Bab 280: 280. Encirclement
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Gunfire echoed across the battlefield as Marines clashed with pirates. Shouts of death filled the air, creating a tragic scene broadcasted worldwide.
"Marines, hold your ground!"
It's unclear who initiated the rallying cry, but soon, a chorus of voices joined in. Spectators watching the live broadcast clasped their hands together, offering prayers.
"Marines, take down the Whitebeard Pirates at all costs!"
"Go, Marine heroes!"
"Victory is destined for justice. It's time for those detestable pirates to meet their end!"
Sengoku stood tall on the execution platform, overseeing the entire battlefield without any hindrance, capturing every detail.
The present scenario was evident.
Against the relentless Marine onslaught, the Whitebeard Pirates were forced into a gradual retreat, struggling to hold their ground.
While the forces gathered at the headquarters didn't represent the entirety of the Marine strength, a substantial number of middle and high-ranking elite Marines had been called into action.
Especially the newly promoted Vice Admirals proved to be formidable.
Onigumo wore a somber expression, his long hair flowing behind him, revealing what seemed like six arms. Gripping a Western-style sword tightly, he clenched a burning cigarette in his mouth. He charged into the midst of the pirates alone, seemingly invisible—a true master.
Pfft! ! !
"Ah!! Ah!!"
Another muffled sound echoed as the blade pierced through flesh, and a burst of blood sprayed out. Countless pirates fell victim, clearing the immediate vicinity in the battlefield, creating a sudden void amid the chaos.
Clan-! !
The clear sound of sword interrupted Onigumo's movements. He raised his slightly scarlet eyes, glaring fiercely at the pirate standing in front of him.
Captain of Whitebeard's fifth division, Vista of the Flower Swords! !
"Marine! That's sufficient!"
Vista's face was frosted over, and two long knives, one on each side, scraped against the ice, tracing two distinct paths. Scarlet blood dripped along the blades, falling onto the ice like blossoming roses—captivating and somewhat dazzling.
Clearly, the Marine recently defeated in his grasp held no lesser significance.
"Vista? A dual-sword swordsman?"
His gaze lingered on the blood-stained blades, and Onigumo's expression grew even colder.
"A swordsman's prowess isn't measured by the count of swords!"
While uncertain whether the opponent's Eight Sword Style derived from a Devil Fruit ability or a peculiar skill, Vista maintained confidence in his own swordsmanship.
"Words and talk won't sway me. Let's use our lives to test their worth!"
Before he could finish his words, the Onigumo's eight-handled long sword slashed forward, unwavering and entirely natural, showcasing his mastery in swordsmanship.
Undeterred, Vista leaped into the air, his long knives swiftly dancing, releasing a plethora of petals that descended like a beautiful yet perilous painting.
Clang! ! Dang, Dang, Dang! ! !
Numerous sparks flew, and each petal met the Onigumo's blade. It resembled confronting thousands of slashes, with the harsh friction creating an unending cacophony.
These petals... are actually made up of countless tiny cuts! !
However—
The Onigumo's eyes narrowed slightly, and his arms assumed a peculiar stance, resembling an eight-armed demon with black energy enveloping his body.
Swish! ! !
A slashing storm erupted, swiftly dispersing the petal blades created by Vista. A mournful clang of metal echoed continuously.
Suddenly, a glint of cold light cut through the blade storm, smoothly guiding the blade in front of the Onigumo.
Clang! !
Just as the blade was about to make contact withOnigumo's face, a katana suddenly materialized, intercepting Vista's impending strike.
"Hey! Onigumo, watch out. The other guy's the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates."
A bearded Marine with narrow eyes spoke with a smile.
The cigar in his mouth bobbed as he talked, and some gray stains adorned his black suit, giving him a genial appearance.
"I'm aware. What brings you here, Yamakaji?"
The Onigumo halted, casting a glance at the man with grey-white suit with a slit in his somber eyes, while directing an increasingly intense gaze at Vista.
This suit was personally chosen by Admiral Sakazuki for him.
"Hey, Grandma Tsuru sent me over."
Yamakaji glanced at Vice Admiral Tsuru, who was skillfully handling multiple subdued pirates on the battlefield, and responded with a smile.
"But for now, let's handle the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' fifth division first."
On the other side.
"Huh... huh... Does this guy have the power to manipulate gravity at his whim?"
Marco stared at the man across from him with a hint of unease. His body had transformed into a human-beast state, and the once blazing immortal blue flames had significantly dulled. Light white knife marks adorned his body, and he breathed heavily.
Evidently, his physical stamina was on the verge of struggling to sustain the high-speed recovery state.
Even the Phoenix Flame had its constraints.
It's not as if he hadn't considered employing long-range combat and hit-and-run tactics.
However, the moment he unfurls his wings, barely hovering half a foot above the ground, an intense gravitational force swiftly drags him down. His entire body descends like a mud cow sinking into the sea, without a single sound.
Even if his long-range attack inches closer to this elderly man, it gets promptly repelled without a sound.
It's as if an invisible force field envelops his entire body at all times. The nearer he gets, the more it feels like being trapped in quicksand, making any struggle challenging.
"Mister, why not engage in direct combat?"
Issho suggested calmly.
The robes covering his entire body remained untarnished by any dust.
"Stop the babble!"
Marco shouted defiantly, leaning forward, and swiftly lunged. Immortal blue flames gathered in his hands, transforming into phoenix tail feathers before coalescing into a massive fiery fist aimed at Issho.
Nashi no Tsubute (Pineapple Stone)! ! !
...
Rayleigh observed Akainu with a serious gaze, the latter incessantly dripping lava in front of him. The surrounding ice had completely melted, filling the air with scorching steam, and the deep blue seawater boiled. Occasionally, ice cubes floating from a distance were instantly melted.
It seemed as though an entirely separate world had materialized, a stark contrast to the icy landscape on the opposite side.
"How are you holding up? Feeling weary? Need a breather?" Rayleigh casually surveyed the surroundings, a forced smile playing on his lips.
"Hmph! Originally, I wasn't in favor of letting you pirates off the hook. Since you've recklessly shown up today, heedless of life or death, then prepare to remain in Marineford forever!" Akainu snorted, the magma seeping from his fists growing more intense. A thick, acrid scent of sulfur persistently assailed Rayleigh's nostrils, grating on his nerves.
"Dai Funka (Great Eruption)!"
Sengoku, stationed high on the execution platform, vigilantly monitored the battlefield, silently keeping track of time. In his hand, he discreetly held another signal den den mushi.
Once activated, 50 warships outside the port would promptly encircle the area. This formidable force surpassed even the infamous Buster Call.
No pirate, not even a fly, could escape! ! !
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