The cold, arrogant presence continued to advance. Wherever it passed, the wounded collapsed one after another; even remaining on their feet became a distant hope.
Lorne turned his head, his killing intent undiminished.
Garp also turned toward the edge of the battlefield, his expression immediately darkening.
Military boots shattered the ice in unison as a group of figures in white robes passed through the smoke and marched straight into Marineford.
There were thirty-six of them, with World Government emblems hanging on their chests and swords of differing designs at their waists. The man at their head wore a deep crimson cloak, his hair and beard forming a crescent outline. The longsword in his hand remained sheathed.
Sengoku clenched his fists as soon as he recognized the arrivals.
"The Holy Knights' Candidate Unit?"
"Why are they only showing up now?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru scanned the group and quickly spotted several familiar faces.
"Sengoku, these people come from Celestial Dragon families."
"They only take orders from the Five Elders. The Navy has no authority to deploy them."
Akainu stopped, magma rolling off his shoulders.
"If the World Government still has troops, they should immediately coordinate with the Navy to wipe out the pirates."
Kizaru raised a hand and rubbed his chin.
"Sakazuki, they don't look like they're here to help."
Aokiji stared at the ground beneath their feet.
Several immobilized Marines lay in their path, but the knights made no attempt to go around them. Military boots stepped straight onto their bodies, accompanied by a succession of cracking bones.
"Move aside..."
A Marine reached out a hand and struggled to speak.
"I'm a Marine..."
The knight at the very front raised his boot and snapped the man's neck with a stomp.
"Anyone who obstructs the purge will be deemed a rebel."
The