Chapter 172 – Bon Clay's Determination, Sabo Successfully Rescued
"Marshal, everything is ready."
At that moment, a Marine officer appeared behind Sengoku and reported solemnly.
"Has the deployment at the bay also been completed?" Sengoku asked, turning.
"Yes. All preparations are complete, just awaiting your order," the officer confirmed.
"Good." Sengoku nodded, then lifted the Den Den Mushi in his hand.
"Transmit my order: cut off the signals of all video transponders immediately. Allow the Scientific Special Forces to enter the battlefield."
His eyes hardened.
"The tragedy about to unfold is not something civilians can bear witness to. Showing it would only seed unnecessary distrust. The world doesn't need to see the details… only the result."
"They just need to hear one thing: the Navy's victory over the evil pirates. The word 'victory' will tell them everything."
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"Look! Something's approaching from the port!"
"There are also forces advancing through the ice from the bay!"
"Be on guard—whatever it is, it's not our ally!"
The Marines raised their weapons nervously. Then, gasps rippled through their ranks.
Dozens of identical figures emerged from the shadows—each one the spitting image of Bartholomew Kuma, former Warlord of the Sea.
"This… what are these monsters?!"
At their head stood a massive man, scar across his face, a huge battle-axe resting on his shoulder.
It was Sentomaru, bodyguard of Dr. Vegapunk and captain of the Navy's Scientific Unit.
"Oi… looks like it's finally our turn." Sentomaru grinned, axe in hand. "I've been itching to fight."
From the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's brows furrowed as he watched.
"So… this is the backup plan you prepared, Sengoku… Vegapunk's rumored [Humanoid Weapon] army."
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"Bear?!"
From the plaza, Emporio Ivankov's eyes widened as he saw the identical figures. His gaze darted to the real Kuma, standing silently nearby.
"What the hell is going on, Kuma?! Why are there so many copies of you?!"
But the former Warlord gave no answer—expressionless, deaf to Ivankov's cries.
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"Pacifista…"
Even Ace, still burning in his Emperor Flame form, recognized them. His eyes narrowed.
"So the Government's ultimate weapons have finally come onto the stage. That means this war has reached its final act."
Ace looked skyward, determination blazing.
"Then, once I rescue Sabo… it's my turn to bring out my final trump card!"
With a burst of flame, Ace shot toward the execution platform.
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BOOM!
A deafening roar echoed like a temple bell, shaking the plaza.
On the execution platform, Sengoku's body swelled with golden light, growing massive until he towered like a mountain. His form became that of a colossal golden Buddha.
"The Mythical Zoan—Human-Human Fruit, Model: Daibutsu…"
The Fleet Admiral's palm, glowing with divine radiance, swept toward Ace. A shockwave rippled outward, the very air bending under its force.
"Boy… if you think you can save someone in front of me, you're far too naïve."
The impact struck Ace head-on. Blood sprayed from his lips as he was blasted back, his flames sputtering.
"Ace!!"
The pirates below cried out in shock and despair.
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"You fools!" Sengoku's voice rumbled like thunder, shaking the battlefield.
"Do you truly believe you can steal away a condemned criminal right before the eyes of the Fleet Admiral of the Navy?! That's arrogance beyond reason!"
The Marines, emboldened, roared in renewed fury, their attacks on the pirates intensifying.
"Portgas D. Ace…" Sengoku's golden visage glared down.
"As the son of the Pirate King, you are a threat that must be eradicated. Since you've already thrown yourself before me… then I, Sengoku, will personally deliver your execution!"
With that, he raised his hand once more, unleashing another golden shockwave toward Ace.
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But Ace roared back, blood still on his lips, flames surging.
"No matter who it is… if they stand between me and rescuing Sabo—I'll burn them down!!"
His fist, wreathed in searing fire, smashed against the golden shockwave.
BOOM!!
The clash of flame and light shook the platform itself, making the very execution stand tremble.
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At that instant—
"Ballet Kenpō… Okama Dash!"
One of the guards beside Sabo suddenly moved, striking down the other Marine with a lightning-fast blow.
The "guard" turned, tears streaming down his face, as he rushed to Sabo's side.
"You… are?" Sabo gasped, bewildered.
"Don't ask me who I am!" The figure wailed dramatically as he fumbled with the cuffs. "I'm just a humble okama whose heart was moved by the bond of you three brothers!!"
With a flourish, the "guard" revealed his true form.
It was Bon Clay (Mr. 2, Bentham).
"Bon Clay…!!" Sabo's eyes widened as the shackles snapped open.
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"Who are you?!" Sengoku's voice thundered. From his clash with Ace, he finally noticed what was happening behind him. His golden form loomed, fury blazing.
"No matter who you are—if you dare free such an important prisoner, I'll crush you both here and now!!"
His colossal palm, wrapped in divine radiance, descended toward Bon Clay and Sabo.
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"Damn it—I can't reach them!!" Ace roared, straining to break through, but Sengoku's overwhelming might kept him pinned. "Sabo, run!!"
Bon Clay simply smiled, his battered face streaked with tears.
"Hey, Sabo… the way of the okama is to follow your heart. And right now—" He struck a flamboyant pose.
"What I hear is your brother's voice, calling out to you!"
With all his strength, Bon Clay grabbed Sabo and hurled him clear of the shockwave's reach—straight toward Ace.
"Let the way of the okama… bloom gloriously one last time!!"
The golden shockwave struck Bon Clay head-on, engulfing him completely.
But Sabo was free.
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