The thought sent a chill through Sengoku's chest.

With a trap like that in place, even with Kuzan freezing the sea, their forces would've suffered devastating losses.

Thank heavens that brat Daren still valued their history enough not to go all the way.

If he had… the consequences would've been unthinkable.

Staring across the distance at the lone figure silhouetted in the sea of fire, Sengoku licked his cracked lips, slowly unclenched his fists, and let out a quiet breath.

The next moment, he spun around and charged into the battlefield.

Eyes bloodshot, he roared,

"All units—maintain the coastal blockade!"

"Our current targets... the Great Pirates Big Mom and Kaidou!"

The Marines let out a thunderous cry in response, surging forward to surround the two Yonkō.

Their fighting spirit surged—and at the same time, a wave of relief washed over them.

As long as they didn't have to fight Vice Admiral Daren... what were Kaidou and Big Mom compared to that?

"Let's go, Kaidou! Big Mom! We've got unfinished business from the Miracle Island battle!"

Sengoku's voice rang out bold and clear, his eyes sharp and steady, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart.

With his sharp mind, he saw through Daren's strategy almost instantly.

Daren didn't want to fight the Marines—and the Marines didn't want to fight him either.

But under the weight of the World Government's authority and orders, they had no choice.

So instead of resisting head-on, Daren had drawn Kaidou and Big Mom here. That not only gave the Marines a way out—it gave Sengoku, as an Admiral, another opening.

To lead the charge against two of the most dangerous pirates alive—

Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, and Kaidou of the Beasts.

...And in doing so, take the heat off himself.

"You bastard, Daren..."

A trace of bitterness and helplessness flashed through Sengoku's reddened eyes.

"Even now... you've left me owing you a hell of a debt."

Brilliant golden light surged from his body.

His form expanded upward, transforming in a flash into a towering, radiant Buddha of war, then launched a powerful shockwave toward Big Mom.

"Impact Wave!"

"Mamamama! Nice spirit, Sengoku!"

Big Mom laughed with twisted delight, gripping the massive sword formed from Napoleon with both hands. Flames rose around her as she brought it crashing down.

"Cognac, Hahaba!"

BOOM!!

A violent shockwave tore through the air as the two collided. Lightning lanced outward in every direction, centered on their clash, shaking the thick ice and sending shards flying like a storm.

...

"Comrades, this is my final gift to you."

Amid the drifting embers, Daren quietly watched the raging chaos of the distant battlefield. A faint, complicated smile formed on his face as he murmured softly.

From the moment he chose to strike against the Celestial Dragons, he'd known—there was no turning back.

He would become the World Government's greatest enemy.

A world-class criminal, hunted by the Marines, marked for capture... or elimination.

If Kaidou and Big Mom hadn't fallen for the fake intel he'd released, then the four Meito blades hidden beneath the sea would've been his trump card against the Marine fleet.

Even if they didn't do significant damage, they could at least buy time—enough to prevent them from landing on the island.

Because no matter how ruthless Daren could be, turning his sword directly against former comrades and brothers-in-arms was something he couldn't bring himself to do.

After all, not everyone had the resolve—or madness—to flip the table on the World Government, the Five Elders, and the Celestial Dragons.

The Marines carried too many shackles. Too many bonds.

They had convictions, responsibilities, positions...

They had friends, families... children.

Most people in this world didn't live for themselves alone.

And all those cherished things—under the shadow of the World Government's authority—could be easily manipulated, controlled, even threatened.

Even if, in the end, they were forced to draw their blades against him... in a way, he couldn't blame them.

With that thought, Daren slowly exhaled, pulled a fresh cigar from his pocket, lit it, and took a drag.

"So I'm curious... are you really immortal, Saint Saturn-sama?"

The Vice Admiral wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. The oppressive aura that unconsciously radiated from him snuffed out the flames flickering nearby.

He slowly turned around, gazing at the towering demonic beast advancing from the jungle. Its body had completely regenerated.

He smiled.

"This is a power beyond your comprehension, Daren."

Saint Saturn had taken on his hybrid beast form, cloaked in swirling black smoke. His gaze was cold, emotionless.

"Now do you understand?"

"Insects are insects... ants. Before the divine power of the gods, there's no such thing as hope."

Daren blew a lazy ring of smoke, grinning with disdain.

"Hard to say. After all, I wasn't the one who just got hacked into pieces, lost control, and had a rage-fueled breakdown."

"You...!"

Veins burst red in Saturn's eyes as fury surged through him.

He clenched his jaw, barely suppressing the rage, and cast a cold glance at the distant battlefield.

"You really think dragging Kaidou and Big Mom here will buy you enough time to slip away from the Marines?"

Daren raised his hand and tilted his head slightly.

"Who said anything about escaping?"

"I'm not done having fun."

As soon as the words fell, Daren's eyes narrowed sharply.

"Fire."

Saturn's pupils shrank.

A deafening crack tore through the air—an instant later, blinding sword light streaked across the void, screaming like a jet engine and bursting into white shockwaves.

Clang!

Clang!

Sparks flew wildly as Saturn raised his scarred cane, barely managing to block the two frenzied blades coming at him.

Oto. Kogarashi.

"Nice reflexes. But... is that all?"

Daren chuckled.

As his words echoed, twin beams of energy—one black, one white—flashed across the ground like death incarnate.

Shhk!

Shhk!

Trees, rocks, the earth itself, even the snow drifting from the sky—split clean in two.

So did...

Saint Saturn's arms.

A spray of green blood burst out, flinging the shriveled limbs into the air.

Saturn staggered back several steps, his expression wavering, complexion pale.

Black smoke curled around him as the bleeding stopped. New flesh began to squirm and grow from the wounds.

"Not even slashes work?"

Daren narrowed his eyes. Behind him, four gleaming Meito blades hovered, their edges shimmering with deadly intent.

"I told you—"

"Insect attacks don't work on gods."

Saturn wheezed faintly, his voice hoarse and cold.

"But I am curious... the prize list for the World Noble Hunting Tournament was top secret."

"How did you know the grand prize... was the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi?"

"???"

This time, it was Daren who froze.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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