A massive, shadowy figure loomed in the thick fog, faintly visible as it surged through the crashing waves. Though it seemed slow, it was swiftly approaching, and even before it got close, a chilling and menacing aura swept over them.
"W-What is that..."
Everyone stared in shock at the enormous shadow, nearly a hundred meters long and resembling a small mountain. But when this monstrous figure burst out from the mist, their jaws dropped and eyes widened in disbelief.
What appeared before them was an unprecedentedly massive warship. In front of it, the Blackbeard Pirates' largest vessel looked like a mere toy.
"This is bad—!"
Everyone panicked. The colossal ship was charging straight toward them without the slightest intention of slowing down.
Bang—!
The giant ship crashed into the outer pirate vessels, which shattered like fragile building blocks. Wooden debris flew in all directions, and amidst the screams, the pirates fell into the sea like dumplings!
Crack—!
Another pirate ship was smashed to pieces!
"What is that thing?" Lafitte exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.
"Ehhahahaha!" Blackbeard burst into laughter, his gaze sharpening like a hawk's. "I didn't expect such a pleasant surprise. This ship is mine now!"
As he spoke, Blackbeard spread his arms wide, fingers outstretched like eagle talons, and then yanked forcefully!
Boom—!
The previously calm sea suddenly churned and roared as if split into countless fragments. The entire surface trembled under the shockwave, resembling shattered glass.
Beneath the massive ship, the sea surface tilted, causing the ship to list and slow down.
Blackbeard grinned. "It's time!"
Just as he spoke, the sea suddenly surged and a massive figure broke through the surface—an enormous giant, even larger than the previously towering Little Oars. It was none other than the giant battleship, Sanjuan Wolf!
"Drag that ship over here for me!" Blackbeard grinned, revealing his uneven teeth. "Be careful not to damage it!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Sanjuan rumbled in response and strode toward the warship. Despite his towering size, he still appeared small next to the massive vessel.
Blackbeard's eyes lit up even more. "So interesting, this is just too interesting. My luck is unbelievable—running into such a huge ship. I've decided—it will be my flagship!"
But before Sanjuan could reach it, the warship's triple-mounted turret slowly turned. The dark barrels aimed at Sanjuan, radiating a chilling aura. By then, Sanjuan had already reached the ship's side, extending two massive hands toward it.
Lafitte smiled. "Those cannons might look powerful, but it's a shame. Sanjuan isn't just big—his defense is second to none. Trying to hurt him with those cannons would be a huge mistake."
Just as he finished speaking, the warship's cannons fired!
Boom—!
A deafening roar shook the heavens as a massive shell blasted out of the barrel and struck Sanjuan!
Blinding fire erupted, and thick smoke billowed skyward. Just as everyone thought Sanjuan would remain unscathed as before, the shell pierced through his body as if it were paper!
Blood spurted out in all directions!
"Aaaaargh—!"
Sanjuan let out a miserable scream, staggering backward involuntarily.
But it didn't stop there—the warship's triple-mounted turrets fired again!
Boom boom boom—!
A series of thunderous blasts echoed across the sky. Explosions erupted on Sanjuan's body as the shells tore through him. Even his Armament Haki-hardened chest was easily penetrated, and crimson blood gushed out!
"This... how is this possible?" Lafitte's eyes widened in disbelief.
He knew Sanjuan's formidable body and powerful Armament Haki. Not even a Navy warship's bombardment could injure him.
Yet now, this seemingly invincible Sanjuan was left in shambles!
What he didn't know was that these triple-mounted guns didn't fire conventional explosive or solid shells. Instead, they launched APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) rounds, known for their tremendous penetration power. They could pierce even seastone—let alone flesh.
Sanjuan let out another scream, his massive body swaying before crashing into the sea with a thunderous splash!
Boom—!
Many pirate ships couldn't escape in time and were smashed to pieces by the resulting waves!
"Hahahahaha—!"
Blackbeard suddenly burst into wild laughter, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Amazing! That power is incredible—fantastic! This ship is mine!"
Raising his arm high, a pitch-black aura coiled around his hand. He slammed it onto the ground!
Boom—!
A torrent of black matter surged from his palm like a tsunami, dyeing the sea pitch-black. Ships trapped in this black sea began sinking rapidly as if caught in a quagmire!
"Aaaaaaah—!"
"Help!"
"Captain, no! Save us!"
"I don't want to die yet!"
"Captain—!"
The pirates trapped in the black matter screamed in despair, but Blackbeard paid no attention to their cries. He let the darkness consume them while staring intently at the warship slowly sinking in the distance, excitement dancing in his eyes.
"It's mine—it's all mine!" Blackbeard laughed maniacally at the sky.
Just then, a clear and melodious voice suddenly rang out.
"Yours? Did you ask for my permission first?"
Blackbeard's ecstatic expression froze. He turned abruptly, his pupils contracting sharply!
Not far away, a slender figure stood at the bow of the ship, the corners of her mouth curled into a cold smile, her icy eyes fixed on him.
Blackbeard's expression froze, and he withdrew his grin. "Why are you here?"
"Is there a rule saying I can't be here?" Kaguya descended the steps with a chill in her tone. "But you—when did you grow so bold as to try to seize my ship?"
"Your ship?" Blackbeard was taken aback.
Kaguya looked down on him with an air of superiority. "What else did you think?"
"Ahahahaha—!"
Blackbeard slapped his forehead and laughed. "What a misunderstanding. I didn't expect it to be Lady Kaguya's ship. My deepest apologies. But I must say—only Lady Kaguya could possess such a magnificent vessel."
"Just now, weren't you thinking of taking it for yourself?" Kaguya's smile deepened. "If you want it, I can give it to you. How about that?"
"Give it to me?" Blackbeard was briefly stunned. He glanced at the colossal ship standing on the sea, a flicker of greed flashing in his eyes—but he quickly hid it and laughed. "How could I dare? This is Lady Kaguya's ship. How could someone like me lay a hand on it? Hahaha!"
"No need to decline. If you really want it, I'll give it to you," Kaguya blinked. "This is the legendary Pluton—the warship said to be capable of destroying an island with a single shot."
"Pluton?" Blackbeard's pupils shrank.
Having roamed the Grand Line for over a decade, he was well aware of the ancient weapon Pluton—one of the three great weapons of legend. It was said to be a superweapon of terrifying power, one that countless people had sought. Even the World Government had scoured the globe for it, all to no avail.
And just moments ago, this massive warship had effortlessly defeated Sanjuan, proving its terrifying strength. If it truly was Pluton…
Blackbeard's eyes gleamed with greed. He swallowed hard.
With it in hand, he would wield a weapon of overwhelming power. Not even a full naval fleet could stand against him!
"Hahahahaha—!"
Blackbeard laughed aloud. "Since Lady Kaguya insists on giving me this ship, I'll have to accept it. Men, prepare to board!"
"Yes!"
The Blackbeard Pirates shouted with excitement. They knew exactly how valuable this ship was—owning it meant they could run rampant through the entire Grand Line.
"Wait—!"
Just then, Kaguya's melodious voice rang out behind them.
Blackbeard paused and turned around with a laugh. "Is there something else? Oh, right—those Devil Fruits you asked me to collect are ready. I'll have someone deliver them right away."
"Of course you'll give them to me," Kaguya smirked. "Because the dead don't need Devil Fruits."
Blackbeard's face darkened, his eyes sharpening. "What do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean? Shouldn't you be the one who knows best?" Kaguya twirled a strand of hair and said playfully, "But before that, I have one condition."
"A condition?" Blackbeard narrowed his eyes.
"That's right," Kaguya stepped closer. "You didn't think I'd give away such a valuable ship for free out of kindness, did you?"
"So that's what this is about," Blackbeard chuckled. "That's fine. As long as I have it, you can ask for anything."
"Anything?" Kaguya's eyes sparkled. "Then—if I say I want your life, would you give it to me?"
Blackbeard was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting such a condition.
"Hahahaha—!" he laughed loudly. "Lady Kaguya, you're so funny. What a joke!"
Kaguya crossed her arms, her tone playful. "Do you really think I'm joking?"
Not a joke?
The Blackbeard Pirates were startled, and tension filled the air. They watched the silver-haired girl warily.
Blackbeard's laughter faded, replaced by a grim expression. "Seems you don't understand your situation. Do you think you alone, with one ship, can take on the Blackbeard Pirates?"
"I think you're mistaken," Kaguya smiled. "I've never been alone."
Roar—!
A deafening roar exploded into the air. A massive figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere. His muscular arm lifted high and punched directly into sniper Van Augur's chest with a loud crack! His chest caved in as blood spurted from his mouth.
Boom—!
Van Augur flew back like a broken kite, crashing into the ship's railing with a loud boom, smashing a large hole in it.
With just one punch, Van Augur was severely injured!
The attacker was Kaido!
At that moment, several more figures landed beside Kaguya: Charlotte Linlin, Whitebeard Jr., Magellan, and Akainu!
Since Kaguya had killed Akainu, she had used Edo Tensei to bring him back to life. A former admiral's power was not to be wasted.
"Damn you!"
Akainu glared at Kaguya, flames nearly bursting from his hawk-like eyes. He had never imagined he would die so easily—so humiliatingly. What made it worse was having to serve the very person who killed him. That pain was worse than death itself.
But no matter how furious he was, he couldn't escape Kaguya's control. His body no longer felt like his own—he could only watch himself fight, unable to move a single finger.
Smack—!
Kaguya slapped Akainu hard. He flew backward and crashed into the ship's wall with a loud boom.
"Listen, slave." Kaguya stepped over and stomped on his chest, glaring down coldly. "You'd better behave. I'm your master now. If I want, I can make your life worse than death. Understood?"
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