Chapter 142: The Collapse of the Navy Begins

New World!

At this moment, as Shiro's side displayed overwhelming strength, the Navy's forces found themselves in a dire situation.

In just half a day, the island that was once completely controlled by the Navy Headquarters had begun to fall. Now, the Navy appeared weak in the face of Shiro's forces. Nearly 100,000 Navy soldiers had chosen to follow Shiro and join the Central Authority.

Fleet Admiral Akainu had believed that, despite these setbacks, the situation was not entirely disadvantageous. After all, the island was surrounded by additional naval forces and the armed forces of the World Government. As long as Shiro and his companions were contained on this island, even with the defectors, there was still hope for the Navy and World Government to crush them.

When Akainu realized the gravity of the situation, he immediately ordered to notify the World Government, expecting the Five Elders to take swift action. In his mind, this would increase the Navy's chances of victory.

But even Akainu couldn't have anticipated the sheer number of powerful fighters Shiro had brought with him. Not only were there individuals like Enel and Hancock, the Pirate Empress of the Kuja Pirates, but the seven cloaked figures who had just decimated a group of Vice Admirals seemed to possess incredible abilities. Their power hinted at the influence of natural-type Devil Fruits.

Even for the Vice Admirals of Navy Headquarters, facing such foes seemed hopeless.

Moreover, the legendary Issho—now a traitor—had sided with Shiro and joined the Central Authority. This development made the situation even more precarious for the Navy.

The usually composed Akainu cast a worried glance at Borsalino, the only Admiral present. His greatest fear was that Borsalino, known for his laid-back attitude, might slack off in the upcoming battle. If that happened, Shiro's terrifying strength could not only decimate the sailors on the island but even put Akainu and Sengoku at risk.

For now, Akainu had no choice but to wait for reinforcements from the World Government and the Navy's offshore forces.

Two major intelligence failures had allowed Shiro, that terrifying upstart, to slip out of the Calm Belt and create havoc on this scale. The consequences of these oversights were not just on the Navy but on the entire World Government.

"Akainu," Shiro said, his voice calm but filled with authority, "My objective is complete. You understand the situation better than anyone. If you insist on continuing this battle, the Navy will pay a heavy price. Can the Navy afford such losses?"

Shiro stood proudly before the 100,000 soldiers who had chosen to follow him. His left hand rested on the hilt of the Sword of Destiny, his posture firm and unwavering.

Since revealing his true identity, Shiro had gained a commanding presence, standing as an equal—if not superior—to Akainu, the Fleet Admiral of the Navy. The balance of power was now tipping in favor of the Central Authority.

The soldiers, whether those who had defected or those still loyal to the Navy, watched in awe. Shiro was so young, yet he had become one of the most formidable figures on the Grand Line. Even in the face of Fleet Admiral Akainu, he held the upper hand. Such strength was inspiring to anyone with ambitions of dominating the seas.

"Shiro, stop dreaming," Akainu snarled, his eyes ablaze with fury. "The justice of the Navy will never compromise with criminals. Reinforcements from Navy Headquarters and the World Government are already on their way. The only path for you rebels is death!"

Akainu, ever the embodiment of absolute justice, had no interest in the situation's grim realities. In his eyes, so long as Shiro and his traitors were eradicated, the lives of every sailor on this island were expendable. That was the price of justice.

"I warned you during the war, Akainu? You should be the one reconsidering your decisions!"

Shiro said, his voice tinged with anger. Akainu's dogged pursuit of his version of justice was infuriating.

From the perspective of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, Akainu was a loyal servant, a ruthless enforcer of their will. But for the Navy, for the soldiers who believed in true justice, Akainu was far from a worthy leader.

If even Zephyr's words hadn't awakened the remaining Navy soldiers, Shiro was prepared to make them understand through Akainu's example.

Rumble—

At that moment, the Island was shrouded in a dark cloud of impending battle. Thunder roared across the sky as the tension mounted.

Akainu prepared himself, expecting Shiro to launch an attack using his lightning powers. But to his surprise, Shiro made no move to summon lightning.

Instead, Shiro closed his eyes, gripping the hilt of his sword with both hands, poised to strike.

For Shiro, a sword was his preferred weapon. He had always been more comfortable wielding one.

"Akainu," Shiro began, his voice booming across the battlefield, "Your absolute justice is blind. Do you truly believe the lives of the tens of thousands of Navy soldiers behind you are worth sacrificing for the whims of those corrupt Celestial Dragons?"

"You, of all people, do not deserve to be a Navy Fleet Admiral!"

"Navy soldiers! Don't you see? The Navy, bound by the World Government, has become nothing more than a puppet for their schemes. True justice, the justice you all believe in, has never existed under their rule!"

"Fight with me! Fight for real justice!"

At that moment, Shiro's words echoed across the island, reaching the hearts of every soldier present.

Akainu, furious, prepared to strike—but before he could act, Shiro's blade, in the shape of a massive bird, sliced through the air, sending Akainu flying.

Boom!

And so the battle continued...

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg