Pirate: I was just slacking off, do you really think I'm bad?

"I surrender, I surrender."

Under the navy's fierce attack, the pirates, who had already suffered heavy losses, were slaughtered and routed.

At this moment, the pirate captain no longer dreamed of defeating the Navy and joining the Red-Haired Pirates. He knelt on the ground and begged the Navy captain for mercy.

"Sir, there is a prisoner here who has surrendered."

After the naval soldiers tied up the pirate captain, they brought him before the colonel.

The naval captain gave the pirate captain a look of apparent disgust, then waved his hand.

"Kill them, use them as a sacrifice for our brothers."

Although no naval soldiers were killed in the battle, several were injured because they rushed too fast.

Upon seeing his men injured, the naval captain ordered the remaining naval soldiers to drag the pirates out and kill them without hesitation.

"Didn't Fleet Admiral Raleigh say that no pirates should be taken prisoner?"

"Quickly clean up the battlefield and prepare for the next battle."

After coldly uttering a single sentence, the naval captain allowed the naval soldiers to drag the pirate captain out for execution. He then returned to his bunker on the island to study how to defend against the next pirate attack.

The New World, before the Naval Fortress.

Dark clouds swirled above the Redfords, and a powerful, awe-inspiring aura rose from the ship.

"Is it not over yet, Beckman? I can't wait."

Red-haired Shanks looked like a demon crawling out of hell, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Borsalino on the fortress before him.

"Yes, the navy's defenses are like a tortoise shell, and it will be difficult for those low-level pirates to break through them in a short time. However, I have already contacted more pirate captains to take over those islands."

Beckman said with a slight headache.

Shanks led his ships here from the very beginning, and if it weren't for him, the Red-Haired Pirates would have already started a war with the Navy.

But Beckman considered that most supply lines and strategic locations were in the hands of the Navy, so he wanted to remove these thorns in his side one by one.

Unfortunately, the navy was far too well-prepared.

A day and a night have passed so far, and the pirates sent out have not even captured a single island; on the contrary, they have suffered heavy losses.

Those idiotic pirates who only knew how to charge were already buried at sea, while some of the more intelligent pirates escaped after losing a few men.

"No, Beckman, I can't wait!"

"I can hear Uta's voice all I can hear now; she's telling me that she died a very painful death!"

Shanks suddenly raised his head, his messy stubble and bloodshot eyes seemingly telling everyone that his patience had reached its limit.

Beckman pointed to the fortress in front of him and said patiently:

"Shanks, this is a fortress meticulously prepared by the Navy. We can take it, but it won't be something that can be resolved in a day or two."

"During this process, we need to ensure supplies are replenished and prevent us from being ambushed from behind."

"Give me a little more time, and I believe those pirates can do it."

Shanks suddenly turned around, a flash of murderous intent crossing his eyes, startling Beckman.

"Beckman, I am the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates!"

"Give those pirates another half day. If they still can't take it, then we'll have to launch a full-scale attack on the naval fortress!"

"I cannot bear to see Uta's body hanging in New Marinfando, so that everyone can see how she died!"

Shanks's attitude was very firm, which also made Beckman reflect on his own judgment, wondering if he had been too rational and ignored the importance of emotions.

Even the people on the ship unanimously agreed with Shanks's words.

"Beckman, can you really bear to leave Uta's body in New Marineford? She always called you Uncle Beckman."

"Beckman, if you're scared, stay here and take command. We'll go with the captain."

After several officials spoke up, Beckman's expression turned even more unpleasant.

"Alright, let's wait another half day. Regardless of whether they capture the island or not, we'll still launch an attack on the naval fortress."

Beckman slammed his hand on the table and shouted, then pulled out a Den Den Mushi and began contacting the pirates attacking the island.

However, what they didn't know was that all of their conversation had been overheard by one person.

"General Borsalino, that's it."

At this moment, Enel, who should have been in the four seas, has somehow crossed the Red Line and appeared in the New World.

"Your abilities combined with the Ark Maxim are truly unbeatable; even I am inferior to you in some aspects."

Borsalino was somewhat envious of Enel's ability to fly.

Although he is the fastest Devil Fruit user, he cannot actually fly, so he often stands on a cannonball to fly to his destination.

However, Enel can easily fly over the troublesome Red Line using the Ark Maxim's flight ability, appearing at any time in various places along the Grand Line.

If the latter half of the Grand Line weren't so dangerous, Enel could have flown directly to Shanks' lair.

However, what's more important right now is Enel's arrival and the intelligence he can provide.

With Enel's mind network fully activated, even the red-haired group on the high seas were able to overhear his secret.

People develop their Observation Haki in different directions, and even those who are equally skilled in Observation Haki often go in different directions.

This includes Katakuri's ability to foresee the future, Fujitora Issho and Yasopp's extraordinary Observation Haki, Shanks' Observation Haki, and Enel's Mind Web ability to eavesdrop on people's thoughts.

"Since they plan to attack at noon, let's prepare well and let them experience the changes that technology has brought to the navy."

Borsalino was very confident. His current naval fortress had one admiral-level fighter and two vice admirals-level fighters, in addition to a considerable number of vice admirals.

More importantly, Vegapunk gave him battlefield killing machines—ten Pacifistas!

Before the outbreak of the great war, both sides were in a strange state of calm.

If we ignore the fact that the navy is constantly transporting supplies to the city walls and that pirates are continuously joining the Red-Haired Pirates.

When the sun reached its highest point, Shanks nodded.

At this moment, Beckman had no reason to stop them anymore, because most of the pirates who could gather had already arrived, and there was no point in waiting any longer for those who hadn't.

As for those strategic locations, the pirates managed to capture two islands despite concentrating their forces, but unfortunately, they were crippled and unable to attack the next island for the time being.

"Attack, Beckman!"

Red-haired Shanks leaped from the deck to the highest point in the sky, disappearing into the sun.

"All hands on deck, the pirates are about to launch an attack. Retreat to your positions according to the defense plan."

The operation of this fortress was overseen by Borsalino's adjutant, a lieutenant general named Guderian, who had served Borsalino for many years.

It was all because of his competence that chaos didn't occur even when Borsalino didn't want to get involved.

"Gods, beware!!!"

A roar suddenly echoed in the sky, and most of the navy looked up to find the source of the sound.

Upon seeing this, Guderian roared:

"Everyone, proceed with the defense according to plan. Do not look around!"

After Guderian's reminder, most of the naval soldiers lowered their heads and silently looked at the area they had already aimed at.

A sword beam covered in black and red lightning appeared in the sky, hidden in the sunlight. It suddenly expanded when it was less than 500 meters away from the fortress, as if it would cut the fortress in two.

"The Eight-Foot Jewel!"

Borsalino also leaped into the air, forming hand seals to prepare for the first attack from Shanks.

Countless orbs of light rushed towards the magnificent sword beam, but they melted instantly before it, like snowflakes encountering a red-hot iron bar.

However, when there are enough snowflakes, they can also extinguish the iron bar.

Just like now, Shanks' sword beam, under the impact of endless orbs of light, could no longer advance even a meter.

"Die, Borsalino!"

At some point, Shanks appeared in front of Borsalino, his Griffin sword imbued with Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, intending to severely injure Borsalino with a single strike.

Shanks' idea was brilliant: to use Borsalino's fight against God of War to launch a surprise attack on Borsalino's main body.

If Borsalino retreats, then God's Bane can strike the fortress, creating an opening through which the Red-Haired Pirates can rush into the fortress. However, if Borsalino chooses not to retreat, he will be severely injured by Griffin. An injured admiral cannot stop an uninjured captain of the Emperor Pirates.

Shanks had already investigated the composition of the fortress's personnel, and the strongest people were none other than Crocodile and Borsalino's second-in-command Goodry.

One of these two people won't participate, and the other will be stopped by Beckman. This is the solution that Shanks came up with in a short time.

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned, because there are always unexpected surprises, just like Shanks is doing now.

clang!

A metallic clang rang out as Griffin slammed his blade into the heavy shield forged from steel alloy.

"Who?!"

Shanks suddenly retreated, sword in hand.

Shanks recognized the aura from this presence, but for the moment he couldn't place it as belonging to anyone he knew.

As the shield slowly moved away, the towering Barrett appeared before Shanks.

"Barrett! You bastard! What are you doing here?!"

Shanks roared in a hoarse voice.

He never expected that the person who stopped his attack would be a former crewmate from the ship.

Barrett cracked his neck, then grinned maliciously and said:

"Why can't I be here, Shanks?"

Shanks trembled all over, because he was furious.

He didn't understand why his former comrades would be on the Navy's side, and judging from Barrett's attire, he was probably...

His position in the navy was not low.

Barrett waved his hand:

"As you can see right now, I've joined the Navy, and I'm a Vice Admiral at that."

Shanks suppressed his anger, and Griffin pointed directly at Barrett's head:

"Barrett, regardless of whether we were allies before, I'm just asking you to give me some face and get out of my way. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"snort."

Barrett said with great disdain:

"You really think you can be so arrogant just because you're the king of pirates? Today I'll show you what a true veteran is!"

The two people, who couldn't agree on anything, instantly started arguing.

Black and red lightning clashed violently in the air. Shanks was enveloped in deep red Conqueror's Haki, while Barrett was surrounded by blue-black demonic energy.

The battle between the two was so intense that even space itself struggled to cope; in the most intense parts of the fight, even cracks appeared in space itself.

With both sides attacking with all their might, both men soon sustained injuries of varying degrees.

Barrett had several knife wounds on his arms and chest, all caused by Shanks's entanglement.

Shanks wasn't faring much better; Barrett's heavy punch had slammed into his chest, and he could vaguely feel several tens of billions of ribs breaking.

TR.

Seeing that his captain had already clashed with the Navy, Beckman immediately ordered the pirates to attack the fortress.

Rumble!

Both sides began shelling the waters in front of the fortress.

Shells rained down like a storm, sparking through the air, and many even collided mid-air, causing a massive explosion.

Beckman, cigar in hand, silently led the Red-Haired Pirates' officers, blending into the crowd and slowly approaching the fortress.

"Where are you going, Beckman?"

Countless light particles rapidly formed Borsalino's body in the air, and at this moment, one of his fingers was raised, the tip of which emitted a dazzling white light.

"Laser beam."

A laser beam shot towards Beckman, who was hiding in the crowd.

boom!

With a gunshot, Borsalino's head was blown apart again. At this moment, Beckman no longer hid and instantly appeared in front of Borsalino, drew his musket, and pointed it at Borsalino's body, firing several shots in quick succession.

The light particles exploded suddenly and then reformed into a body at a distance.

Borsalino, looking terrified, patted his chest and said:

"Truly monstrous strength."

Since the beginning of the reign of Emperor Kai, I fear Hao has been torn to pieces by you.

"Li Ri Le"

Beckman curled his lip; he didn't think it was that easy to take down a veteran general.

At that moment, Yasopp was rapidly shifting positions and aiming his gun at Borsalino.

He swore that whenever Borsalino was even slightly unable to elementalize, his bullets would be there.

Boom!

A deafening sound echoed through the sky, clearly audible to both sides in the battle.

"Thunder Halberd!"

A trident carrying boundless thunderous power descended from the sky, moving with lightning speed.

Sensing something was wrong, Yasopp rolled forward to avoid being impaled by the trident.

"You actually managed to dodge it. It seems your Observation Haki is quite advanced."

A lazy figure appeared next to the trident and casually pulled it from the ground.