As the Whitebeard Pirates withdrew from the plaza, Whitebeard's battle against Akainu and the other two began.
"Sakazuki, attack!"
"Kuzan, freeze Whitebeard in place!"
Zephyr shouted orders on the spot. Neither Akainu nor Aokiji objected.
They were both formidable fighters, but when it came to directing a battle, neither could match Zephyr's years of experience as an instructor.
Besides, Zephyr was their teacher. If either Akainu or Aokiji had taken command, the other might not have accepted it.
As the trio's main attacker, Akainu struck first. Magma churned, and the air grew hotter. A fist of magma formed and shot forward, swelling as it left his arm and hurtling toward Whitebeard.
"Ice Saber!" Aokiji roared. He gathered cold air around his right arm and released an ice bird. It struck with tremendous force, freezing everything in its path.
Zephyr held back, waiting for an opening to strike.
Akainu attacked, Aokiji pinned their target down, and Zephyr moved in for close combat. Though the three had never fought side by side before, they worked together seamlessly.
Whitebeard did not retreat. He charged toward Akainu in long strides, each step carrying him several meters and leaving a footprint more than ten centimeters deep.
Taking down all three Marine Admirals was clearly impossible. Whitebeard knew how dangerous they were.
So he targeted Akainu, the most badly injured of the three.
Besides, for some reason, the sight of Akainu's face set Whitebeard on edge. He could not suppress the urge to kill him.
A sweep of his blade sent a burst of light into Aokiji's ice bird, shattering it.
Then he met fist with fist, punching straight into the Magma Fist. His immense strength blew it apart, sending a rain of magma howling in every direction.
Drops of magma struck the ground and burned