The warship cut through the waves, leaving a straight white wake across the sea as it sped toward Marineford.
Akainu stood at the edge of the deck. The lingering heat of the magma behind him had yet to dissipate completely.
The adjutant approached and lowered his head to report.
"Admiral Sakazuki, the two pirate ships behind us have sunk completely. No other survivors were found."
Akainu looked at the charred wood floating on the sea, his voice cold.
"Pirates don't need survivors."
The adjutant spoke with some hesitation.
"But that man named Teach... his injuries really are rather strange."
Akainu turned his head, half his face hidden beneath the shadow of his Marine cap.
"Strange?"
"Yes. The ship's doctor performed a preliminary examination just now and found that his body structure seems to differ from that of ordinary people."
"After taking your Great Eruption, his internal organs suffered heat damage, but his bones were unusually tough. They were even resisting the residual heat of the magma on their own."
"Moreover, the Armament Haki within his body seems to be passively protecting his heart even after he suffered such severe injuries."
Akainu snorted coldly.
"Hmph. It seems Whitebeard really does have quite a few monsters hidden aboard his ship."
"But before absolute justice, death is the only fate awaiting any monster."
The adjutant was somewhat worried.
"Admiral, we deviated from our patrol route and attacked members of the Whitebeard Pirates without authorization. As for Fleet Admiral Sengoku..."
Akainu cut him off.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku will understand my intentions."
"The Whitebeard Pirates are the greatest cancer in the New World. Whenever an opportunity arises, they must be eradicated completely."
"Besides, the Marines need a victory now to restore their authority."
"That brat Lorne has been brazenly provoking the Four Emperors in the