Surprise Appearance

"Ice Age!"

"Dark Hound!"

"Light Speed Kick!"

The three vice admirals unleashed their signature moves simultaneously, each attack surging toward Kaizen with destructive force.

"Hmph!" Kaizen shouted, standing strong. His entire form, imbued with Haki, exuded a dignified yet fierce aura.

Boom!

Elemental forces collided, causing a dense cloud of smoke. Although the scene blurred, Kaizen's silhouette remained strikingly clear within the haze.

"Tch! Can you two stop interfering?" Akainu grumbled at Aokiji and Kizaru. "Our attacks are just clashing with each other's!"

"Don't tell me what to do," Aokiji retorted coolly.

"My attack was obviously first," Kizaru said, indifferent yet pointed.

While they exchanged these heated words, Kaizen seized the opportunity to launch a fierce offensive, closing the distance between them. The fierce battle continued, each side unable to break through the other's defenses.

The clash of powers had already drawn onlookers: Marines on their warships and the hidden pirates nearby alike. To those observing, it seemed less like a fight to the death and more like a brutal sparring match. Despite the best efforts of three prominent vice admirals—men famed for their fearsome abilities—they couldn't breach Kaizen's Haki defense.

The three vice admirals' combined efforts had so far been fruitless. Frustrated, they gathered their energy and renewed their assault, coordinating to keep Kaizen in place, encircled by their forces.

"What's this—a showdown of the trapped beast?" Kaizen muttered with a sneer.

Whistling!

A sudden barrage of artillery shells tore through the air, like a swarm of descending fireflies, aiming straight for Kaizen and his opponents.

"Attacking from the sidelines? Truly 'honorable' of you, Marines!" Kaizen scoffed, feigning indignation in hopes the vice admirals would stay occupied and overlook the incoming attack.

As he tried to dodge, Akainu's fist came barreling in, immediately followed by Aokiji's ice shards and Kizaru's blinding beams, leaving him trapped.

"Oi! Those shells are heading this way—move!" Kaizen shouted.

"What a fool. Artillery doesn't affect us," Akainu responded smugly.

Kaizen clenched his teeth. The bombardment descended upon the coast. Just as the shells were about to hit, an invisible wave sliced through the air, splitting them apart and causing explosions high above. Flames scattered, illuminating the entire coast with an oddly romantic blaze.

"Who's there?!"

Both Kaizen and the vice admirals turned their gaze toward the town, where a group of notorious figures began to descend. A raucous laugh filled the air, unmistakable and full of charisma.

"Gurararara!" A booming voice echoed as the infamous "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate appeared, followed by his trusted commanders.

The Marines were stunned. How could the Whitebeard Pirates be here? Whitebeard was a known rival of the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. The two crews were notorious enemies, yet here he was—protecting Roger's homeland?

Back on the Marine ship, Admiral Zephyr's shock was visible. Though he had accounted for many scenarios, he hadn't foreseen Whitebeard joining this battle. He knew well that Whitebeard and Roger, despite their rivalry, shared a mutual respect.

"Damn it! All officers, follow me!" Zephyr commanded, leaping from the warship.

The coast was now a gathering of legends: Kaizen, three vice admirals, and the Whitebeard Pirates. A tension filled the air as each faction eyed the others warily.

"Gurarara! You've got guts, kid," Whitebeard said to Kaizen, his rugged face showing admiration.

Looking at Whitebeard's imposing form, Kaizen noted the legendary pirate's dignified yet intimidating demeanor, as if both authority and danger surrounded him. Indeed, Whitebeard commanded respect and admiration, exuding an energy both inviting and overwhelming.

"So you took down those artillery shells?" Kaizen responded with respectful appreciation, acknowledging Whitebeard's help.

"Gurarara! If you're so strong, why don't we test each other's strength?"

"Not today, Whitebeard-san. There are… more pressing matters," Kaizen replied, his gaze shifting to the line of Marine warships.

"Ahh, that's right," Whitebeard laughed, disdainfully eyeing the vice admirals. "Can't have a proper duel with pests like these around."