NOVEL NEXT Chapter 023: The Marine Crisis
BOOM!
A thunderous explosion erupted as a magma fist exploded before Marco's eyes.
Scalding lava scattered across the frozen battlefield, creating a violent sizzle as fire met ice—thick white steam billowed upward.
"That was close!"
Marco landed in a crouch, cold sweat dripping down his face as he stared at Admiral Akainu.
Had he reacted a split-second slower, he'd have taken a direct hit.
Even with his Mythical Zoan Phoenix powers, Marco still feared the terrifying intensity of magma.
Seeing his attack narrowly dodged, Akainu's fury deepened. With a snarl, he leapt forward, launching himself toward Marco.
Though Marco was the Whitebeard Pirates' First Division Commander, and undeniably powerful, he still wasn't on Akainu's level in raw strength.
If not for his Phoenix regeneration, he wouldn't be able to hold his ground at all.
But thanks to his Mythical Zoan healing, Marco barely managed to stall the Admiral.
---
"You damn pirate scum!"
Akainu's eyes burned with wrath as his right arm transformed into roiling magma, jet-black smoke pouring upward.
"As long as I'm here—none of you are leaving alive!"
With a roar, Akainu's magma arm swelled grotesquely and then burst outward.
"Great Eruption!"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A massive fist of lava shot skyward, illuminating half the battlefield in a hellish red glow.
---
The Marines in the vicinity, seeing the colossal magma fist soaring through the air, cheered with renewed hope and began to fall back.
"It's Admiral Akainu!"
"We're saved—he's taking the lead!"
On the pirates' side, however, a wave of terror swept through the ranks as they stared at the descending inferno.
"W-What is that…?"
"That magma fist… it's Akainu!"
---
Underneath the shadow of the burning sky, many pirates were frozen in fear.
Suddenly, the massive magma fist rumbled ominously.
Gurgle…
"Oh no!"
One of the pirates panicked.
The next moment, the fiery fist burst apart midair, erupting into a rain of molten projectiles.
The scattered fireballs rained down like hellish meteors toward the pirate frontlines.
---
"Run!"
"It's volcanic bombardment!!"
The pirates at the front screamed in horror, scattering in all directions.
---
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"AAAAH!!"
"We can't block it!"
"HELP!!!"
Explosions tore through the battlefield as each lava orb slammed into the ground, igniting everything it touched.
Screams echoed as pirates were set ablaze alive, the battlefield transformed into a burning sea of fire.
Cries of agony filled the air—a fiery hellscape had consumed Marineford.
---
This… was the true cruelty of war.
---
On the deck of his ship, Whitebeard stood motionless, listening to the screams echoing across the bay.
His eyes narrowed sharply.
Then, a massive magma orb headed directly for him.
---
Hmm…
Whitebeard's sharp eyes glinted coldly. As the fiery boulder neared, he stepped forward.
With a burst of strength, he raised his naginata, Murakumogiri, and stabbed it directly into the heart of the fireball.
SHHHK!
The burning orb stopped midair, pierced by his weapon.
Whitebeard stared across the battlefield, locking eyes with Akainu.
---
"Such excessive fireworks…"
He took a slow breath and with a mighty exhale—
"FOOO!" — blew out the flames as if snuffing a candle.
Then, in a deep, mocking tone:
"With that level of skill, you're better off lighting birthday candles, Magma Brat."
---
Akainu scowled darkly.
"Hmph. What, Whitebeard… You don't care for a grand funeral?"
---
"GURURURURURU!!!"
Whitebeard let out his signature laugh.
He gave a final flick of his naginata, flinging the now-extinguished magma rock aside.
Then he looked to the execution platform, where Ace was still shackled.
Raising his weapon high, he shouted:
---
"My sons!"
"Show these Marines what we're made of!"
"They dared to hurt my family—we'll make them pay dearly!"
---
His thunderous roar echoed across the entirety of Marine Headquarters.
Then—with a mighty leap—Whitebeard landed on the ice, his naginata poised for battle.
---
"CHAAAAARGE!!!"
The Whitebeard Pirates, seeing their captain enter the battlefield, erupted in euphoria.
Their morale surged like a tidal wave—their blood now boiling.
Across the field, the Marines' expressions tightened.
They realized that Whitebeard was not just their strongest enemy—
He was also the symbol that held the pirate forces together.
---
"Damn it, he's entered the battle himself!"
Back on the Admiral's platform, Sengoku's face darkened.
He was already agitated after hearing Kizaru's report about Impel Down.
---
Brrru brrru brrru…
Just then, the Den Den Mushi in his coat pocket began to ring.
Cold sweat broke across his forehead.
He dreaded what new disaster was calling.
And yet, he had no choice but to answer.
This line represented absolute authority.
With a heavy heart, Sengoku picked it up.
---
"Sengoku, this is the Gorōsei."
"Yes, esteemed Elders. This is Sengoku speaking. What are your orders?"
He braced himself for the worst.
And he was right to do so.
---
"Ghidorah has broken through the Gates of Justice."
"He could arrive at Marineford at any moment."
---
"WHAT?!"
Sengoku's eyes went wide.
Though he had never witnessed Ghidorah's power firsthand, the reports in classified archives were absolutely terrifying.
If those records were even half accurate…
Marine Headquarters could be in mortal danger.
---
"What about Ace's execution?"
After a long pause, Sengoku asked the question weighing most on his mind.
---
"You are granted full authority. Everything is in your hands now."
The voice on the other end was cold and resolute.
---
What?!
Sengoku couldn't believe his ears.
His heart filled with anger.
If Ghidorah's power truly matched the records…
He looked across the battlefield at the countless Marines—the best of the Navy—and felt a deep sorrow.
---
"Understood. But after this is over, I will formally request to step down."
"Permission granted."
"Do not let this pressure consume you. Blackbeard will be arriving soon to reinforce you."
The line went dead before Sengoku could say another word.
As he processed what he'd just heard, Sengoku's expression darkened further.
So…
The Gorōsei had already struck a deal with Blackbeard.
---
RUMBLE… RUMBLE…
Suddenly, the ground shook violently, as if something massive was rapidly approaching.
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