Chapter 433: War begins!
Time passed slowly, with the already detected undercurrents surging beneath the calm sea surface.
Deep into the night, the sky was clear, and a full moon hung high.
Inside Germa's war fortress, lights blazed brightly, and searchlights continuously scanned the surroundings for potential enemies. Numerous cannons, including many coastal defense guns, were mounted on the fortress, showcasing firepower that would make ordinary pirate crews despair. It was as if Germa was flaunting its strength to the outside world.
However, the overwhelming firepower paired with Germa 66's heightened state of alert conveyed a different message – they were merely putting on a bold front to cover their fears.
Clearly, neither the Marines nor the Beasts Pirates were ordinary opponents. The former was an undisputed ruling power of the seas, and the latter a dominant force in the New World. Germa 66, which hadn't even conquered the North Blue, was no match for either.
At this moment, far on the sea's surface, enormous dark shadows began to appear.
The moment the silhouettes emerged, Germa's lookouts, who were on high alert, quickly noticed the movement. Beams of searchlights cut through the night, illuminating the distant shapes.
Under the combined light of the searchlights and the moon, Germa's soldiers identified the massive shadows as large ships. And the flags flying on these ships bore the insignia of the Beasts Pirates.
As piercing alarms blared across the war fortress made of giant snails, Judge's face darkened. He hadn't expected Kaido, that madman, to attack Germa. Did Kaido not realize that the Marines were waiting to profit from their conflict?
"Kaido is not only crazy but also a fool," Judge cursed angrily.
In response to Judge's anger, Nicholas calmly said, "Isn't it possible that your prized Germa 66 is not much of a challenge in Kaido's eyes? He might be confident that after dealing with you, the Beasts Pirates' strength will still be sufficient to face the Marines."
Nicholas's words were like a cold splash of water over Judge. Though harsh, they made sense. The previous attacks from both the Marines and the Beasts Pirates seemed more like probing strikes, testing Germa's technology. Otherwise, given Kaido's strength, they wouldn't have lasted until Nicholas's arrival.
"Quick, confirm the number of enemy ships and locate the flagship!"
"Prepare for bombardment!"
"Wind speed normal! Humidity normal! Target locked!"
As the Beasts Pirates' fleet drew closer, Germa's soldiers on the war fortress, showing no fear, responded swiftly according to their ingrained instincts.
When both sides entered firing range, an initial bombardment could grant the advantage in battle and inflict significant casualties on the enemy, dampening their morale.
On the high walls of the war fortress, Judge and his three sons watched the approaching ships intently. Sanji was ordered to stay with Reiju and their mother, clearly recognizing his importance to the Vinsmoke family after Nicholas's words.
Judge's gaze swept over the pirate ships, finally settling on one. This ship was larger than the others, with three towering figures on its deck. With Kaido present, it was clear that this time Germa wouldn't be as fortunate as before.
"Kaido of the Beasts... But the Vinsmoke family isn't an easy target either!" Judge declared as he approached a uniquely styled cannon. After some adjustments, the aiming device on the cannon locked onto the ship where Kaido stood.
Seeing Judge's actions, a flicker of surprise crossed Nicholas's eyes from his hidden vantage point.
Even with technological assistance, firing at such a distance was pointless, especially against a monster like Kaido, whose physical prowess was terrifying. Any capable opponent would easily dodge the attack at such long range with ample reaction time.
Bang!
Judge pressed the button, and with a strange charging sound, the projectile shot from the barrel like a bright streak, cutting through the night towards the distance.
"The projectile is fast, but firing at me from that distance without Haki? You're underestimating me!" Kaido scoffed.
Despite the projectile's speed, far exceeding that of ordinary cannons, Kaido effortlessly tracked its trajectory with his Observation Haki and even had time to critique the attack.
As the projectile neared, Kaido extended his right hand, without even using Armament Haki, and caught the speeding projectile barehanded.
Boom!
With a loud bang, the menacing projectile was caught single-handedly by Kaido.
"It seems Germa's technology, apart from the synthetic soldiers, is overrated," Kaido sneered, casually tossing the now-deformed projectile aside.
With both sides within range, an intense exchange of cannon fire began.
"Kaido-nii, I'll deal with those guys..." King said, observing the fierce battlefield.
Just as he transformed into a pteranodon and took flight, a laser beam, finger-thick, shot across tens of thousands of meters towards his forehead. King tilted his head to dodge the sudden attack, then looked towards the laser's origin to see the dense formation of Navy ships on the distant sea.
"Kaido-nii, the Navy is here!" King said, flapping his wings.
"I see them. Hohohoho, what a grand scene!" Kaido laughed, seeing clearly across the sea the figures of Sengoku and others on the Navy flagship, along with the four Warlords of the Sea on surrounding ships.
"Crocodile!"
"Heavenly Demon Doflamingo!"
"Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma!"
"Swordmaster Dracule Mihawk!"
"All the Warlords are here?" Many Beasts Pirates focused their gaze on the four figures aboard the Navy ships. Initially, they had Kaido and his top officers to counter the Navy's elite forces. However, with the sudden appearance of four top-tier Warlords, they now faced potential slaughter by these powerful warriors.
"This is interesting," Doflamingo chuckled coldly, perched on the massive gun barrel of a Navy ship.
Crocodile leaned against the mast, exuding a detached arrogance.
Mihawk, arms crossed and expressionless, glanced at the Beasts Pirates before looking away indifferently. None of them were skilled swordsmen, so he had no interest in fighting them.
Kuma, hugging his book, gazed towards Germa 66's war fortress, lost in thought.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone