The Marines' faces were ashen.
An entire fleet mobilized — and the enemy still managed to slip away?
If word of this spread, the Navy's reputation would be shredded.
"Everyone pull yourselves together!"
A thunderous voice rang out across the decks.
"Those cowardly rats who fled will be caught soon enough!
But today— we bring down this criminal!"
Arthur looked up toward the flagship.
There, standing tall at the bow, was a man in a crimson suit and the trademark white coat emblazoned with "Justice".
His jaw was firm, his gaze steely — a presence that could crush the air itself.
Admiral Sakazuki — Akainu.
"Well, well… this is getting interesting."
Arthur smirked.
One man, facing the full might of the Navy — and all three Admirals present.
Even for him, this was no small task.
He might be strong, but the Admirals represented the pinnacle of Marine power.
He could escape easily if he wished.
But running wasn't his style.
If he left, he'd leave after showing the Navy what true power looked like.
He rose slowly into the air, lightning humming beneath his feet.
Arms folded across his chest, his eyes swept the fleet below.
He didn't say a word — but the pressure that poured from him was suffocating.
Within moments, more than half the sailors below felt their hearts seize up.
Their legs trembled.
Some couldn't even raise their heads to meet his gaze.
Conqueror's Haki.
The sky darkened.
The sun vanished behind a wall of black clouds as thunder rumbled overhead.
Bolts of lightning flashed across the heavens, answering the storm raging around Arthur's body.
Rumble…! RUMBLE…!
Electricity danced across his skin, his aura fusing with the storm.
From below, it looked as if the heavens themselves had bent to his will —
a god of thunder standing alone against the world.
One man's might,
clashing with the power of an entire Navy.
And for a heartbeat,
the balance didn't tip either way.
"That's him… the Flying Thunder God?"
"His presence alone— it's terrifying…"
"Is he even human?"
"If we don't stop him now, he'll become a calamity!"
Akainu's brow furrowed, jaw tightening.
He could hear his soldiers' morale collapsing.
Conqueror's Haki.
The most troublesome power of all —
a strength that shattered courage before the battle even began.
No matter how many troops you had,
numbers meant nothing against that kind of will.
Years of battlefield experience told him what needed to be done.
"All Marines, hear me!" he barked.
"Anyone below the rank of Major — evacuate the island immediately!
Secure the civilians and get them to safety!"
"Yes, sir!"
At his command, the lower-ranking Marines scattered to follow orders.
Arthur glanced at them but didn't interfere.
They're no threat.
Akainu exhaled slowly.
It was a calculated decision — a smart one.
First, there was no point wasting lives against an enemy this powerful.
Second, once the real fight started, collateral damage was inevitable — it was better to clear the civilians now.
And third, if the Navy was going to take casualties, he'd rather the world didn't see it happen.
He would not allow the Marines' image to crumble.
Within minutes, Island 13 was empty —
a ghost island awaiting gods and monsters.
"Surround him!"
Admiral Akainu shot into the sky with Geppo (Moonwalk), followed by several Vice Admirals and elite officers.
They formed a ring around Arthur, weapons drawn, faces grim.
The air itself buzzed with killing intent.
"You've gone too far, Flying Thunder God," Akainu growled.
"This ends here."
Arthur chuckled softly.
"You think so?"
He tilted his head, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
"You're clever, Akainu. But also… incredibly stupid."
"What did you say?"
Akainu's expression hardened, anger flaring.
"You've got a big mouth for a condemned man.
Enlighten me— how am I stupid?"
Arthur gestured lazily toward the circle of Vice Admirals and Captains surrounding them.
"You should've sent these weaklings away too."
That single sentence ignited the powder keg.
"You arrogant brat!"
"Such insolence!"
"You're surrounded, fool— know your place!"
"This is your grave!"
Arthur didn't even flinch.
"Still time to leave," he said calmly.
"Last chance."
"You're dead, kid!"
One of the older officers — a grizzled Colonel — lunged forward, Rokushiki techniques bursting to life as he charged straight for Arthur.
"Stand down!" Vice Admiral Onigumo shouted, eyes widening.
"You fool—!"
But it was too late.
Arthur sighed.
"Seems your superiors forgot to warn you about me."
His right arm flickered, turning to crackling light.
"Fine. I'll show you what you're dealing with."
He drew back his fist, lightning spiraling around it.
"—Inazuma!"
BOOOOM!
A column of thunder exploded from his arm.
The Colonel froze mid-strike, eyes widening in horror as the blinding bolt slammed into him.
He tried to coat his body in Armament Haki, but it was like using a paper shield against a cannon.
Zzzzzzzraaaaak!
The bolt consumed him whole, piercing through his armor, flesh, and bone.
"AAAAAAHHH!"
Every nerve screamed under the unbearable voltage.
His body convulsed violently — then went limp, eyes rolling back as he crashed helplessly into the sea below.
But Arthur's lightning didn't stop there.
The massive surge continued on its path, streaking toward the officers behind him.
"Scatter!"
Onigumo's shout jolted the others to action.
The group split apart instantly, leaping away in every direction.
No one dared take the hit head-on.
There was a reason the Goro Goro no Mi was known as one of the most devastating Devil Fruits in existence —
there were few who didn't fear the wrath of lightning itself.
Even with quick reflexes, a few slower Majors were still caught in the blast.
Their screams echoed as arcs of electricity danced over their bodies before tossing them lifelessly into the sea.
When the thunder finally faded, silence fell.
One casual strike —
and half a dozen elite officers were down.
The surviving Vice Admirals stared at Arthur,
realization dawning in their eyes.
This wasn't arrogance.
This was absolute power.
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