Chapter 109

Are they here?

Carnes' eyes dimmed slightly, his memories stirring vividly at the familiar aura that surrounded him. It was an aura he could never forget.

In a perfectly synchronized motion, Shanks too halted his assault as if a sixth sense had tingled. His gaze was drawn in the same direction Carnes was fixated on.

A soft, rhythmic echo of footsteps emanated from behind a heap of tall, towering ruins.

The steps were deliberate, measured, belonging to figures draped in enigmatic crimson cloaks. One by one, these enigmatic figures ascended to positions atop the lofty ruins.

Among them stood an individual with hair reminiscent of a crescent moon, the hilt of a saber suspended at their hip, an emblem of authority.

These were the God's Knights, vigilant guards tasked with safeguarding the Celestial Dragons.

Their sudden appearance was a magnet for attention, captivating the gaze of the many bystanders.

Except for the select few of the highest echelons within the Marines and individuals of substantial influence, the majority remained oblivious to their identity.

"Yet another group of guys came."

"Curse it all, the weight of their presence is staggering, it's so oppressive. Could they be pirates?"

"Hard to say... They've cloaked themselves in utmost secrecy, hiding their faces entirely."

"Does this mean the heavens' wrath is upon our Marine forces? Carnes alone has already proven his might against our forces."

"Indeed, should these enigmatic figures be allies of Carnes, our days are unequivocally numbered."

"Clang!!!"

Under the weight of this uncertainty, the resolve of certain Marines wavered, their weapons slipping from their grasp to clatter against the ground.

Some even succumbed to the invisible weight of fear, finding themselves seated upon the earth, a collective paralysis taking hold.

Their countenances bore both smiles and grimaces, tears brimming in their eyes yet never falling. Slowly, their faces contorted into expressions of fierce determination.

"Are you... kidding me?!"

"This is a joke, right?!" their voices quivered.

"In a situation where victory seems impossible, it becomes truly nonexistent for us."

"Our circumstances have already taken a turn for the worst. With the enemy sending reinforcements, our fate is sealed, death is the only outcome awaiting us!"

Instantly, several Marines, unaware of the full truth, saw their morale crumble. They sank to the ground, resignedly awaiting the inevitable.

Meanwhile, Sengoku stood by Garp's side. As the figure of the God's Knight came into view, the stern lines on Sengoku's face momentarily relaxed.

"Unforeseen as it is, to think they would actually show up..."

Sengoku sighed deeply, casting a glance at Garp, who lay on the ground with a black rod impaled through him. He was pinned to the ground by the black rod.

"Hang in there. I've dispatched a doctor," he assured.

Garp, his body drenched in blood, mustered a feeble grin. His voice was weak but resolute. "This kind of wound won't take me down, but... Sengoku, be cautious. This black rod, it's... strange. It seems to negate Haki."

"Nullify Haki?"

Sengoku's pause reflected his astonishment. This concept was entirely new to him.

"Yes, I leave the rest to you. I'm feeling rather tired and seriously need some rest."

A surge of emotions raced through him.

...

For the first time since Carnes attained the state of the Sage of Six Paths, a surge of intense emotions coursed through him.

Naturally, it's understandable.

Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido might be considered turncoats at worst—their betrayals were, at best, expected, but the individuals before him now were true adversaries.

"Carnes, I suppose you haven't forgotten about me, have you?"

"hahahahahahaha....."

Carnes burst into hearty laughter, fixing his intense gaze upon the commander of the God's Knight, Figarland Garling.

His eyes gleamed with a sharp intensity.

"It's a relief to see that you survived, I'm truly glad to see you alive." Carnes stated, his emotions intertwined with the words.

"Indeed," he continued, his tone tinged with frustration.

"What could be more exasperating than the demise of one's most detested adversary? A demise that denies any chance for vengeance."

The arrival of Garling transformed Carnes' mood into a more positive one.

"Originally, I had reserved for you the ultimate enigma of the death lottery. But... personally having you arrive at my doorstep was an unexpected, delightful surprise."

Garling responded with a derisive snort, his voice carrying a cold edge.

"Hmph. I've undergone transformation both as a human and demon, all in the pursuit of strength and survival. Nevertheless, when all is said and done, you remain nothing but more than a failed pirate."

"A mere puppet manipulated solely by power."

"Hahahahahaha..."

Carnes erupted into laughter anew, leaving his amusement unexplained.

"Blissful ignorance!" he uttered, the word dripping with condescension.

As he spoke, a Truth-Seeking Ball floated into view behind him, assuming a prominent position.

His hand extended, seizing the ball, causing it to transmute into a black rod with a distinctive sound.

Just then, a voice resonated from the side, belonging to Sengoku.

"Exercise caution. Avoid any physical contact with that black rod—it nullifies Haki, rendering you incapable of even using it."

Acknowledging Sengoku's warning, Garling offered only a fleeting glance in his direction, choosing not to respond directly.

Returning his attention to Carnes, he maintained his disdainful gaze. "It's truly useless, you paid such a hefty price to acquire such trivial information."

"Utterly futile."

"Swish."

Garling drew his saber, which hung at his waist.

"Annihilate."

"Exterminate everyone."

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