Warships carved through the churning waters, navigating directly through the massive fissures that split Cake Island into fragments. The acrid smell of smoke and debris filled the air as desperate survivors scrambled for safety.
Several unfortunate pirates, thinking any vessel meant salvation, attempted to scale the ship's hull. Their hope transformed into terror when a towering silhouette emerged from the deck, blotting out the morning sun.
The climber looked up just as a brilliant beam of energy erupted from above. The laser struck with surgical precision, sending the would-be stowaway plummeting into the churning seas below.
Other survivors, witnessing this display of power, felt a chill of recognition wash over them.
"It's 'Tyrant' Bear!" someone screamed, voice cracking with disbelief.
"How is there another Seven Warlord here?!"
"No! Look closer... there's not just one!"
Following the panicked gesture, more identical figures of Bartholomew Kuma materialized across the warship's deck. Each bore the same imposing frame, the same cold, mechanical presence.
Before anyone could process this impossibility fully, one of the Pacifistas turned its attention to the survivors floating in the debris-filled water.
"Target identified. Pirates." The voice carried no emotion, no humanity whatsoever.
The Pacifista's mouth opened wide, unleashing several devastating laser beams that turned the water around them into steam.
Vice Admiral Tsuru observed the squadron of mechanical duplicates with a mixture of awe and concern. Despite her mental preparation, witnessing the result of Vegapunk's research firsthand was still breathtaking.
Pacifista PX Series, currently developed up to the PX-6 model.
These were mass-produced combat machines, each one crafted using Bartholomew Kuma as their template. Since the artificial versions lacked the original's Paw-Paw Fruit abilities, Dr. Vegapunk had compensated by installing laser weaponry that mimicked Admiral Kizaru's devastating attacks.
While they might struggle against truly elite opponents, these machines excelled at decimating large groups of ordinary pirates.
"Pacifistas, lock onto pirate targets! Commence indiscriminate attack protocol!"
A burly figure leaped from the ship's deck with surprising agility despite his size. Sentomaru landed with a thunderous impact, his massive axe already swinging to cleave through several panicking pirates. His distinctive belly warmer and confident swagger marked him as someone accustomed to command.
The Pacifistas responded instantly, dropping from the ship like metallic rain. Their optical sensors swept the battlefield with clinical precision, red targeting beams dancing across potential threats before unleashing coordinated laser barrages.
Vice Admiral Tsuru knew better than to rely solely on these technological marvels, impressive as they were. What this situation truly demanded was seasoned, high-level combat expertise.
When a purple-haired figure in distinctive sunglasses descended from the lead vessel, she felt genuine relief wash over her. The newcomer's mechanical arm gleamed with advanced engineering as he casually grabbed a fleeing pirate and rendered him unconscious with minimal effort.
"Zephyr, looks like Vegapunk gave your arm another upgrade," Tsuru called out, noting the improved design of his prosthetic.
Seven years had passed since that tragic day when Zephyr's ship fell under attack. The assault had cost him not only his arm but also most of his beloved students, forcing the legendary instructor into reluctant semi-retirement due to his disability.
Fortunately, two years ago, Dr. Vegapunk had personally crafted a revolutionary mechanical replacement, restoring Zephyr's ability to lead his remaining disciples back into active duty as pirate hunters.
When word reached headquarters that Naruto Uzumaki had arrived at Cake Island, Tsuru immediately requested reinforcements from Fleet Admiral Sengoku. The choice of Zephyr as support had been obvious.
The request eventually landed on the Five Elders' desk. Given the operation's critical importance, they authorized Tsuru's use of the experimental Pacifista units stationed at Egghead Island.
Even during Zephyr's equipment briefing, Vegapunk had provided additional cutting-edge modifications to maximize his combat effectiveness.
"Tsuru, I hope I'm not too late," Zephyr said, flexing his enhanced mechanical fingers. The specialized battle gear and improved prosthetic had elevated his fighting capabilities beyond even his former prime. True to his nature, he still avoided lethal force when possible, preferring to incapacitate rather than kill.
He remained the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill," not yet broken by the betrayals and disappointments that would plague his original timeline.
Of course, technically speaking, he no longer held Admiral rank. The Navy maintained only three Admiral positions, making Zephyr officially a retired veteran despite his continued service.
"Perfect timing. You haven't missed the main event," Tsuru replied warmly. She'd always respected this slightly younger colleague from their academy days. In her estimation, Zephyr possessed far more reliability than certain other veteran officers she could name.
The thought of his tragic fate in another timeline stirred sympathy in her heart, but now wasn't the moment for such reflections.
The ground battle was reaching a critical juncture. Momousagi's sword Konpira had been launched from her grip for the second time by Hancock's overwhelming force. Only the Empress's restraint had prevented the Admiral candidate from suffering serious injury.
Even so, Momousagi's situation grew increasingly desperate.
This woman is truly a monster!
The recoil transmitted through Konpira's hilt sent painful vibrations up Momousagi's arms. Despite giving everything she had, she remained thoroughly outclassed. Worse still, Hancock seemed distracted, frequently glancing toward the aerial combat between Naruto and Garp as if this duel was merely a minor inconvenience.
The casual dismissal hurt more than any physical blow.
Bang!
Another devastating kick sent Konpira spinning through the air once again. This time, Hancock's patience appeared exhausted as she launched a follow-up attack with clear intent to end the fight.
Just as the Haki-enhanced strike was about to connect, a familiar figure intercepted the blow with mechanical precision.
Zephyr had arrived at the perfect moment.
"Smash Blaster!"
His upgraded mechanical arm was smaller than the previous model but packed significantly more explosive power. The resulting detonation sent both combatants sliding backward, neither giving ground easily.
Hancock finally turned her full attention away from Naruto's battle, studying this new opponent with genuine interest. Unlike Momousagi, this elderly Marine radiated the dangerous competence of a true veteran.
"Seven Warlords... I've always maintained this system is fundamentally flawed," Zephyr muttered, though his voice carried grudging respect for her abilities despite his philosophical objections.
This sentiment reflected his longstanding opposition to the Warlord program. In his view, granting pirates legal immunity to fight other pirates only encouraged more brazen criminality under government protection.
"Hmph, do you think I care about such trivial designations?" Hancock's response came paired with an immediate attack, her leg cutting through the air with lethal intent.
"Handle the others," Zephyr instructed without turning around. "Leave this one to me."
"Yes, sensei," Momousagi replied, though shame colored her acknowledgment. Being rescued by her former instructor in such a public manner stung her professional pride.
Meanwhile, across the battlefield, Sentomaru continued coordinating the Pacifista assault while calling out to Vice Admiral Tsuru.
"Granny Tsuru, where's old uncle? I don't see him anywhere!"
He'd spotted Vice Admiral Garp's aerial battle but noticed the absence of his beloved "old uncle," Borsalino.
"Him? You can't help him right now, so don't go adding to the chaos," Tsuru replied, her tone carrying weary affection. Somewhere in the distance, the dedicated wage worker Borsalino continued his solitary dance with Big Mom, buying precious time for everyone else.