They had noticed the group approaching yet had not fled in advance. That meant they possessed absolute confidence, even when facing the renowned Akainu and Kizaru, as well as CP0's mysterious and formidable former and current commanders-in-chief.
So the question was...
What gave them that confidence?!
Gurgle, gurgle...
Rolling magma flowed from Akainu's shoulders, wrapping both his hands in thick, scorching lava. A pungent sulfurous smell drifted through the air, carrying a terrifying presence.
"I didn't abandon the front lines just to come play games with you, Sea King!"
"You have one last chance to surrender. Order the Sea Kings to stop their assault immediately, or else..."
Crack, crack...
Scarlet fissures suddenly spread across the ground, irregular marks covering the surroundings. A sense of danger abruptly rose, and Bald Zero and the others frowned before retreating in unison.
Boom!!
Sure enough, the instant they left their original positions, the firelit earth erupted. Endless magma surged up from underground, illuminating the dawn.
Standing amid a pool of bright orange magma, Akainu's killing intent was chilling.
"...then die!"
"Fleet Admiral... how terrifying, how terrifying! Still, I agree with doing that."
Kizaru quietly told the other two, "In a moment, I'll work with the Fleet Admiral and use our Fruit Abilities to clear out this entire island. I'll leave the rest to you."
The two said nothing, merely nodding in agreement.
Just as Akainu had said, they had not come to play games with the Sea King.
Reaching the central palace by clearing stages? Whoever wanted to do that could go ahead!
As long as you were on this island, you did not get to decide how this battle would be fought.
After a moment of silence, the talking snake calmly spoke with its expressionless human face.
"Interesting."
"I told you, if you