Since arriving in this world, Finn had witnessed only one duel between top-tier masters. That had been on Minion Island in the North Blue, when Admiral Sengoku and Admiral Zephyr had teamed up against Shiki.
However, that battle had started strong but ended anticlimactically. Shiki had no intention of fighting to the death, so when the clash began, it was hard to determine who held the advantage.
As for the Battle of Edd War, that had all been exaggerated by the Marines. Finn had participated in the real situation and knew it intimately. By the time they'd arrived, it was practically over.
Therefore, this time, Finn was genuinely witnessing a duel between top masters.
Fleet Admiral Kong was extraordinarily powerful, and Redfield wasn't to be outdone. Whenever the two clashed, powerful airflow erupted from their collision.
It was Haki confrontation. Not only that, black and red lightning crackled around both combatants. When the power grew too intense, even space itself seemed to faintly shatter, visible to the naked eye!
The solid ice layer Kuzan had just frozen offered no resistance whatsoever. Wherever Kong and Redfield passed, everything collapsed!
Perhaps to protect the warship, it didn't take long for Kong to lead Redfield away, growing farther and farther from the vessel.
"You notify Headquarters and call for nearby support. I'll go support the Fleet Admiral!" Kuzan said decisively upon seeing this.
Finn nodded quickly. "Understood!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Kuzan stepped hard on the ground and chased after them, while Finn quickly pulled out his Den Den Mushi and contacted Headquarters.
After a moment, the call connected.
"Finn? You've arrived at G-1, correct?" Admiral Sengoku's slightly relaxed voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
That's right, Finn had contacted the big man himself.
Sengoku had calculated the timing and figured Fleet Admiral Kong should be arriving soon, hence the question.
"Something's happened, Admiral!" Finn interrupted Sengoku's relaxed tone.
Sengoku, who'd been feeling quite content, froze momentarily, then quickly sat up straight at his desk. He asked in a deep voice, "What's going on?"
If something happened to the Fleet Admiral in the New World, it would undoubtedly be a devastating blow to the current situation. Sengoku felt genuine panic.
"We were about to arrive at G-1 Base when we encountered the Red Earl, Patrick Redfield. Fleet Admiral Kong has already engaged him, and Rear Admiral Kuzan is providing support. We attempted to contact G-1 Base for reinforcements and a sea blockade, but discovered G-1 had lost contact. Based on the current situation, I've made this assessment: G-1 Base fell into Redfield's hands before our arrival, and he was deliberately waiting for us here!" Finn rapidly reported the situation.
Sengoku was stunned. What had gotten into Redfield? Why was he looking for trouble? Why had he suddenly destroyed G-1 Base?
What was even more alarming, such a large base had been breached by Redfield, yet the Marines hadn't received any notification?
"He must be stronger than before!" Sengoku reached the conclusion without hesitation.
Finn didn't respond. After all, he'd never seen Redfield before. How could he know if he'd grown stronger?
But there was no time to delay. Finn quickly said, "Commodore Rodriguez Finn of Marine Headquarters requests support from Headquarters. Blockade the surrounding waters and conduct a rescue operation at G-1 Base as quickly as possible to capture Redfield!"
"Approved. We'll dispatch the nearest warships to support you immediately!" Sengoku said without hesitation.
Finn's request for support was strategically worded, giving Kong sufficient face. From his phrasing, it was clear he wasn't asking to support the Fleet Admiral in dealing with Redfield, but to rescue G-1 Base.
Sengoku understood this perfectly and was very satisfied with Finn. This young man was genuinely intelligent, with considerable talent for politics.
However, this thought was only fleeting before Sengoku cast it aside. He said in a deep voice, "Finn, I don't need to elaborate on what the Fleet Admiral represents to our Marines. Everyone can get into trouble except him. Do you understand what I mean?"
Finn's heart trembled. He responded quickly, "Yes, Admiral. I understand. Everything is for justice. We Marines will do our utmost to ensure the Fleet Admiral's safety!" After a pause, Finn said in a deeper voice, "The Fleet Admiral will not fall until I fall!"
There was no response from Sengoku, but Finn already knew what he meant. He quickly ended the call.
It had to be said, Sengoku was genuinely ruthless. But Finn didn't mind at all.
Because if he were in Sengoku's position, he'd definitely give the same hint, or even directly order them to fight to the death!
After all, Fleet Admiral Kong was far more important than himself and Kuzan. If something happened to Kong, the Marines would descend into chaos.
Simultaneously, even if Sengoku hadn't said it, Finn understood the implications.
After all, he and Kuzan were tasked with "guarding the Fleet Admiral," carrying out the mission under that pretext.
If the Fleet Admiral died here under these circumstances, he and Kuzan would be held responsible for serious dereliction of duty, among other charges.
Going back to get promoted and earn merit? If they went back, they might face court-martial, or even imprisonment in Impel Down.
This wasn't a joke. The Marine leadership might protect them from other issues, but they couldn't possibly protect them from something like this!
In truth, Finn admired Sengoku's ruthlessness and decisiveness.
Only such a person could be called a qualified commander. Not as heartless as Sakazuki, leaving no room for flexibility, nor as indecisive as Kuzan.
He could always make the most appropriate decision in the shortest time. That was remarkable!
Therefore, Finn felt no resentment.
He'd enjoyed so many benefits, taken so many advantages within the Marines. Wasn't it reasonable to fight for the Marines when they needed him?
In this world, was there any way to gain advantages without suffering losses?
At this moment, Finn didn't realize he'd changed considerably from his original self.
If he were still in the North Blue, he wouldn't be so willing to fight for the Marines.
Perhaps his state of mind had shifted. Or perhaps he'd never truly believed Fleet Admiral Kong would die in battle here.
"You, retreat the warship and maintain alert status. As support, you must ensure the ship's maneuverability!" Finn turned and addressed the Marines behind him with clear orders.
Currently, Kong was fighting Redfield, and Kuzan had gone to provide support, making Finn the highest-ranking officer on this warship.
Finn didn't blindly trust the story in his memories. Who knew whether Kong could still exhaust Redfield's stamina after adding himself to the equation and changing certain variables?
Therefore, he had to prepare for the worst. Redfield's sampan was gone, and the sea ahead was frozen. He already had a foothold, so there was no need for the warship to continue breaking ice.
They should stay back and maintain mobility. If things became impossible, there was no point in making contributions. The correct solution was finding a way to escape with the Fleet Admiral!
"Yes, Commodore Finn!" the Marines responded quickly.
Seeing this, Finn delayed no longer. With Geppo, he rushed from the warship and chased toward the battle zone ahead.
Simultaneously, support orders from Marine Headquarters were conveyed to the surrounding waters. Numerous warships began advancing toward G-1 Marine Base.
Among them, the leader was none other than that old bastard Garp.
There was one thing Finn had guessed incorrectly. Even without his presence, Garp hadn't directly followed Kong to G-1. Therefore, in the original timeline, when Garp had arrived, the two had just finished fighting!
He'd rescued the Fleet Admiral and captured Redfield.
When Finn arrived at the battlefield, Kong was still bravely attacking Redfield, every punch and kick carrying powerful fighting spirit.
At this point, both Redfield and Kong were injured. Redfield had cut a wound on the Fleet Admiral's arm. Blood flowed profusely.
As for Redfield, he seemed slightly unsteady after being struck on the shoulder by Kong's fist.
Kuzan was crouching on the glacier, hands pressed against the ice, continuously exerting his abilities.
The glacier constantly shattered by the battle's aftermath was quickly restored.
Simultaneously, he was secretly trying to trip up Redfield.
For example, if Redfield stayed in one spot too long, Kuzan would control ice spikes to shoot upward and stab at him.
Though it never succeeded, this tactic genuinely irritated Redfield.
In the original timeline, Finn didn't know whether Kuzan had been present for this battle or if he'd taken action. But now he felt Redfield might genuinely be the one who'd lose.
After all, in reality, Kong's strength was only slightly weaker than Redfield's.
Now with Kuzan on the side harassing Redfield, the current situation was completely in Kong's favor.
Thinking this through, Finn didn't interrupt Kuzan's "spellcasting." Instead, he placed his hand on Sōzai at his waist. The inexplicable power in his body slowly surged.
He also planned to follow Kuzan's example and deliver a ruthless surprise attack on Redfield.
Psychological burden?
None whatsoever. You're joking. They were Marines enforcing justice. When had they ever played fair with pirates? They'd always fight with superior numbers, never engage in one-on-one duels.
If there was an opportunity to use underhanded tactics, never hesitate.
Anyway, he had no moral qualms or psychological pressure. It would be better for everyone if Redfield was eliminated as quickly as possible!
With him and Kuzan providing support, Kong fought with complete freedom.
Conversely, after being tricked by Kuzan several times, though the attacks failed, Redfield had to divert some attention to monitoring both Finn and Kuzan. It was genuinely uncomfortable!
The Aloof Red was discovering that being alone wasn't always advantageous.
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