Chapter 81: The War Begins
Time rewinds to the Roger Pirates. Once Roger confirmed Golden Lion's arrival through his Observation Haki that could hear the voice of all things, Rayleigh, Jabber, and the others gathered behind him, awaiting Golden Lion's appearance.
They didn't have to wait long. Soon, Golden Lion's ships appeared within their line of sight.
As the image became clearer, Jabber smiled faintly. "Let me give Golden Lion a warm welcome." With that, he casually unleashed two flying slashes across the sea toward Golden Lion.
Clang! Clang! Two sharp clashes rang out as Golden Lion easily deflected the attacks, then flew swiftly toward Roger's crew.
Seeing this, the group shrugged. "Looks like Golden Lion felt our enthusiasm."
"Rayleigh, keep an eye on the ship—don't let anyone damage it!" Roger called over his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Roger. No one can break the Jackson," Rayleigh replied with calm certainty.
Haha! Just then, laughter echoed as Golden Lion arrived, floating before them.
Seeing the relaxed composure of the Roger Pirates, Golden Lion frowned. "Roger, you're not planning to run this time?"
"Haha! Golden Lion!" Roger laughed loudly. "This time, it's you lot who'll be running!"
"Hmph! We'll see who runs," Golden Lion growled, then lunged at Roger.
"Bring it on!" Roger roared back, sword in hand, leaping into the air toward Golden Lion.
Clang! Roger's single blade collided with Golden Lion's twin sabers. Sword aura erupted, Haki flared wildly, and rings of red lightning crackled through the sky.
Boom! Both were knocked back. Roger landed on the island, looking up at Golden Lion with a teasing expression.
"Hey, Shiki, hasn't your strength improved at all?" Roger grinned playfully.
"Roger!" Golden Lion paused, then flew into a rage. "You looking to die? I'll grant your wish!"
"I told you—it's you, Golden Lion Shiki," Roger replied, slashing again.
Golden Lion abruptly halted mid-charge and sidestepped, dodging the attack. He retaliated with two slashes of his own.
Clang! Roger raised his sword and blocked the strikes, redirecting them with a sweeping motion, gouging two trenches across the sand.
"Come on, Shiki," Roger shouted, dashing deeper into the island. "Let's have ourselves a proper battle today!"
Golden Lion glanced briefly at Rayleigh and the others before flying after Roger. Fierce clashes of blades rang out, and giant mudstone lions—controlled by Golden Lion—roared across the island. Slashes flew through the sand, the sea, and even tore the clouds above.
A beautiful island was instantly turned into a living hell.
"Golden Lion's not bad… to be able to fight Roger like this," Rayleigh and the others muttered as they gazed up at the torn sky.
"Then it's our turn!" Jabber said, turning toward the approaching ships. Ochoku (Wang Zhi), Kyo (Silver Axe) , and their pirates had leapt from their ships and were charging forward, followed closely by the original members of the Rocks Pirates.
Clang! Rayleigh drew his sword. "Let's go! Show them the strength of the Roger Pirates!" he shouted, charging toward Ochoku (Wang Zhi). The others followed suit.
As both sides clashed—clang, boom, crash—sword met sword, fist met fist. The beach exploded with flying blades and shockwaves.
Both groups were elite forces, though Roger's crew held a slight edge in top-tier combat strength. Jabber and Rayleigh were both at admiral-level power now.
On Golden Lion's side, only Shiki himself and one other reached that level—a towering five-meter man named Hank, an original Rocks pirate who'd joined Shiki's forces. For now, the fight was evenly matched.
Clang! Hank punched against Rayleigh's blade, causing metallic creaks as blue sparks of Haki danced between them.
"Rayleigh! The Roger Pirates end here today," Hank said, pressing his massive fists down.
"Heh… take a look around. You're the ones who are staying," Rayleigh smirked.
Boom! They leapt apart. Hank scanned the battlefield, scowling.
Because no one was keeping Jabber in check, Ochoku (Wang Zhi)and Kyo (Silver Axe) were under pressure, even suffering some casualties. Though only minor pirates were down, the Roger Pirates—thanks to Jabber's support—hadn't suffered any injuries so far.
"Hey, Ochoku (Wang Zhi)! Where the hell is Whitebeard?!" Hank shouted.
Boom! Ochoku (Wang Zhi)clashed with a large crewmember, then looked back. "He should be here soon!" he yelled, diving back into the fray.
Hearing that, Hank grinned sharply. Looking at Rayleigh, he sneered, "Once Whitebeard gets here, it's over for you."
"Then let's wait for him," Rayleigh replied coolly, and the two resumed fighting.
…
"Brother Newgate, the Roger Pirates have already engaged Golden Lion's group," Luo Han said, coming up beside Whitebeard. "Are we going in?"
"Let's move in closer first," Whitebeard answered. Then he turned and ordered the crew, "Sail toward the island, but don't get off the ship. This fight's beyond your level."
"Yes, sir…" the crew responded, clearly lacking enthusiasm.
Ignoring them, Whitebeard turned to Luo Han and Cole. "I'll go to Roger's side. You two handle the other front."
He hesitated, glancing at Sister Shao. "Shao… you do what you think is best."
"Don't worry, Newgate. I know what to do," she smiled.
When the ships were about ten kilometers from Line Island, they stopped.
"I'm heading out," Whitebeard said, then launched into the air, striding across the sky toward Roger and Golden Lion's battlefield.
"Let's go too," Luo Han said, and he and Cole shot toward Rayleigh's battle. Sister Shao followed behind, using Moonwalk to keep pace.
As they passed Roger's battlefield, Luo Han could already feel Whitebeard's presence there. It seemed to have turned into a three-way fight, not two against Roger.
Shaking his head, Luo Han and Cole flew onward, arriving above the beach battlefield.
"Hey, brat! Where's Whitebeard?" Hank shouted from below, having dodged another of Rayleigh's strikes.
"He's at Roger's battlefield," Luo Han answered, eyeing Hank. So this is the original Rocks pirate Whitebeard mentioned.
"Go help with Roger first!" Hank muttered, then narrowed his eyes. "In that case, you two brats help us out here!"
"Sure!" Luo Han replied. He and Cole exchanged a glance and each dove toward opposite sides.
As Hank spoke, Jabber joined Rayleigh. "Everything alright with Roger?" he asked, glancing toward the other battlefield.
"No need to worry. If Roger hasn't called for us, it means he's handling it," Rayleigh said with a smile.
Jabber nodded, reassured—until he saw Luo Han flying toward him.
"Young folks, huh?" Jabber muttered, then raised his sword to strike.
Whoosh! Luo Han suddenly accelerated mid-air, appearing to Jabber's left. In his Mind Force Armament Mode, he punched Jabber square in the stomach before he could react.
Boom! Jabber's body bent like a bow and flew into the forest, crashing through trees and landing out of sight. The battlefield froze—everyone turned to look at Luo Han, then toward the distant trees.
(END CHAPTER)
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