Everyone Dies Eventually

The Buster Call is an elite military action authorized by the World Government and carried out by the Marine Headquarters. The Marine Headquarters deploys five vice admirals and ten warships to conduct indiscriminate, devastating attacks on a target area to eliminate anything and anyone that threatens the World Government's rule.

Roy, the local warlord of the East Blue, knew nothing about the Buster Call. However, Hoffman, an officer demoted to the East Blue from the Marine Headquarters, had heard of it.

"What do you think, Captain Hoffman? My twenty warships should be able to match the firepower of ten from the headquarters, right?" Roy had some self-awareness, knowing that branch warships couldn't compare to those from the headquarters.

Hoffman just smiled without speaking. He understood that the real threat of the Buster Call wasn't the ten warships but the five vice admirals accompanying them. Any one of them could easily massacre an entire kingdom in the East Blue.

Clang...

Hoffman's monocular suddenly dropped to the ground.

"What is it, Captain Hoffman?"

"Uh... nothing. Just thinking about the power of the Buster Call."

"Hahaha, Captain Hoffman, you're quite the joker..."

Roy didn't notice the sudden cold, serious look in Hoffman's eyes. Hoffman wasn't shocked by the Buster Call; he was alarmed by the sight of Hailan using Rankyaku (Storm Leg). The massive azure vacuum slash was formidable.

Hoffman, well-versed in the Six Powers, knew their capabilities. He could tell from that powerful vacuum slash that Hailan's strength wasn't something he could easily overcome. Even defeating him would be meaningless if he couldn't kill him, as Hailan could simply return to headquarters and request support from high-ranking officers. Hoffman would then be on the run for the rest of his life.

...

"I'm going to kill you!"

"Boss, we should flee. We're surrounded by warships..."

"Screw you!!"

A sailor from Mad Treasure's crew tried to reason with him, but Mad Treasure struck him with a chain, knocking out a few teeth and rendering him unconscious. Mad Treasure was ruthless, a madman. His crew were mere tools to be used when needed and discarded otherwise. Without treasure, he would have remained a loner.

"Great Chain Frenzy!"

Mad Treasure roared to the sky, his Devil Fruit powers enveloping his body in a purple-red glow. When the light faded, his entire body was covered in chains, even his hair twisted into chains, exposing only half his face.

Amidst the bombardment, Hailan and Mad Treasure seemed unaffected.

Rankyaku: Tiger!

In the Marines and Cipher Pol, many enhance the Six Powers, developing unique techniques suited to their style. Hailan was no exception. This time, the vacuum slash formed a fierce azure tiger. The ferocious force struck Mad Treasure, failing to break his chain armor but successfully slowing his movements.

Soru!

Hailan shed his justice coat, flashing to Mad Treasure's side. The berserk Mad Treasure swung his chain-wrapped fist at Hailan.

Boom!

A cannonball exploded nearby, sending dirt and debris flying. Taking advantage of the moment, Hailan rolled, adopting an inelegant position to move behind Mad Treasure. He slashed his sword across Mad Treasure's ankle, severing his foot.

Mad Treasure's Devil Fruit ability left his feet unprotected by chains. Before he could react, Hailan's blade severed his other leg. As Hailan's discarded justice coat landed, Mad Treasure fell heavily.

Pain saps anyone's strength, even the world's most muscular man. Chains couldn't protect Mad Treasure's entire body. Hailan seized the opportunity, driving his sword into the ground and pinning Mad Treasure down.

"Death is the best end for a madman... though they often need a little help."

"Soldiers!"

"Yes, sir!"

Amid the dense bombardment, numerous soldiers rushed to Hailan's side, some even saluting amid the chaos.

"Wagner, lead everyone to pursue the remaining treasure hunters. Capture them if possible; kill those who resist."

"Only pursue the treasure hunters. Leave Sam's pirates for now. Understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Whoosh...

Seeing more people gather around, the bombardment shifted towards them.

Rankyaku!

Azure slashes cut through the air, detonating numerous cannonballs mid-flight, creating a sky full of fireworks.

At some point, Wagner had retrieved Hailan's justice coat and draped it over him before leading his men in pursuit.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Hailan used Geppo (Moonwalk) to navigate through the barrage, landing on a warship's mast. Numerous Marines aimed their guns at him.

"I'll give you a choice. Surrender now, and I'll spare your lives."

No one lowered their weapons, but no one fired either. They had witnessed this monster cutting through cannonballs and walking in the air. No one wanted to be the first to face him.

Slash!

A distant warship's main mast was cleaved, crashing onto the deck.

"This is your last chance!"

"You should know that as a special envoy from headquarters, I have absolute authority to execute traitors!"

One by one, the soldiers began lowering their weapons.

"Good. Now, listen to my orders. Warships 1-10, turn around and pursue Sam's Grand Fleet. Warships 11-20, disembark and assist Lieutenant Bellemere in clearing the island of remaining pirates!"

"There is no more Admiral Nelson in the East Blue. From today, you are no longer Captain Roy's private guards."

"Remember your only identity."

"Marines!"