Rescue

"Change of plans, Admiral. Perform the execution immediately," Akainu ordered, his voice cold and unyielding.

Diane froze, momentarily stunned by the sudden directive. "But Admiral, we still need her. The information she has—"

"Her existence is a greater threat than the knowledge she holds," Akainu interrupted sharply. "The World Government has decreed her execution at once."

Diane sighed heavily, unable to mask her frustration. "Understood." She turned on her heel, the classified documents in her hand now utterly pointless.

The execution platform was ready, its grim setup completed with two swordsmen standing by. Their blades gleamed as they practiced their swings, their job clear: ensure Imai's end was swift and public.

Diane approached Imai's cell, her expression a mix of annoyance and determination. Grabbing Imai roughly by the collar, she hauled her out.

"Why so rough, Admiral? In a hurry to see me off?" Imai teased, her calm demeanor infuriating.

"You're to be executed immediately," Diane snapped. "No more delays."

"Ah, so they've given up on questioning me," Imai mused, a sly grin spreading across her face. "It seems they care more about silencing me than uncovering the truth."

Diane's grip tightened. "What truth could you possibly reveal?"

Imai leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "That the World Government is rotten to its core. A system of corruption, built on lies." Her piercing gaze locked with Diane's. "But then, you already know that, don't you?"

For a moment, Diane faltered, but she quickly composed herself, leading Imai toward the platform.

The crowd of Marines gathered below erupted in cheers of hatred and triumph as Imai ascended the steps. Her defiance only grew stronger.

"Quite the turnout," Imai remarked, waving mockingly at the jeering crowd.

"Those aren't fans," Diane retorted, glaring.

"Anyone willing to witness my end is a fan," Imai replied with a smirk. "Hate is just another form of attention, Admiral."

Diane shook her head in disgust. "You're delusional."

Imai chuckled, her eyes scanning the horizon. They should be here soon, she thought. Perfect timing.

The heavy chains were locked onto her wrists and ankles, yet she stood tall at the center of the platform, unyielding.

"Any last words?" Diane asked, her voice devoid of emotion.

Imai raised her chin, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Even in my final moments, I will not kneel to those unworthy of my respect."

"Obey and kneel," Diane ordered, motioning to Vice Admiral Garp.

Garp stepped forward, his massive hands pressing down on Imai's shoulders with immense strength. Yet, she didn't budge.

"Is this all you've got, Garp?" Imai taunted. "Even with these seastone shackles, I'm beyond your strength. Remember this: you're nothing compared to me."

Her venomous words struck deep, her unyielding presence sending chills down Garp's spine. For a moment, he saw it—the trail of blood, the countless lives she had taken, and her fiery, spiraling eyes that seemed to pierce through his soul.

"GARP!" Akainu's voice snapped him out of his trance.

"What is it?" Garp asked, visibly shaken.

"Execute her. By any means necessary," Akainu commanded.

The executioners raised their blades high, ready to deliver the final blow. Imai's eyes turned toward the sea, where ships began breaching the gate. Her smile widened.

"It's a shame for you all," Imai declared. "I won't be dying today."

A deafening explosion erupted, sending shockwaves through the fortress. Smoke billowed as pirate ships surged into the harbor.

"Now! Finish her!" Akainu roared.

The executioners swung their blades down—only to meet resistance. Sparks flew as two hooded figures appeared, intercepting the strike with perfect precision.

The force of the clash blew the hoods away, revealing their faces.

"Red Oni, Uta!"

"And Blue Oni, Rei!"

Imai's grin broadened as she looked at her saviors. "You came."

"Of course, Captain," Uta said firmly.

"Did you think we'd leave you behind?" Rei added, a wild grin on her face.

The duo swiftly dispatched the executioners, their movements fluid and precise. Garp hesitated, knowing any misstep could be fatal.

"Don't forget this," Uta said, tossing Imai her twin katanas.

Catching them effortlessly, Imai let out a laugh. "Thanks. I trust you kept them in good shape?"

"Focus on surviving, Captain," Uta retorted.

Imai smirked. "Don't worry. Now, let's turn this stage into a battlefield."

As she spoke, the air grew heavy. A molten projectile shot toward the trio, but Imai raised her hand, summoning a massive lightning strike to intercept it.

From the smoke emerged a towering figure.

"Red-Haired Shanks," Akainu growled, his fury palpable.

Shanks strode forward, his crew at his heels. He smiled warmly at Uta. "Hello, my daughter."

"Dad?!" Uta exclaimed, shocked.

Shanks's gaze shifted to Imai. "Take your crew and go. We'll handle the rest."

"Equal footing now," Imai quipped, earning a chuckle from Shanks.

"Go," he urged.

With that, Imai, Uta, and Rei leaped into the fray, their powers blazing as they joined the chaotic battlefield.

The clash between pirates and Marines had begun, marking the day everything changed forever.