"Rear Admiral Sakazuki!"
"Damn it, Rear Admiral Sakazuki actually lost."
The canyon was a chaotic stretch of crimson ruins, and the temperature was as high as if they were standing inside a volcano. The surviving Marines looked worried as they watched Sakazuki, covered in injuries and unconscious.
They could hardly believe it.
After all, since Sakazuki had made his debut, he had never lost to anyone of comparable strength—unless he was up against an older-generation powerhouse.
But today, the Golden Emperor had ended that streak.
It was heartbreaking, and humiliating!
"I've already notified Marineford. Rear Admiral Borsalino is on his way."
A captain gripped a Den Den Mushi, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.
At first, he hadn't even considered the possibility that Sakazuki would lose. This was completely unexpected.
Not only had Sakazuki lost, but he'd lost very quickly.
He had clashed with the Golden Emperor three times, and then the fight was over.
Against other powerhouses of the same level, a fight would usually last at least a day.
But the Golden Emperor had gone straight for his ultimate move. Who fought like that?
He had no sense of honor at all!
"We need to retreat first!"
Another captain spoke up, glancing at Chaos and the others in the distance. They exchanged looks and came to the same conclusion: they couldn't win!
They could only retreat.
The group then prepared to carry Sakazuki away, but—
Whoosh!!!
A sound tore through the sky. A sun slammed into the ground, and Archino stood amid the scalding steam, his face obscured, leaving only his outline visible.
Loud crashes rang out on both sides as Betty and Ivankov emerged from the dust, smiling faintly.
"Trying to leave? Did you ask the Dancing Queen first?"
Betty flicked her purple bob, radiating arrogance.
"Yee-haw!"