[One Piece: My Crew Is Trash!] Chapter 260 (Patreon)

The arc of electricity engulfed the entire battlefield, and Zyhark had to push the speed advantage of the Goro Goro no Mi to its limit. The World Government abandoning both the prize and the invading pirates was the worst-case scenario for the Nation of Gods battlefield.

At this point, it was no longer about achieving an ideal full retreat but instead...

Covering the retreat of as many allies as possible, reducing the number of people Aqua would have to revive!

"At a time like this, you still think we have no way of limiting the Rumble's actions?"

Saturn coldly spoke, having guessed Zyhark's thoughts.

The next moment, a mysterious energy pulse spread out, sealing off the area where Zyhark and his companions were, extending quickly over the entire island.

The crackling and jumping currents seemed to be suppressed by an invisible force, becoming sluggish and slow.

"The so-called invincible natural power may be unmatched against others, but if you think you can fight us with nothing but the Goro Goro no Mi, you are sorely mistaken."

The monster, in the guise of Topman, spoke slowly, black flames burning around him.

It was the same type of energy field that Zyhark had encountered in Mariejois—something similar to Saturn's Stasis ability!

And moreover...

Zyhark's gaze grew increasingly serious.

Under the influence of this energy field, both his physical reflexes and the strength of his abilities were weakened!

The Five Elders weren't opponents to be dealt with easily...

In all previous battles, he could maximize efficiency by targeting the personalities and abilities of canon characters, but the Five Elders were different.

He had a vague understanding of Saturn, but his knowledge of Topman Vachuli and Izambaron V. Nasjurou was almost non-existent!

This meant he had to figure out the abilities of the Five Elders in actual combat—all while dealing with Admiral-level forces.

Aqua's revival spell would be put to use here, it seemed...

Realizing that escape was unlikely, a burning battle spirit ignited deep in Zyhark's eyes.

If that was the case, then at least let Aqua's single-use revival spell have its greatest impact!!

"Let's finish this quickly. We need to return to Mariejois as soon as possible."

The famous blade held by Nasjurou exuded a sinister dark aura, as his impatience became evident.

Even though Im was overseeing things, Mariejois wouldn't face any issues; the existence of the Five Elders was to serve Imu.

Before that great one acted, returning to crush the Revolutionary Army was the top priority!

Buzz!

The moment Nasjurou's words fell, without even seeing him draw his sword, the space around them rippled.

An invisible slash silently tore through the air, cutting towards the charging Kanna!

Having observed the previous battle involving Commander-level fighters, Nasjurou had taken note of Kanna's unusual power and aimed to kill her while she was vulnerable.

Crackle!

Sparks flared as a pair of dual blades covered in magma precisely intercepted the invisible slash.

A strange energy ripple surged out, blasting Zyhark, who had stepped in front of Kanna, several meters back, leaving two deep trenches in the ground before he managed to stop himself.

Though he had successfully intercepted the attack, the terrifying force still caused blood to trickle from Zyhark's mouth.

Despite numerous power-ups from the wishing pool, his physical defenses had reached an incredibly formidable level, and yet he was still injured by the strike.

This clearly demonstrated the terrifying prowess of Nasjurou's swordsmanship!

"To still have this level of reaction within Vachuli's restrictive domain, it seems you've grown quite a bit since the incident at Mariejois."

Nasjurou sighed softly.

Having missed with the first strike, he remained stationary, casually glancing at Sengoku, seemingly with no intention of attacking further.

Understanding this, Sengoku's Justice cloak flapped dramatically behind him.

Golden light radiated in all directions, as a majestic golden Buddha stood proudly on the battlefield.

Simultaneously, Zephyr's arms turned an ultimate pitch-black, while magma bubbled around Sakazuki, Kuzan formed three massive ice halberds, and Borsalino hovered in mid-air in the form of light;

Galring and Galres's swords crackled with crimson lightning, their Conqueror's Haki fully unleashed, while the entire Holy Knights raised their weapons high behind them;

Smoker and a group of grim-faced Marine commanders stepped forward;

Even those like Mihawk, Jinbe, Doflamingo, and Crocodile, who were reluctant to get involved, assumed attack stances!

A fierce battle was now inevitable!

"Those three old monsters are mine! Don't worry about anyone else; if one of you can escape, that'll be enough!"

Zyhark's voice thundered as he surrounded himself in lightning, shouting loudly to his companions.

Choosing to fight the Five Elders alone wasn't because of overconfidence; if he wasn't going to make it out of here alive, at the very least, he needed to uncover the secrets of the Five Elders for what came after his revival!

He was the best candidate for this near-suicidal mission, especially since he could absorb skills.

Seeing Zyhark's resolve, Kanna yanked off her charging pack, her elegant dragon-like pupils sparking with violet lightning, growing increasingly fierce.

Even Escanor, whose power had waned due to the sun's setting, erupted with an overwhelming aura.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Rayleigh, Shakki, Hancock, and Moria all steeled themselves, focusing entirely on breaking through the encirclement.

In this moment of life and death, any hesitation or reluctance would lead to irreversible consequences.

Absolute trust in Zyhark was the best way to help him!

"Come on!"

Zyhark pointed his twin swords at the three Elders, magma greatswords towering around him, black thunder dragons coiling, unleashing his full power.

"If you're so eager to die, then we shall grant your wish."

Saturn, Nasjurou, and Vachuli moved simultaneously, three terrifying black shadows suppressing both the thunder and flames with an overwhelming pressure akin to purgatory!

The others were more than enough to handle the Marines, but Zyhark, a man with both dangerous ideas and potential, required their personal intervention!

When both sides finished gathering strength, the battle erupted in full force.

The terrifying storm of energy tore the sky and ground apart, the ocean roiling with unending shockwaves, massive fissures appearing everywhere.

The already devastated island quickly split apart, collapsing entirely!

Due to the overwhelming disparity in strength, the battle didn't last long, ending as the sun began to set.

All of the Baratie crew members were severely injured, crimson blood dripping continuously from their battered bodies.

Moria, who was relatively weaker, lay in a pool of his own blood, grievously wounded and on the brink of death.

However, their enemies—Marines and Celestial Dragons—didn't have it easy either. After all, they were gambling with their lives, exchanging wounds for wounds; Admirals and even the Five Elders bore some injuries, their energy slightly chaotic.

More than half of the Holy Knights had also perished!

But compared to the utterly exhausted Zyhark and his group, the opposition still held an overwhelming advantage—one could even say they had already achieved victory!

"It's over, foolish brat. Just as with the Void Century, we will erase any trace of your existence."

Saturn returned to his human form, a lightning scar marred his forehead—one that wouldn't heal.

With a cold gaze, he looked down at Zyhark, who was leaning on Hancock for support.

"This is the fate of defying the World Government and the highest authority." Vachuli snorted.

"Enough, let's end this boring farce already." Nasjurou's tone remained indifferent.

Seeing Zyhark and his group appearing defenseless, Saturn's eyes shifted to the panting Sengoku and Zephyr, and finally settled on the relatively unscathed trio of Admirals.

One had to be wary of a cornered beast lashing out before death, let alone a group of Emperor-level powerhouses.

Saturn had to admit that the various talents and skills displayed by Zyhark caused even him—despite his centuries of experience—to feel wary.

Thus, leaving the final judgment to his subordinates was the more prudent choice!

And so, the order was given to completely eliminate the Baratie crew.

Covered in blood, Sakazuki was the first to step forward, radiating intense killing intent as he advanced toward Zyhark's group.

Kuzan and Borsalino followed closely behind, their eyes obscured by lowered heads and reflecting sunglasses, making their expressions impossible to discern.

With everyone incapable of fighting any longer, the sight of the three Admirals advancing in unison brought an unparalleled sense of oppression.

The terrifying pressure, contained within natural elements, reached the very depths of their hearts!

Zyhark leaned on Hancock's shoulder, her long black hair cascading over his face as he stared defiantly at the approaching Admirals.

Having pushed the absorption state to its limit, his body felt as though it was about to shatter, the unimaginable pain tearing at every nerve.

Yet, despite this, he forced himself to remain conscious, his deep eyes showing none of the panic or fear that should accompany facing death.

Even if the outcome wasn't as ideal as he'd hoped, the battle had still given him a general understanding of the abilities of the three Elders.

Perhaps, believing that Zyhark and his group were destined to die here, the Elders hadn't held back.

"I'm sorry, Rayleigh, Shakki, for dragging you into such danger."

Ignoring the terrifying attacks being prepared by the Admirals, Zyhark looked to Rayleigh and Shakki, both of whom were coughing blood.

"But don't worry, the promise I made earlier—I can still fulfill it!"

Hearing this, both Rayleigh and Shakki were stunned.

The only promise Zyhark had made during their journey to the Nation of Gods was that they would all return safely to Amazon Lily!

They were not people who feared death, but given the seemingly inescapable doom they faced, why would Zyhark bring this up now?

Could it be that he still had a hidden trump card?

"Ah~ To die together with Lord Zyhark is my greatest blessing!"

In this moment of life and death, Hancock suddenly blushed, gazing at Zyhark with a face full of adoration.

The moment she turned her gaze to the three Elders, however, her affection vanished, replaced by a look of fury.

"What a pity! We couldn't take those three old bastards with us!"

As they conversed, the attacks of the three Admirals were ready.

Magma, ice, and light engulfed everything around them!

Buzz, buzz, buzz!!

Just as they were about to unleash their attacks, a massive rumble echoed across the battlefield.

That was...

The sound of an Emperor's engine roaring!

All eyes turned towards the sky, their attention caught.

From the shattered, deeply cracked sky, a figure covered entirely in steel machinery appeared from afar.

In just a few seconds, it crossed the great distance, arriving above them and fearlessly blocking the three Admirals' path.

Under Zyhark's incredulous gaze, the armor of the second-generation machine fell piece by piece.

The roar of the Emperor's engine gradually quieted, and the clinking sound of metal echoed across the now silent battlefield.

Soft, sparse blond hair fluttered in the cold wind as King, expressionless, stood with his arms crossed, facing the combined might of the World Government.

"King? What are you doing here?!" Zyhark called out in shock.

According to his plan, King should already be deep underwater, safely with Aqua and the others—so why was he on the battlefield?

Could it be that Aqua, that colossal fool, had messed things up again?!

Seemingly guessing Zyhark's understandable thoughts, King spoke in a low voice, "Relax, the plan is going smoothly."

"Then why are you..."

"This is my own choice; being terrified while waiting is something I'll only do once." King's gaze was resolute.

Ever since coming to this world, almost every difficult battle had Zyhark standing at the front, shielding them from all the storms.

As one of the earliest members of the crew, King had always been the one left behind, unable to contribute.

With the second-generation machine, he could barely support the team, but against true powerhouses, he was still useless.

Especially after Kanna and Escanor joined with their overwhelming power, the deep sense of powerlessness within King had reached its peak.

So, he trained even harder, constantly striving to grow stronger.

He hoped one day to catch up with his companions, no longer the weak link cowering in the back!

He might not be qualified to be in this battle of top-tier powerhouses. It might be reckless, even arrogant. He might get annihilated in an instant.

But to face his fears like a true man, to fight for his friends with everything he had—this had always been his dream!

And now, it was time to see if he had succeeded!

So, he came!

Gazing at that wide, resolute back, Zyhark swallowed a few times, the words of dissuasion ultimately going unspoken.

"Then I'll leave it to you. Show them the true terror of the Sea Restaurant's greatest power!"

King glanced sideways, a rare bright smile appearing, "Got it, Captain!"

"Facing the World Government and the Marines alone? That's the epitome of arrogance..." Escanor laughed heartily.

He had always been deeply curious about King's power and had even wanted to spar with him several times.

But every time, he was refused.

Now, at last, he would see that man fight!

"Go, K!" Kanna cheered, her little bloodied arms waving excitedly.

"Hehahaha! So that man is finally going to fight?"

Moriah, lying in his pool of blood, struggled to turn over, not caring at all about his crumbling body.

Not only the Baratie crew, but even the nearby Shichibukai paid close attention.

"A man whom even my eyes cannot read..."

Mihawk slowly sheathed his sword, his eyes fixed on King, who stood there seemingly full of "weaknesses."

Muscles trembled slightly beneath his clothing, his steps light and weak. There was no hint of Haki at all.

If this man was indeed a master of concealment, then this near-perfect facade of weakness was terrifying!

For a top-level fighter, those battle instincts honed through countless battles were already carved into their bones—no matter how hard they tried to hide, details would still slip through.

Mihawk, at least, knew he could never put on a facade as flawless as King's!

The sharp-eyed powerhouses all noticed the apparent flaws in King's stance.

Yet, none dared underestimate him—the man Zyhark placed his hopes in.

The magma dissipated, the ice melted, and the light dimmed.

The three Admirals simultaneously withdrew their prepared attacks, their attention focused, Kenbunshoku Haki pushed to its peak.

Even they dared not act rashly.

The intent was clear: this man deliberately revealed weaknesses, attempting to bait them into attacking, only to counterattack at lightning speed!

If they were in peak condition, they would not hesitate to strike.

But after the previous fierce battle, all three Admirals had sustained injuries, reducing their reflexes, stamina, and Haki.

To take the initiative now would be a dangerous proposition!

And so, the scene unfolded:

King stood atop the rubble, arms crossed, calmly looking down at the three Admirals, the oppressive aura keeping them in check!

However, this was still the World Government's battlefield. No matter how cautious they were, the Admirals wouldn't retreat without even making a move.

The arrogance that came with being the Marine's highest force couldn't allow them to do something so shameful!

"No matter what you are, if you've got any real power, then take this!"

Sakazuki finally couldn't stand the tension, his right fist erupting in blazing hot magma, forming a menacing magma hound.

"Hellhound!!!"

The scorching magma distorted the space around it as it charged straight toward King.

The thundering heartbeat that should have echoed in fear didn't happen.

Staring at the despairing hound rapidly expanding in his vision, King found an unexpected sense of peace.

As his blond hair began falling out strand by strand, he seemed to enter a peculiar state.

The magma hound's speed suddenly became incredibly slow, every droplet of fire clearly visible.

Even the solemn expressions of the three Admirals, and the features of the Admirals and the Elders behind them, were crystal clear.

In the end, all traces of his enemies vanished.

In their place was a shining bald head and a fluttering cape.

Please, even if just this once, Saitama-sensei, lend me your power!!

As the magma hound was about to tear through his frail body, King moved, setting his stance, pulling his tightly clenched fist back.

This time, it wasn't the fake Raging Inferno Wave Motion Cannon but...

"Killer Move! Serious Punch!!!"

(End of Chapter)