The power of a vampire had indeed allowed Alessia to break through her limits, surging from an elite Vice Admiral to the level of an Admiral in a single leap. Combined with an undying physique that granted infinite regeneration, provided her heart remained intact, she wouldn't even fear the likes of a veteran Admiral like Borsalino.
However, her opponent was not Borsalino; it was one of the Gorosei. These men utilized the National Treasure, and their strength began at the level of the Yonko at the very least. Being merely at the level of an Admiral was not enough to overcome them.
Alessia coordinated with her Familiar, the massive black fox Tamamo no Mae, launching a frenzied assault against the handlebar-mustached Gorosei. The battlefield shook with one intense tremor after another, drawing the attention of even Issho and Oseinofica as they fought.
"Vice Admiral Shirokitsune... has reached such a level of power?"
Issho was incredulous. He turned his head toward Alucard's location. "Is it because of that man?"
"The outcome will not change."
Oseinofica's Oodenta Mitsuyo clashed with Issho's gravity blade, sending violent shockwaves rippling outward in massive arcs.
"This won't do."
Alucard had no intention of remaining a spectator. He began walking toward the city of St. Poplar. The Gorosei and the three Great Families of the Celestial Dragons, those who held the pinnacle of world power, certainly wouldn't have sent only two people. By his count, there should be eight.
Since two had appeared outside, logic dictated there were six more within.
"Do they really think two can stop me? Whatever. They're all going to die anyway."
Alucard gripped his twin pistols and walked toward the city gates. Kong and his men moved to block him, but at that moment, another figure blurred past Alucard to stand between the two sides.
"Momousagi, you..." Kong's face darkened.
"Commander-in-Chief, my decision earlier wasn't just talk."
Since her previous sword had been destroyed by Alucard, Momousagi drew a new blade and pointed it at the crowd. "Marines, Government forces... come then."
With Momousagi taking the lead, a portion of the Marines and Government troops, who could no longer stomach the Government's atrocities, responded to the call. They tore off their epaulets, rank insignia, and medals, roaring as they charged at the Government forces.
"Stop them!"
Kong's philosophy was that while the Government was flawed, it could not be allowed to fall. If this titan collapsed, it was impossible to imagine what the world would become. The Government's existence had to be maintained; solutions for everything else could be found later.
Conversely, the view held by Issho and Momousagi was that the Government was rotten to the core. A severe illness required potent medicine, even if it meant amputating the necrotic limb.
Both sides held their own convictions. Neither could be called "right," nor could the other be dismissed as "wrong." They were simply fighting for the future they believed in.
"Fufufufu~ Now it's getting interesting!"
Watching the battlefield descend into absolute chaos, Doflamingo raised his hands and laughed. "The largest military operation since the Government's founding, a siege against the most heinous criminal in history, and the most severe rebellion in the annals of war... and they all happen on this day, at this very moment."
Doflamingo's tall, lanky frame slouched as he paced through the chaos. "Justice will prevail? Well, of course it will! Because the winner is justice!"
Alucard let out a cold laugh and prepared to phase through the wall into the city. Just then, a "pro-Government" officer, Momonga, rushed behind Alucard and slammed a hand onto the ground, activating his Gather-Gather Fruit ability.
"Don't even think about going inside, Alucard!"
The ground began to constrict, acting like a hydraulic press intent on crushing Alucard's feet.
"Parasite!"
Suddenly, several streaks of white light flashed through the air, nearly striking Momonga. Forced to evade, Momonga looked up at a point ten meters in the air and snarled, "Doflamingo, what is the meaning of this? Do you no longer want your title as a Warlord?"
"Fufufufu~~ The world needs a change. No... a world this boring might as well be destroyed."
No one knew if Doflamingo was being serious or not. He continued, "The Celestial Dragons of Mariejois... I've always wanted to drag those bastards down from their divine thrones. This is a perfect opportunity."
"Get out of the way!" Momonga roared.
"I'm afraid I can't do that. Trading the title of Warlord for the downfall of the Celestial Dragons... that's a bargain." Doflamingo spread his arms, and a string puppet identical to him manifested by his side.
Alucard paid no further mind to the situation behind him and phased through the wall. Outside the city, the battlefield was a scene of total pandemonium. Kong, Momonga, and the "Loyalists" clashed with Issho, Momousagi, and the "Rebels."
After Doflamingo made his move, Mad Treasure, another leader of the alliance, refused to be outdone. He followed suit, providing massive support to the outnumbered Rebel faction.
"The Warlord privileges were granted by the Government! Have you lost your mind, Mad Treasure?!" a member of the Holy Cross Knights shouted, pointing a spear at him.
"Jararara~~"
Treasure, chains wrapped around his arms, walked slowly toward his opponent and flicked his tongue. "The era of the Government is over. Why would I cling to a severed leg?"
Without mercy, Treasure buried a fist into the man's nose, sending him flying.
"It seems it is necessary to completely purge the Warlords." A man in a white robe, also from the Holy Cross Knights, stepped in front of Treasure.
"Who are you?"
Unlike Doflamingo, who had plants within the Government, Treasure knew little of its hidden figures.
"Captain of the Holy Cross Knights, Masmalon," the man declared proudly, leveling his weapon.
"Jararara! A hard name to remember, but I've confirmed you're an enemy!"
"What the hell! Those bastards Doflamingo and Treasure... what are they doing to the reputation of the Warlords?"
Buggy stood at the edge of the battlefield, a hand shoved in his mouth, his mind in a state of total panic.
Suddenly, Dracule Mihawk vanished from his side. In the next instant, he appeared between Issho and Oseinofica.
By now, Issho was showing signs of defeat. It was only a matter of time before he lost; he had already sustained significant injuries while rescuing King Cobra.
"Hawk-Eyes..."
Oseinofica's face twisted. "It seems you've lost interest in being a Warlord as well."