The intersection of the Red Line and the Grand Line, namely, Reverse Mountain and Mariejois, rises to just over 10,000 meters at its highest peaks. Even factoring in the sloped geography, that cannon could still fire a direct shot at the Holy Land of Mariejois from beyond 10,000 meters away.
And that's just the baseline. If the weapon's power surpasses expectations, its range and destructive potential could multiply severalfold!
But that leads to a more pressing concern: how many shots can it fire?
Once?
Twice?
Three times?
...Or indefinitely?
"So, the key to this battle isn't defeating Byrnndi World or Redfield," Someone finally said, "It's destroying that massive cannon."
The room fell silent. The logic was sound, crystal clear, even, but the options to act on it were pitifully few. After all, those two monsters weren't new to this. Even before their submersible neared the perimeter, the enemy picked off each incoming vessel one by one, as if the ships had been marked by name.
The Aerial Fleet fared even worse than the G-5's backup submarines. Unless they could somehow hover above 10,000 meters in the sky, the ship's anti-air artillery would teach them firsthand what real firepower suppression meant.
Byrnndi World was no mindless brute. He clearly understood the current state of Marine forces and had fully retrofitted his colossal warship, customizing it specifically to counter every Marine tactic. Where he got the resources for such modifications is anyone's guess.
"Can we form a crossfire network using the Super Electromagnetic Cannon and deliver a synchronized barrage?"
Chaton's sudden proposal lit a spark in everyone's eyes.
Since close-quarters sabotage had already been neutralized, long-range artillery like the Super Electromagnetic Cannon might allow them to strike from beyond the enemy's sight, an over-the-horizon offensive.
Rowen paused, considering the suggestion, then gave a nod.
"That approach is similar to how I use long-range lightning strikes. It's worth trying. Contact the Scientific Division. Start calculating firing trajectories and coordinates."
"Yes, sir!" Dante didn't hesitate. He reached for the Den Den Mushi and began relaying orders.
"But don't celebrate just yet. Remember, someone named Patrick Redfield is still up there."
Noticing how the generals' tension had eased, Rowen promptly doused their optimism: "The reason I've kept my most powerful thunder strike in reserve... is precisely because of him."
Even someone like Shanks, whose mastery of Haki is legendary, could block a point-blank blast from the Super Electromagnetic Cannon. So in his prime, 'Red the Aloof' Redfield could likely do the same with ease.
And with Byrnndi World backing him up, Rowen wasn't betting on the cannon's success.
"If it comes down to it, we've still got one last resort." At that moment, Kizaru spoke up in his usual laid-back tone: "We drown the damn thing. No matter the cost."
The mood turned grim. After a beat of silence, every eye in the room turned to Rowen.
The Marines don't always aim to win at minimal cost. When the time comes, they're prepared to bleed for victory. Just like back during the West Blue's Hell Crab Rampage, when they launched a wave assault using sheer manpower. It took countless lives, but in the end, they brought the beast down.
In war, people die. That reality doesn't change, no matter who's giving the orders.
But even in death, there are missions that must be completed.
Rowen silently took a drag from his cigar. Ignoring the many eyes on him, he let out a thin wisp of smoke and grinned.
"You think I don't have the resolve, Borsalino Senpai?"
This was Rowen's second time acting as Supreme Commander in a large-scale operation, but no one dared question his authority. The last time he took command, he led a surprise assault that wiped out over a million pirates. The seas ran red.
They don't call him in for minor skirmishes. His power is reserved for wars that decide eras.
"No, no, that's not what I meant..." Kizaru tucked away his nail clipper and raised his hands with a relaxed smile. "What I'm saying is, when the time comes, don't hesitate to use our lives as needed, Commander."
'Wait... Kizaru is choosing sides?'
Rowen narrowed his eyes.
While the others were fired up by Kizaru's words, Rowen sensed a deeper meaning behind them. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Looking at the determined expressions around him, he chuckled softly.
"Fine, but don't go treating your lives like pocket change. I won't toss them away unless the gain is worth it."
'So… if the reward's high enough, you would sell us out?'
Everyone chuckled wryly at the sarcasm, stunned for a moment before shaking their heads in resignation.
"Next, I--"
BOOM!
Just then, the door burst open with a thunderous crash!
A bloodied soldier stumbled in, barely held up by two comrades. When he saw Rowen, he struggled to stand straight and salute, his face pale with terror.
"Ba, bad news, Commander! The enemy ambushed our Third Patrol Unit! They're now less than three nautical miles from our position!"
Rowen froze mid-puff of his cigar, eyes narrowing in disbelief.
"What kind of enemy?"
Byrnndi World's Leviathan ship was still dozens of nautical miles away just minutes ago!
"It was… someone in red… carrying an umbrella for a weapon…" The soldier's voice trembled with fear, his body shaking uncontrollably.
"He was… terrifying! In a single clash… even Rear Admiral Hickley's flagship, along with four other battleships were completely annihilated!"
A patrol unit led by a Rear Admiral, wiped out in moments. And then that clue: red clothing... an umbrella...
"What a reckless entrance… Red Count."
A cold glint flashed in Rowen's eyes as he locked eyes with Kizaru.
"Leave it to me." Kizaru stood up, stretching his shoulders, and looked at Rowen seriously.
"Once I finish dealing with Byrnndi World, I'll head over."
"Don't underestimate me, I want to see just how strong the old man really is."
Whatever their reasons, now that Redfield and Byrnndi World had split up, new strategies could finally be put into play.
…
Inside the command room, Vice Admiral Momonga and the others gripped their weapons tightly, ready to leap into action.
"Move out! Wipe them out!"
"For justice!"
West Blue Waters – G-1 Base – Sunset
The golden rays of the setting sun painted the sea in hues of fire and gold. The waves shimmered like scales beneath the light, rippling gently across the surface.
A shattered plank drifted alone on the water. Redfield stood with one foot resting lightly upon it, both hands leaning on his umbrella. His eyes were closed, his posture calm, like a noble out for an evening stroll, savoring the quiet of twilight.
But all around him...
Five of the Marine's enormous "War Behemoth"-class battleships had been cleaved clean through, now listing and sinking in grotesque angles. Their broken remains formed what looked like a makeshift reef island, scattered across the sea.
And it had all happened... from a single swing of his umbrella.
"A... a monster!"
Far off, behind the fractured hull of a destroyed ship, a blond middle-aged man with Rear Admiral insignia clung to floating debris, gasping for breath, eyes wide with terror. Blood streamed down from his head, staining his white cape crimson.
Gazing across the water at the calm figure in red, the man trembled. There was no doubt left in his heart.
Though Redfield's expression was relaxed, a suffocating pressure radiated from him, the unmistakable aura of a predator at the top of the food chain.
Faced with something so far beyond reason, the only word the Rear Admiral could utter was:
"A monster…"
"Damn it... I can't die here!"
With a desperate cry, he bit through his own lip, drawing his blade from its sheath.
"In the name of justice, Redfield, surrender now!"
Then he charged forward, leaping into the sky with Geppo, soaring straight at Redfield across the waves.
Creak...
SPLASH!
The cry of defiance was abruptly silenced. His body was split in two, the halves spinning across the water like thrown driftwood before vanishing beneath the sea.
And back where he began... Redfield hadn't moved an inch.
He remained in the exact same stance, as if he hadn't even opened his eyes. Only a single drop of blood landed near his feet, rippling the surface.
That drop was the only proof the clash had even occurred.
SWISH!
In a flash of blue lightning, a tall figure landed atop a shattered battleship.
"Still... too late?"
Looking toward where Hickley had fallen, Rowen slowly reached over his shoulder and drew his Thunder Dragon Crescent Halberd, turning his gaze on the distant figure in red.
"You shouldn't have come here, Red the Aloof."
"Why not?" Redfield asked without opening his eyes.
"Because without you, Byrnndi World doesn't stand a chance against the Marine assault."
"And what of it?" Redfield replied, his tone calm. "I'm merely passing through. If I truly allied with him, that would be an insult to us both."
Redfield chuckled softly.
"If anything, you're the one who shouldn't have come."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Because back then, Kong tried to bait me out the same way."
Rowen gave a thin smile in response. "And yet, in the end, Commander-in-Chief Kong… lost, didn't he?"
Before the echo of his words could fade, a bolt of black lightning surged toward Redfield. But as the halberd neared, the final twenty centimeters felt insurmountable, like crashing against an invisible wall. No matter how fiercely the thunder-clad weapon pushed forward, it couldn't move a fraction more.
Raising his umbrella with a single hand, Redfield blocked the attack effortlessly. His mouth opened, but the words he spoke were drowned out by what came next, BOOM!!
A deafening explosion tore through the air.
A colossal wave erupted from the sea, swallowing wreckage and sky alike. The sheer force flattened everything in its path, sending water and steel flying in all directions.
(End of Chapter)
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