The fierce battle across the island had reached its climax. Whether Marines or members of the Straw Hat Crew, everyone was gradually beginning to feel exhausted.
Especially the rear admirals and commodores.
A battle of this level forced them to stay intensely focused at all times. In such a mentally strained state, their stamina had been rapidly draining away without them even realizing it.
Across the various battlefields, only the vice admirals and a scattered dozen or so rear admirals still had the strength to keep fighting.
Even so, relying on their initial numerical advantage, the Marines still held an enormous edge.
In contrast, whether it was Robin, Brook, and Chopper on the ground or Nami in the air, their breathing had long since become ragged.
"I feel like my hands are so weak... I can barely even hold my weapons anymore."
Usopp panted heavily, his chest heaving as he aimed his twin guns ahead, his back pressed against Franky's.
Around them, Strawberry, Red King, and two other vice admirals had surrounded them from every direction.
"Yeah, I've only got a bottle and a half of Cola Energy left in me. I need to find a food vending machine fast."
Franky spoke gravely, equally out of breath.
Hearing that, Usopp subconsciously lowered his head and glanced at his nearly empty pouch, muttering silently in a grave tone:
...This is bad.
Facing four Headquarters vice admirals, forget defeating them—he doubted he could even hold on until he ran out of ammunition.
Everyone was locked in fierce combat right now. It was difficult for anyone to break away and help the others.
Now, all their hopes rested on Luffy and Reiner. As long as either one of them won, the situation could be reversed in an instant.
Whoosh—
Suddenly, a piercing howl