As Fujitora's voice faded, a faint sound of paddling came from the distance. Jinbe instinctively looked up to see several small boats rapidly approaching.
Judging by the insignia, they were patrol teams from the Stationed Corps, but there were also people on the boats wearing white medical uniforms, clearly coming for him.
The Endgame's execution capability is truly impressive...
Jinbe stood up with a limp and took the initiative to meet them.
As for Fujitora.
"As for you, sir."
After ensuring Jinbe's safety, he turned to face Aramaki's direction, his expression turning cold:
"I don't know how the Endgame has offended you, but not only did you trespass, you also seriously injured a guest. Isn't this a bit too disrespectful?"
"Disrespectful?"
Aramaki sneered, the face in the tree trunk twisted with resentment:
"You really dare to say that, pirate! Just this level, and you call it disrespect? My dear friend was killed by you at Shampodi! I came here today specifically to flatten your hideout!"
Dear friend?
Shampodi?
Fujitora frowned slightly, "From your tone, it seems you aren't a pirate, and we Endgame never target civilians. Isn't there some misunderstanding here?"
"Enough talk, fatso!"
Aramaki shouted in annoyance, "Even if it's a misunderstanding, it doesn't matter! I'm now an Admiral Candidate for Navy Headquarters. Isn't it justified for a Marine to kill pirates?"
"Star Fall" Issho!
Who would have thought the Endgame would leave such a heavyweight to guard the house? He remembered this name clearly.
In Shampodi, he displayed formidable power and alone stopped Black Arm Zephyr.
But...
So what?
Marinfanto, he's already strolled around with hands in his pockets.
In his eyes, Navy Headquarters is only impressive because of Grand Admiral Akainu's aura. One look and it instilled a sense of awe, making him wary to provoke.
If there were to be a change in Navy Marshal, it should be carried on that man's shoulders!
As for Zephyr, Garp... they belong to the old era's relic, meant to be buried!
Stopping Zephyr?
Such a level, he could do it too! He could even defeat him!
His strength surpassed Zephyr's for sure!
"Come on! Unless I defeat you, I won't leave this place!"
Aramaki's trunk suddenly swung, countless sharp wooden spikes shot out from all directions like a storm, enveloping Fujitora and Nami!
A pirate with a bounty of two billion, and another... hmm, some unknown small fry, ignore that.
The former alone is significant enough.
The perfect stepping stone for him to become a Navy Grand Admiral!
...
Meanwhile.
Ten Thousand Nations, northwest of the Glacier Battlefield.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Hundreds of Cookie Soldiers formed a phalanx, advancing in unison.
These puppets created by Cracker's ability stood over six meters tall, armored, wielding giant swords, resembling a medieval heavy legion.
At the phalanx's center.
Cracker hid within one soldier, using its eyes to look at the distant solitary figure.
"Hehehe, how pitiful, Kuma~"
A soft laugh sounded, "Your daughter was taken, you can't see her. You must be anxious and restless, and yet so unlucky to choose me as your opponent..."
Too foolish!
As a Bis-Bis Fruit Ability User, Cracker excelled in war of attrition!
Hiding and waiting without engaging directly, he could torture enemies to death using the Cookie Soldiers alone!
Moreover, since his body could also become cookies, indistinguishable from the soldiers...
It was impossible to locate his true position using Observation!
"Hey, why aren't you talking?"
Cracker's voice echoed from all directions with a playful cat-and-mouse tone, "Regretting it now? Or perhaps you're scared..."
Before he could finish, Kuma suddenly moved.
He slowly raised his right palm; a gentle glow emanated from the paw in his palm, aimed at the approaching phalanx of Cookie Soldiers.
"Pressure Cannon."
A calm voice rose.
Buzz!
The air twisted suddenly.
A bear-paw-shaped shockwave erupted, instantly piercing through six or seven Cookie Soldiers, gouging a hundred-meter-long trench on the ice.
"Oh! To think you could instantly destroy my cookies, with hardness rivaling steel; impressive indeed, worthy of the name 'Thunder Meteor'!"
Cracker was mildly surprised but quickly shook his head, sinisterly commanding new soldiers to fill the breach:
"But still not enough, far from enough! My army is endless! Even if you smash a few, I can always create more!"
Kuma said nothing, only repeatedly raised his palm, continuing the assault.
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
Pressure Cannons exploded consecutively, with Cookie Soldiers fragmenting and reforming, soon cookies piled throughout the ice glaciers.
What a waste.
Kuma thought silently, if Bonney were by his side, seeing these soldiers, her eyes would light up in delight, wouldn't they?
Without needing him, she might devour all the Cookie Soldiers alone, then complain to him, hugging her full belly...
Kuma's lips instinctively pulled into a small smile.
"Smiling?!"
Cracker's voice rose sharply with incredulous anger, "You still have time to smile?!"