The sun had completely sunk beneath the horizon of Banaro Island—
But the sky was anything but quiet.
In its place, dozens of Marine warships lit up the sea with cold, blinding searchlights.
Like silent steel beasts, they formed a perfect crescent, sealing the island with no escape.
The sea breeze itself had changed.
Instead of cool night air, a dry, suffocating heat spread across the waters—
Heavy with the smell of sulfur.
Each wave reflected harsh beams of light, turning the ocean into a battlefield of glaring illumination.
"This is bad… really bad."
Ronan stood at the railing, spear in hand, scanning the horizon.
Beyond the iron curtain of ships, he could clearly sense it—
Not just the overwhelming presence of Admiral Akainu at the center—
But multiple Vice Admiral-level auras, sharp as blades.
"A Marine Admiral… sounds strong!"
Luffy stood atop the sheep figurehead, gripping his hat, eyes blazing with excitement.
That fearless spirit—
Actually began pushing back against the suffocating pressure.
"Hmph… we've had plenty of adventures, but not many opponents worth getting excited over."
Zoro smirked, hand already resting on Wado Ichimonji.
The blade gave a faint, eager hum under the moonlight.
"An Admiral… perfect timing."
"ARE YOU TWO IDIOTS INSANE?!"
BAM! BAM!
Two precise punches from Nami landed squarely on their heads.
"That's a Marine Admiral! The highest combat power in the sea!"
"Someone who can destroy an island alone!"
She grabbed their collars, shaking them violently, tears forming in her eyes.
"That's not someone we fight head-on!"
"We retreat! That's the only option!"
"Nami's right…"
Usopp and Chopper clung to each other, trembling.
"Luffy… I've got a severe case of 'Admiral-phobia'… we need to run!"
Robin stood quietly nearby, her black hair swaying in the wind.
Her eyes were calm—but filled with concern.
"Marine Admirals are monsters who can shift the balance of the world."
"Sakazuki, especially… his Magma Fruit has among the highest offensive power."
"And his 'Absolute Justice'… means pirates have no right to live in his eyes."
"Magma…" Usopp shuddered.
"That's… instant cremation-level power…"
Ace stood among the scorched ruins, dragging the barely conscious Blackbeard.
Despite the battle he'd just fought, he stood tall and unwavering.
He turned to Luffy, expression serious.
"She's right. Akainu is the most extreme among the Marines."
"This isn't just bad luck anymore."
He stepped forward slightly.
"Luffy… we can't fight this fleet head-on."
"We split up."
"I'll draw their main firepower."
"You break through from the side."
"Ace! You're going alone—?!"
"Don't underestimate me, Luffy!"
Ace laughed, flames igniting around him again.
"I'm the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"I still have to bring this traitor back to Father."
"You think I'd fall here?"
Luffy stared at his brother's back—
Then grinned just as brightly.
"Alright! Just don't get caught, Ace!"
"Of course I won't!"
At that moment—
The silence shattered.
"FIRE!!!"
From the Marine flagship, the order roared out.
Instantly—
Dozens of warships unleashed their cannons.
"WHOOOSH—WHOOOSH—!!"
Hundreds—no, thousands—of cannonballs tore through the night sky.
To Ronan's eyes—
The sky turned into a dense barrage.
A full annihilation bombardment—
On the level of a Buster Call.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!"
The island's shore descended into hell.
Massive water columns erupted.
Explosions shook the earth.
The already ruined island was further obliterated, swallowed by fire and smoke.
"There's no time!"
Ronan leapt onto the Merry's deck, sweeping his spear to deflect incoming debris.
"Everyone to positions! Prepare to break through!"
"Ace! You sure you won't come with us?!"
Luffy shouted from the stern.
"Luffy! I'll see you in the New World!!"
Ace laughed loudly.
Facing the rain of cannon fire—
He planted his feet, crossing his arms.
A terrifying heat surged outward.
"If you like fireworks so much…"
"Let me show you real fire!"
"FIRE FIST—!!"
He punched forward—
A massive fireball exploded from his fist.
A towering column of flame shot into the sky—
Like a roaring dragon.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Before even reaching it—
Cannonballs detonated midair from the sheer heat.
The flames tore open a clean path through the barrage—
Burning away death itself.
"LUFFY—! BREAK THROUGH!!!"
Dragging Blackbeard, Ace launched forward—
A blazing comet streaking across the sea—
Charging straight toward the weakest point in the Marine formation.
"We're moving too!!"
Ronan roared.
"Nami—which direction?!"
Nami scanned the fleet instantly.
"…South!"
"Merry—full speed south! Break through!!"
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