"Oh? I didn't expect the defense to be even stronger with an extra layer of giant wood. Let's see if it can block this move of mine!"
Drake's mouth slightly curved up after noticing Aramaki's situation.
The next moment, Drake's figure instantly transformed into eight, and these eight Wei Zhuan enveloped Aramaki completely from eight different directions.
Most importantly, Aramaki actually discovered that he couldn't use Kenbunshoku Haki to distinguish which of the eight Wei Zhuan was real; he even suspected that all eight were real!
"Horizontal Sword Style - Horizontal Pierce in All Directions!"
The eight Wei Zhuan charged at Aramaki simultaneously, drawing their swords at the same time. Furthermore, each Drake used a different method to draw their sword, yet they were all using the same move!
"Fivefold Rashomon!"
The moment Drake drew his sword, Aramaki sensed a fatal threat. He subconsciously mobilized all his power to create a pyramid-like Wood Release to protect himself, and he even layered it five times!
Aramaki's turtle-shell-like defense was completely useless against Drake's Futsu no Mitama.
"Rip!!!"
The eight Wei Zhuan forcefully tore open the turtle shell. The eight Wei Zhuan appeared around Aramaki simultaneously. As the eight Wei Zhuan slashed down, the giant wooden man Aramaki had transformed into instantly fell apart.
Aramaki, who was at the very center, suffered slashes from all directions. His entire body felt as if it was being sliced a thousand times, causing unbearable pain.
"Bang!!!"
The moment the giant wooden man dissipated, Aramaki fell from the sky. Ten deep sword wounds reaching his bones were clearly visible, and blood continuously flowed from those wounds. Dark power also constantly seeped into his body from those wounds.
"Cough cough!!"
After supporting himself on the ground and standing up, a green light emitted from Aramaki, instantly stopping the bleeding from his wounds. He even suppressed the dark power.
"You are Drake, the King of Assassins from Dark World. You dare to oppose the World Government. Do you believe the World Government won't destroy your base!"
Aramaki stared intently at Drake. Now he finally remembered the identity that matched Drake's appearance in his mind.
According to the World Government's investigation, no one had ever seen the face of the King of Assassins. They only knew that the person possessed the power to control the night, always appearing shrouded in darkness, and also possessed powerful swordsmanship.
These characteristics perfectly matched the power Drake was currently displaying.
"The World Government? Although it's vast, it's not enough to make me fear. And you, will also die here. Everyone on this island related to the World Government will die. No one will know I killed you, so what do I have to be afraid of!"
Drake held Futsu no Mitama and walked step by step towards Aramaki, his expression calm, not fearing Aramaki's threat at all.
With his current strength and influence, he wasn't afraid of the World Government. Even if he was eventually surrounded and annihilated, the worst-case scenario would just be going home to inherit the family business!
Marine Headquarters Marineford:
"Impel Down has lost contact. We cannot establish any contact with Impel Down. We have absolutely no idea what the current situation in Impel Down is."
The Staff Office received news of Impel Down losing contact immediately. Vice Admiral Tsuru instantly ran to report it to Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"What? Impel Down has lost contact!"
Hearing this news, Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately thought of the scene from over twenty years ago. At that time, the Rocks Pirates attacked Impel Down, released all the prisoners, and nearly destroyed Impel Down.
"Report, Fleet Admiral. Admiral Akainu's life card is burning, and we cannot contact Admiral Akainu."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku hadn't even had time to respond to Vice Admiral Tsuru's words when a communication soldier rushed over to report the matter.
"Blurub blurb, blurub blurb!!"
However, just then, the Gorosei's den den mushi rang.
"Sengoku, Aramaki's life card is burning. Immediately send someone to investigate Aramaki's current situation. Go now!"
Scientific Defense Warrior God Saturn Saint finished speaking and immediately hung up the den den mushi.
"Damn it, three things happened at once!"
After Fleet Admiral Sengoku hung up the den den mushi, his head felt like it was about to explode!
"Sengoku, Impel Down is the closest. You'd best go there yourself."
"Regarding Akainu, I remember Admiral Kizaru is closest to him. Let Admiral Kizaru go."
"Regarding Aramaki, Mounis is closest to him. Let Mounis go."
"Also, have Garp go help Akainu. I have a feeling this matter is not that simple."
Vice Admiral Tsuru said.
"Alright, we'll do as you say. I'll take people to Impel Down to take a look."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku thought for a moment and decided to follow Vice Admiral Tsuru's suggestion. This was the best approach for now.
"Moshi moshi, this is Marine Admiral Kizaru. May I ask who is speaking?"
Admiral Kizaru was drinking a beverage and sunbathing on the warship. When the nearby den den mushi rang, he casually picked it up without even looking.
"Kizaru, it's me, Sengoku. Immediately proceed at full speed to Herbert Island in the North Blue to rescue Akainu. Akainu's life card is constantly burning; he is in a major crisis!"
"Remember, go immediately at full speed. Do you understand?"
Upon hearing Admiral Kizaru's lackadaisical tone, Fleet Admiral Sengoku instantly became furious, practically shouting his words.
"Oh, how frightening. Admiral Akainu is actually in such a great crisis!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, don't worry, I will head there with all my might right away!"
Although Admiral Kizaru usually slacked off, he dared not have any intention of doing so at such a critical moment.
"Mounis, you are to immediately proceed at full speed to Grayson Island in the North Blue to rescue Aramaki. He is in crisis and cannot contact the World Government. Go see what's going on!"
"Also, I just received news that Akainu has also encountered the same crisis. Admiral Kizaru has already gone for the rescue. I suspect there might be some unpredictable danger involved in this. Therefore, during this operation, it is imperative to ensure your own safety. Everything should be done with caution as the priority."
After hanging up with Admiral Kizaru, Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately called Mounis.
Since this rescue involved a member of the World Government, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's orders to Mounis were not as absolute; they were slightly more relaxed compared to the orders given to Admiral Kizaru.
After all, he also understood that the incidents at Impel Down, with Akainu, and with Aramaki were likely interconnected, and the person behind them was definitely not to be underestimated. He said this to Mounis also for the future of the Marine.
"Don't worry, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I cherish my life very much."
Mounis guaranteed with certainty.
"Not only has the top-tier World Government combatant Aramaki encountered a crisis, but even the powerful combatant Akainu has simultaneously met with misfortune. It seems this matter is not simple. I really need to be careful, otherwise, if I fail to rescue someone and instead need rescuing myself, that would be embarrassing."
After hanging up the den den mushi, Mounis secretly became vigilant in his heart.