On the Marine warship, Sakazuki was analyzing the battlefield.
"This doesn't make sense… Shiki, Charlotte Linlin, and Shanks have all appeared, yet Kaido is still holding back?" Sakazuki muttered, puzzled.
Originally, he expected Shiki to be the one who held back the longest, making his move at the very end. That would have been ideal, by then, all the key players would be gathered, and the Marines could strike decisively.
But contrary to expectations, Shiki was the first to act. Meanwhile, Kaido remained completely inactive, with not even a trace of his presence.
According to the plan, Fujitora and Gion were supposed to move after Shiki, but Sakazuki temporarily held them back. The timing wasn't right yet—if the Marines revealed their full power too soon, including all three Admirals, the situation could become uncontrollable.
Luckily, Enel had engaged Shiki, keeping the battle contained for now.
"Could it be that Kaido isn't coming at all?" Gion frowned.
Sakazuki hesitated for a moment before responding. "That… shouldn't be the case. There's no way that guy would ignore something this important."
"Well then," Borsalino said lazily, "shouldn't we start making a move?"
Sakazuki remained silent for a few seconds, then shook his head. "Not yet. Hold position. We wait and observe."
Fujitora, who had been considering the situation, suddenly suggested, "In my opinion, why not let the Vice Admirals act first? If we stay completely still, it might look suspicious."
Sakazuki thought it over. With all these major pirates making moves, the Marines doing nothing at all would indeed seem strange.
"Alright, Borsalino. You go to the island first. Don't act—just observe. Once you're in position, the Vice Admirals will follow." Sakazuki ordered.
Borsalino sighed as he stood up. "Oh dear… And here I thought I'd be the last to join the fight, but it turns out I'm the first?"
Despite his complaints, he soon disappeared in a flash of golden light.
Shortly after, the Marines sprang into action.
Borsalino arrived on the island, seemingly just spectating the battle between Shanks and Mihawk, while the Vice Admirals began to land as well.
Thanks to Geppo, most Vice Admirals had no trouble reaching the island. Some high-ranking Marine officers followed, while those unable to ascend remained below, capturing weaker pirates who were also stuck at sea.
Among them, Smoker stood out—three cigars in his mouth, wearing dark sunglasses, his Marine coat billowing behind him. The epaulettes on his shoulders marked his status as a Vice Admiral.
Now stationed at G-5, Smoker held more autonomy and influence than most Vice Admirals. The G-5 branch was notorious for its unruly nature, and Smoker fit right in.
Behind him, Tashigi held a Den Den Mushi, seemingly relaying orders.
"Understood. I will pass the orders to Vice Admiral Smoker," she confirmed before ending the call.
Turning to Smoker, she reported, "Vice Admiral, we are to coordinate with the Pirate Empress—Boa Hancock—and Fire Fist—Portgas D. Ace. Our target is Big Mom—Charlotte Linlin."
Smoker exhaled a puff of smoke. "Fine by me."
His gaze shifted to a nearby Vice Admiral—a woman with a katana hanging from her waist.
She looked exactly like Tashigi, enough to be mistaken for her twin sister.
But Smoker knew better. This woman was no ordinary Marine, she was leagues beyond Tashigi in strength.
She was Kuina—Zoro's lifelong rival, the opponent who had dominated his early years.
She was also a direct disciple of Vice Admiral Gion, a true master swordsman.
In fact, Smoker even suspected that he himself might not be able to defeat her.
"Vice Admiral Kuina," Smoker called out. "Are you coming with us? We're targeting Charlotte Linlin."
Kuina glanced at the Vivre Card in her hand and smiled brightly.
"No, Vice Admiral Smoker. I'm not here to join the fun. I wasn't given a specific mission, so I plan to find myself an interesting opponent."
Smoker didn't argue.
Sure, if Kuina helped, their mission would be easier but forcing her wasn't his style.
"Fair enough. Then I wish you victory in battle." Smoker nodded.
"Much appreciated," Kuina replied, before vanishing into the dense forest.
Meanwhile, Smoker, Tashigi, and their team set off to intercept Big Mom.
---
On Big Mom's Flagship, the Queen Mama Chanter...
Charlotte Linlin's ship soared through the sky, quickly closing in on Shiki's location.
From what she could see, Shiki was engaged in battle with someone powerful.
Judging by the flashes of lightning, it was likely Enel, the self-proclaimed Thunder God and former Warlord of the Sea.
Deciding not to waste time, Big Mom prepared to descend.
As the ship neared the island—still tens of meters above ground.
A sudden figure leaped from below, soaring towards the ship at impossible speed.
At first glance, it looked as insignificant as a mayfly striking a tree.
But in the very next instant.
BOOM!
"Empress's Smashing Kick!!!"
Hancock launched a devastating flying kick, her long leg smashing into the bow of the Queen Mama Chanter.
The impact was explosive not only from Hancock's raw strength, but also from the power of the Love-Love Fruit.
The figurehead of the ship, a Homie named Kemiz, which had been grinning and singing instantly turned to stone upon contact.
A second later, it crumbled into dust, raining debris from the sky.
Charlotte Linlin's eyes widened in shock.
What the hell just happened?!
The massive ship, which had been heading straight toward Shiki, was knocked completely off course, nearly tipping over.
For a brief moment, even Big Mom almost lost her balance.
"WHO IS THAT?!" she roared, furious.
A moment later, the sound of heels tapping against the deck filled the air.
Boa Hancock stepped forward, her red cheongsam flowing behind her, chin raised with arrogant confidence.
Her alluring gaze swept across the cabin as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, before speaking in a haughty tone:
"It is I, the Pirate Empress. I suppose you must be furious, yes? But I don't see why, after all, my beauty is simply overwhelming."
For a split second, even Charlotte Linlin was stunned, momentarily caught off guard.
But it lasted only a moment.
Linlin's expression twisted with rage, and she bellowed, "Boa Hancock… You dare stand in my way?! Do you have a death wish?!"
As soon as she spoke, Cracker—one of her Sweet Commanders—charged forward.
With a flash of steel, he thrust his sword, Pretzel, directly at Hancock's head.
"Too slow."
Hancock tilted her head slightly, letting the blade pass just inches from her face.
As the gust of wind from the attack ruffled her hair, Hancock's foot shot out in a blindingly fast counterattack.
"Perfume Femur!"
Her kick struck Cracker's chest, activating the Love-Love Fruit's power.
Cracker's entire torso petrified on impact, then shattered into dust.
But the true Cracker, a thin, wiry man emerged from within the rubble, landing beside Katakuri.
Hancock smirked. "As expected—hiding in your biscuit armor."
(To be continued.)
***
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