The appearance of Red Hair was like a boulder dropped into boiling water, instantly bringing the entire battlefield to an eerie standstill.
The gazes of both the Marines and pirates converged on the figure clad in a black coat. The clamor of battle gradually faded, leaving only the swirling smoke carried by the wind.
Seizing this momentary pause, Law stealthily maneuvered the submarine into the depths of the ocean, carrying the unconscious Luffy and Jimbei as they vanished into the dark waters.
"Don't even think of escaping!" Aokiji's voice suddenly erupted. He raised his hand, unleashing a wave of freezing air toward the sea: "Ice Age."
The surging ice spread like a living entity, rapidly expanding across the water's surface. Within moments, it had frozen the sea for miles around, the chilling cold penetrating even the depths. Beneath the dark waters, countless ice spikes seemed to sprout, threatening to encase the submarine in a massive, frozen prison.
"What a nuisance..." Kizaru's lazy voice echoed through the air. In a flash, he teleported high above, his body erupting with dazzling light: "Yasakani no Magatama."
In an instant, countless golden beams rained down like a storm, carrying an annihilating force as they mercilessly struck the ice. The piercing sound of shattering ice filled the air as the beams penetrated deep into the ocean, clearly aiming to obliterate the submarine into fragments.
"Not good!" Hancock stood on the frozen surface, her expression darkening as she watched the golden beams plunge into the depths.
Bahr had explicitly ordered her to protect the Straw Hat Boy at all costs. If the Marines succeeded, wouldn't she be failing Bahr's trust?
Her heart tightened, and her usually languid gaze sharpened instantly. Striding forward in her high heels, she swiftly boarded the nearest Marine warship.
The Marines on deck were stunned by the sudden appearance of one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Before they could speak, Hancock issued a cold command: "Set sail immediately and pursue that submarine!"
"But..." a Marine stammered, "it's underwater. Our ship can't chase it beneath the surface..."
Hancock abruptly halted, tilting her head back dramatically, her golden serpent earrings swaying in the firelight. With an imperious tone, she declared, "This queen is one of the Royal Shichibukai! If I say we pursue, then we will pursue!"
She paused, deliberately straightening her posture, her voice rising with undeniable authority: "Listen well. You need only report to Marine Headquarters that I, as a Warlord, must catch up to the Straw Hat Boy and eliminate him."
The Marines on deck, captivated by Hancock's breathtaking beauty, flushed red. Their earlier doubts vanished into thin air, replaced by the overwhelming honor of serving such a stunning woman.
"Yes! At once!" the soldiers chorused, scrambling to set the warship in motion. The vessel plowed through the ice, heading in the direction where the submarine had disappeared.
Standing at the bow, Hancock gazed at the dark waters, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.
Once she fulfilled Bahr's orders, he would surely praise her. How could those mere decorative vases compare to her? Soon, she would be the only one in Bahr's eyes...
At this thought, a faint blush spread across her cheeks, and her steps lightened slightly, as if the hidden anticipation had melted away some of the chill around her.
This was a task entrusted to her by Lord Bahr—she absolutely couldn't mess it up!
.....
On the battlefield, the appearance of the Red Hair Pirates acted like an invisible barrier, causing both warring sides to instinctively halt. The marines tightened their grips on their weapons, not daring to act recklessly, while the pirates temporarily reined in their hostility. The battlefield fell silent, leaving only the sound of wind and heavy breathing.
Red Hair sheathed Griffin and turned to look at Bahr not far away, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Blasphemer Bahr, still up for a fight?"
Bahr raised an eyebrow, flicking his wrist lightly. The Black Sword Autumn Water traced a cold arc through the air before he stored it away in Space. Without responding to Red Hair, he turned and walked back toward his own forces.
With the Red Hair Pirates here, it was clear this battle couldn't continue. Lingering any longer would just be a waste of effort.
Besides, he was tired after fighting for so long. A good bath and rest sounded far better than staying in this blood-soaked place.
"Hey." Enel's voice carried a rare seriousness as his gaze remained fixed on Red Hair, the usual crackle of electricity around him subdued. "That's one of the Four Emperors, Red Hair? His presence is overwhelming."
When Bahr had once used Red Hair as an example, saying that even he might struggle to use his abilities smoothly in front of him, Enel had dismissed it as exaggeration. But now, feeling that steady yet domineering aura firsthand, he realized the man truly was no ordinary foe.
"What, you thinking of challenging him?" Bahr shot him a teasing glance. "Don't come crying back after getting beaten—wouldn't want to embarrass the 'God' title."
"Tch." Enel scoffed, turning his head away and falling silent, though the fighting spirit in his eyes dimmed slightly.
Bahr ignored him and called out, "Bring the Ark Maxim down. It's time to leave."
"Got it. Annoying." Enel grumbled irritably, but his body transformed into a streak of blue-white lightning, shooting straight up toward the Ark Maxim hovering high above.
Just then, Red Hair took a step forward and spoke in a clear voice that carried across the battlefield. "Everyone, give me some face."
His tone was calm, yet it resonated with undeniable authority. "Whitebeard has passed, and Ace is gone. This war should end here."
Bahr watched from a distance, curling his lip in disdain.
So this was the so-called "face" of a Four Emperor? More like the Celestial Dragons' influence! Quite the act he's putting on.
Soon, the massive Ark Maxim descended slowly from the clouds, its shadow stretching over the icy battlefield. Bahr boarded with Mr. 1 and the others, while Enel, already impatient, stood by the railing. "Hurry up, dragging your feet like this."
Ignoring Enel's impatience, Bahr had barely stepped onto the Ark when Nico Robin approached him, her tone composed. "Where to next, Boss?"
Bahr pulled out a faintly trembling piece of paper from his pocket, pinching a corner between his fingers and giving it a light shake. The lines on the paper contracted slightly toward a certain direction. "Follow where this points."
"A Vivre Card?" Robin's gaze lingered on the paper, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Whose is it?"
A mysterious smile curved Bahr's lips as he handed the Vivre Card to Robin. "A secret."
That was the Pirate Empress, hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world. She had helped him escape from Impel Down before—it was only reasonable that he should personally "express his gratitude" for such a favor.
Robin held the Vivre Card, watching the barely concealed excitement flickering in Bahr's eyes. A trace of understanding flashed through her gaze, but she didn't press further, merely nodding slightly before turning toward the cabin.
Some things were best left unspoken—that was the wisest way to navigate certain relationships.
"What are you waiting for? Set sail," Bahr said, tilting his chin toward Enel at the helm.
The Ark Maxim slowly adjusted its course, cutting through the clouds under the watchful eyes of everyone on board as it sailed toward the direction indicated by the Vivre Card. Behind them, the brutal war and smoke-filled battlefield faded into the distance.