Fortunately, the surrounding Marines arrived in time and escorted the civilians away, silencing the chaos in the town.
On the rugged road, Zephyr wielded his blade, his body enveloped in Armament Haki, exuding a terrifying presence reminiscent of an ancient Tyrannosaurus rex.
With a single punch, the ground cracked violently, blasting the nearby Marines away.
Boom! Boom!
The earth trembled as Zephyr's muscles tensed, each movement radiating explosive power like a meteor striking the sea, sending shockwaves through the air.
Kizaru pursed his lips, admiration shining in his eyes. "As expected of Teacher Zephyr. So old, yet still so formidable."
Golden light filled the air as Zephyr summoned a radiant golden long sword, swinging it forward with incredible force.
Boom!
The ground shook violently. The shockwave sent Kizaru flying, sword in hand, leaving a deep trail etched into the earth.
To see Kizaru—an Admiral—blown away by Zephyr was astonishing. Watching from a distance, Kaito's lips twitched slightly, though he remained composed. This was serious business.
Without Kizaru obstructing him, Zephyr unleashed attacks that seemed unparalleled, striking multiple Marines in rapid succession. Within moments, he appeared in front of Sentomaru.
Sentomaru's face grew stern. "Let it go!"
A massive energy beam, golden and destructive, erupted from the bear-shaped Marine, firing straight at Zephyr.
"Hahaha! You really think that can stop me?" Zephyr laughed wildly.
Facing the golden beam, Zephyr's body shimmered with metallic light. His massive Haki-imbued fist collided with the beam, shattering it instantly.
Boom! Boom!
The shockwave continued, tearing the earth and extending cracks toward nearby robots, obliterating them.
"Impressive! He's still terrifying, even after all these years! A contemporary of Marshal Sengoku and others!" Sentomaru muttered, his eyes wide with awe.
In an instant, he vanished, his figure disappearing with a swift movement as cracks spread across the ground and monstrous energy erupted like a volcanic explosion. Objects around him disintegrated under the sheer force.
No Marines remained in front of the final magma pool.
"Hahaha! After all these years! Still nothing but trash!" Zephyr roared, striding proudly toward the interior.
Destroying the magma pool would eliminate the New World's dangerous zones, ensuring peace. His eyes blazed with determination as he quickened his pace.
Suddenly, Zephyr froze, narrowing his eyes, a grim smile forming. "What! You intend to stop me as well, Aokiji?"
"Hoo! Don't say that! Teacher Zephyr! This magma pool is tied to the lives of everyone in the New World. Even if I could let you pass, he won't allow it!"
"You… Kaito! Very impressive! A great pirate like you here! Today, I will send you to join Roger, the Pirate King!" Zephyr's eyes widened, his gaze piercing as he pointed at Aokiji.
Hearing this, Kaito's mouth twitched at the absurd title. He inhaled deeply to suppress his irritation. "This is Marine business. It has nothing to do with us pirates! I'm here to watch the fun!"
"Humph! Join the fun! Sure! When will Marines and pirates ever cooperate? Marine corruption runs deep! No wonder you quit!" Zephyr snorted, his expression dark.
"Teacher Zephyr! Give it up! If you surrender, return with us! Marshal Sengoku might reconsider and spare you!" Aokiji pleaded.
"Humph! Stop your prattle! Aokiji! I haven't seen you for years. Let's see how strong you've become!" Zephyr extended his Haki-imbued arm, a sly grin on his face.
"Zephyr-san! Listen to Aokiji, or you'll die today!" a voice warned, and golden light shimmered as Kizaru appeared beside Aokiji.
"Two Admirals! That old Sengoku sure favors me!" Zephyr sneered.
A golden figure flashed, purple hair fluttering as he lunged toward Aokiji and Kizaru without fear.
"Zephyr-san! Why?" Aokiji exhaled.
The air chilled instantly, freezing the hot ground as temperatures dropped sharply. Aokiji lowered his arms. "Ice Age!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Cold surged outward like tidal waves, freezing the magma world in moments.
"Aokiji! Haven't I told you already? Don't rely solely on your Devil Fruit!" Zephyr taunted.
His energy erupted, gathering in his body as his Haki-infused fist slammed the ground.
Rumble! Boom!
The earth shook violently, cracks spreading like spiderwebs as shockwaves collided with Aokiji's cold air, scattering it in all directions.
"Impressive! As expected of Zephyr! How do you counter my Ice Age like this!" Aokiji's expression remained calm.
"But this can't continue!" He shook his head slightly.
Seeing Zephyr's shockwave approach, Aokiji conjured an ice spear, its crystalline form gleaming.
He thrust it hard toward Zephyr.
The ice spear stabbed the ground before Zephyr could react, spreading freezing energy outward. Zephyr bore the brunt first.
"Oh! Did it work?" Kizaru, midair, observed the ice formation below, surprised.
Suddenly, golden light filled the scene as Kizaru's power erupted, like a descending golden Buddha, protecting everyone.
Eight-foot jade constructs struck with a thunderous roar, golden energy surging like rain toward Zephyr.
Crack! Crack!
The ice sculpture covering Zephyr shattered under the barrage, golden light piercing through, and in an instant, Zephyr was riddled with attacks, leaving no room for defense.
Not a single word escaped him as the overwhelming assault consumed him.
____
Milestones
100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Powerstones = 2 Bonus Chapters
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