"Glad I made it back in time."
Reno, pushing the Golden Ark to maximum speed, returned to the Caste Kingdom just before the Marines arrived.
The interior of the Caste Kingdom was filled with unease after the citizens learned of the full situation. All the citizens were hiding in their homes, gripped by panic.
At the Royal Palace.
"Captain!"
"Captain!!"
Flame Flower and the others had been waiting for a long time.
"What's the situation?" Reno urgently asked.
"Captain, just now, the monitoring station dozens of miles from the capital reported that the Marine fleet is only a few dozen miles from the harbor."
"They will arrive in less than an hour."
"Captain, the Marines have likely sent their entire force this time." Rogue's expression was rarely this serious when he said this.
"Admiral Steel Bone Kong, Vice Admiral Garp, Vice Admiral Sengoku, and Vice Admiral Zeffa. Besides them, there are over a dozen elite Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, twenty warships, and nearly twenty thousand Marine soldiers."
"Captain, the Marines intend to completely wipe us out this time." Even the usually cheerful Jess became serious.
"One hour, then? We still have time."
"Luo Feng!"
Reno, having absorbed the information, said little, as this was within his expectations. His gaze swept over everyone and settled on Luo Feng, who had recovered his strength.
"Young Master, what are your arrangements?!!"
The situation in the Caste Kingdom was no longer manageable by the old King Layton. For now, everything concerning the Caste Kingdom had been temporarily handed over to Reno.
"Eat this."
"This is?!!" Luo Feng looked in shock at the Devil Fruit in Reno's hand.
"This is the Island-Island Fruit. Once you eat it, you will naturally understand its use."
"We will need your power for this battle today!"
With the Caste Kingdom facing an imminent crisis, Luo Feng did not hesitate. He gulped down the Island-Island Fruit.
Black Shadow, upon seeing this, said nothing. Among the entire pirate crew, only he and Reno were without a Devil Fruit. However, if Reno arranged it this way, he must have a reason.
"Captain, what do we do next?!" Flame Flower and the others stepped forward, their faces earnest.
"Captain, if you need our strength, we can fight too!!" Streusen and Rupert proactively volunteered.
Although they were not combatants, that didn't mean they lacked strength. Taking on a Marine Rear Admiral would pose no problem.
"No need, I have everything under control. The two of you take all the soldiers away from the harbor."
Ordinary soldiers were little more than cannon fodder against such a large Marine force; sending them up would be suicide. However, these were the backbone of the Caste Kingdom, and Reno did not want them to die in vain.
"Rogue, bring the hundred soldiers you've recently trained."
After the last battle, Reno had selected a hundred soldiers with the best talent and strength from the Caste Kingdom's twenty thousand soldiers. Individually, their strength surpassed that of a typical Marine soldier.
Of course, even with Rogue's special training, their strength hadn't increased much in just one month. The reason for bringing them was that they were all equipped with various Dials that Reno had brought back from Sky Island.
Based on their needs, they were respectively equipped with Heat Dials, Flame Dials, and Impact Dials. Seven or eight of the physically stronger ones were even equipped with the devastating Reject Dials.
Their strength was significantly boosted for a short time, enough to handle a certain number of Marine soldiers without issue.
"Jess, Flame Flower, Haerding, Black Shadow—the four of you are coming with me to meet these guys!"
As he spoke, a chilling, sharp light flashed in Reno's eyes.
Since he dared to kill Celestial Dragons in front of so many people on Sabaody Archipelago, he was fully prepared to face the situation today.
"Don't worry, Captain. Tomorrow will be their death anniversary!" Jess surged with electricity, and the scarlet eyes of the Thunder Kirin in his hand suddenly glowed.
"I've just gotten familiar with the More-More Fruit, so I'll use them to practice." Haerding was uncharacteristically angry.
"I heard that fellow Zeffa is here. We didn't finish our fight last time, so we'll continue this time." Flame Flower appeared unconcerned.
"Luo Feng, come out with me. I'll teach you what to do in a moment."
... ... ...
About an hour later.
A full twenty Marine warships arrived at Caste.
On the ships, Steel Bone Kong and the other high-ranking officers could already see the harbor ahead with their naked eyes.
Throughout the journey, everyone remained silent, enveloped by a tense, killing atmosphere.
"Admiral Kong, that is the Caste Kingdom ahead!" an adjutant stepped forward to report.
Steel Bone Kong gave a slight nod and carefully sensed the area using his Armament Haki.
There were indeed a few powerful presences within the entire kingdom, but most of the others were very weak.
"Hmph, it's truly unexpected that a small, insignificant country like this could produce a pirate crew with such formidable strength," he sneered. "Pass on my order: The Marine warships are to split into groups of four and surround the entire island. Have all soldiers prepare for battle!"
"Yes, sir!"
The adjutant acknowledged the command and withdrew, relaying Steel Bone Kong's order to all the Marine warships.
Soon, the twenty Marine warships divided into five sections.
Each section consisted of four warships, spreading out their formation.
Eight warships headed directly for the harbor, while the remaining twelve ships surrounded the Caste Kingdom from the other three directions.
The Marine Vice Admirals stared intently at the Caste Kingdom, their auras surging.
Since even Vice Admiral Garp and Vice Admiral Zeffa were defeated here last time, they naturally would not, and dared not, be careless.
The Marine soldiers on deck tightly gripped their flintlock guns, ready for the order to attack at any moment.
The artillerymen adjusted their cannons. The guns of all twenty warships, like the gaping maws of beasts, were aimed at the Caste Kingdom.
It was no exaggeration to say that a single round of concentrated fire could sink a significant portion of the entire island.
Of course, Steel Bone Kong would not engage in such a useless effort now.
According to the intelligence Garp had brought back last time, the Reno Pirate Crew had a user of the Soul-Soul Fruit who commanded a Gale Homie.
With the enemy on guard, an artillery bombardment would be meaningless.
Instead, their abilities could be used against them, causing the Marines losses.
Within a hundred meters of the harbor, Steel Bone Kong ordered all the Marine warships to stop.
They could clearly see that Reno and his crew were already at the harbor, waiting for them.
As far as the eye could see, Reno, the captain of the Reno Pirate Crew, stood in the center.
To his left were Jess, whose ability was unknown, and Black Shadow, who specialized in dark powers.
To his right were Flame Flower, the Soul-Soul Fruit user, and Haerding, the Giant warrior.
The five stood in a single line!
A few dozen meters behind them were the crewmate Rogue, Luo Feng—the Caste Kingdom's strongest fighter—and a hundred soldiers.
However, their positions were relatively scattered.
The other three directions of the island, meanwhile, were completely undefended.
It was as if three wide-open doors were inviting them to enter.
Steel Bone Kong had no doubt about this; after all, how much power could a tiny country possess?
Even if the remaining soldiers were hiding, preparing for an ambush, they would be nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot against the Marine elites.
"Hmm?"
"Where is Linlin?"
"Has anyone seen Linlin of the Reno Pirate Crew?!!"
But soon, Steel Bone Kong frowned. He couldn't sense Linlin's presence among them.
"I haven't found her!"
"Neither have I!"
Zeffa and Sengoku both shook their heads. Their Observation Haki had also failed to pick up Linlin's presence.
"That's impossible. Caste is on the verge of destruction, yet Linlin isn't here?!!" the cautious Sengoku wondered aloud.
"Perhaps she went somewhere else, or perhaps this is a plot by Reno. Regardless, we cannot be careless," said Kong.
Even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit!
And what stood before them was not a rabbit, but a wolf!
"The Caste Kingdom must be eliminated before the Celestial Dragons incident fully escalates!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, sir!"
"..."
The Marine officers on the ships responded in unison.
"Hahahahaha hahahaha... Steel Bone Kong, what a grand display!"
"Aside from the Marine soldiers, practically all the high-ranking officers from Marine Headquarters are here, aren't they?"
Reno sensed the group. With the exception of Tsuru, most of the key Marine leaders were present.
Even he was slightly surprised. It was truly an all-out effort!
"Hmph, Reno, enough with the nonsense. You know what you've done," Steel Bone Kong coldly snorted, his eyes filled with killing intent. "After provoking the World Government's authority time and again, do you truly think we spared you last time because we couldn't kill you?!!"
"What? Did you damned Marines fail to kill us by borrowing a blade, and now you've grown frustrated and angry?" Jess retorted, showing no deference to Steel Bone Kong.
Steel Bone Kong was unbothered by having his scheme exposed. "It simply means that Rocks temporarily had no desire to move against you—otherwise, we wouldn't have been needed at all."
"But whether it's you or that fellow Rocks, by angering the Celestial Dragons, death is your only destination!!"
"Reno, do you know what your biggest failing is compared to Rocks?" Just then, Steel Bone Kong, who had maintained a grim face, suddenly sneered, "Rocks' strength is exponentially greater than yours. You dare to kill a Celestial Dragon, but do you think he doesn't dare?"
"But why has he never made a move against the Celestial Dragons up until now?"
"It's because he knows now is not the time for a decisive battle against the Marines and the World Government. He has no certainty of victory, so he can only recruit crewmates in the New World, only cause minor disturbances, and wait for his chance."
"And you, Reno!!"
"Utterly arrogant! Provoking the authority of the World Government three times. Do you honestly believe we cannot kill you!!!"
As his voice fell, all the Marine Vice Admirals, including Steel Bone Kong, simultaneously erupted with a powerful aura, instantly scattering the clouds in the sky.
"Hahahahahahaha..."
To the surprise of Steel Bone Kong and the others, Reno suddenly burst into laughter.
This sight instantly darkened the expressions of all the Marine officers.
When the laughter, which had lasted for more than ten seconds, finally stopped, Reno's gaze instantly turned sharp.
"Steel Bone Kong, do you really think you can defeat me today?!!"
"Let me tell you, today is the doomsday for all of you!"
"As for Rocks, don't worry. After I take care of you, he'll be next."
"You arrogant brat!!!"
"Admiral Kong, leave this guy to me!!" The short-tempered Zeffa could not listen anymore.
First, to eliminate them, and then to take down Rocks? What audacity could make someone utter such words?
"You aren't worthy of our captain's personal attention. We didn't finish our fight last time, so let's continue it now." Flame Flower stepped out of the crowd, showcasing her long, pale legs.
Beside her, a Flame Homie, an Earth Homie, and an Ice Homie circled above her head, jointly guarding this Queen of Souls.
"Your name is Sengoku, right? Let me have a bout with you!!" Following Flame Flower, Jess also stepped forward.
"Hmm?!!"
Sengoku, who had been called out, narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Jess.
They knew little about Jess; his strength and ability were still a complete mystery to them. Yet, Jess's casual demeanor made him seem completely at ease.
"Sengoku, do not be careless!" Steel Bone Kong cautioned in a low voice.
"Don't worry, Admiral Kong!"
"Then I choose..."
Haerding, who had walked out, moved his finger around. Garp, whom the finger had briefly pointed at, snorted, ready to speak up.
"I choose you!"
Unexpectedly, Haerding finally pointed his finger directly at Steel Bone Kong.
"Hmm?!!"
Steel Bone Kong was not worried; instead, he spoke with disdain: "Sure enough, a captain gets the crew he deserves—boastful and full of hot air!!"
"We don't seek trouble with the Giant race, yet you people insist on aiding this villain!"
"It seems I must execute you today to teach the Giants a lesson!"
As an Admiral, Steel Bone Kong did not take Haerding seriously. While Giant warriors were indeed powerful, the gap between them was not something that could be bridged by mere racial advantage.
"You've all made your choices. Who do I fight?!!" Black Shadow scrutinized the opponents, realizing there seemed to be no one left.
"Isn't there still Garp? He's all yours," Jess teased.
Hearing this, Black Shadow's face immediately darkened. He wasn't stupid. He couldn't defeat Garp; going up against him would be suicide.
"Enough!!!"
"Sengoku, Garp, Zeffa—kill them!!"
"The rest of you, land on the island from the other directions! Remember, leave no one alive who is still breathing!!!"
Steel Bone Kong, unable to suppress the rage in his heart any longer, executed Moonwalk, stepping across the void and flying toward the harbor.
Zeffa, Sengoku, and Garp followed closely behind.
The officers, having received the command, swiftly directed the warships. They separated into groups of four, increasing the distance, and began landing on the island from different directions.
"Hehehehehe... Steel Bone Kong, I told you, today is the day you all die!!!"
Reno let out a roar. His Observation Haki enveloped the entire island, bringing every movement under his control.
A terrifyingly powerful aura erupted from his body—this was the first time he had fully displayed his strength.
Boom!Boom!
Explosions of thunder sounded. The clouds that had just gathered were violently scattered again, dimming the color of the sky and the earth.
"What is this?!!!"
Steel Bone Kong, who had just landed, looked up at the thunderclouds and the descending lightning. A sudden, ominous feeling gripped his heart.
But before he could speak, Reno shouted:
"Steel Bone Kong, open your eyes and watch carefully!!!"
"They all die because of you!!"
"Wide-Area: Divine Punishment!!"
Reno's roar was followed by several massive bolts of lightning, each several meters in diameter, that struck the twelve warships attempting to land from the other three directions.
"No good!"
"Quickly, get out of the way!!!"
"Defend! [Novel Group 8521 04278!]"
Steel Bone Kong and Garp shouted at the top of their lungs, but it was too late.
They couldn't possibly provide aid in time!
Boom! Boom! Boom!Boom! Boom! Boom!
As the lightning descended, the ordinary Marine soldiers had no ability to resist. Those struck by the bolts were instantly killed, leaving no complete remains, only piles of bloody flesh.
"Evacuate! Retreat immediately!!!"
The Marine Vice Admirals on the decks watched as one soldier after another fell before them. Their eyes were bloodshot, their nails digging into their palms. They decisively gave the order to retreat.
"I said, since you came, this place is your graveyard!!"
"Open!!!"
Reno coldly snorted, and the intensity of the lightning increased rather than diminished.
Bang! Bang! Bang!Bang! Bang! Bang!
The warships, struck repeatedly by lightning, began to explode. Some Marine soldiers were instantly turned into blood mist before they even realized what was happening.
In an instant, wails and shrieks of agony echoed across Caste Kingdom.
In the blink of an eye, the area became a giant meat grinder.
The decks of the warships were littered with severed limbs, and internal organs were scattered everywhere.
The thick, pungent smell of blood quickly permeated the air, carried by the salty sea breeze. One sniff was enough to make a person retch!