Chapter 12 : We march ahead
Edge of Plaza
"Holy Shit! That was awesome!"
Luffy, was still recovering from the unfortunate drowning incident he had a minute ago, is quite impressed with the Old man's strategy. Within a span of seconds, they were back in the solid ground, and more importantly, closer to Ace.
"Have trust in us old timers, Luffy. We have survived the seas for twice the number of years you are alive." Replied Rayleigh, who was in midst of drying his clothes as much as possible.
"Luffy-kun. I have heard about your incredible achievements over the past 6 months. But we are in the midst of a war currently. Follow your instinct, but don't be foolish and do something stupid. And don't engage the Admirals by yourself" warned Jimbei, who was standing besides Luffy.
"Jimbei is right. Aokiji wrecked me the last time we met; though I have become more powerful, I do not see myself challenging an admiral. And seeing how powerful Ossan and Rayleigh Ossan are, I should trust their judgement. They want to save Ace as much as I want to save them." Luffy reasoned, getting all set for the battle.
Scaffold
"These Bastards!"
Sengoku was seriously pissed off. The pirates are out-maneuvering them at every instance. Need to put his plan to action. He observed that majority of the marines and the Shichibukai were retreating back into the plaza while Whitebeard attempted this stunt.
"Tsuru! What is the status of the barrier?"
Tsuru looked a bit more serene now.
"The Ice around the barrier-lifting mechanism is currently broken. We can raise the barrier at any instant."
"Excellent! Tsuru instruct the team to lift the barrier."
"And now it's time to trap the mouse in the cage" thought Sengoku.
"Shichibukai! Its time to pay up for the leeway you receive. Trap the Whitebeard pirates from behind. Marines who have retreated from the ice, surround the whitebeard pirates!" Ordered Sengoku in his den-den mushi.
Mihawk – Edge of Plaza
"Hmm"
With his typical response, he set his sights back on Vista.
"Nice move from Whitebeard there. Forcing us to retreat by breaking the ice, literally, and later making a jump. Time to complete my 'obligation'" Thought Mihawk, before setting his sights on Vista.
Doflamingo – Edge of Plaza
"Fuck off Sengoku!" yelled Doflamingo, who was midst of his battle against Crocodile. His veins were popping out of his forehead, ready to burst.
"Don't bother to use your signature move, Doffy. Your little, puppeteer skills won't work against me, a logia user"
"Oi Oi. Did you not join your little pirate buddies with their grand plan Crocodile?Athlete!" yelled Doflamingo, before attempting his trademark kick against Crocodile
"I am as interested in playing pirate-pirate as you are Joker. Let's continue with the entertainment" replied Crocodile, who blocked Doflamingo's attack with his hook.
Neither noticed the slight, rhythmic shaking of the ground on which they were battling.
Boa Hancock – Edge of plaza
"My sweet husband(?)Lluffy is getting closer to his brother~! Better to go and protect him and perform my duty as his wife!"
Bartholomew Kuma – Edge of plaza
Kuma, who still had a bit of himself still left; After all the marines had ordered to complete his transformation after this impending war, ignored Sengoku's order. He was watching a colossus approaching the battle. He might be needed here rather than where Sengoku ordered him to be.
Whitebeard – A few moments ago
"Now we are back in the main land, things will get easier. Ah, the 'mastermind' Sengoku will order his retreating troops and surround us. Those pesky Elbaf marines can be a little troublesome. Good that we delayed his entry into the battle" Thought Whitebeard, before pulling out his den-den mushi.
"Oars Jr! Now is the time!" Ordered Whitebeard.
Sengoku
Just after he finished ordering, he noticed that Tsuru was frowning.
"Sengoku-san, you did notice that big Silhouette of a Giant approaching us?"
Sengoku was visibly sweating by now. This cannot be what he was thinking.
"Giants, stand by near the barrier! Don't fall back! Someone huge is approaching the battle! Do not allow that thing to enter the battle! He will wreak the whole island of Marineford!"
Oars Jr
"Got it Oyajin" mumbled Oars Jr. He had a job to do. He was here to fight for his friends, his father, and more importantly, his brother in all but blood, Ace.
"Ace, just wait for me. I will save you!" thought Oars Jr, before slowly making his way towards the battle.
Whitebead
"Gather around, everyone!" yelled Whitebeard to the members of his family, who were still recovering from the sudden jump.
"Listen to me. We are here to save Ace, not to kill marines or pick up petty fights. Our focus should remain saving Ace, and nothing else. Now, abide by what I say. Do not engage anyone above your level. Myself, Marco and Rayleigh will look after the admirals. And back up Strawhat Luffy, he will save Ace. He is the key. Protect him, and ensure he gets to Ace. He knows what's to be done. Marco, stay with me. Rayleigh, I believe you will accompany the rescue team."
All the Whitebeard pirates were looking at the little boy who had fire in his eyes. They believed in their father.
Whitebeard noticed that his sons were ready to oblige his command. Now time to put up the bait. He took in a long breath, and yelled –
"Akkkkkkkaaaaaaainuuuuuuuu!" releasing a huge wave of conqueror's haki. This knocked out most of the lower-tier marines who were surrounding them, giving the rescue team easier path to traverse to rescue Ace.
