The battlefield, Jiang Lin's golden Buddha radiated raw, masculine energy, while Sengoku's Buddha emanated a subtle, almost ethereal grace. The contrast only made Jiang Lin's figure appear more imposing and powerful.
Two golden Buddhas hovered at the center of the war-torn plaza, their radiant auras so blinding that they cast a shadow over everything around them.
A deep, resounding impact reverberated through the air as Jiang Lin and Sengoku thrust their massive palms toward each other. Their colossal Buddha hands collided like heavy fans, sending waves of shimmering light rippling outward.
"Jiang Lin, don't think you'll leave Marineford alive!"
Sengoku roared, pouring all his strength into the strike. The shockwave slammed into Jiang Lin, forcing him backward.
"The power gap is still too wide…" Jiang Lin murmured, eyes narrowing. Then, with a swift shift, he redirected the momentum, avoiding Sengoku's crushing palm and landing a heavy strike to his chest.
"Ah!"
Sengoku, initially surging forward with unstoppable force, reeled in shock, instinctively raising his arms to defend.
Jiang Lin's gaze fell on Sengoku's bare, golden form, and realization struck—Sengoku had transformed into a trans figure. Panic flashed across Jiang Lin's face, and he hastily retracted his attack.
Awkwardly hovering in the sky, the two golden Buddhas stared at each other, a tense silence filling the moment.
Below, the battle raged on. With Ace freed, the Whitebeard Pirates' momentum wavered, and the Marines, once on the defensive, began pushing forward.
"Stop Ace!"
Marine officers shouted, leveling their firearms at the execution platform. Bullets rained down like dark rain, streaking toward Ace.
"Let's get out of here!" Mr. 3 cried, hastily erecting a wax wall to shield himself.
"Fire Fist!"
Unfazed, Ace thrust forward, flames erupting from his fists, melting the hail of bullets before they could reach him.
"My justice will not let you leave!"
From his golden throne, Garp's heavy voice rumbled. Slowly, he rose, hand trembling—not from fear, but from the weight of his inner conflict.
"Move aside!"
Luffy, trapped in the Marines' encirclement, roared, smashing through the soldiers and racing toward Garp.
"I'll take you to Ace!"
Lightning carved a path to the platform, creating a bridge for Luffy. Above the scorched execution ground, Ace glanced down at Luffy, then shifted his gaze between Whitebeard and Jiang Lin. The outcome of this battle now rested in their hands.
"Whitebeard, your era is over. Resist any longer, and your end will be inevitable!"
Admiral Akainu charged at Whitebeard with molten fury.
"Demonic Magma Fist!"
White-hot lava surged skyward, but Whitebeard met it head-on, swinging his bisento, slicing through the molten assault. Shockwaves swept across the battlefield as the lava shattered against his might.
"Red Dog!" Akainu roared, summoning a fiery canine from the smog, snapping at Whitebeard's shoulder.
Clang!
Whitebeard's strike shattered the flame-headed beast into fragments.
"Jiang Lin, die!"
Akainu's rage surged skyward as he joined the aerial fray. Jiang Lin, eyes alight with anticipation, met him head-on. Golden light clashed with molten fury, painting the sky with a vivid, apocalyptic spectacle.
Boom!
Explosions rocked the air. Red-hot lava and brilliant golden light collided as Whitebeard leapt into the fight, striking Sengoku with a massive blow. Sengoku, caught between Jiang Lin and Whitebeard, was hurled violently to the ground.
Across the plaza, Akainu and Sengoku rose from the smoke, flames blazing in their eyes.
"All aboard!"
Whitebeard's booming command spurred his crew into action. With Ace freed and the Marines temporarily contained, now was the perfect moment to retreat—victorious, yet strategic.
Sengoku, recovering from Whitebeard's strike, turned sharply, eyes narrowing on Garp at the execution platform. Meanwhile, Ace and Luffy shared a fleeting smile as they met atop the blazing bridge.
"Stop them!"
Marine officers obeyed orders, unleashing a torrent of gunfire. But Ace and Luffy leapt through a column of fire, landing in the middle of the plaza. Flames roared around them, carving a clear path through the enemy ranks.
Following Sengoku's command, Garp stepped forward, charging to intercept. Jiang Lin descended behind a cascading wall of fire, the plaza suddenly emptying before him as Marines recoiled in fear.
"Ace! Time to go!" Jiang Lin called, a dazzling fire path connecting him to Ace.
"Jiang Lin!"
The three reunited, smiling briefly before the battlefield demanded their attention again.
"Garp!"
Sengoku's gaze hardened. In no time, the entire Marine high command—four figures clad in gold, white, red, and yellow—descended upon Jiang Lin.
"Do you really think you can gang up on me?"
Whitebeard's booming voice echoed as he landed amid the encircling Marines. The Whitebeard Pirates' squad leaders, led by Jozu, steadily moved toward Jiang Lin.
"Luffy! Jiang Lin! I'm so glad to see you both!"
A familiar trans figure rushed into the fray beside Jiang Lin, leaving the Marines stunned. Sengoku's mind raced—could there be a Marine spy?
"You think you can escape?!" Kizaru's eyes widened in shock, focusing on the unexpected presence of Ivankov.
Whitebeard's hand, holding his bisento, struck with unyielding force. Jiang Lin intercepted it with a golden hand, sparks flying.
"Whitebeard! If anyone must cover our retreat, leave it to me!" Jiang Lin said, flames erupting from his body, radiating confidence.
"True heroes rise young! Hahaha…"
Whitebeard finally relented, lowering his weapon. Jiang Lin was no fool; he had the skill to handle three Admirals and a Fleet Admiral—but now, he had Whitebeard, Ace, Luffy, and the entire Whitebeard crew at his side.
"Captain! Don't die on me—I just became your crew, I don't want to find a new captain yet!"
"Boa Hancock! Don't worry—I'll take you to find the One Piece!" Jiang Lin laughed, golden light fading to a vibrant, charming yellow.
"Shan-Shan Fruit (Hormone Amplifier) loaded. Duration: 10 minutes. Cooldown: 30 seconds."
The system voice sounded, and Jiang Lin shot forward like a radiant beam toward Akainu.
"Akainu! If you won't transform, how else could I leave Marineford?"
His mischievous grin sent a chill down Akainu's spine.