"A Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit user, huh? That is indeed a viable option."
Shaka calmly analyzed the idea and found Hammer's proposal entirely feasible.
"Using ice against ice, I doubt anyone but Dr. Vegapunk would think of such a method."
"No wonder they call you the man with the greatest intellect in the world."
Hammer spoke from genuine admiration.
"Then do you have any methods for energy stabilization and energy shaping?"
He followed up with an especially tricky question, one that even surprised Borsalino.
Energy stabilization refers to maintaining a steady output of transmitted energy.
Energy shaping meant molding energy into a fixed form, usable form.
The two concepts were deeply interconnected.
Behind his mask, Shaka's eyes gleamed with newfound curiosity.
'A blacksmith capable of discussing energy theory?'
"Crystals. Crystals can stabilize energy, but it depends on the energy's magnitude and the crystal's quality."
"This involves energy generation and form control, issues even I cannot perfectly resolve at this stage."
"Are you asking for the sake of crafting a weapon for Vice Admiral Borsalino?"
Everyone present was sharp enough to know exactly what Hammer was planning.
"Haha, of course. Borsalino is like family. How could I not make him a custom weapon?"
A simple statement, yet it warmed Borsalino's heart.
"Thanks, Hammer. Your words truly touch me~"
"But if even Dr. Vegapunk doesn't have a solution, maybe don't stress over it."
Hammer sighed and nodded.
Just as he was about to speak again.
"Pururururu... Pururururu..."
A Den Den Mushi started ringing.
Under everyone's gaze, Borsalino slowly pulled it out and answered:
"Moshi~ Moshi~ This is Borsalino~"
The transponder snail transformed into a familiar afro-wearing man with glasses.
"Borsalino! Emergency orders! Head to Thunder Island immediately and support Sakazuki! He's in trouble!"
"Punk Hazard is nearby and you're the fastest, GO!"
"It's the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Borsalino's eyes widened. He looked at Hammer, who was also stunned.
'The Whitebeard Pirates... What the hell did Sakazuki do to get them involved?!'
"Hey! Borsalino, are you listening?!"
"Y-Yes, heading out now. Uh, does this count as overtime?"
"You bastard! If you don't get moving now, I'll have you reassigned to the Grand Line immediately! You hear me?!"
"How scary~ Fine, I'll go~ But I have one condition..."
Suddenly, Hammer had a bad feeling. Then came Borsalino's insufferably sleazy voice.
"Hammer is currently at Punk Hazard restocking firearms. I request a joint deployment with him."
Hammer: 'You damned monkey! How dare you drag me into this!'
"Hmm? Hammer's there too? Good, both of you deploy immediately. Get to Sakazuki Immediately!"
"Looks like you two are going to be busy. I'll take my leave then. As for the firearms, Hammer, you can take whatever you want. They're just basic equipment anyway."
Good news: Weapons secured.
Bad news: They're now headed to face Whitebeard.
"Monke! How could you do this?! That's Whitebeard! How could you drag your bro into this?!"
"Ohoho~ The great Hammer afraid of a little ol' Whitebeard? Let's go, Sakazuki's getting his ass kicked as we speak~"
"Tch! Lance! Pack the weapons! We sail for Thunder Island!"
Thunder Island – Surrounding Waters
A rain of magma descended from the sky, crashing toward the Whitebeard Pirates' flagship, the Moby Dick.
The air shattered. A devastating shockwave obliterated every magma projectile midair.
The man responsible stood 6.66 meters tall, a small Giant.
Golden hair. Crescent beard. A towering presence.
One of the sea's greatest legends: "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate.
Possessing power to shake the world itself, the user of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, capable of triggering earthquakes and tsunamis with a single strike.
"Magma brat, you've gotten awfully bold lately. Daring to strike first at me? Did you forget whose territory the New World is?"
Turns out, Sakazuki had been treasure-hunting when he spotted the Moby Dick. The second he saw it, he shifted from mining to pirate annihilation mode.
Unfortunately, his opponent was Whitebeard.
Sakazuki was completely outmatched.
No matter what attack he launched, Whitebeard shattered it effortlessly.
The Tremor-Tremor Fruit's raw power overwhelmed him at every turn.
"Damn it! Is the gap really this big?!"
"Doberman! Close the distance! If ranged attacks won't work, we go melee! With the Divine Axe Rhitta, I will land a hit!"
Sakazuki was furious. No more playing safe, he'd ram that ship himself if he had to.
Doberman gave a firm nod. Even if it was Whitebeard, they were Marines. Retreat was not an option!
The warship turned sharply and charged straight at the Moby Dick.
"Oh? Got some guts, coming for a boarding battle?"
"Listen up, boys! Let this Marine pup learn what the Whitebeard Pirates are made of!"
Whitebeard grinned, raising his naginata, Murakumogiri, high.
His entire crew roared in response.
"YEAAHH! Doesn't matter who they are, we're the WHITEBEARD PIRATES!"
The moment the two ships clashed, battle erupted instantly.
"Gurararara! Magma brat, show me what you're made of!"
Since they were at sea, and his crew was nearby, Whitebeard held back on using his full Devil Fruit powers; he didn't want to accidentally hurt his precious sons.
"Don't get cocky, Whitebeard!"
Murakumogiri, sheathed in Armament Haki, came crashing down.
Sakazuki didn't flinch.
Divine Axe Rhitta glowed crimson, and energy surged through its core.
The first clash between one of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords and Hammer's custom-made weapon had begun.
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu