Chapter 123

"This presence... it's the captain's aura," observing the shifting patterns in the sky above the Sabaody Archipelago, Ulquiorra spoke in a composed tone.

"Is the enemy launching an attack? How dare these pitiful weaklings provoke our Captain!"

In this moment, Escanor's form had transformed into a robust stature. Beyond the physical change, his personality shifted from nighttime self-doubt and low self-esteem to unapologetic arrogance in daytime.

Obito sat cross-legged on the ship's railing, supporting his head with one hand, his gaze fixed ahead with deep interest.

"It appears that we need to intervene, seems that some action is required from our end."

"Let me go and handle these bunch of ants."

As Escanor extended his hand in an instant, the Divine Axe Rhitta, a Sacred Treasure, which had been kept inside the ship, swiftly flew out, landing into Escanor's hand without fail.

"You stay here, I am more familiar with this world." Ulquiorra's voice remained steady as he spoke.

In the very next moment, a form materialized within the void.

"It seems that your movements and reactions are a step slower, they feel a little sluggish, Escanor," Obito remarked, a smile curving his lips.

For people hailing from different worlds, Obito held a genuine fascination, especially for Escanor.

The same individual who had appeared frail and weak, just last night now projected an air of superiority, a personality shift that even the ordinary crew members couldn't help but avert their gazes from.

The average crew members hesitated to meet his gaze directly.

Upon waking up, it was as though he had become an entirely different person.

He treated everyone with an evident disdain, meeting their eyes with open contempt and offering curt rebukes, his once-submissive demeanor now replaced with defiance.

"It matters little to me who goes; it is inconsequential as long as our objective is attained."

"All that matter is the end goal." Escanor declared, his tone casual yet resolute.

Simultaneously...

Within the Holy Land Mariejois.

"There's news from the Marines—it has begun!!!"

"Huh, it was faster than we anticipated."

"Sengoku, the responsibility of monitoring their actions rests upon your shoulders."

"Indeed, should there be any alterations in their behavior, it shall be promptly relayed to you.

I will personally notify you."

"Do not over burden yourself; these individuals are the insects of this era, and their eradication will inadvertently benefit the common folk."

"Yes, hidden behind that façade of justice are countless unacknowledged corpses."

"That war 40 years ago spilled rivers of blood. While they remained unsung, they stand as heroes who ushered in a new era. Now their contributions can finally give us the justice we desire."

"Undoubtedly, I grasp the seriousness of this situation." Sengoku's voice resonated with gravity.

"This time, the Marines need not take direct action; the subsequent action after this battle will be overseen by our World Government."

"Very well, unless there are other matters demanding attention, I shall take my leave."

After Sengoku's departure, the Five Elders fixated their gaze upon the massive wooden door.

"The plan... commences!" their voices resonated with determined conviction.

A resounding clash echoed – a cacophony of banging reverberated as the weapons collided, birthing a dark red arc of lightning with each impact.

The turbulent airwaves surged relentlessly through the surroundings, crashing again and again.

Despite Carnes' relatively brief skirmish with the formidable duo of Big Mom and Kaido, the aftermath spoke of prolonged devastation.

The surroundings lay ravaged, an undeniable testament to the clash that had unfolded.

It was already etched with a trail of destruction.

"Charge!"

Kaido hurled his mace down from the sky, channeling the entirety of his might into this decisive blow.

"Raimei Hakke."

Simultaneously, on the opposing front, Big Mom sprang into action, launching her attacks.

Though decades had elapsed since their last collaboration, their innate understanding of eachother attacks remained remarkably profound.

An uncanny harmony of attacks persisted between the two.

"Ikoku Sovereignty!"

With a sweep of her sword, Napoleon, Big Mom unleashed a sonic onslaught that seemed to rupture the very fabric of space.

The resulting shockwave, resembling a ferocious beast, surged toward Carnes at breakneck speed.

This formidable force hurtled relentlessly toward Carnes, who found himself trapped in the crosshairs of Kaido and Big Mom's synchronized and coordinated attack.

Evading this was futile, leaving him with no recourse but to withstand and weather the impending strike, a combined onslaught, from the monstrous pair.

"Ma Ma Ma Mama..."

"Carnes, what is your next move?" taunted Big Mom, a wry smile adorning her features.

Carnes' face remained an emotionless mask, it betrayed no emotion whatsoever.

With an unsettling calmness and serene gaze, he silently observed Kaido's descent.

"Boom…"

Kaido's strike detonated upon impact, unleashing a cataclysmic explosion.

The ground quaked and buckled, engulfed by the ensuing chaos and setting off violent tremors.

A thick shroud of smoke and dust billowed skyward, cascading back to earth like a torrent.

"Ha ha..."

"Direct hit."

"A clean, solid hit."

"This time, Carnes will undoubtedly leave a piece of his flesh behind,

Even if he survives this attack, he is bound to lose more than just skin," one of Big Mom's children remarked.

"You imbecile. Don't be so foolish!

If it were that straightforward to kill Carnes, why would Mother have consented to joining forces with Kaido?" Katakuri replied sternly.

"Nevertheless, facing the combined onslaught of Mother and Kaido, I believe it will leave Carnes with some serious damage."

Not far off, other children of Big Mom commenced their deliberations, engaging in fervent discussion.

Katakuri overheard all of these discussions.

Without delay, he used his immensely strong Observation Haki.

He aimed to use his Advanced Observation Haki, use Future Vision to peer into the future to learn about forthcoming events.

Yet alas... nothing unfolded before him.

Not even the faintest trace of Carnes future could be seen, it was concealed entirely.

Yet...though, even when the foresight showed him nothing.

Anxiety continued to grip Katakuri's heart.

Directly at the epicenter of the explosion...

An icy voice resonated within their ears, sending shivers down their spines.

"....."

Silence lingered...

"Kaido, decades have passed since our paths crossed. It appears the years are catching up to you, aging you further."

"But in terms of strength, you remain as feeble as you once were."

"The power in your attacks remain as lackluster as it was back then."

The voice trailed off, and from the billowing smoke and dust, Kaido's imposing figure jumped back, creating distance between him and Carnes.

"Whoosh!"

A faint breeze brushed against them, carrying an air of tension like a whispered prayer.

The smoke and dust began to settle, revealing a colossal crater in the ground.

Within its depths, the silhouette of Carnes, his grip firm on a longsword, was starkly reflected in the eyes of both Big Mom and Kaido.

"What in the world happened? Did you fail to strike him?"

"Did your attacked missed him, Kaido?" Big Mom's brow furrowed, a hint of displeasure tainting her voice as she questioned Kaido.

"That, Carnes... seems to have used an ability similar to the elemental form that logia devil fruits grants to the user.

It caused my attack to merely phase through his body." Kaido explained, his expression was of complete shock.

"Logia Elementalization?"

Big Mom momentarily hesitated her words hung in the air.

"You bastard, do you even understand what you're talking about? How could Logia's elemental ability work when you attacked Carnes with your Haki?"

"Similar, I said 'similar.' In terms of how it was used, I merely meant that the both of them shared some resemblance."

Kaido naturally responded directly, anger and irritation evident in his voice.

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