Impel Down was slowly rising.
Because Impel Down was a tower-shaped structure, even though its overall weight was less than that of a standard island, it would take some time to pull it completely out of the sea.
Once the entire Impel Down had cleared the seawater, Jaya could accelerate its ascent.
At that moment, however, Maud, surrounded by everyone, leaped down and landed on the rocky ground, then made a provocative gesture toward the Marines.
It was not that Maud looked down on everyone. Someone had to stay behind and cover their retreat.
Among the entire team, only Maud and Aokiji were qualified to stay behind based on strength alone.
But the one who stayed behind could only be Maud.
Even someone as powerful as Aokiji would have almost no chance of survival if he stayed behind in this situation.
Maud, however, was different.
The Shadow-Shadow Fruit's Shadow Shift ability was practically the ultimate retreat-covering skill.
And so—
As Impel Down began to rise, Maud decisively jumped down.
On one hand, he needed to cover the retreat. On the other, he needed to give Jinbe and Shakky, who were still holding off Kizaru, a chance to escape back onto Impel Down.
His beckoning provocation immediately stirred up a tremendous wave, sending every Marine's anger soaring to its peak.
No matter what, they had to stop the Maud Pirates from escaping!
In their fury, the Marines could think of nothing but ending the lives of the Maud Pirates right there.
Akainu's eyes blazed with overwhelming rage. His magma-flowing arms were raised high toward the sky.
"Meteor Volcano!"
He unleashed his ultimate move.
His molten fists fired fist-shaped lumps of magma into the slightly brightening sky like a machine gun.
Countless magma fists flew into the clouds, reflecting a crimson glow