This "Buster Call" launched by the World Government assembled a truly formidable lineup.
Aside from Akainu and Aokiji—two top-tier Vice Admirals—there were also the capable Vice Admirals Momousagi and Chaton, as well as the seasoned Vice Admirals Dalmatian, Strawberry, and Burning Mountain.
A host of Marine elites had gathered on Ohara, determined to wipe the island clean.
Facing such powerful opponents, every member of the Virtue Pirates showed no fear and threw themselves directly into battle:
Crocodile's body was surrounded by swirling sand as he clashed with Momousagi, their sand blades and sword lights colliding evenly.
Jinbe, relying on the might of Fish-Man Karate, confronted Dalmatian head-on. Each punch and kick carried deep force, causing the ground around them to tremble.
After eating the Float-Float Fruit, Zeff's strength had improved greatly. Armed with a sharp kitchen knife, he engaged in close-quarters combat with Strawberry, his movements swift and deadly.
Notably, the kitchen knife Zeff wielded was no ordinary blade—it had been reforged from Golden Lion's famed sword Kogarashi.
Moria manipulated his shadows as he fought against Burning Mountain, the cold of the shadows clashing sharply with the heat of the flames.
Brook drew his sword against the one-armed Chaton, his skeletal frame moving with agility as he unleashed bizarre sword techniques.
Hachi took charge of clearing the ordinary Marine soldiers nearby; his octopus arms swung rapidly, sending waves of Marines sprawling.
For a time, the entire island of Ohara was filled with violent clashes—shouts, steel clashing, and Devil Fruit powers erupting endlessly, shaking the whole island.
The battles continued for a full hour, and the tide gradually tilted toward the Virtue Pirates.
With the advantage of his black blade, his exceptional swordsmanship, and his Paw-Paw Fruit ability, Shiro completely suppressed Akainu, leaving him struggling to defend.
Aokiji and Issho were still evenly matched, though fatigue was showing on both sides.
Crocodile and the current-era Momousagi were equal in strength—neither could overpower the other.
Meanwhile, Jinbe, Zeff, Moria, and Brook were all gradually seizing control in their respective battles, pushing their opponents steadily backward.
If things continued on this trajectory, the Virtue Pirates could very well annihilate all Marines involved in the Buster Call.
However—unexpected events still occurred.
As the commander of this Buster Call, Marine Admiral Sengoku was stationed on a flagship not far from Ohara, overseeing troop deployment.
In his mind, Akainu, Aokiji, and the assembled elites should have been more than enough to level Ohara with ease.
But just then, the Den Den Mushi on the table rang. The voice of a communications soldier came through—urgent and fearful—requesting immediate reinforcements.
"What? With so many elites dispatched to Ohara, how could they fail such a simple mission?!"
Sengoku's voice immediately dropped into a deep, furious tone as he barked into the receiver.
"Report, Admiral Sengoku! The Virtue Pirates led by Jaball Shiro… have appeared on Ohara! Shiro is leading an attack on our forces! Please send reinfor—"
The Marine's voice abruptly stopped. A sharp scream followed—then silence.
"What?! Why is Jabal Shiro on Ohara?! Hey! Report back! Now!"
Sengoku's heart sank. He shouted repeatedly at the Den Den Mushi, but no reply came.
At that moment, he understood the severity of the situation.
The Virtue Pirates' intervention had completely disrupted the Buster Call.
He immediately turned to the helmsman and issued a sharp order:
"Head for Ohara at once! Full speed!"
When Sengoku's flagship arrived near Ohara, he instantly saw the devastation on the island.
Most of the Marines he had dispatched were severely injured—some even sprawled on the ground unable to stand. The advantage they once held had completely reversed.
Gritting his teeth, Sengoku's expression hardened. Golden light erupted around him as he activated his Devil Fruit. His body enlarged rapidly, transforming into his Daibutsu form.
He leapt into the air, then flew toward the battlefield, joining combat immediately.
"Buddha Shockwave!"
One after another, powerful golden shockwaves burst from his palms, sweeping across the island.
Not only did he push back members of the Virtue Pirates, but he also bought time for wounded Marines to retreat.
With Sengoku's full support, Akainu, Aokiji, and the other top Marine fighters were soon extracted from the chaotic battles and pulled out of harm's way.
From a distance, Shiro watched Sengoku's massive Buddha form rampage across the battlefield and quickly assessed the situation.
Sengoku's strength was overwhelming. With him joining, the Virtue Pirates could no longer maintain their advantage. If the fight dragged on, the best outcome would be a draw—at worst, his crew members might get seriously injured or killed.
Weighing the risks, Shiro made a decisive call and shouted to his crew:
"Everyone, stop fighting! Fall back—we're retreating!"
The Virtue Pirates began fighting and retreating simultaneously, slowly withdrawing toward the Virtue ship at the shoreline.
They boarded successfully and were just about to set sail—
When a massive shadow suddenly fell across the deck.
A gigantic figure, over twenty meters tall, appeared in front of the ship, blocking their escape.
A towering giant—muscular, wearing simple clothes, his expression gentle yet firm.
"What do you want, big guy?"
Zeff instantly floated up, glaring and preparing for battle.
But the moment Shiro saw the giant's face, he recognized him instantly.
Jaguar D. Saul—former Marine Vice Admiral, a giant who left the Marines due to conflicting beliefs.
Shiro quickly shouted:
"Zeff, stop! He doesn't mean us harm!"
Hearing Shiro, Saul slowly lowered his head. His gaze swept over the Virtue Pirates before settling on Shiro. He spoke in a sincere, earnest tone:
"Friends of the Virtue Pirates… I have a request. Please—take this little girl with you. No matter what, do not let the Marines or the World Government find her."
As he spoke, Saul gently cupped his enormous hands and lifted a small girl—no more than eight years old—from his shoulder.
A girl with straight black hair, a simple dress, and eyes full of fear and confusion.
The youngest scholar of Ohara—
Nico Robin.
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