From sunrise to dusk.
The impact of Conqueror's Haki, terrifying slashes, and chaotic flames and icy rain ravaged nearly half the island again and again.
In this great battle taking place on Hachinosu Island, ordinary pirates didn't even have the qualification to watch from close range.
...
In the distance.
Wang Zhi's Seventh Ship Captain, Blood Blade Keel, hid in an unmanned corner, gently tapping on the miniature Den Den Mushi in his palm.
This was the internal communication code exclusive to the Marines.
Depending on the superior officer, there were seventeen different codes, and his was...
--
Tap tap—tap—tap tap tap tap—
[Current status permits voice communication]
The miniature Den Den Mushi turned completely crimson, and a deep male voice came through.
"Continue observing. When necessary, activate all undercover agents on Hachinosu Island to ensure Rear Admiral Griffin's safety."
"I'm on my way there now. Perhaps this time... we can destroy this disgusting Pirate Paradise!"
...
"Understood."
"Admiral Sakazuki!"
"All for justice!!"
Keel put away the Den Den Mushi and disappeared into the shadows.
--
--
In Griffin's battle zone, where the fighting was most intense.
After half a day of adjustment, Hancock and the Red Hair Pirates had achieved basic tacit understanding, at least not interfering with each other.
But no matter how hard they tried, that man always managed to exert just a little more power than them.
Just enough to dodge, just enough to block, just enough to counterattack...
It gave the impression that with a bit more strength they could defeat him, but when they gathered their breath for a fierce assault, they found the result remained the same.
...
Clang————
Shanks gathered his strength and slashed at Griffin's arm, where the Armament Haki splattered like ink.
In an instant, it recoalesced, and Shanks observed intently, vaguely sensing the black had deepened slightly.
Bam!!
The tremendous force transmitted from the arm sent him flying backward—a scene that had played out countless times already.
...
"Something's wrong! Shanks!"
Beckman panted lightly, staring intently at Griffin's somewhat blurred figure in the dust: "We can't continue this war of attrition. This guy..."
"He's using you as a tool to temper his Armament Haki. His Armament Haki is getting stronger and stronger!"
A drop of cold sweat slid down as Beckman said in a low voice: "Remember what Mr. Rayleigh said? This guy is the type that evolves rapidly in battle. Back in the Sabaody battle, he learned Kari's swordsmanship!"
"Thinking about it now... I might understand why he hid in the Whitebeard Pirates for so long..."
"This explains his ridiculously fast growth rate... For over two full years, he's been lying on the world's strongest pirate crew, absorbing nutrients!"
Beckman's expression grew increasingly grim as he spoke: "Terrifying combat talent, and those eyes that see through everything..."
"Zoan-type is most suited for prolonged battles, and his ability almost completely overcomes the weaknesses of ability users. Seawater freezes or evaporates before it can even get close to him."
...
Pausing for a moment, Beckman let out a long breath.
"Adaptability!"
"In summary, his adaptability is the most terrifying aspect. The same techniques become less effective against him, while our power growth can't keep up with his adaptation speed..."
"His earlier furnace analogy... perhaps it's not just his eyes, but his entire body that keeps strengthening!"
"He's practically... a flawless monster!!"
...
Shanks gripped his sword hilt tightly. He had also noticed what Beckman mentioned, but what could be done...
Haki, swordsmanship - none worked. Hancock's Devil Fruit powers were completely ineffective against him. If they didn't continue fighting, what other method could defeat Griffin?
This time, Shanks absolutely refused to run away!
...
As Beckman continued speaking, Hancock moved closer to listen.
"Based on my analysis, that technique he used consumes massive stamina - it's not something he can sustain."
"As I initially assumed, he can only reach top-tier offensive capability briefly and with numerous prerequisites."
"I'm uncertain about his cooldown period, but we must defeat him before he can use it again... After all, no one will be there to take the damage for us next time."
Beckman's eyes darkened as memories of Lucky Roux and the others flashed through his mind.
...
Transforming grief into power, he firmly gripped his pistol and declared: "We must deliver a powerful strike beyond his adaptation range to have any chance of defeating him!"
"Compared to his terrifying offensive power, his defense is relatively weaker."
"Shanks, he's seen your attacks too many times, especially Divine Departure... I've been watching him closely - he's attempted Divine Departure several times. If I hadn't interfered, you would have been struck by his 'Divine Departure'!"
Click—click—
He loaded two special bullets.
"I'll lead the next attack. Shanks, all of you follow my coordination!"
...
Tap—tap—
Griffin emerged slowly from the dust, a faint smile curling his lips.
"Not bad analysis. Using attacks I've never seen before, or strikes beyond my endurance limit, is indeed the only way to defeat me."
"Even figured out I can use Divine Departure. Beckman, your intellect is wasted as a pirate."
Griffin extended his hand, smiling faintly. "Any interest in joining the Marines? I might even get you a high position as chief strategist."
...
"At this point, you must be joking."
Beckman remained expressionless, his gun aimed at Griffin.
"Our Red Hair Pirates paid the price of three crew members' lives to block your strongest attack."
"So then..."
"Do you dare withstand our combined ultimate strike?!"
...
...
——
On the other battlefield, the fierce battle between Wang Zhi and Doll continued.
Anyone could see Wang Zhi held overwhelming advantage, suppressing Doll completely in combat experience and Haki strength.
Yet he couldn't defeat her.
No matter how many attacks he launched, Doll always endured and rose again, constantly shattering Wang Zhi's expectations.
If Hancock hadn't already used the line repeatedly, he'd really want to ask...
How can you still get up?!
Whoosh—
Boom!!
The massive tentacle attacking from the front was blocked by Doll, but from a crack in the rubble behind her, a sharp, thin tentacle suddenly shot out, aimed straight at Doll's heart.
Die already, brat!!
Wang Zhi revealed a sinister smile.
I'm giving up on capturing you alive. Killing you will also crush that kid's spirit!
Doll noticed the attack from behind, but couldn't completely avoid it in time.
Couldn't dodge with my body... but I can move my heart!
...
When the Navy Six Styles are cultivated to an advanced stage, they can give rise to a high-level application.
Known as Life Return.
It allows control over various body parts through concentrated consciousness, with specific characteristics varying from person to person. Some can extend their hair to attack, while others can contract muscles to enhance speed and strength.
What Doll could do... was shift her internal organs for defense!
Heh...
Attacking when you thought you'd killed me - you'd never expect that!
A mere piercing wound - I've long grown accustomed to it.
I will definitely defeat you!!
...
Just as Doll prepared for the tentacle to pierce through her chest and planned her counterattack strategy.
—
Swish—!!
A sharp claw attack tore through the air with a ripping sound!
The sharp tentacles were severed into several pieces and fell to the ground.
...
"Let me make this clear - I saved you because of him, don't get the wrong idea."
A tall leopard-man appeared beside Doll, his beast-like pupils coldly fixed on Wang Zhi.
His sharp claws gleamed with a cold light as he cracked his knuckles.
"Anyway... this guy is an enemy, right? Let's finish him off quickly and go support Griffin."
...
...
Doll glanced sideways and snorted coldly: "Who asked you to save me, you meddling tabby cat."
...
"Say whatever you want, let's move!!"
Rob Lucci - the strongest and coldest killing machine in Enies Lobby's eight-hundred-year history.
Dark flame clouds ignited from his shoulders as he lunged toward Wang Zhi!
...
This is...
Wang Zhi's pupils contracted sharply.
Fruit Awakening!!