"Was this... the World Government's plan?
Or..."
Whitebeard murmured, but killing intent surfaced in his eyes.
"I'll test its limits."
Jin An slowly stepped forward, his presence building like a volcano, calm yet oppressive.
Deep in his eyes, the will to fight gathered.
He knew that unless they stopped the Dark Giant's growth immediately, they would lose the initiative before the battle even began.
Amatsuki Toki watched his back and lightly bit her lower lip, but did not stop him.
She knew he had to do this-because in this world, Jin An might be the only one who could hold back that monster as it strayed further and further beyond anything human.
At that moment, the earth groaned, as though even its crust was bearing pressure beyond its limits.
Shock waves from the explosions spread in widening rings, overturning scorched earth and rubble, while tattered flags fluttered in the rain of blood.
Bang! Bang!
Two more deafening blasts erupted. The surging black mist roared like a wild beast, carrying countless severed limbs skyward.
The Neo Marines used Geppo to rapidly gain altitude and hover in the air, but their orderly ranks were filled with uncertainty and terror-
The enormous dark silhouette slowly taking shape below sent a chill racing up their spines to their scalps.
"What is that thing..."
A recruit whispered, his voice trembling over the communicator.
Jin An narrowed his eyes, calmly watching the scene below-
That battlefield was no longer a place of ordinary combat. It looked more like a rift into hell slowly opening.
Lines of eerie purple rapidly spread across the massive dark figure's body. Blood, malice, and black mist intertwined and merged, flowing like tangible matter into the giant's heart before his eyes.
"This isn't a natural phenomenon."
He spoke quietly, his gaze darkening,