#502 - Chapter 502: Shock Beyond Nature
Beneath the giant tree at the heart of Elbaf, Jin and his companions couldn't help but feel a sense of awe that transcended nature.
The immense tree was like a colossal pillar piercing the heavens, supporting the sky.
Its branches stretched out like coiling dragons, each limb adorned with grand castles, intricately embedded within the trunk, resembling an aerial city unto itself.
From afar, the tree's crown spread across the horizon, obscuring most of the sky. Its enormous leaves rustled in the wind, like a deep, age-old melody, whispering tales of ancient legends.
“Rumble!!!”
Yet, just as they marveled, an earth-shattering roar echoed from deep within the tree, shattering the tranquility.
Jin's eyes narrowed as he saw countless points of light flashing from within the giant tree, like the eyes of a monstrous beast, cold and sharp.
Suddenly, a barrage of cannonballs roared out from the fortresses within the tree, accompanied by blinding laser beams erupting from every angle, heading straight for Jin and his fleet.
The cannonballs and lasers intertwined into a web of firepower, the giant tree acting as an inviolable guardian, transforming itself into a fortress of war, unleashing a destructive force capable of obliterating everything.
“Everyone, prepare for battle!”
Jin ordered in a deep voice, a hint of urgency underlying his calm tone.
The marines on the warships swiftly entered battle mode, the sea breeze mingling with tense breaths.
Jin stared intently at the web of firepower before him, his gaze cold and sharp, as if trying to penetrate the impenetrable attack.
He knew in his heart that this was a trap set by the World Government, with the 'Pacifistas' lying in ambush, clearly after meticulous planning.
The beams and cannonballs closed in instantly. Jin keenly discerned the trajectory of each beam, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes as his companions prepared themselves.
The beams tore through the air, carrying devastating power. Streaks of lasers weaved a curtain of death in the sky.
“Adjust course!”
Jin commanded, and the fleet quickly adjusted its course. Shells exploded and boomed beside them, the air thick with a scorching smell, a pungent odor of rust and gunpowder filling their nostrils.
His companions also entered battle mode, their expressions solemn yet fearless, their eyes burning with the resolve to fight back.
This was a confrontation they couldn't avoid, and Jin knew that their every move was under the World Government's control, but they also possessed an unshakeable will.
“It seems they're really going all out to defend Elbaf.”
Jin smiled slightly, his eyes unwavering.
He looked towards the giant tree, resolving in his heart that beneath this barrage lay a World Government that was gradually falling apart.
Jin stood on the deck, his expression stern, his presence like an insurmountable wall.
His companions displayed their unique skills, layers of defense firmly intercepting the incoming fire around the fleet.
Amatsuki Toki gently waved her hands, and stream-like light shimmered in the air, quickly weaving into a barrier that spread like ripples, dissolving the incoming lasers and cannonballs one by one.
Her gaze was incredibly focused, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, indicating the immense pressure from the attacks, but she showed no sign of backing down.
On the other side, as cannonballs like heavy artillery came hurtling with devastating explosive force, Kuma's figure surged forward. He pressed his palm against the air, and the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit caused the cannonballs to be reflected back, the resulting explosions shaking the firing points on the side of the giant tree violently.
While dealing with the continuous barrage, he reminded his companions in a deep voice, “Concentrate, protect the ships next to us.”
Kaido appeared unrestrained, magnificent fur covering his body. He slammed a massive palm against a beam of laser, the laser aimed at the warship was forcefully deflected, exploding on the distant sea surface and creating a huge waterspout.
“Hahahaha, interesting! Bring it on!”
He laughed heartily, as if the pressure on the battlefield only ignited his fighting spirit, his eyes blazing with intense light amidst the cannon fire.
Smoke filled the battlefield, the embers of the cannon fire scattered, but Jin remained standing like a mountain. He raised his hand to block an incoming cannonball, the force in his arm instantly crushing the shell. The exploding flames burst beside his face, illuminating his cold expression.
He glanced at his companions' fighting figures, feeling a sense of reassurance.
However, Elbaf's attacks seemed endless, the cannon fire pouring out from the giant tree even more densely. The 'Pacifistas' hidden among the branches continued to fire mechanically and coldly, seemingly endlessly depleting Jin and his companions' stamina.
The flames intertwined into a dark red curtain, trapping them, the sense of oppression coming in waves.
Jin glanced at the warships, which were gradually being forced into a difficult situation, and realized that this stalemate was not in their favor.
He said in a low voice, “We have to find a way to get close to the giant tree, otherwise we'll be dragged down here.”
Amatsuki Toki nodded, gripping her hands tightly. She was ready, no matter what kind of pressure was ahead, she would fight alongside Jin to the end.
Kuma and Kaido also showed firm expressions, without any fear.
A sharp glint flashed in Jin's eyes. He took a deep breath, raised his arm, and signaled everyone to advance.
They were not helpless lambs being passively beaten, but were going to use this spirit of facing difficulties head-on to shatter Elbaf's iron walls, and head straight for the depths of the giant tree.
Their figures moved forward resolutely amidst the cannon fire, riding the waves against the fierce offensive.
Just as Jin and his companions were preparing to break through Elbaf's firepower network, the distant cannon fire suddenly ceased, and the surrounding smoke began to dissipate.
The air seemed to freeze for a moment, the bizarre silence, as if time had stopped, made people hold their breath.
From within the smoke, a figure slowly emerged, a staff making steady tapping sounds on the ground, like a death knell ringing in the silence.
The figure approached unhurriedly, wearing a heavy black robe, with cold and deep facial features, exuding an inviolable majesty.
Jin narrowed his eyes, his pupils slightly constricted, recognizing the person as one of the Five Elders—Jaygarcia Saturn.
Jaygarcia Saturn's gaze swept coldly over Jin and his companions, as if looking at a group of insignificant enemies.
His eyes were as deep as an abyss, carrying an indifference that looked down on all living beings. The corners of his mouth curled into a faint sneer, a cruel determination within that smile, as if everything was already under control.
“You're finally here,” his voice was low and cold, like a winter blade cutting past the ear, containing an irresistible pressure, “Your obsession is truly frustrating.”
Jin looked directly at Jaygarcia Saturn, his brow slightly furrowed, but his heart was calm.
He knew this would be a tough battle, the opponent's difficulty was self-evident, but he did not flinch.
Amatsuki Toki tightened her grip on her weapon, her eyes gazing firmly at the enemy opposite her. She knew Jin's beliefs, and knew even more that she would never back down.
Kaido snorted coldly, the dragon scales on his body gleaming with a cold light, the corners of his mouth curling into a contemptuous smile, arrogantly saying, “You think you can stop us?”
Saturn remained unmoved, raising his hand indifferently. An invisible force pressed down like a huge wave, the sea water stirring up huge waves, the warships swaying slightly, the surrounding air seemed to be distorted.
His expression was indifferent, but exuded an irresistible pressure, a force that was hard to ignore.
