Chapter 349: Invasion of Karmei Island (Part 1)
Charlotte had left Ohara.
He made no effort to conceal his departure, nor did he do anything on the island.
This alone caused a collective sigh of relief.
The scholars of Ohara rejoiced at his departure.
The World Government too relaxed slightly, though it intensified its surveillance over Ohara.
Nico Robin's mother, Olvia, soon resumed her journey, continuing to pursue the mysteries of the Void Century after the departure of the Rockefeller Pirates.
Meanwhile, due to Imu's pressure, the World Government had begun strengthening its presence in the New World.
New World.
"So this is the Rockefeller Pirates' base?"
Not far from Karmei Island, a fleet slowly approached.
A dozen pirate ships cruised near the coast of the bustling island.
"Captain! Are we really going to invade Karmei Island? That's the territory of one of the Four Great Pirate Legends—Charlotte Rockefeller, the world's greatest swordsman!"
Crew members around the captain voiced their concerns.
"You think I want to do this, you idiot?" the captain snapped. "It's all because of that lunatic Big Mom expanding everywhere! We lost our territory and have been drifting like stray dogs! I've had enough of this life! Besides, the Rockefeller Pirates are off in the West Blue right now. There's no one here to stop us. Even if they come back, we'll grab some loot and scram!"
BIG MOM's relentless expansion in recent years had driven countless pirate crews out of their territories. Facing the terrifying power of Charlotte Linlin and her monstrous children, many could not even muster the will to resist.
The central New World offered no haven.
Karmei Island, bustling and rich, remained one of the few unclaimed prizes.
They couldn't go toward the first half of the Grand Line either—Flying Pirate Shiki reigned there.
Many pirate crews had already been driven out by him.
As for the latter half of the New World, the towering, awe-inspiring man who ruled there made rebellion unthinkable.
There was simply no place for them to go.
Karmei Island was their last hope.
"Prepare for battle! Take Karmei Island!"
The captain rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, eyes locked on the approaching shoreline.
Far off in the distance, another massive pirate ship, painted in pink, sailed calmly through the sea.
"Momma, are you sure about this? What if we provoke the Rockefeller Pirates?"
The speaker was a tall, slender young man with a long nose, a tongue reaching his chest, and a candy-themed top hat. He wore a pale yellow coat and held a candy cane—Charlotte Perospero, eldest son of Big Mom.
His "Momma"—none other than Charlotte Linlin—ate cake with relish as she watched the pirate fleet she had driven out attempt to take the island.
"Mamamamamama! Let's see what Karmei Island's defenses are like. We'll also test Charlotte Rockefeller's response. I want that island in the center of the New World!"
"Momma, isn't that a bit risky?"
"Perospero, you're my son. What's there to worry about? Even if Charlotte comes back, I'm not afraid of him. Ten years ago, I could still beat him down!"
Big Mom chuckled, unconcerned. Her once-glorious figure had long since bloated with age and gluttony.
Perospero, though still worried, kept silent and focused on the fleet ahead.
The dozen ships had already reached Karmei Island.
"They're here!"
Carter, the one in charge of Karmei Island's defense, felt his palms sweating as he watched the massive fleet approach.
He'd received word of the enemy's advance long ago.
Except for Wolf, stationed in Wano, Carter had called back every other officer.
Even the island's old sword instructor, Master Stanley, had been summoned to take up arms.
"Let this old body earn one final moment of glory!"
Stanley's eyes gleamed as he stared at the fleet approaching from afar.
"We'll protect Karmei Island too!"
The giant House gripped his broadsword and stood ready.
Beside him, Will nodded, his spiked club spinning in hand.
The two giants, once swayed by a single meal from Charlotte, were now standing proudly as guardians of the island.
"Don't worry. They won't break through us!"
Paul and Isaac, armed with long sabers, stood with firm resolve.
"Then let's give them a fight to remember!"
Carter raised his right fist and roared.
"Yeah!"
"We swear to defend Karmei Island!"
Thousands of voices roared in unison.
Carter had gathered nearly 6,000 warriors for this defense—elite troops from every division of the Rockefeller Pirates. Upon learning the island had been targeted, they mobilized at once.
"Fools."
A mocking shout echoed from the invading fleet.
One of the pirate leaders looked at the defenders with disdain.
"If Charlotte Rockefeller were here, maybe I'd turn back. But an island without him dares to stand in my way? Suicidal."
"Fire the cannons!"
He raised his blade and pointed toward the port.
"Bombard the harbor!"
With his order, all the allied pirate ships opened fire.
Boom! Boom-boom! BOOM!
Shell after shell whistled through the air in a devastating barrage.
"Return fire!"
Carter roared back.
Karmei Island's defenses sprang into action.
As Charlotte's designated base, the island's firepower was not lacking.
Over a hundred cannons mounted along the port unleashed their fury.
Several electromagnetic cannons, hidden on the nearby hills, charged up and joined the assault.
Explosions filled the air on both sides.
But Karmei Island's homefield advantage became clear.
Cannonballs tore through pirate ships.
Some vessels were sunk instantly.
Others pressed on, battered but afloat.
Then came the electromagnetic blasts—lightning-fast death strikes tearing through the fleet, claiming ships one after another.
"Their firepower is insane!"
The enemy pirate captains were forced to emerge and defend themselves, attempting to intercept the deadly blasts.
From her rear position, Big Mom watched in surprise.
She had never imagined how fearsome modern artillery could be.
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