Akainu stood at the bow of the Navy flagship, his gaze cold and unyielding as it locked onto the Giant Warrior Pirates in the distance. Only moments earlier, he had remained unmoved after taking a Hakoku Sovereignty launched jointly by Dorry and Brogy.
"Mere pirates, daring to strike at the Navy..."
His fists tightened, molten magma seeping between his fingers and scorching the deck beneath him, leaving blackened craters in its wake.
Ahead, the Giant Warrior Pirates continued to shout their provocations across the sea. Akainu raised his hand and gave a cold, decisive order.
"All forces, attack. Annihilate the Giant Warrior Pirates."
At once, the Navy fleet shifted formation. Cannons turned in unison, and a thunderous barrage erupted across the sea. Explosions roared as fire lit up the horizon, dyeing the ocean in a violent crimson.
Amidst the deafening cannon fire, Akainu leapt forward. Suspended in mid air, his arm transformed into searing magma, and he hurled it toward the giants' main ship where Dorry and Brogy stood. A massive magma fist descended, engulfing the enormous vessel built specifically for the Giant race.
Dorry and Brogy's expressions darkened. They had already been warned about the Navy's strength, especially the Admirals. Each possessed overwhelming power, far surpassing that of ordinary warriors, and wielded formidable Devil Fruit abilities.
Among them, Akainu stood at the peak, his offensive power unmatched, his magma capable of incinerating anything in its path.
That they would encounter his fleet first during their assault was an unfortunate twist of fate.
Yet giants did not fear battle.
The two exchanged a glance. After decades of fighting side by side, no words were needed. Raising their shields in perfect sync, they leapt into the sky to intercept the incoming attack.
As they collided with the blazing fist, they roared together,
"Sun Shield!"
A violent explosion tore through the sky.
Magma burst apart, scattering in all directions like flaming meteors. Some plunged into the sea, releasing thick clouds of steam, while others crashed onto nearby ships. One unfortunate vessel had its keel shattered instantly, sinking beneath the waves as smoke and chaos filled the air.
Though Dorry and Brogy managed to block the strike, the cost was immediate. Watching one of their ships vanish beneath the sea, their faces hardened with anger.
On the deck of the Giant Warrior Pirates' main ship, Loki leaned casually against the massive mast, arms crossed. His cold gaze observed the battlefield, yet he made no move to intervene.
With his abilities, he was one of the few capable of countering Akainu directly. Still, he remained motionless, content to watch the struggle unfold.
...
Akainu let out a faint snort and twisted mid air before landing back onto his warship.
Standing once more at the bow, his eyes remained fixed ahead, unwavering.
Dorry raised his massive axe and bellowed,
"Cowardly ability user! If you have the courage, face me directly!"
Brogy followed with a roar,
"As expected, the Navy hides behind its ships, incapable of real combat!"
Akainu sneered faintly, dismissing their taunts without a second thought.
Despite his explosive temper, his mind remained sharp and calculating. Empty provocations like these had no effect on him.
Instead, he looked up at them coldly.
"Already reduced to barking at the start of the battle?"
The words struck their pride instantly.
Dorry and Brogy's expressions twisted with fury as they ordered their fleet forward, charging directly into the Navy's cannon fire.
Akainu's lips curved slightly.
His lower body transformed into erupting magma, propelling him forward like a blazing comet toward the advancing giants.
"I will grant you that chance."
Seeing him approach so directly, Dorry and Brogy's confidence faltered for a moment. They had already witnessed the destructive force of his magma. If he landed on their main ship, the aftermath alone could destroy it.
Without hesitation, they leapt once more, intercepting him mid air before crashing down onto the deck of a nearby warship.
The moment he landed, Akainu struck.
His magma fist slammed into Dorry's axe. Though the weapon held, the intense heat and overwhelming force sent a surge of pain through Dorry, nearly knocking him off the deck.
Brogy moved to assist, but Akainu reacted instantly. Turning sharply, he drove his foot down, forcing Brogy's massive sword deep into the deck.
Compared to Brogy's towering form, Akainu appeared small.
Yet the sheer force behind his strike pinned the blade in place, rendering Brogy momentarily immobile.
Akainu lifted his head slightly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"In the face of justice, power like yours is insignificant."
His coat of justice flared behind him, illuminated by the blazing magma that surged upward, casting a crimson glow across the battlefield.
Dorry regained his footing and charged, swinging his axe again. The strike passed harmlessly through Akainu's body, which dispersed into molten magma, leaving only a narrow fissure of heat where he stood.
Dorry clenched his teeth.
"What a monster..."
Beside him, Brogy's muscles swelled as he forced his weapon free from the deck. Raising it high, he roared,
"Do not underestimate the strength of the giants!"
A sharp glint flashed in Akainu's eyes.
"Trash will always be trash. Hell Hound."
His magma fist condensed and shot forward, piercing straight through Brogy's abdomen.
A gaping hole was left behind.
Brogy's eyes widened as blood burst from his mouth, only to evaporate instantly upon contact with the intense heat.
His sword slipped from his grasp, crashing loudly onto the deck. Staggering backward, he collapsed heavily onto the ground.
Dorry's eyes turned bloodshot.
"Brogy!"
At that very moment, a trail of ice surged across the sea, extending rapidly until it climbed onto the warship's side.
From the frozen path, a figure emerged.
Admiral Aokiji stepped forward, his presence accompanied by a chilling stillness.
Akainu glanced at him briefly, flicking his hand as the magma faded away.
Aokiji surveyed the battlefield, then clicked his tongue lightly.
"Ah, it seems I arrived a bit too late."