Kapitel 54: Chapter 52: Naval Defeat
The battle between the pirates and the Marines raged on, both sides evenly matched. Sengoku and Kozuki Oden were locked in a stalemate, Sengoku's shockwaves proving troublesome, but Oden's slashes inflicting minor damage.
Garp's iron fists battered Rayleigh, but Rayleigh's swordsmanship kept Garp on his toes.
Marco and Kizaru battled in the air, their fight a spectacle of speed and agility.
Kuzan and Jozu clashed, with Jozu slowly gaining the upper hand due to the elemental advantage of his Devil Fruit. Their battle promised to be a long and arduous one.
Sakazuki and Gaban's fight was the most likely to end quickly. Though Sakazuki was strong, he was still young and had chosen a formidable opponent. Gaban's relentless attacks forced Sakazuki to focus solely on defense, trying to predict Gaban's movements and use his Logia powers to avoid being hit.
But Sakazuki couldn't dodge every attack. Gaban's bullets found their mark, leaving Sakazuki wounded and bleeding.
The other crew members had cleared the area around these intense battles, knowing they'd be caught in the crossfire otherwise.
Shirakawa and Momonga's fight was a clash of styles. Shirakawa's swordsmanship, inherited from Rayleigh, was aggressive and relentless, while Momonga's focused on defense and precision.
They both searched for an opening, but Shirakawa, with his lack of experience, showed more flaws. However, his regenerative abilities frustrated Momonga. Even with Haki-infused attacks, the damage was quickly undone.
"Are you a phoenix too?" Momonga asked, glancing at Marco, who had recovered from several of Kizaru's attacks.
"I don't like that comparison," Shirakawa replied.
Momonga felt like a punching bag. He was giving it his all, but Shirakawa remained unscathed.
Shirakawa, on the other hand, was enjoying the challenge. He had been craving a fight against someone close to his level, and Momonga fit the bill perfectly.
"What's your name?" Momonga asked, knowing he'd have to report this formidable opponent to the Marines.
"Adolf K. Shirakawa. Remember it. This will be our last fight."
"Why?"
"Because next time we meet, you won't be my opponent."
"Arrogant brat! Maybe you'll end up in Impel Down with me this time!" Momonga was offended by Shirakawa's disrespect.
"No. The outcome of this battle has already been decided," Shirakawa said, pointing behind Momonga.
Momonga turned to see Sakazuki, severely injured, being supported by Kuzan. But how could Kuzan alone face both Gaban and Jozu?
Momonga tried to go help, but Shirakawa blocked his path.
"Did you forget about me?"
"Get out of my way!" Momonga shouted, launching a powerful flying slash at Shirakawa.
Shirakawa countered with his own slash, and the two attacks canceled each other out.
The Marines noticed Sakazuki's and Kuzan's predicament.
"Sengoku, it seems your Marines are losing," Oden taunted.
"Damn it!" Sengoku gritted his teeth, considering a retreat. If they continued, they might lose two future admirals.
He pushed Oden back with a shockwave and shouted, "All forces, retreat! Garp and Borsalino, provide cover!"
Both pirates and Marines were relieved. They tacitly ceased their attacks.
Garp wanted to continue fighting, but he knew the situation was dire. If they didn't retreat, the entire Marine force could be wiped out.
"Leaving so soon, Garp?" Rayleigh taunted.
"Tell Roger I'll get him next time. I'll personally throw him into Impel Down!"
"I'll pass on the message," Rayleigh chuckled.
Sakazuki punched the ice in frustration, creating a large hole. He knew the battle's failure was his fault. If Kuzan had defeated Jozu first, the tide might have turned.
The Marines retreated, leaving the pirates victorious. Rayleigh finally relaxed, kneeling on one knee. Holding back Garp had taken its toll, and he bore several bruises from Garp's fists.
"That guy's punches are getting stronger," he muttered.
Oden was in a similar state, his body bearing the marks of Sengoku's shockwaves.
The Marines hadn't fared much better. Garp was slightly injured, Sengoku was battered, and Sakazuki was severely wounded. Only Borsalino seemed unscathed.
'Did he even participate in the fight?' Shirakawa wondered.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein