Akainu transformed his magma arm into a fierce, snarling dog, lunging through the air toward Rolan. Its gaping maw aimed straight for his head.
Rolan met the attack with a punch, colliding with the magma beast.
Boom!
The explosion sent molten rock scattering in every direction, and a powerful shockwave churned the surrounding sea into massive waves. Rolan reinforced his Armament Haki around his fist, and after only a brief stalemate, the magma dog was shattered, erupting in molten fragments.
Rolan's momentum didn't falter. His punch struck Akainu squarely in the chest, sinking half a fist deep.
Boom!
Akainu flew backward with even greater force, gouging a deep trench into the Bridge of Hesitation and shattering the remaining wood. Smoke rose in thick clouds, shrouding Akainu's form.
Rolan wasn't giving him a moment to recover. As he closed in, a voice rang out from the smoke:
"Dark Hound!"
Akainu's magma arm extended rapidly, a deadly projectile aimed at Rolan.
Rolan bent backward, narrowly dodging as the magma grazed his cheek, sending a blast flying behind him. He pushed off the ground with both hands and sprang to his feet with a smooth cartwheel. The front of his hair was slightly singed, and a surge of respect — or maybe fear — brushed through him. Without his keen Observation Haki, that strike could have connected.
He now understood why even Whitebeard, weakened and old, had struggled to avoid Akainu's strikes. Transforming his arm into magma and extending it at such speed made this Devil Fruit attack almost impossible to counter. Its raw power rivaled even the strongest Haki-infused blows, making bare-handed combat a deadly gamble.
Through the smoke, Akainu's exasperated shout rang out:
"Damn brat, he dodged it!"
Rolan clenched his fist, enveloping it in Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, and crackling electromagnetic energy. Red, black, and blue sparks danced across his hand.
He executed an Electromagnetic Instant Transmission, reappearing almost instantly before Akainu. Retracting his fist, he sent an electromagnetic shock through his elbow, then slammed his fist into Akainu's left cheek at near-light speed.
Boom!
The punch didn't make direct contact, yet Akainu's face twisted violently, and his entire body was hurled toward the sea at cannonball speed.
"Ice Age!"
Aokiji extended his powers, freezing the sea outward from the center of Enies Lobby. In moments, the water around the area solidified into thick ice.
Akainu crashed onto the ice rather than plunging into the sea. Cracks rapidly spread from the impact, creating a gaping hole. With a thud, seawater gushed through the fracture, confirming his fall.
Rolan glanced up. A tall figure appeared on the distant water, commanding Marine soldiers.
"Rescue Sakazuki! I'll deal with Rolan!"
The figure leaped forward, flashing across the sky, and landed above Rolan.
"Aokiji, didn't expect you too," Rolan remarked with a drop of sweat on his face.
Aokiji's eyes narrowed, surprise flickering across his expression — he appeared far younger than photos suggested. He didn't respond, only preparing his attack.
"Two-Spiked Spears!"
Four ice spears materialized in front of Aokiji, launched at Rolan like deadly arrows.
Rolan raised several layers of an Electromagnetic Barrier, stopping the spears mid-air, their momentum stalling as if trapped in a mire. He instantly teleported behind Aokiji, driving a leg into his back. In response, Aokiji transformed into Ice form and slammed down onto the ice.
Boom!
Aokiji shattered into countless ice fragments that scattered across the sea, shaking the surface with the force of impact. Rolan landed calmly, dusting off his clothes.
On the frozen sea, the ice reassembled into Aokiji's figure. He coughed, blood staining the corner of his mouth, and slowly stood up.
Rolan's Observation Haki detected a flash behind him — Kizaru appeared.
"Damn Rolan brat!" Akainu shouted, advancing from the left.
Rolan surveyed the battlefield. The three Admirals now surrounded him. But he remained calm. He knew his speed outmatched Kizaru, and one Admiral alone could not handle him.
This was clearly the trap of the World Government.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Rolan applauded mockingly. "Impressive. The dignified three Admirals of Marineford actually came together for someone as small as me."
Kizaru glanced at the others. All were slightly injured, yet Rolan barely showed a scratch, though his breathing slightly heavier than normal.
Akainu barked orders. "Borsalino, harass him from the side. Kuzan and I will take the main assault. End him quickly."
Aokiji and Kizaru nodded. Cooperation mattered more than pride.
Rolan frowned, realizing the danger. Three Admirals, perfectly coordinated, were a threat no mere speed could easily overcome. Yet he perked up, sensing reinforcements.
"Ganging up on our Captain while we're away? Who gave you the courage?"
A massive roc appeared beside Rolan, transforming into Kuro.
Kizaru's eyes widened. "A Zoan Mythical Beast? The Rolan Pirates are terrifying."
Flames and mist signaled more allies arriving.
"Fire Fist Lina, Nami, two Logia Devil Fruits present!"
A bolt of lightning descended, forming Enel's figure. Soon after, Crocodile and Roronoa Zoro arrived, descending gently on a sand carpet.
At last, all members of Rolan's crew were present, except Robin and Franky.
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