The sound of flesh tearing echoed across the battlefield as the trident pierced through Trafalgar Law's shoulder, leaving behind a massive, bleeding wound. Law screamed in agony, unable to control his reaction to the intense pain.
Law's crew watched in horror, shouting for their captain, but Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were pinned down by their own opponents. Every time they tried to break through to assist their ally, they were pushed back, sustaining further injuries in the chaos.
Just as the enemy prepared to land a final, fatal blow, Law secretly flickered his fingers.
The Knife of Death.
Under his command, the sword Kikoku, which had been knocked aside earlier, moved on its own. It flew forward with incredible speed and accuracy, plunging directly into Katakuri's abdomen. Blood began to gush from the wound, staining the commander's clothes. A faint, painful smile appeared on Law's face as he thought to himself that even if he could not defeat such a monster, he had successfully exchanged blows to weaken him for whoever took his place. He had reached his absolute limit, and this was all he could do.
Katakuri's trident halted in mid-air. He looked down at the blade protruding from his own body. He had not expected this strike coming from behind, nor had he anticipated that Law would be desperate enough to trade his own life just to land a single injury. The Straw Hat crew was far more dangerous and unpredictable than he had originally believed.
Katakuri pulled the trident back, wrenched the sword from his gut, and tossed it to the ground. He glared at the fallen captain.
Trafalgar Law, I admit I underestimated you. You are a dangerous man, and because of that, I cannot let you live. You can die with peace of mind.
He raised his weapon, prepared to finish the job without hesitation. Luffy roared in frustration, his Conqueror's Haki exploding outward with terrifying intensity, but he was still too far away to intervene. If you dare to hurt him, I will destroy your entire Big Mom Pirates crew. If you do not believe me, you can try.
Katakuri remained unmoved, his grip tightening on the trident. Suddenly, a blue flame descended from the sky. A massive bird's claw slammed into the trident, knocking it aside, while another swept across Katakuri's face, sending the powerful commander flying backward.
A phoenix wreathed in blue fire stood between them. The Straw Hat crew erupted in cheers.
Marco, you came just in time.
They were relieved, knowing that Law would survive. However, Marco only laughed awkwardly. Do not get too excited. Even if I had been late, that kid Carl would have saved him.
The group looked up, surprised, only to see two small black blades flying back toward the giant sword mounted on the door. Everyone suddenly understood the situation. Carl had been prepared all along. No one had noticed when the massive blade split into smaller pieces, hiding in plain sight to act as an automated defense system. Carl had calculated the worst-case scenario to ensure none of his crew members would fall.
Luffy pressed his straw hat down, grinning. Mr. Carl, if you were able to save him, you should have done it sooner. You had me worried sick. It is a relief that Law is still alive.
Zoro and Sanji exhaled in relief, though they shot Carl an annoyed look. They had been caught off guard twice while panicking, and their own wounds were beginning to show. Across the battlefield, Blackbeard, Big Mom, and their commanders squinted at Carl, their estimation of his threat level rising instantly. This man was far too prepared; if they found a gap in his defense, they needed to eliminate him immediately.
Carl shrugged off their glares and looked toward the sky. Brother Marco, what brings you here? Are you here to help us out?
Marco ignored the nickname and smiled. Naturally. Ace was worried about his little brother, so he begged his father to come over and provide some support.
Luffy scowled, his pride flaring up. The Straw Hats do not need any help. Ace is just worrying too much.
Luffy, you cannot refuse a brother's kindness, Marco replied calmly. Besides, we are not just here to help you. We are hunting a traitor.
Marco's eyes locked onto Blackbeard, who flinched, already calculating his escape. He had expected the Whitebeard Pirates to focus on retaking their territory in the New World, not to hunt him down in the North Blue. He realized now that the Whitebeard Pirates intended to wipe his entire crew off the map.
Blackbeard felt a shiver of genuine fear. As long as Whitebeard was alive, the weight of decades of authority remained heavy on his shoulders. He could not fight his former captain while his own crew was already faltering.
Seeing the legendary crew arrive, the Big Mom Pirates grew frantic. With only Big Mom, Katakuri, and a few remaining officers left, they were already struggling against the Straw Hats. They could not hope to stand against both crews combined. The plan to eliminate the Straw Hats had officially failed.
Katakuri wiped blood from his mouth and exchanged a silent, urgent look with Big Mom. She nodded, and in that moment, they agreed to retreat.
Emboldened, the Straw Hats launched a fierce counterattack. Zoro and Sanji redoubled their efforts, quickly overwhelming Shiryu and Burgess. Chopper, Franky, and Robin combined their strength to push back Pizarro, while Nami and Tashigi pressed their advantage against Catarina Devon. Across the field, the remaining fighters were being systematically dismantled. The tide had turned, and victory belonged to the Straw Hats.
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