When Hashirama's heat ray made contact with the seawater, an unexpected reaction occurred. The water boiled instantly, creating a cloud of white steam that rose to the sky, concealing the destruction caused by the attack.
A sepulchral silence took over the entire island of Marineford. The marines, astonished and incredulous, watched the scene with their mouths agape. No one could believe what they had just witnessed.
How was it possible for a human to shoot lasers from their eyes? Where did such terrifying power come from?
The seawater, like hungry snakes, began to infiltrate through the breach created by the heat ray, threatening to flood what remained of the Marine Fortress.
"Fuck!", exclaimed King, his eyes widening. "It's... incredible. He cut the Marineford tower in half."
"How... how can he be so strong?!", exclaimed a marine with a trembling voice, terror reflected in his eyes.
"How?!", others whispered, unable to comprehend the power they had just witnessed.
The Beast Pirates definitely did not have such a character. Where did King find him?
Soon, a chorus of panicked screams rose among the marines of Marineford. They watched in horror as the tower split in half, a deep wound in the heart of their fortress.
If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would never believe that someone could split the Tower of the old Headquarters. It was an impossible feat, a challenge to the laws of physics.
"This is not ninjutsu...", murmured Sengoku, still in shock from what he had just seen. "What kind of ability is this?"
He didn't know if it was intentional or not, but Sengoku found himself right at the edge of the crack created by the heat ray. The residual heat emanating from it was so intense that a wave of chills ran through his body.
Reaching such a temperature was impressive, but it wasn't what worried Sengoku the most. What really unsettled him was the fact that Hashirama had cut Marineford in half.
Though he was upset by the destruction, Sengoku was not entirely surprised. After all, he had experienced Hashirama's behavior more than forty years ago. And judging by the current situation, that man had not only resurrected but had also gained strange abilities upon returning.
Thinking about this, Sengoku's heart filled with deep seriousness. The threat posed by Hashirama was much greater than he had imagined.
"Sengoku-sama is here, don't panic.", shouted a marine, trying to calm his comrades.
However, Sengoku's presence was not enough to dispel the terror that had taken hold of the marines. Seeing him at the edge of the crack, Drake shuddered.
"Will Inspector Sengoku definitely arrest this guy?", he asked with a mix of hope and fear.
"That's right...", replied another marine, trying to sound confident. "After all, Sengoku-sama was the former fleet admiral, wasn't he?"
Drake's words and the memory of Sengoku's power ignited a spark of confidence in the hearts of the marines. Despite the sweat on their foreheads, their gazes towards Hashirama became firmer and more defiant.
"Oh...", Sengoku murmured to himself, hearing his men's words. He knew they were wrong. Even at his best, he was no match for Hashirama. The battle ahead was too difficult.
"Ugh!", sighed Sengoku with resignation. "So Kaido was right...", he thought bitterly.
A cold look gleamed in Hashirama's eyes. "I will reclaim everything that belongs to me," he said in a voice that brooked no doubt.
"Even death didn't change your perspective. You haven't changed at all...", replied Sengoku, shaking his head sadly. He hesitated for a moment before asking: "Can you spare these marines? They are innocent and you know it."
"Innocent?", Hashirama looked at Sengoku with disdain. "Do they deserve to be innocent with me? Don't you know that 'A drop of water drills through rock, not by force, but by persistence.'? We are all prey to the strong."
Sengoku clenched his fists helplessly. He knew Hashirama's words were true, but he couldn't accept his ruthless logic.
As Hashirama and Sengoku conversed, a sepulchral silence took over Marineford. All the marines present listened intently, but the confidence they had gained with Sengoku's arrival faded with each word.
The lack of confidence in the former fleet admiral's voice was evident. His humble and defeated attitude contrasted with the majesty that used to characterize him. The marines couldn't help but wonder what kind of enemy they were facing for Sengoku to feel so intimidated.
Fear began to spread among the ranks. Even the bravest couldn't help but tremble at the prospect of such a powerful enemy.
"Hmph... Since we have reached this situation...", murmured Sengoku with determination. He removed his Marine cloak and shirt, revealing his muscular torso. Stroking his graying afro, he said: "Then let me see how you've changed compared to the past!"
In an instant, a golden and powerful aura emanated from Sengoku's body. A blinding light illuminated the battlefield, forcing everyone to close their eyes. When the light dissipated, Sengoku had disappeared, replaced by a golden giant that radiated wisdom and power.
"Everyone listen to my orders!", roared Sengoku's voice in his Buddha form, echoing throughout Marineford. "Retreat as far as you can!"
The marines, stunned by their leader's transformation, obeyed without hesitation. They knew that in a battle of this caliber, their presence was more of a burden than a help.
"Do you think you can leave just like that after shooting at me?", asked Hashirama with a mocking smile, observing the chaos reigning in Marineford. "You will be buried in the depths of the sea along with Marineford."
"Let them go!", roared Sengoku in fury upon seeing Hashirama about to attack the retreating marines.
"S-Flamingo, S-Crocodile! Finish him!", he ordered, his voice resonating across the battlefield.
Two sharp whistles sounded in the air, announcing the arrival of two imposing figures. To Sengoku's right stood a young but large Doflamingo, with the distinctive features of the Lunarian race: brown skin, white hair, black wings, and a blazing fire on his back. To the left stood a young but also large Crocodile, with the same Lunarian features.
The Seraphims, children created by the World Government to combat the most powerful pirates, raised their hands towards Hashirama and fired yellow laser beams.
The beams traveled at incredible speed, striking Hashirama with devastating force. A shockwave rippled through the island, lifting dust and debris in its wake.
"I wondered when they would appear...", murmured Hashirama, unfazed by the attack.
He made no move to defend himself. He took the beams head-on, letting the shockwave envelop him.
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