Cherry blossoms fell like rain, drifting between the two of them.
In just a few seconds.
Akainu and Shano's expressions quickly faded.
The two simultaneously narrowed their eyes slightly.
...
North Island, at the dock.
Dalmatia was chewing on a cigar, urging the Marines to board the ship, when the radio snail in his pocket suddenly started ringing.
"Hello?"
Listening to the orders coming from the other end of the line, Dalmatia's expression suddenly changed: "Yes! Mr. Sakazuki, we will complete the mission!"
Just after hanging up the phone.
Another Headquarter Vice Admiral, Bumaya, rushed over expectantly: "What's happening? What's happening?"
"Great Sword Hero Shano's crew is currently on the South Island."
Dalmatia turned his head, eyes fierce, "Mr. Sakazuki is already engaged with that Shano, should take him down soon, no need for us to intervene."
"Our target is to capture every other member of the Endgame Pirate Gang, move quickly, do not let anyone escape!"
"Oh oh oh!!!"
Bumaya suddenly raised her arms, erupting in nearly manic cheers, her pretty face twisted with excitement, her tongue licking her crimson lips:
"Fantastic! Long live Mr. Sakazuki, we finally have a battle to fight!"
She spun around abruptly, like a little girl who just got candy, excitedly rushing toward the deck.
"..."
Dalmatia glanced at her back and shook his head.
He didn't know this colleague very well, but he had heard that she was a crazy woman with unpredictable moods, idolized Mr. Akainu, and enjoyed brutalizing pirates, possessing rather mysterious fruit abilities.
If not for this coincidental task together, he usually wouldn't get too close.
But now, the task was more important.
Suppressing miscellaneous thoughts, he turned his head and shouted sternly:
"Attention everyone, Marines who can't board in time stop embarking! Leave one warship here on standby, all other warships, set off immediately, change course! Block the coastline near the South Island docks, if any suspicious figures are spotted, surround them immediately!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
A resounding response echoed from the surrounding Marines.
...
On the South Island, within a certain cherry blossom grove.
"Brother?"
Nami looked puzzled at the radio snail in her hand, "Hmm, weird, why did it suddenly go silent?"
"Let's go, Nami!"
Shano's deep voice came over, "Navy Grand Admiral Akainu is on this island, confronting me, his subordinates are also heading to South Island to capture you all."
"There's no time to lose, have everyone evacuate immediately!"
Navy Grand Admiral Akainu?!
Nami was stunned, and the others' expressions changed drastically as well, exchanging glances.
"Hey, everyone can hear me, right?"
Shano's voice sounded again, carrying an undeniable decision, "Explain clearly to Nami, don't even think about any foolish ideas of coming to support, that will only get everyone killed!"
"Only when you are safe can I safely escape, understand?!"
Pop!
The radio snail was disconnected, leaving only a deathly silence.
"Go!"
Smoker was the first to react, looking in a certain direction, gritting his teeth and growling low, "Indeed, several warships are coming this way, hurry up and go, now is not the time to hesitate!"
"But my brother is still…" Nami was anxious, just about to say something, but Zeff grabbed her.
"Don't be foolish, Nami!"
The old cook scolded rarely and sternly, "Didn't you understand your brother's words, that level of battle is not something we can help with, since the captain dares to say so, he must have confidence in escaping!"
"Our safe retreat is the best help, staying here will only drag him down!"
"Exactly!" Nojiko also grasped her wrist, her voice firm, "Nami, trust brother, he never does anything without assurance."
"But…" Nami looked back towards the direction of the stone bridge, still unwilling.
Thud!
A precise chop struck her at the back of the neck, Nami's eyes rolled up, and she collapsed weakly.
Kuina retracted her hand, expressionless, lifting her up: "Sorry, but at times like this, there's no time for reasoning with kids."
"Let's move, everyone!"
She hoisted Nami onto her shoulder, took a deep look north, and was the first to dart towards the docks of South Island.
The other crew members quickly followed.
...
Beside the natural stone bridge.
Akainu and Shano simultaneously put away their radio snails, their gazes colliding once more.
"I notified my subordinates, and you took the chance to notify your companions?"
Akainu spoke calmly, "Quite loyal you are, kid, but… trying to single-handedly delay me to cover their retreat? Isn't that a bit…"
"——Too naive!"
Swoosh!
Before the words finished, Akainu suddenly erupted into action without warning.
Almost instantly, he vanished from the other side, and when the latter half of the sentence sounded, the voice was already above Shano's head.
His right hand had suddenly expanded into a massive magma fist, whistling as it smashed down!
Boom!!!
The magma fist tore through the air, the searing heat vaporizing the cherry blossoms wafting in the wind, turning them into a rain of fire.
Such terrifying speed!
Shano's pupils contracted sharply, back tense, body dodging to the side, the lava nearly grazing his cheek, exploding into a massive pit at its original location.
"Old man."
He steadied himself, looked at Akainu across from him, and grinned:
"Starting a conversation, at least finish your words before making a move, attacking at disagreement tarnishes the dignity of a Navy Grand Admiral."
"Dignity? There's no such thing in my dictionary. Does the Navy need to observe rules to capture pirates?"
Akainu's face was indifferent, this time raising both arms, the magma within them violently surging, "You dodged fast enough, but… how many times can you dodge?"