Chapter 177: Here comes the Angel's Army

"Boom! Boom!"

"Kaboom… Kaboom…"

"All ships, open fire! Crush these Navy forces!"

"We cannot let them invade Nuts Island!"

"This is one of the core islands of the Fallen Angel Pirates! We must defend it at all costs!"

At that moment, near Nuts Island—just a short distance from Komugi Island—a fierce battle raged.

A fleet of over a dozen Navy warships of varying sizes advanced aggressively, clashing with a formidable fleet of ten massive battleships flying the Fallen Angel Pirates' flag. Explosions and cannon fire erupted as both sides engaged in a relentless exchange of firepower.

"Clang—"

A massive slash tore through the air, slicing several incoming cannonballs in half.

The diminutive yet formidable Streusen swung his sword with precision, intercepting the Navy's bombardment. He glanced at one of their ships trailing smoke from a direct hit and shook his head in frustration.

The battleships of the Fallen Angel Pirates, funded by the immense wealth of Hell Trading Company, were top-of-the-line vessels—on par with the Navy's highest-class warships. They were equipped with advanced cannons, capable of overwhelming firepower.

However, the crew, composed of former members of the Dreamland House and recruits from Hell Trading Company, lacked combat experience. While their military training was decent, their experience was limited to skirmishes with common pirates. This was their first large-scale naval engagement against seasoned Navy forces. The disparity in experience was glaring as they struggled to maintain coordination under pressure.

The Navy, on the other hand, was composed of highly disciplined, battle-hardened soldiers accustomed to fighting pirates in the New World. Their expertise in naval warfare gave them a significant edge.

"Admittedly, we do have our own advantages," Streusen mused, deflecting another barrage of cannon fire.

Before the assault on G-5 Fortress and the incident at Sabaody Archipelago, Gerd had already prepared an arsenal of Homies artillery shells crafted from collected souls. These shells were designed for situations like this, where precise aiming was a challenge. The Homies shells could autonomously adjust their trajectories, compensating for the gunners' inexperience.

"Vice Admiral Chekarl…"

On a large Navy battleship several nautical miles away, a subordinate rushed up to report to Chekarl, the commanding officer and base commander of G-11 Fortress.

"Sir, the pirates' firepower is overwhelming. We've lost one small warship and a large battleship. Another medium-sized ship has been hit but remains operational."

"I see."

Chekarl swung his sword, shattering several incoming Homies shells that screamed and jeered as they approached.

"Autonomous, self-guiding Homies artillery shells... What a nuisance."

The subordinate continued:

"However, we've sunk one of their pirate ships. Two more have been heavily damaged and are retreating—likely no longer combat-capable."

"Relay orders to the entire fleet: maintain formation, keep up suppressive fire, and ensure their total annihilation!"

Chekarl's expression turned cold.

"Our objective isn't just to destroy the Fallen Angel Pirates' fleet. We must completely wipe out their control over these islands. The Hell Trading Company and the Fallen Angel Pirates must not rise again!"

"Understood… Hmm?"

The subordinate froze mid-salute, his eyes widening in disbelief as he pointed toward the horizon.

"What is that?"

Following his subordinate's gaze, Chekarl's pupils constricted as he spotted a massive "cloud" drifting ominously toward them in the sky.

"Damn it… That must be the rumored 'Island Cloud Homies'!"

He clenched his fists and barked orders.

"That's where the core members of the Fallen Angel Pirates—El and Charlotte Linlin—are likely hiding! All ships, prepare for a direct assault!"

Sweat dripped from his forehead as he shouted,

"Quick, relay the command—full fleet retreat!"

"Those bastards returned to the New World so quickly, and our outposts didn't detect their movements at all…"

"As suspected, these strongholds are their weak points. Report this to the World Government immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

Shortly after the orders were issued, the entire Navy fleet began its retreat.

The arrival of the massive Island Cloud Homies caused widespread panic among the sailors.

Before they could act further, their fears escalated as swarms of black-winged "angels" emerged from the enormous island cloud.

The sky soon filled with them, their vast numbers and relentless advance sending shockwaves through the Navy fleet.

"What in the world are those things?"

"Angels? No, they're Homies made with the Soul-Soul Fruit's power!"

"Damn it, they're too fast! We can't shake them!"

"Everyone, prepare for combat!"

"Open fire!"

"Shoot them down!"

The Navy soldiers opened fire desperately as the flying figures approached with incredible speed.

"Bang… Bang…"

"Clang… Clang…"

Bullets ricocheted off the angel machines with metallic clangs, sparking harmlessly. Even the occasional rocket blasts sent some tumbling, but they quickly stabilized mid-air, flapping their black wings and resuming their advance. Their ironclad defenses seemed impervious.

"What are these monsters?"

"Bullets don't pierce them! Even cannonballs can't damage them!"

"Not even flamethrowers work!"

"Damn it, these things are practically invincible!"

Explosions erupted as some Navy ships attempted heavier counterattacks, but it was futile.

Equipped with Gatling guns, rocket launchers, and melee weapons, the angel machines systematically tore apart the fleet, raining destruction from above.

Hovering mid-air, they unleashed a relentless barrage, overwhelming the Navy soldiers. Those with melee weapons dove onto the ships, engaging in brutal close combat.

The shape-memory alloy used to craft the machines made them nearly indestructible. Ordinary weapons proved ineffective, and only a few elite officers or Devil Fruit users could inflict even minor damage.

Apart from a few isolated cases of damage, the battle was one-sided.

It was a massacre.

~~~

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