Chapter 198

Near Dressrosa Sea, New World

More than a thousand miles away from Dressrosa, a formidable fleet of nearly ten ships was making its way toward the island. Leading the formation was Big Mom's flagship, the Queen Mama Chanter, a colossal ship that resembled a massive, floating pastry, complete with towering masts shaped like ornate candles and adorned with colorful, swirling frosting designs.

The ship's figurehead, a giant caricature of Big Mom herself, loomed over the prow, its eyes gleaming with a menacing light. This imposing vessel spearheaded the fleet like a wedge, cutting through the waves with an air of inevitable conquest.

The Big Mom Pirates were on a singular mission: to bring the Donquixote brothers to heel. Since they had entered Donquixote territory, Charlotte Linlin had already sunk three ships they had come across. The rest of the crew believed this was due to the Donquixote Pirates' fear of Big Mom, but Katakuri felt differently. There was no way the brothers would give up so easily.

"I will make sure to personally cripple that Donquixote bastard!" Oven commented, his voice full of venom. He vividly remembered the day Doflamingo had maimed him. With Mama personally leading the assault, there was no way the Donquixote brothers would survive. They had only two options: submit or perish.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, both Big Mom and Katakuri moved to the bow of the ship.

"Napoleon!!!" Big Mom roared, as her hat transformed into a massive sword. Within a split second, she channeled a powerful burst of Armament Haki and slashed out, "Mama Raid!" A massive slash intercepted more than a dozen projectiles aimed at the ships.

Katakuri, however, managed to deflect only two of the projectiles.

"Boom... Boom... Boom!" One after another, three ships from Big Mom's fleet burst into flames as the lightning-fast projectiles that Big Mom and Katakuri had failed to intercept made contact. Because the ships were spread out, even Big Mom's massive attack could only cover part of her fleet.

Thousands of miles away, within the Dressrosa palace, a little girl monitored a crystal ball. In front of her was a table with more than a dozen transponder snails, each connected to the operators of the individual rail guns placed around Dressrosa.

"Tch, I just got three," Little Shyarly murmured. She immediately relayed her commands, "Reload the weapon with a new energy cell. Charge the weapons for the next shot," she commanded calmly.

There was a reason why the vast sea area around Dressrosa was practically a death zone for ships that entered without permission. It was because of this little girl, who controlled close to two dozen railguns. She was a goddess of destruction as long as she was within Dressrosa.

"Charge the main cannon. Let's see if the Big Mom Pirates still have the audacity to come into our territory so brazenly," she added. The moment Shyarly relayed her commands, the highest part of Dressrosa on King Plateau hummed ominously.

A massive weapon, standing like a sentinel over the island, began to power up. All the railguns around Dressrosa were secured behind tight security, and this one, being the most powerful among them, was accessible only to those Doflamingo absolutely trusted.

Gladius and Smoker were seated behind the controls. Unlike the other guns, which used a single energy cell per shot, this massive behemoth consumed two dozen power cells for a single shot. As the weapon readied, Gladius and Smoker smiled with anticipation.

This would be the first time this bad boy was fired, and they were the first ones going to do it. If Issho-san were around, he wouldn't have let them, but he had gone ahead to confront Big Mom on the open seas. They were backups for Issho.

Soon, Shyarly used her devil fruit powers to send the adjusted coordinates and spoke through the transponder snail, "Fire!!!" The moment the command was passed, the railgun fired. A massive blue streak of energy roared and rumbled across the entire island. Though Wolf had been constantly upgrading the weapon to increase efficiency, he had yet to take measures to reduce the noise.

Katakuri, who had deflected the last attack, saw the devastation, as three ships had been obliterated. Luckily, his siblings on the ships had reacted fast enough, coating themselves with Haki.

Though many were injured, they survived. However, many among the crew were not as fortunate and were reduced to dust. Just as he was thinking about what exactly had happened, a new massive threat appeared in his senses. His Observation Haki had already crossed the threshold where he could peek into the future. After losing to Ross, he had been practicing relentlessly to ensure his siblings never suffered again.

Without delay, Katakuri grasped his trident and jumped to intercept the new barrage of attacks. Just as he was midair, a massive arm slammed him aside as Big Mom roared, her haki shooting through the roof.

Though she guessed Katakuri could defend against the attack, she was sure he might not be able to defend the fleet simultaneously, and she couldn't have that. She had already lost three ships, and she needed to quickly understand where exactly these attacks were coming from.

Her eyes narrowed as she concentrated her Observation Haki and zeroed in on the dozens of incoming projectiles. It was the attack in the center that stood out. Even Katakuri might have some difficulty dealing with an attack of such scale. Her entire form morphed, covering herself in Armament Haki, and she roared.

"Ikoku Sovereignty!!" she swung Napoleon with all her might. Unlike the last time, when she had little time to react, she was now prepared. A massive pillar of a sword beam clashed with the massive incoming projectile.

"Boom....!" Both attacks collided mid-sky, sending a massive power ripple reverberating throughout the open seas. The entire sea shook due to the massive clash, and massive waves lapped around the ships, swaying them dangerously. After a few seconds of stalemate, Big Mom's attack tore through the projectile, progressing and tearing a ravine through the sea for miles.

The Big Mom Pirates crew sighed in relief. If not for Mama, they did not know what would have happened.

"Have the rest of the ships retreat for a hundred miles. Only the flagship will move ahead," she roared, anger radiating through her every pore. Mixed within her anger was unending greed—a drive to acquire the weapon that could fire an attack strong enough to match an admiral-level.

She needed to get her hands on it. No one knew that the Donquixote Pirates had access to such a weapon. She originally only intended to subdue the Donquixote brothers, but this was a massive surprise, and she couldn't let such a chance slip by.

The massive flagship picked up speed as the rest retreated. Big Mom ordered Katakuri and a few others to stay with the rest of the ships. Just as she had guessed, the weapons started targeting the fleet that was retreating. Big Mom kept countering the attacks, the attacks started raining down systematically, for close to a dozen minutes before the attacks ceased.

The more she learned about the weapon, the greedier she became. From her estimate, whatever that weapon was, it could fire three shots every minute. It may seem like a small number, but imagine a dozen such weapons installed around Totto Land—her territories would be unbreachable. If she hadn't personally made this trip today, there was no way the Big Mom Pirates could have even approached Dressrosa.

************

Totto Land, New World

At the same time that Big Mom was planning to lay siege to Dressrosa, she was unaware that a massive threat was descending upon her own territory. A massive flying island appeared over Totto Land, casting a vast shadow over the entire area. This was Golden Lion Shiki's massive flying fortress, his new main base.

Golden Lion Shiki himself floated above the Emperor's territory, his haki flaring intensely, making everyone within Totto Land tremble in fear. Shiki was a tall, imposing figure with a wild mane of golden hair that billowed around him like a lion's mane.

His eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity, and his face was etched with lines of age and battle-hardened experience. He wore a long, flowing cape that fluttered in the wind, and his legs had been replaced with two long swords, which he used with deadly precision.

"Shihahahaha! Linlin! Get out here! Did you think just because I was captured by the Marines I would never return?" he bellowed, calling out to his former comrade from the Rocks crew. "You dared to take what's mine, and now I have come to take back what's rightfully mine," he laughed.

After Shiki's capture at Marineford, Big Mom's territory had rapidly expanded as Charlotte Linlin annexed most of the territories Shiki once ruled. Now, he had returned to reclaim them all.

"Linlin! You better come out before I sink your whole territory into the sea!" Shiki roared again. With a swing of his hand, a massive chunk of land descended from the skies. Before anyone from Big Mom's side could react, Shiki launched an assault. He had little patience, and he did not care that Linlin was currently not in her territory.

He had come with the mindset of reclaiming his title and cementing his status as a New Emperor by taking down one of the current ones. Because Big Mom had annexed his territories, he targeted the Big Mom Pirates with ruthless determination.

As the command from Shiki echoed across the skies, chaos descended upon Totto Land. Shiki's new crew laid waste to Whole Cake Island. With most of Big Mom's strongest fighters away, the Golden Lion Pirates went unchallenged.

Shiki's new crew consisted of some of the fiercest pirates who had escaped Impel Down. His new right-hand man was a powerhouse from the Rocks era, a pirate subdued by Garp a year before the incident at God's Valley, with a bounty of 2.9 billion berries.

"Burn it! Burn the island to the ground! Damn that Linlin! She thinks she can take things that belong to me, the Golden Lion, Shihahaha!" Shiki roared as his two blades sent out massive flying slashes, cutting down enemies and buildings alike. It was total, one-sided carnage.

Buildings crumbled under the relentless assault, and screams of panic filled the air as the inhabitants of Totto Land tried to flee from the onslaught. Shiki's Haki was so overpowering that it caused even the bravest of Big Mom's subordinates to falter. The once vibrant and bustling Whole Cake Island was being reduced to rubble in a matter of minutes.

"Where is your Mama now?" Shiki taunted, his voice booming across the battlefield. "She cannot protect you from me! I will reclaim what is mine, and you will all pay for her arrogance!"

The Golden Lion Pirates moved with ruthless efficiency, torching everything in their path. Shiki's right-hand man, a hulking figure who towered over 6 meters tall with rippling muscles and a cruel sneer, led the charge.

His mere presence was enough to instill terror in the hearts of those who dared to oppose him. He wielded a massive club, and with each swing, he shattered bones and crushed defenses.

Originally, he wouldn't have srved under Shiki, but the Golden Lion had spared his life after besting him in single combat, and Jack was someone who respected strength, and Shiki had promised to challenge the World Government sooner or later, which was the sole reason he became a pirate in the first place, so with their goals aligning and Shiki's promise, he had accepted to become the first mate of Golden Lion Pirates.

"Come on, you cowards!" he bellowed. "Face your doom at the hands of the Golden Lion Pirates!"

Meanwhile, Shiki continued his aerial dominance, launching devastating attacks from above. His two sword legs flashed through the air, sending waves of destructive energy crashing down upon the island. Explosions rocked the landscape, and fires spread uncontrollably, consuming everything in their path.

The inhabitants of Totto Land had never seen such devastation. They had grown accustomed to the protection of Big Mom, but now, without her presence, they were left vulnerable and defenseless. The once impregnable territory of the Big Mom Pirates was now a battleground, and it was clear that Shiki had no intention of showing mercy.

"Linlin!" Shiki roared once more, his voice filled with fury and triumph. "This is just the beginning! I will take everything from you, and you will regret ever crossing the Golden Lion!"

As the chaos continued to unfold, the Big Mom Pirates, who remained behind, fought desperately to protect their home. But they were hopelessly outmatched. The sheer power and ferocity of Shiki and his crew were overwhelming. It was a massacre, and there was little hope of salvation.

Shiki's laughter echoed across the burning landscape, a chilling reminder of his dominance and the terrifying power he wielded. "Shihahaha! Remember this day, for it is the day the Golden Lion reclaimed his throne!"

*********

G-9 Marine Base, New World

The entire Marine base was a flurry of activity as more and more shocking news poured in from their informants. First, it was reported that the Big Mom Pirates had moved in force to attack Dressrosa, the territory of the Donquixote Pirates.

"Sir! It's confirmed. Shiki has officially descended on Whole Cake Island. He and his crew are currently razing the Emperor's territory," said a Marine who had just decoded the incoming message relayed to his superiors.

The three Vice Admirals and the eight Rear Admirals stationed at the base were already gathered, waiting for the command from Marine Headquarters.

"Tch! As if the seas weren't already messy enough, why would these fellows go ahead and cause more chaos?" The Vice Admiral in charge of the G-9 base sighed, blowing out smoke from his cigar in frustration.

Unlike the first half of the Grand Line, where the Marines were regaining control of the sea due to the massive influx of marine numbers after the World Military Draft, conditions in the New World were deteriorating. Most of the powerhouses who had escaped Impel Down had returned to the New World, their hunting grounds, bringing new threats for the Marines: Golden Lion Shiki, Patrick Redfield, Byrnndi World, and many more.

Recently, a group of pirates who had escaped Impel Down formed an alliance called the 12 Zodiacs. This coalition of 12 pirates, each with more than a billion berries bounty to their name, had already taken down many Marine bases. Rumors suggested their group aimed to bring down one of the emperor's crews.

"Well, I think this is good for us. Let those pirates kill each other. The more they slaughter each other, the easier our job becomes," a female Marine chuckled while remarking jovially. Despite her tone, none of the Marines could disregard her because she was one of the three Vice Admirals stationed at G-9 base.

Before the Vice Admiral in charge could comment, the emergency transponder snail rang, "Peri peri peri... peri peri peri...." The transponder snail was reserved for emergencies only.

The Vice Admiral did not delay and immediately picked up the call. "What's happening..." Before he could finish, deafening sounds of cannon fire echoed from the other side.

"Sir! This is Rear Admiral Garlan reporting. We are under siege! The 12 zodiacs have broken through the G-9 patrol area. Their target is likely the G-9 base. Their fleet has more than 20 ships. They will reach..." The transponder snail disconnected abruptly.

"Garlan... Garlan, are you there? What's happening..." The Vice Admiral roared, but there was no response. The Vice Admiral threw the transponder snail in frustration. The entire room fell silent, waiting for the Vice Admiral's orders.

The Vice Admiral, a grizzled veteran with countless battles under his belt, clenched his jaw. His face, lined with years of hard-won experience, betrayed his mounting anger and concern.

"Prepare all available ships and personnel for immediate deployment!" he barked. "We cannot let the 12 zodiacs take G-9. Mobilize the defenses and call for reinforcements from nearby bases."

The female Vice Admiral, known for her keen tactical mind, nodded in agreement. "I'll coordinate with the fleet. We need to create a blockade to slow their advance. Rear Admiral Garlan's forces might still buy us some time."

"Make sure the citizens are evacuated to safety. We can't afford any civilian casualties," another Vice Admiral added, his stern voice reflecting the gravity of the situation.

As the orders were rapidly disseminated, the base transformed into a hive of activity. Marines rushed to their stations, artillery was positioned, and the ships in the harbor prepared for battle. The tension was palpable as everyone braced for the impending confrontation.

The Vice Admiral in charge took a deep breath, his mind racing with strategies and contingencies. "This is no ordinary pirate raid. The 12 Zodiacs are a formidable force. We need to be ready for anything. Inform Marine Headquarters of our situation and request additional support."

Marines, both seasoned veterans and fresh recruits, steeled themselves for the battle ahead. The air was thick with anticipation and fear, yet there was an unspoken resolve among them. They knew the stakes were high, and failure was not an option.

Meanwhile, out at sea, Rear Admiral Garlan and his remaining forces were engaged in a desperate struggle. The 12 Zodiacs' fleet, a menacing armada of heavily armed ships, loomed ever closer. Cannonballs whizzed through the air, and explosions lit up the horizon. Despite their valiant efforts, the Marines were heavily outnumbered and outgunned.

"Hold the line!" Garlan shouted, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of battle. "We must buy time for the base to prepare!"

His words inspired his men to fight with renewed vigor, but the sheer power and ferocity of the 12 Zodiacs' assault were overwhelming. One by one, Marine ships were being crippled or sunk.

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Currently updated until Chapter 255.

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