Chapter 131

"I... I also don't know him, but I heard he was one of new commander of our crew, but when I saw him yesterday at night, I wasn't sure of it."

The other captain replied, shaking his head in uncertainty.

"When I first laid eyes on him last night, he appeared incredibly feeble and frail."

"When I heard he was a new member of the Gale Emperor Pirates' moreover a commander, I thought it had to be some kind of joke," he added.

Bonney chimed in, concurring with the sentiment. She had also encountered Escanor last night.

During their last encounter, Bonney had accidentally bumped into Escanor, causing him to tumble to the ground rather ungracefully, he fell on his ass.

What struck Bonney even more was the fact that she hadn't had the chance to apologize yet.

But instead of getting upset, Escanor had humbly apologized to her, deeming himself utterly useless and expressing how sorry he was for being such incompetent human.

Escanor's actions and behavior had left Bonney thoroughly bewildered, and it took her a few moments to regain her composure.

It was an encounter that left her truly puzzled.

She couldn't help but think that Escanor was unlike anyone she had ever met before in Carnes crew.

After all, not many members of the Gale Emperor Pirates could be considered "normal."

"Well," one of the captains mused, leaning against the ship's railing,

"I often wonder if I saved the world or did some great deeds in my past life, to become a subordinate of a pirate crew of this caliber in this life."

"I feel the same way," Bonney admitted, pausing to reflect on how she had somehow ended up as an affiliated crew of the Gale Emperor Pirates, and had got a god-like backer.

"This... it's like a dream," she muttered to herself in disbelief.

Meanwhile, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, the Five Elders closely monitored the events unfolding at Sabaody Archipelago.

In the grand hall, besides the Five Elders, Figarland Garling, the commander of the God's Knights, was also present.

"Sengoku has just relayed the latest news concerning Sabaody Archipelago," he informed the gathered leaders.

The two Emperors of the Sea, both Kaido and Big Mom, have forged an unprecedented alliance, yet even then they find themselves at a significant disadvantage facing off against Carnes.

Their situation is dire.

Furthermore, the pace of events has far exceeded our initial expectations. It is estimated that the victor will be decided soon.

A concerned voice broke the silence, inquiring about preparations for Lord Imu.

One of the Five Elders fixed a gaze upon Figarland Garling, seeking answers.

"How are the preparations that Lord Imu asked for?" they inquired.

Garling, with a calm demeanor, responded,

"Everything is in readiness. We are only waiting for the outcome of their battle."

Doubts lingered in the room.

"But can Carnes' whose power, which defies common sense, can using that thing really kill him?"

"And should its attack prove insufficient... we would have wasted the powerful attack that 'that' weapon held," voiced another Elder, expressing their concerns.

Garling fell into contemplative silence. In truth, he was uncertain.

After all, the Carnes of today was a far cry from the Carnes who they once faced in the God's Valley.

He was stronger, smarter and more determined than before.

Following the intense battle a few days prior, he had come to terms with the vast gap of strength separating him from Carnes.

"I cannot say for certain... but at this point, it stands as our sole recourse."

"Regardless of the outcome, even if Carnes were to miraculously survive 'that' thing, he would surely be weak to stand against us."

"It would signify that using 'that' thing wasn't in vain and we would take the responsibility for the final attack against Carnes."

Another voice added, "Let us hope the plan proceeds smoothly; Carnes represents the gravest threat we've faced in years."

The meeting was punctuated by tense, metallic clatters as the battle raged on.

Amidst the intense clash, Sabaody Archipelago suffered the most extensive devastation, with surging seawaters engulfing the vicinity.

Strong figures like Charlotte Katakuri, one of Big Mom's Sweet Commanders, and King, a formidable calamity from the Beasts Pirates, had also joined the fray.

But to Carnes, their might seemed inconsequential.

In his eyes, their strength amounted to naught.

"Finally, it begins!"

At last, as this moment approached, Carnes erupted into a fiery spectacle. He became cloaked in an all-encompassing blaze,

His very presence caused the ground beneath him to liquefy instantly.

"Infinite power... yes, this is what it feels like," he declared with an air of triumph.

He gazed fixedly at Big Mom and Kaido; a solemn expression etched upon his face.

"It's time to put an end to our resentments," he declared, his voice resolute.

As his words hung in the air, Carnes took a step forward, his intentions clear.

Silence blanketed the scene.

With each step he took, wisps of smoke billowed from Carnes' feet, leaving deep imprints in the ground beneath him.

"Move!"

In an instant, Katakuri and King surged forward with lightning speed.

"Attack!"

King bellowed, wielding his longsword covering it in Armament Haki as he brought it down from the sky.

As for Carnes, he faced the descending blade and effortlessly grasped it with a single hand.

Then, much to King's astonishment, the sword began to liquefy and melt away under Carnes' grip.

Simultaneously, Katakuri and the others launched their attacks, but they proved futile against Carnes as they didn't even come close to him.

In the blink of an eye, an invisible force repelled them and sent them hurtling backwards.

Then, without exception they were engulfed in searing flames, burning inside the flames.

"Get back, King!" Kaido roared in anger.

"Hakai!"

The combined assault of Kaido and Big Mom was unleashed once more.

An enormous energy sphere hurtled forward, and the ensuing shockwaves aftermath the attack dwarfed the previous Hakai in sheer power.

However, the combined attack that Kaido and Big Mom were so proud of was effortlessly deflected by Carnes with a casual flick of his hand.

"What????"

Kaido and Big Mom's eyes abruptly widened in shock.

They really believed that at most Carnes would simply dodge their attack and be done with it.

As he won't be able to face it head-on and appear unscathed out of it.

Yet, to their surprise, Carnes had skillfully altered the direction of energy sphere with just a casual wave of his hand.

Just like that.

"It appears... you still hold onto the belief that by joining forces, you stand a chance at ending my life."

"Carnes!!!!"

Both Big Mom and Kaido roared in unison.

Carnes remained silent for a while, but slowly, he raised his hand.

"The One."

"Now, show me, how shall you face this karmic fire that will bring end to your pathetic life?" Carnes declared.

As soon as his words left his mouth, the miniature sun in Carnes's hand began to expand rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye.

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