บท 98: Ace
On Festival Island, Monkey D. Dragon's arrival shifted the dynamics of the battle, plunging both sides into a tense stalemate. Even Akainu, renowned for his unwavering commitment to absolute justice, hesitated to issue orders for the immediate elimination of Whitebeard and Monkey D. Dragon, sensing the bolstered strength on the pirate's side.
The Commodore's approach shattered the deadlock, his determined expression a harbinger of impending events. "Marshal Sengoku has ordered all Marine officers to evacuate the island within five minutes!" he announced, igniting a flurry of reactions among the Marine Admirals.
"What?!" The shock rippled across their faces, not from the retreat order itself but from the realization that Sengoku was about to unleash the Marines' final trump cards.
"Retreat!" Vice Admiral Tsuru wasted no time, swiftly issuing the command before leading the exodus herself. The remaining Vice Admirals followed suit, brushing past their opponents with determined strides, hastening towards the beach in a disciplined retreat.
"Is it time?" Aokiji glanced towards the warship's direction, addressing Kizaru and the others. "Let's not linger here any longer."
"At last," Kizaru agreed, his resolve firm as he turned to depart without a second thought. Even Akainu, previously consumed by thoughts of vengeance, wordlessly joined the exodus, his departure swift and resolute.
In mere moments, the Marine Admirals and Vice Admirals vanished from the scene, leaving behind a sense of bewildered relief among Whitebeard's forces.
"Pops, did they just... retreat?" Marco's expression betrayed his disbelief, a flicker of doubt dancing in his eyes.
"Seems like they finally realized they're outmatched by Pops," Ace chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips. "Guess they got scared and decided to make a run for it."
"Hahaha, that's one way to interpret it!" Jozu chuckled, his laughter ringing out amidst the fading tension.
"So, does this mean... we've won the war?" Vista posed the question, sheathing his sword as hope flickered in the eyes of his fellow crewmates.
The mere suggestion sparked a surge of optimism among the Whitebeard Pirates, their hearts swelling with the anticipation of victory. If indeed true, their reputation would soar once more, solidifying their status as legends of the sea.
"Guurararara."
"Don't underestimate the Marines!"
Whitebeard's laughter rang out, his demeanor unwavering.
Despite the ongoing clash with the Marines, Whitebeard knew they hadn't gained any significant advantage thus far. What's more, the full might of the Marine forces had yet to be unleashed. The likes of 'Buddha' Fleet Admiral Sengoku and 'The Marines Hero' Monkey D. Garp, along with the formidable power of entities like CP-0, remained untapped resources for the Marine side.
Continuing to engage in battle would only escalate the risks. Once the World Government had dealt with the remaining pirates, they would undoubtedly turn their attention to their own forces.
"It's impossible to predict what the situation will be like then."
"Oyaji, what do you mean?"
Marco's heart quickened, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.
"Given the Marines' tactics, I suspect a Buster Call is imminent," Whitebeard explained calmly.
It was a chilling reminder of past events. Had it not been for Luffy's intervention at Enies Lobby, countless lives would have been lost to the merciless barrage of a Buster Call.
"Buster Call?!"
The gravity of Whitebeard's words sent a shiver down everyone's spine.
The name 'Buster Call' carried a weight of dread in the world—a reputation forged by countless tragedies like the Ohara Incident and the devastation of Enies Lobby.
"No matter what, we need to leave this place immediately," Whitebeard declared firmly.
Once the order for a Buster Call was given, the island would be relentlessly bombarded until nothing remained.
"We must evacuate at once."
"Yes!"
The crew members nodded in solemn agreement.
But before they could act on Whitebeard's command, a deafening roar reverberated through the air.
All eyes turned skyward as cannonballs rained down upon them, exploding upon impact with devastating force.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ground trembled violently beneath their feet as the island was consumed by chaos.
"Here it comes!"
Dragon's expression hardened, his resolve unwavering in the face of impending disaster.
Sengoku's swift action caught everyone off guard. Before the Marine admirals could complete their evacuation, the island was engulfed in a relentless bombardment, heedless of the officers' lives.
"Dragon-san, the Marines have surrounded the entire island!" Sabo's voice rang out, his face etched with anxiety as he clutched a steel pipe tightly. "And they've unleashed hundreds of Pacifista for a devastating bombardment!"
A collective hiss filled the air as the gravity of the situation sank in. The mere Buster Call was one thing, but with the addition of hundreds of PX-0s, their predicament grew dire. Navigating through artillery fire was challenging enough, but the PX-0s posed a formidable obstacle.
Sabo turned to Dragon urgently. "What should we do now? Everyone's heading to the island because of the Buster Call!"
Dragon nodded approvingly at Sabo's quick thinking. "You've done well. I have a plan to escape. Follow me, everyone!"
This evacuation presented a rare opportunity for Dragon to forge an alliance with Whitebeard. Knowing this, he wouldn't let it slip away easily.
Whitebeard, recognizing the need for cooperation, readily agreed. Each member of the revolutionary army possessed unique abilities that could aid in their escape.
As they discussed their strategy, the artillery barrage intensified, raining down countless cannonballs upon them. The ground trembled with each impact, illuminated by fiery explosions.
"Stop the artillery fire!" Whitebeard roared, leaping into action with his Murakumogiri, slicing through the falling gunfire. Marco and the other commanders joined him, employing their powers to deflect the cannonballs from the sky.
Dragon rallied his forces. "Let's help them!"
Sabo nodded, determination shining in his eyes as he swung his steel pipe. But amidst the chaos, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. Jumping beside Ace, he couldn't contain his grin.
"It's been too long, Ace!" Sabo shouted over the din of battle.
To be continued...
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