The New Marines' obstruction had already wasted quite a bit of Sakazuki's time. Now that both Tsugikuni Yoriichi and Saint Marcus Mars had disappeared, the New Marines still showed no intention of withdrawing.
That made Sakazuki somewhat unable to hold himself back.
He was a straightforward man. Fujitora holding his subordinates hostage did make him wary, but if that alone caused him to "fail the mission," Sakazuki could never accept it.
He wanted to carry out Sengoku's orders without the slightest compromise.
Things had reached this point. A conflict with the New Marines was already unavoidable.
Sakazuki knew the New Marines fairly well, and he had a good grasp of the strength of Fujitora, Mihawk, and the others. He knew that if he fought these people, he probably would not be able to spare any attention for his subordinates' safety.
After giving his adjutant an instruction, Sakazuki took the initiative and attacked Mihawk.
When facing a powerful enemy, Sakazuki understood very well the principle of striking first!
"The Magma-Magma Fruit, called the strongest Logia by the Marines!"
"I wonder if it can truly surpass my swordsmanship!"
Facing Akainu's molten "iron fist," Mihawk's expression turned cold. Gripping his long sword, he swiftly swung it at Akainu's fist in counterattack.
Both moved incredibly fast. One moment, the Marines aboard the ship had only just heard Akainu's order; the next, Akainu and Mihawk were already fighting.
Mihawk's black blade blocked the massive molten fist. Scorching heat waves, accompanied by a powerful Haki shockwave, rapidly spread in every direction.
Some young Marines were caught off guard and were directly blown off the deck by the blazing heat, falling into the icy seawater.
"Don't interfere. I'll handle this myself!"
During the brief stalemate between Mihawk and Sakazuki, Abel and Kuma flashed away from Mihawk's side.