On the warship at this moment, Admiral Kizaru (Polusalino) was sitting on a deck chair, casually trimming his nails.
Vice-Admiral Momousagi (Gion) and Vice-Admiral Teafish (Tokikake, referred to as 'Kaji' in the original) stood behind Kizaru with displeasure. However, they were not annoyed with Kizaru, but rather with the self-important figure standing at the bow of the ship.
"Fujitora (Hei Teng), there is a fundamental flaw in this formation."
Momousagi couldn't help but shout, "Indeed, the Army is the Army; they don't know how to use warships in battle at all! This arrangement not only fails to surround the Straw Hat Crew, but because the troops are too scattered, they will easily break through our encirclement. Those warships will also be easily captured!"
Fujitora (Hei Teng) replied with disdain, "Momousagi, are you questioning my battle plan? Don't forget, I am the commander-in-chief of this operation!"
When Momousagi and Teafish heard this, they couldn't help but glare.
As for Kizaru, he continued to trim his nails leisurely.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku had originally wanted Kizaru to be the commander-in-chief for this mission, but Fujitora had intervened and taken the position. This was exactly what Kizaru wanted, so he gave up the command position without hesitation. Kizaru knew how difficult it was to deal with the Straw Hats, so the success rate of this siege was very low. Since someone else wanted to take the blame, Kizaru was happy to let him.
Fujitora shirked responsibility for the failure of the Summit War last time, Kizaru thought. Let's see how he manages to run away this time!
So, Kizaru spoke up, "Gion, Kaji, you've been in the Marines for so many years , don't you know that you must obey the command of the commander-in-chief? This operation is fully entrusted to Admiral Fujitora. We only need to cooperate with his plan. Do not express any dissatisfaction or complaints, or you will be sent back!"
"But Admiral Kizaru…"
"No 'buts'," Kizaru interrupted. "Soldiers must obey the orders of their superiors!"
Kizaru's reprimand immediately silenced Momousagi and Teafish, and they stopped questioning anything.
Fujitora laughed heartily. He was very satisfied with Kizaru's good sense. He decided that after he wiped out the Straw Hat Crew this time, he wouldn't forget to include Kizaru in the credit.
Fujitora didn't realize that Kizaru had completely shifted the blame away from himself.
On the island, Carl had already informed his partners. Everyone was eager, seemingly looking forward to the battle.
"Everyone, try to stick together and fight cooperatively as much as possible. Don't scatter unless it's absolutely necessary, or you really will be caught. Luffy is on his way back now, so we just need to hold out for a while. With Mr. Rayleigh here, you don't have to worry too much." Carl said, smiling at Rayleigh.
Rayleigh gave him a look. "Hey, hey, Carl, you're taking me for granted!"
Carl nodded. "That's for sure. You are our swordsmanship teacher. When you see your disciples being besieged, can you, Mr. Rayleigh, really stand by and do nothing?"
Rayleigh rolled his eyes. He genuinely wanted to say that he could! However, both the Straw Hat Crew and the Heart Pirates were looking at him, leaving him unable to refuse.
That's fine, he decided. If the situation really becomes critical, then I truly can't sit idly by. It should be acceptable to step in when necessary.
"Here's the plan. I will engage Fujitora and Kizaru alone. As for the two Vice-Admirals (Admiral candidates), Zoro, Law, Marie, and Riji—it's time for you to step up. There aren't many other Vice-Admirals leading the rest of the Marines and the Army, so everyone else should be fine. If you find yourselves in danger, call for Teacher Rayleigh, understand?"
"Ooh!!!" Everyone responded loudly.
Rayleigh's face was covered in black lines, feeling that Carl was getting far too comfortable relying on him.
Zoro eagerly spoke up, "That Momousagi is a great swordsman. Leave her to me and Law. I didn't expect to fight against an Admiral candidate so soon. It's truly exciting!"
Law didn't say anything but tightly gripped his blade, Kikoku. This was their first confrontation with Admiral candidates. The pressure was immense, but if they could survive this, it would prove their strength had reached a significant level, allowing them to freely roam the New World.
Marie and Riji, however, were completely calm, acting as if what they were about to hunt were merely "trash fish".
"In that case, I'll go say hello to them first. Everyone, pay attention to safety!"
Carl declared, stepping onto the plank-door sword, and flew towards the warship where Kizaru and Fujitora were located. The ships of the Straw Hats and the Hearts had been coated the previous night and were already being towed to a hidden location by Mohmoo.
It's time to fight!
Carl was incredibly fast, reaching the shore in the blink of an eye. He raised his hand and released dense arcs of electricity. The arcs arranged and moved according to a specific pattern, immediately generating a strong magnetic force. The two closest warships were instantly lifted into the air.
Warships are strong because they are reinforced with iron plates. Even if they didn't have many iron plates, they would still be controlled by Carl's magnetic power. Carl's opening move was explosive.
The two warships were sucked into the sky, then flung toward the main warship carrying Kizaru and Fujitora, throwing the Marine formation into disarray.
"Oh, my. Isn't it a bit much to greet us this way this morning? These are the elite sailors of two warships. Why cause such a catastrophe?"
Kizaru spoke casually, transforming his entire body into light particles and appearing in front of Carl. He condensed a lightsaber and slashed at Carl.
Fujitora was not idle either. Carl saw a pair of small wings grow from his back, and he quickly flew upward. Fujitora coated his fist with Haki and aimed a punch at Carl's head.
Carl smiled and drew both of his swords to block the simultaneous attacks from the two powerful figures.
Carl glanced specifically at Fujitora's wings. "So that's it—a flying serpent? It looks like it's either a Mythical Zoan or an Ancient Zoan. An Army Admiral truly is a rare sight!"
Kizaru was momentarily speechless. This guy actually copied my catchphrase!
"You can laugh now, but you'll be crying later!" Fujitora cursed, continuing his relentless attack.
Meanwhile, the two airborne warships had to be dealt with by the two Admiral candidates.
"Honestly, this Lightning Great Swordsman is extremely troublesome!"
Teafish complained, leaping into the air. He kicked the two warships, sending them spinning away. The warships flipped over in the air and finally hit the sea, bottom-first.
Fortunately, the warships were built strongly, otherwise, their bottoms would have been smashed and leaked immediately.
The sailors on the ships looked pale. The sudden "roller coaster" ride had been too exciting. But thankfully, they had held on tight; not a single person had died or fallen into the water. The quality of these elite sailors was indeed good.
However, at that very moment, explosions were heard from the coastline in other directions.
Teafish's expression changed instantly. "Oh no! Carl deliberately appeared here to intercept us. The Straw Hat Crew is planning to break through from other directions!"
Momousagi's complexion was grim. "I said earlier that this formation was inadequate! How could the Straw Hat Crew be surrounded so easily! There are only two Vice-Admirals over there, and they can't possibly stop Roronoa Zoro and Trafalgar Law! The Straw Hat Crew is about to escape!"
Despite their complaints, the two Admiral candidates rushed immediately toward the coastline where the commotion had broken out.
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