"Mochi minigun!"
Using the remarkable malleability of his Mochi-Mochi Fruit, Katakuri transformed both his arms into machine guns, firing countless black mochi bullets at the advancing Admiral Akainu.
A crimson gleam flashed in Akainu's eyes. The mochi bullets pierced into his magma-transformed body, producing a sizzling sound before melting away entirely in the intense heat.
Although the mochi bullets were imbued with Haki, their dispersion rendered them ineffective against Akainu's magma-based body.
Seeing this, Katakuri's expression darkened. He dared not engage Akainu in close combat—his advanced Observation Haki, capable of glimpsing into the future, had already shown him the grim outcome of such an encounter.
But at this moment, their so-called alliance was already crumbling. Katakuri had no way out.
Watching Akainu draw closer, Katakuri braced himself, awakening his Devil Fruit powers. He transformed the ground into waves of white mochi surging toward the Admiral.
Akainu snorted coldly, releasing a torrent of magma at his feet. The approaching mochi melted before reaching him, filling the air with a sweet aroma.
Sweat dripped down Katakuri's forehead. He plunged his hands into the mochi-covered ground, preparing for another attack, but Akainu wasn't about to give him the chance.
A massive magma hound roared forth, brimming with terrifying heat. Katakuri's pupils shrank as he hastily formed a towering mochi wall in front of him, reinforcing it with Haki.
The magma hound collided with the wall, producing a cloud of white steam.
Mochi, despite its elasticity, was still mochi. Even enhanced with Haki, it struggled against the elemental might of magma. The wall melted at a visible rate.
This wasn't just the disparity between their Devil Fruits—it was a gulf between the strength of their users.
Since Carl's promotion to Fleet Admiral, Akainu had become the strongest among the Navy's Admirals.
The magma hound tore through the mochi wall, growing larger in Katakuri's eyes.
At this critical moment, Katakuri roared. Nine hollow mochi spheres materialized in midair, each launching a massive black fist to intercept the magma hound.
"Fist Mochi!"
Akainu narrowed his eyes, silently commending Katakuri's battle instincts, though his assault showed no sign of relenting.
Katakuri's hands, encased in mochi, trembled as he strained to control the fists against Akainu's relentless attack.
But he overlooked one crucial fact—Akainu had only been using one arm.
A colossal magma fist smashed into Katakuri, sending him flying. True to his code of honor, Katakuri didn't allow his back to touch the ground. Instead, he skidded for dozens of meters before coming to a stop, landing near Carl.
Katakuri lay sprawled on the ground, steam rising from his severely burned body. His signature scarf had been incinerated, exposing his jagged teeth as he gasped for breath.
Akainu approached, his magma-infused arm glowing ominously. Katakuri staggered to his feet, fully aware that his end was near. Yet he remained unyielding, prepared to face death with dignity.
In his final moments, his thoughts turned to his beloved little sister, Brûlée.
'Brûlée should be hiding now. With her Devil Fruit powers, the Navy won't find her... Brûlée, you must survive!'
Katakuri steeled himself and charged at Akainu, his shaky steps betraying his exhaustion. The result was already clear.
Akainu raised his magma-encased fist for a decisive strike when several mirrors suddenly appeared between him and Katakuri. From one emerged a woman with grotesque features—Brûlée.
She threw herself at Katakuri, crying out, "Brother!"
The fearless Katakuri froze in shock. His eyes widened in horror as he bellowed, "You idiot! Brûlée, why are you here?!"
Ignoring his protests, Brûlée bit her lip and grabbed Katakuri, desperately trying to drag him into one of the mirrors.
Akainu, after a moment's hesitation, frowned and launched a magma fist. But the fist disappeared into a mirror Brûlée had prepared beforehand. Such quirks of Paramecia Devil Fruits could catch even an Admiral off guard.
Still, to Akainu, this was a mere trick. He could easily land a fatal blow before they escaped.
Katakuri knew this too, which was why he was terrified. Brûlée's appearance was a death sentence for both of them.
Just as Akainu moved to strike, a powerful gravitational force erupted. It wrenched Brûlée out of the mirror and flung her into Katakuri's arms, sending them hurtling backward.
Carl, seated nearby with one hand on his chin, raised his other hand slightly. A vortex of darkness swirled in his palm.
Thud!
Katakuri and Brûlée landed heavily at Carl's feet.
Akainu paused, realizing Carl was after the siblings' Devil Fruits. Without a word, he nodded at Carl before turning to engage other enemies on the battlefield.
Katakuri struggled to lift his head, locking eyes with Carl's golden gaze. His body froze in fear.
Brûlée, trembling, opened her mouth to scream, but Carl's calm voice cut through the tension.
"Make a sound, and you'll die."
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+250 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg