Chapter 23: A Futile fury

The Marines were dealt a heavy blow at Sabaody this time. Even with two Admirals present, they suffered massive losses.

Over 400 Marines were killed, a significant portion of the Sabaody force considering many had been deployed to Marineford. Akainu was injured, and Sentomaru, who commanded the Pacifistas, lost his left hand to Shiryu. The sea now has another one-armed man.

Akainu and the others, carrying the Celestial Dragons' bodies, prepared to retreat. The retreat was undeniably humiliating, fueling Akainu's anger and frustration, especially with his own injury and Sentomaru's. Only Kizaru seemed unfazed, mirroring his usual carefree attitude. He had fought one of the Supernovas, but captured none. It was clear he wasn't taking things seriously.

Just as they were about to leave Sabaody, another complication arose.

20 minutes earlier, Luffy found a newspaper on the ground. He wouldn't normally read them, but this one had Ace's picture on it. The sight of Ace being restrained with Seastone sent Luffy into a panic. As he read the news, the impact hit him like a bolt of lightning. His mind went blank for a moment.

"Ace!"

"No way!"

"Marines! Blackbeard!"

Luffy screamed in fury. He hadn't calmed down from losing his partner, but seeing the news about Ace's upcoming execution, his mind went numb.

Thirteen days left! They locked him in the giant underwater prison. In thirteen days, Fire Fist Ace will be beheaded in a public execution at Marine HQ!

Just like those Celestial Dragons! Their heads rolled!

This was absolutely unacceptable!

Consumed by rage, Luffy bolted for the harbor like a madman. All he wanted now was to get to Impel Down and save Ace.

But how? Luffy had no idea. But with Ace in danger, how could he possibly think straight?

He only feared being too late, forever separated from his brother.

Meanwhile, the badly injured Bartholomew Kuma was still searching for Luffy, just wanting to tell him his friends were alright.

But with Luffy, luck seemed to have run out this time.

The Marines on the port side were ready to leave, but Luffy charged at them.

"Marines! Get lost!"

"What?!"

Luffy, angry at the Marines and unaware Akainu was an Admiral, treated him like any other Marine.

"These damn Marines want to kill Ace! I'm gonna save him!"

Those nearby watched in shock as Luffy rushed towards Akainu.

On the warship, Kizaru couldn't help but look at the source of the yelling.

Akainu, already furious and barely on his feet, roared and charged at Luffy, ignoring the pain.

"Magma Fist!"

A massive explosion erupted. Akainu's attack was unstoppable. With a single blow, Luffy was sent rolling on the ground in excruciating pain, his body burning from the lava.

This attack was far more terrifying than Kizaru's kick against the Supernova. Luffy, at that moment, had no chance against it.

"Grab him! Impel Down!"

"The World Government wants them executed together - Straw Hat and Fire Fist Ace!"

A cold snort escaped Akainu. Marines swarmed Luffy, who struggled weakly in his seastone cuffs, before locking him in a warship cell.

"Sakazuki, what about Vice Admiral Garp?" Kizaru asked, a strange look on his face.

"Dragon's bloodline is the worst kind of pirate scum! Ten deaths wouldn't be enough!" Akainu scoffed. "Garp wants to retire anyway, let him."

Unfazed, Akainu held the reins of power in Marine HQ, Garp included. Justice had no room for criminals, and Garp's family was a mess - a revolutionary son and a grandson wreaking havoc on the Grand Line!

"Alright," Kizaru mumbled. He knew Akainu disliked Garp.

Their factions within HQ clashed.

One thing remained uncertain - how would Garp react to Luffy's capture?

Kizaru never really meant to catch Luffy in the first place, just going through the motions.

But this time, Luffy messed up big time by provoking Akainu himself!

Tyrant Bear is furious seeing Luffy captured in the darkness.

Seriously injured and facing two Admirals, what can he even do?

"Dragon, I messed up this time..."

News quickly spread through Sabaody Archipelago - Straw Hat Luffy was captured by Akainu and his crew. As a top Supernova, this was unbelievable for many.

Rayleigh could only sigh in helplessness. There was nothing he could do.

"Hopefully, that straw hat will bring him luck, just like how Roger overcame countless challenges..."