"Oh? I didn't expect that adding a layer of giant wood would strengthen the defense even more. Let's see if it can withstand my move!"
Wei Zhuang's lips curled slightly as he sensed Aramaki's situation.
In the next moment, Wei Zhuang's figure instantly split into eight, completely surrounding Aramaki from eight different directions.
Most importantly, Aramaki found that he could not distinguish which of the eight Wei Zhuang was real using Observation Haki; he even suspected that all eight could be real!
"Horizontal Sword Technique: Eight Directions Crossing!"
The eight Wei Zhuang charged towards Aramaki simultaneously, each drawing their sword in a different manner, yet they all executed the same move! "Fivefold Rashomon!"
At the moment Wei Zhuang drew his sword, Aramaki sensed a deadly threat and instinctively summoned all his power to create a pyramid-like wooden barrier to protect himself, layering it five times!
Aramaki's defense, akin to a turtle shell, was utterly ineffective against Wei Zhuang's Futsunomitama.
"Rrip!!!"
The eight Wei Zhuang forcefully tore through the turtle shell, appearing around Aramaki simultaneously. As the eight Wei Zhuang struck down, Aramaki's giant wooden form instantly crumbled.
In the very center, Aramaki suffered from slashes coming from all directions, his body feeling as if it were being cut into pieces.
"Bang!!!"
The moment the giant wooden form dissipated, Aramaki fell from the sky, ten deep sword wounds visible on his body, blood gushing uncontrollably from those wounds, while dark power continuously seeped into his body from them.
"Cough cough!!"
As Aramaki pushed himself up from the ground, a green light erupted from his body, instantly staunching the bleeding, even suppressing the dark power.
"You are Wei Zhuang, the King of Assassins from the Dark World. You dare to oppose the World Government? Do you believe the World Government will destroy your lair!"
Aramaki stared fiercely at Wei Zhuang, finally recalling the identity that matched Wei Zhuang's image in his mind.
In the investigations by the World Government, no one had seen the face of the King of Assassins; they only knew he possessed the power to control the night, always appearing under the cover of darkness, and wielded formidable swordsmanship.
All these traits aligned perfectly with the powers Wei Zhuang was now displaying.
"The World Government? Although it is vast, it is not enough to make me fear. And you, will die here. Everyone associated with the World Government on this island will perish; no one will know I killed you, so what do I have to fear!"
Wei Zhuang, holding Futsunomitama, walked step by step towards Aramaki, his expression calm, showing no fear of Aramaki's threats.
His current strength and influence were not afraid of the World Government; even if he were ultimately besieged, the worst outcome would simply be returning home to inherit his family business!
Marine Headquarters Marineford:
"Impel Down has lost contact; we cannot reach anyone there. We have no idea what the situation is at Impel Down."
The news of Impel Down's disconnection reached the headquarters immediately, and Vice Admiral Tsuru rushed to report to Sengoku.
"What? Impel Down has lost contact!"
Upon hearing this news, Sengoku immediately recalled the scene from over twenty years ago when the Rocks Pirates attacked Impel Down, releasing all the prisoners and nearly destroying the facility.
"Report, Admiral Akainu's life card is burning, and we cannot contact him."
Before Sengoku could respond to Vice Admiral Tsuru, a communication officer hurriedly ran over to report.
"Bru Bru, Bru Bru!!"
At that moment, a call came in from the Five Elders.
"Sengoku, Akamaki's life card is burning. You must send someone to investigate what is happening with him, immediately!"
Saint Saturn, Warrior God of Science and Defense, hung up the Den Den Mushi right after speaking.
"Damn it, three things happening at once!"
After hanging up, Sengoku felt as if his head might explode! "Sengoku, you should personally go to Impel Down."
"For Akainu, I remember Kizaru is closest to him; send Kizaru."
"For Aramaki, Munis is closest; let him go."
"Also, have Garp assist Akainu; I feel this situation is not simple."
Vice Admiral Tsuru suggested.
"Alright, let's do as you say. I'll take people to check on Impel Down."
After thinking for a moment, Sengoku decided to follow Vice Admiral Tsuru's advice; it was the best course of action at the moment.
"Hello, hello, this is Marine Admiral Kizaru. May I ask who this is?"
Kizaru was on a warship, sipping a drink and sunbathing when the Den Den Mushi rang. He picked it up without even looking.
"Kizaru, it's me, Sengoku. You need to head to Herbert Island in the North Sea at full speed to rescue Akainu. His life card is burning, and he is in serious danger!"
"Remember, immediately, at full speed. Do you understand?"
Hearing Kizaru's nonchalant tone, Sengoku's anger flared, and he nearly shouted.
"How terrifying! Akainu is in such a grave crisis!"
"Don't worry, Admiral Sengoku, I will rush over with all my strength!"
Although Kizaru usually slacked off, he dared not take it lightly at such a critical moment.
"Munis, you need to head to Graystone Island in the North Sea at full speed to rescue Aramaki. He is in crisis and cannot be contacted by the World Government. Go find out what is happening!"
"Also, I just received news that Akainu is facing a similar crisis. Kizaru has already gone to rescue him. I suspect there may be unpredictable dangers involved, so prioritize your safety on this mission. Everything must be done cautiously."
After hanging up with Kizaru, Sengoku immediately began calling Munis.
After all, this rescue involved someone from the World Government, so Sengoku's orders to Munis were not as absolute, allowing for a bit more flexibility compared to Kizaru's orders.
He understood that the situations at Impel Down, Akainu, and Aramaki were likely interconnected, and the forces behind it should not be underestimated. He was also considering the future of the Navy when he spoke to Munis this way.
"Don't worry, Admiral Sengoku. I value my life very much."
Munis assured confidently.
"Not only is the top combat power of the World Government, Aramaki, in crisis, but even the powerful Akainu is facing misfortune at the same time. It seems this matter is not simple; I must be cautious. Otherwise, if I fail to rescue them, I might end up needing rescue myself, which would be quite embarrassing."
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Munis became internally vigilant.
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