The battlefield at Marineford.
On the freezing ice, darkness and tremors coexisted.
Watching those two figures square off, each locked onto the other, everyone held their breath.
"River abandoned his fight with Vice Admiral Garp and went straight for Blackbeard!"
"That man actually has Whitebeard's power now. How terrifying!"
"Is the world about to change again? Old Whitebeard is dead, and Blackbeard has stolen his power!"
"I heard he already has two Devil Fruit abilities. Who could possibly stand against him now?"
Their eyes flickered and their hearts shook. Everyone was utterly stunned.
"You've been hiding in the shadows of the sewers. Now that you finally have the power you've always craved, are you ready to surface?"
"Teach!"
After sweeping his gaze over the people before him, River spoke with a severe look in his eyes.
He stood there alone. Not far behind him, Moria was weak and coughing up blood. Facing him were Donquixote Doflamingo, who had switched sides to stand behind Marshall D. Teach, and a group of world-class criminals who had emerged from Impel Down.
"Zehahahaha!"
"Those aren't very pleasant words, River!"
"But taking your head today would certainly be the finest offering and gift for my ascent to the Top of the World!"
Marshall D. Teach laughed loudly.
He was brimming with confidence. His opponent was alone, while he now possessed tremendous power and had a group of formidable fighters behind him.
If they attacked together, they had an excellent chance of finishing River off.
River remained expressionless and simply glanced at Donquixote Doflamingo again. Doflamingo grinned as their eyes met, signaling something.
Then River looked at Shiryu of the Rain. After a brief pause, Shiryu nodded respectfully, placed his right hand on the sword hilt at his waist, and looked at Marshall D. Teach's back.