Through the binoculars, Arnold observed not only the two top naval forces but also a group of elite Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals accompanying them—each a formidable presence in their own right.
Despite this, Chihiro remained unfazed. He calmly addressed the crew members who were still intently watching the ongoing battle.
"Oi, everyone! Garp and Sengoku brought a fleet of Marines, and they're heading straight for us!"
Hearing his call, the crew turned toward the sea.
Sure enough, there stood Garp at the bow of the lead warship, his stance relaxed yet exuding overwhelming confidence.
Beside him, Sengoku—known as the "Buddha"—maintained a composed but stern demeanor, a stark contrast to Garp's more carefree attitude.
Watching the two legends of the Navy approaching together, Lily called out to Barrett and the smiling swordsman still locked in combat.
"Smile, Barrett! Return to the ship—we're leaving!"
If Caesar wished to retreat, the Navy's warships would never be able to catch them.
With two of the Navy's strongest warriors bearing down on them, Lily decided it was time to leave. There was no point in calling them over and over—it was just wasting time. Besides, she had lessons to teach the children.
However, just as she prepared to adjust the ship's course, a hand stopped her.
"Not yet. Let's return to the sea first and wait for Garp and the others."
Caesar's gaze flickered toward Smile, who was still in the growth phase, teetering on the edge of becoming a top-tier combatant.
He then issued the command to halt the fighting. At his call, Barrett and Smile ceased their duel and swiftly returned to the Rex.
Once aboard, Barrett glanced toward the approaching warships, his expression brimming with battle lust and anticipation.
Lily turned to Caesar and, seeing the conviction in his eyes, simply nodded without further question.
She understood that Caesar had a plan. Controlling the island cloud beneath the Rex, she descended toward the sea and dispersed the cloud formation.
Not long after, the two sides finally met.
From across the waters, Garp's boisterous laughter echoed.
"BAHAHAHAHA! Caesar, long time no see!"
"You bastard, have you gotten even stronger?!"
Despite their opposing positions, Garp's demeanor made it seem as if he were greeting an old friend rather than a formidable adversary.
Meanwhile, a younger Sakazuki stood on the deck, his expression grim. Feeling the overwhelming presence emanating from Caesar and his crew, his entire arm turned red-hot, magma bubbling beneath his skin.
"This man… his very existence is a threat that must be erased."
Sengoku, on the other hand, remained silent, his sharp gaze scanning every member of Caesar's crew.
Through his advanced Kenbunshoku Haki, he could clearly sense it—three individuals with combat prowess comparable to himself and Garp.
And then there was another—one whose presence resembled a wild beast on the verge of ascension, ready to break through to their level.
Below them, he detected even more powerful warriors—each strong enough to be a formidable force on their own.
Sengoku's mind raced. This crew… it was no different from the rise of another Rocks Pirates!
If they weren't dealt with now, they would inevitably become the Navy's greatest threat—perhaps even to the World Government itself.
But the most dangerous of them all was Caesar.
As a fellow possessor of Haoshoku Haki, Sengoku could feel the sheer ambition and restrained ferocity hidden within Caesar's aura.
This was not some reckless madman like Rocks D. Xebec.
No, this man was far more dangerous.
But no matter how well he understood the threat before him…
There was nothing he could do about it.
The simple truth was that Caesar's peak combat power had already surpassed them.
Even if he and Garp joined forces, the outcome would be uncertain.
Still, Sengoku had to maintain composure.
"To bring out this much firepower, Garp… what's the Navy's objective this time?" Caesar asked knowingly, though he had already deduced the answer.
The Navy had been content to leave him alone up until now.
But now, Smile was aboard his ship, and suddenly, the Navy had mobilized…
The reason was too obvious.
Garp grinned. "BAHAHAHA! I just followed my orders, that's all. Nothing personal—let's fight! I'm definitely taking you in this time!"
Sengoku, however, did not share Garp's lighthearted approach.
"We are the Navy! We fight for justice! Eliminating pirates is our duty!" he declared with conviction.
"Hmph, is that so?" Caesar scoffed, drawing his weapon. "Then come and try, Sengoku!"
At his captain's words, every member of the Caesar Pirates instantly prepared for battle.
Brad transformed into a massive half-human, half-tiger form, his dagger-like fangs gleaming menacingly.
Gnaly, Barrett, and Smile all braced themselves, their bodies surging with Armament Haki.
Their combined battle auras merged, shaking the atmosphere itself.
Thunder rumbled in the sky.
The clouds above the Rex darkened, lightning crackling across the heavens like the arrival of a calamity.
This was not some ordinary storm—this was the sheer force of their presence, distorting the very air pressure itself.
On the warship, Borsalino (Kizaru) whistled in amusement.
"Ooh~ scary! The Caesar Pirates, huh?"
Though he wore his usual lazy expression, there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes.
Even among the legendary pirates, he had never encountered a force quite like this.
Garp let out a hearty laugh. "BAHAHAHA! You guys sure are quick to anger!"
With a shake of his shoulders, his white Marine coat slipped off, billowing behind him.
Slowly, he began to unbutton his shirt—an unspoken sign that he was about to go all out.
And just like that—
The battle began.
Lily immediately activated her Kumo Kumo no Mi (Cloud-Cloud Fruit) abilities, forming an ultra-low-altitude island cloud over the sea—a battlefield that neutralized the Marines' advantage in naval combat.
The Navy, without hesitation, leapt onto the floating battlefield.
The battle erupted in full force.
Caesar stood back at first, surveying the battlefield before barking his orders.
"Barrett, Smile! You two handle Garp!"
Rather than engaging immediately, Caesar soared toward the enemy warships, formulating a strategy.
If there was any shortcut to rapid growth, it was through clashing with the strongest fighters—the kind who would hold nothing back.
Smile was on the verge of breaking into the admiral-tier of strength. Barrett, too, required a battle of this caliber to further refine his abilities.
That was why Caesar had stopped Lily from leaving.
A full-on battle with the Navy was exactly what they needed.
And as for Sengoku—Caesar had reserved that fight for himself.
Gnaly would handle support as needed, while the rest of the crew held off the Vice Admirals and elite Marines.
The battlefield soon descended into chaos.
Despite their combined efforts, Barrett and Smile found themselves overwhelmed by Garp's sheer might.
Still, even as they were pushed back, Barrett laughed in exhilaration.
"HAHAHAHA! Damn, old man—your strength is no joke!"
"Justice does not yield to pirates!" Garp barked, his fist smashing into Barrett with the force of a meteor.
Meanwhile, Caesar and Sengoku clashed fiercely.
But as they fought, a sudden presence lunged at Caesar—a searing magma fist aimed straight for his head.
Caesar smirked.
Without even looking, he knew exactly who it was.
Sakazuki.
The future Fleet Admiral—but right now, still just an overeager young officer with something to prove.
And to Caesar…
His attack was nothing more than a flickering candle in the wind.
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