The Marines naturally would not overlook what Xie Wen could see, but they remained just as calm...
They had probably prepared contingency plans long ago and arranged countermeasures.
So now it came down to which side was better prepared.
If the Marines proved a step ahead, then even if the Big Mom Pirates were not wiped out today, they would certainly suffer a crippling blow.
But if Big Mom successfully weathered this crisis, the Marines and the World Government would have to consider how to deal with Charlotte Linlin's retaliation.
As for Shichibukai like Xie Wen and the others...
They clearly had never been the main players in this battle.
With that thought, Xie Wen eased up a little more.
Perhaps because they were all waiting for a new development, everyone besides Xie Wen also slowed their attacks...
Except for Akainu, who fought like a mad dog.
But with the triplet brothers Katakuri, Oven, and Daifuku working together to keep him occupied, he failed to inflict too many casualties.
His failure to carry out his "absolute justice" left Akainu extremely irritable, and his gaze grew increasingly dissatisfied as he looked at the Shichibukai who were going through the motions.
Still, he retained enough reason not to offend them with his words again. Instead, he drew Katakuri and the others toward Hawk-Eye and Boa Hancock, who had not fought at all, clearly intending to force them into the fray.
"Hmph!"
With Hawk-Eye's personality, he naturally would not play along with Akainu. Before they could approach, he drew the Black Blade Yoru from his back and sent a massive slash their way.
Of course, Hawk-Eye had not forgotten where he stood at the moment, so the slash encompassed Katakuri and the others as well.
Akainu's face darkened at Hawk-Eye's warning, but he