No one could be certain whether Jozu would be flung out of this frozen area. If he accidentally fell into the sea, the consequences would be unimaginable.
It must be understood that "Diamond" Jozu was an Ability User.
His body could transform into incredibly hard diamond, granting him formidable defensive capabilities.
But this also meant that once he fell into the ocean, he'd sink like a stone, ultimately submerged by the icy seawater.
In the unfathomable depths, he'd face the dual threats of suffocation and water pressure, with almost no chance of survival.
"Good..."
Upon seeing Marco rush to rescue "Diamond" Jozu without hesitation, Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru on the high platform couldn't help but silently admire the scene.
This was exactly what they'd hoped to see.
Marco's departure also created favorable conditions for their plan. In this way, the situation had completely fallen under their control.
At the same time, their gazes involuntarily fell upon Lancelot.
This young man had overwhelmed both "Flower Sword" Vista and "Diamond" Jozu, leaving them defenseless.
His strength was astonishing.
Based on this achievement alone, Lancelot's performance in this war was already dazzling enough.
Without a doubt, he'd secure the position of Admiral after the war.
Although they had previously heard Garp describe Lancelot's strength, witnessing it firsthand made a significant difference.
Just then, Squard emerged from the shadows like a ghost, moving silently.
Soon, he arrived before Whitebeard. After stopping, his figure stood out starkly beside the now solitary Whitebeard.
But at this moment, most of Whitebeard's attention was drawn to "Flower Sword" Vista, "Diamond" Jozu, and Marco.
Although he sensed someone approaching, when he glanced and saw it was Squard, he didn't pay it much mind.
After all, Squard was his son—why would he harbor suspicion toward his own child?
Moreover, he was deeply concerned about "Diamond" Jozu at that moment.
However, this was precisely the problem.
The high-ranking Marines who knew the entire plan all wore satisfied smiles on their faces.
Even the usually stern Akainu had returned to the high platform at this time, looking down upon the scene below from his elevated position.
When his gaze fell upon the suddenly appearing Squard beside the solitary Whitebeard, Akainu's fists involuntarily clenched.
Clearly, he was filled with anticipation for what might happen next.
Immediately after, Akainu's eyes swiftly shifted to Lancelot.
It had to be admitted that the strength and brilliant achievements Lancelot had displayed were enough to make even a powerful figure like Akainu feel a sense of wariness.
At this moment, he felt somewhat relieved—relieved that Lancelot was still only an Admiral Candidate and not, like Kizaru and Aokiji, an Admiral on equal footing with him.
Otherwise, he'd undoubtedly become his most formidable competitor.
However, soon another person's gaze locked onto Lancelot, and that was Whitebeard.
If looks could kill, Lancelot would have already been torn to shreds by him.
Because Ace was captured by Lancelot, and now "Diamond" Jozu was severely injured, Whitebeard could no longer ignore him.
His rage soared.
"You brat... huh??"
Whitebeard widened his eyes, his expression one of disbelief.
He lowered his head, his gaze falling upon the massive blade wielded by Squard.
That blade had pierced through his body like an arrow.
If not for his keen Observation Haki detecting the danger in time and his battle-hardened body instinctively dodging, this strike would likely have hit his vital spot, dealing him a fatal blow.
Yet, even though he avoided his vitals, he knew there was another important reason why this strike didn't cause more severe consequences.
The moment his Observation Haki caught the attack, he didn't just sense Squard's movement but also detected the hesitation and reluctance in the other's actions.
At the last moment, Squard seemed to change his mind, shifting the blade that was originally aimed straight at his vitals.
This subtle change made him realize that Squard had hesitated at the final moment, or perhaps his hand had faltered at the critical juncture.
This was also one of the reasons why he hadn't resorted to a lethal counterattack.
The other reason was that he had to figure out why Squard had attacked him.
Otherwise, the crime of assaulting his own captain and father would be enough to condemn Squard a thousand times over.
Whitebeard looked down at Squard and demanded, "Squard, why did you do this?"
Squard's eyes at this moment were complex—filled with hatred, respect, and fear.
"Soru!"
Lancelot wouldn't give these two a chance for a sentimental moment, because he knew the misunderstanding between them remaining unresolved would be more advantageous to the current situation.
So, just before Squard could answer, Lancelot vanished from his spot without hesitation.
In the next instant, Lancelot appeared behind Whitebeard like a ghost, without any warning. At that moment, Squard, who was about to speak, noticed Lancelot's appearance, and his expression froze, as if he had been hit by a paralysis spell.
"Huh?"
Whitebeard's Observation Haki detected Lancelot's arrival. He turned his head, his gaze burning as he looked behind him.
When he saw that it was Lancelot, the fury in his heart erupted.
"You brat, you're looking for death!"
Whitebeard roared in anger, disregarding the blade still lodged in his body.
The Murakumogiri in his hand radiated a chilling, heart-stopping gleam.
With a sweep of his arm, the massive blade shot toward Lancelot like lightning, its momentum overwhelming and unstoppable.
However, Lancelot's Observation Haki was exceptional.
The moment Whitebeard moved, he'd already discerned his opponent's intent. His legs erupted with force, propelling him into the air like an arrow loosed from its bow.
With an agile and nimble posture, he evaded Whitebeard's thunderous strike.
Now airborne, Lancelot seized the opportunity. His foot, swift as lightning, landed on the blade that had pierced through Whitebeard.
A faint, barely concealed smile tugged at the corner of Lancelot's lips.
He knew that if this kick landed, Whitebeard's body would be split in two, starting from the chest.
At that moment, no matter how formidable Whitebeard was, he'd be unable to escape his fate of death.
At most, he could only struggle in his final moments before the end.
"Not good!"
Whitebeard's face turned pale, a surge of unprecedented fear rising in his heart.
He realized Lancelot's intention and understood that if this kick landed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
This was the most direct confrontation with death he had faced in many years.
Under normal circumstances, he could've countered.
However, at this very moment, Whitebeard found himself in an awkward predicament.
He wanted to dodge or counter Lancelot's kick, but he discovered he couldn't.
Because his body was pinned by that massive blade, unable to move freely. Because the hilt was still gripped in the hands of Squard.
This meant that even the slightest twist of his body would cause that great sword to inflict even greater damage inside him, possibly ending his life.
It wasn't just Whitebeard; everyone present witnessed this heart-stopping scene.
The faces of the Marines first showed disbelief and shock, but this shock was quickly replaced by delight and anticipation.
They all knew that this seemingly simple kick could very well decide the final outcome of this war.
However, where there is joy, there must also be sorrow. The members of the Whitebeard Pirates were still reeling from the shock of Squard's sneak attack on Whitebeard, not yet having regained their composure.
Yet in the very next instant, they watched as this fatal kick was aimed at their beloved Pops.
In that split second, each person's heart seemed to leap into their throat, their eyes filled with boundless worry and terror.
Because the situation before them was far too disadvantageous for their Pops!
"Pops!" Many could no longer suppress the fear in their hearts, crying out in alarm.
Thud!
As Lancelot's foot landed, the gruesome wound seemed to tear open further at that moment.
Blood gushed forth like a breached dam, splattering onto the surrounding ground, forming a pool of crimson.
Yet, at this breathtaking moment, something astonishing happened—Lancelot's descending sword seemed to be blocked by a mysterious and powerful force, unable to continue its downward cut.
"Huh?"
Lancelot looked down in shock to see "Flower Sword" Vista rushing to a position below.
With both hands gripping his twin swords, he held back the descending blade, preventing it from advancing even a fraction further.
At that moment, Whitebeard could no longer afford to concern himself with Squard.
Even less could he heed the excruciating pain.
Gritting his teeth against the immense agony from his wound and the confusion in his heart, he raised his foot and delivered a fierce kick into the abdomen of Squard.
This kick was like a thunderbolt, carrying boundless strength and fury. Squard had no time to react at all.
Like a kite with its string cut, he was kicked flying by this immense force.
Since Squard's hand was still gripping the hilt of his sword, the blade was pulled out as he was sent flying.
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