dark-Dark Fruit immediately homed in on Saint Dennis, making his body convulse as he lost control, drawn in.

"Damn—"

Saint Dennis, knowing how dreadful that power was, refused to stand idly by. He forced a counter-swing of his sword, flickering with lightning as it slashed at Rocks.

"Don't get cocky!!"

Simultaneously, the most talented Celestial Dragon of the younger generation, Saint Garling, also rushed in:

Clang!!!

Rocks easily used Conqueror's-infused swordsmanship to block Saint Garling's sudden attack, while fending off Saint Dennis's blow with his left arm—impressive Armament Haki at ease.

"Huh?"

Rocks eyed the young but shockingly strong Saint Garling with curiosity.

"Yahahaha… not bad!"

"Clash…clash…"

Sparks scattered as three figures engaged in fierce combat. Combined, Saint Garling and Saint Dennis managed to stall Rocks momentarily. Meanwhile, the other Holy Knights took on the rest of the Rocks Pirates who'd landed. The fighting reached a stalemate, but they still couldn't stem the pirates' onslaught.

…

"What? The Shichibukai?"

Inside a palace on the island—

Saint Saturn, newly exited from within, scowled upon hearing the report:

"Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and John—why are they here? The World Government didn't summon them."

"The Navy defending the south coast asked them. They claim that upon learning the Rocks Pirates were attacking, they came to help the World Government."

"Damn… are they hoping to fish in troubled waters?"

Saint Saturn's face turned stony.

Without an official summons, it was unthinkable that those suspects Shichibukai would volunteer to aid the World Government. Over the years, to avoid Rocks' wrath, John, Silver Axe, and Wang Zhi had cowered in the first half of the Grand Line, never daring to venture into the New World. They certainly weren't about to help the Government out of goodwill…

'Saturn, how are things on your side?'

'Kaido's used his Paw-Paw Fruit to bring Fleet Admiral Kong and other CP0 elites to Mary Geoise.'

'Soon they'll arrive at God Valley to support you!'

A voice rang through Saint Saturn's mind—Saint Mars, Saint Ju Peter, Saint Valkyrie, presumably speaking telepathically.

Saint Saturn answered without hesitation:

"It's not enough. The situation is rough—I may need to summon you as well. John, Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, those three have shown up and likely betrayed us!"

"What? Those rotten pirates are untrustworthy indeed!"

"Fine, we'll prepare for a summons."

Hearing Saint Saturn's remarks, Saint Mars, Saint Ju Peter, and Saint Nasujuro far away in Mary Geoise all scowled, both shocked and angry. Without delay, they prepared to act personally.

"Understood—"

~~~

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