The critical turning point is at Gion.
That Kuina, though the deputy captain of the Endgame Pirates, ultimately falls short compared to the Four Emperors' deputies.
In a short period, she might hold Gion at bay as she did with Chaton back at Shampodi.
But as long as the battle drags on, she is by no means a match for Gion.
Once Gion wins and is free, the victory can be swiftly expanded, tilting the scales decisively towards the Navy!
But now…
The reports coming back from the front line are a slap in his old face.
It's still not enough?
Despite all the attention, have we still underestimated the growing speed of the Endgame Pirates?!!
"..."
Sengoku's face was as dark as water.
He walked to the window, looked out at the grand crescent-shaped harbor, thought silently for a moment before speaking:
"Get in touch with Garp via phone, ask if he has arrived at the G-1 Branch, if so, depart immediately!"
"Yes, Marshal!"
The adjutant saluted, turned, and briskly left.
Sengoku remained still, squinting out at the sea outside the window.
Transferring Garp early to the New World was his contingency plan.
Originally, he didn't want to use it, fearing it would alarm the Sea Emperors.
That old man, always taking leave, seemed unreliable to him, was indeed nearing retirement, but to the Four Emperors, he was regarded no less, perhaps even more, than the current Three Great Admirals.
Having him enter the New World and participate in its wars might easily displease the Four Emperors.
But now…
The battle has bogged down, the original strategic layout is on the brink of collapse, so there's no time to care about other concerns.
Dressrosa is a place the World Government specifically named to be taken.
The strategic position is quite important, concerning the Navy's future New World advance plan, it must be seized.
This is the highest will from the Holy Land, which no one can stop.
Neither the Endgame Pirates nor that troublesome brat Shano... have the qualification!
If they dare meddle, they must pay the price!
Otherwise… where would the Navy's face, and his face, be placed?
————
Thud!
A punch entwined with black and red lightning slammed hard onto the Ama no Murakumo Sword.
The Ama no Murakumo Sword finally let out an unbearable wail and instantly scattered into countless golden particles.
The fist zoomed in rapidly in his eyes, Kizaru's pupils shrunk, just about to elementalize to evade, when the fist suddenly relaxed, grabbing the white Cloak of Justice behind him!
"I've never quite understood one thing."
Shano sneered, arm muscles knotted, Supreme King Haki erupted again, "You Navy folks, it's fine wearing a cloak for style normally, but why insist on keeping it on when fighting opponents of the same level!"
It's really displeasing!
Boom!
Before Kizaru could react, pain burst at his neck, his whole body was swung up like a ragdoll, drawing a shrill sonic boom through the air.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Using his waist as an axis, Shano forcefully exerted his arms, swinging this Navy Grand Admiral in a full circle in mid-air, then reverse swinging him again in repeated arcs!
Sometimes airborne, sometimes crashing onto the ice, over a hundred cycles later he finally seemed satisfied, kicking hard to send him hurling towards Dressrosa's colossal rock, melding him within with a thunderous crash.
Bang——!!!
Debris rained down, dust filled the air.
"Cough cough…"
Kizaru, body covered in dirt, clutched his chest, coughing violently for a while before stumbling out of the rock wall, revealing his form.
His hair was a mess, the tea-colored sunglasses shattered long ago, nowhere to be seen, his body now marred with blood and bruises, looking rather sloppy.
After re-conjuring the Ama no Murakumo Sword, tightly clenching it in his hand.
He looked up, towards the sky above the icy field.
Whoosh~
The upright figure of a black-haired youth descended from the sky using Moonwalk, his full head of black hair swirling wildly amidst the Supreme King's stormy air currents, as his tightly clenched right hand slowly unclenched.
The white Cloak of Justice, torn into ragged shreds, drifted down slowly before Kizaru's squinting eyes.
"Hey, old man…"
Their gazes locked onto each other, Shano looked down at him condescendingly, a mocking smile on his lips:
"Being used as a meteor hammer by me for so long, not even a reaction? This was just from noon till dark, only a few hours, right?"
"Why… have you already fallen behind my attack rhythm!"