"Everyone, we absolutely cannot let the pirates inside escape!" The Marine Commodore said excitedly: "We must block them!"
Not just because they were pirates, but because they had killed a Celestial Dragon!
Such evil pirates must die!
"Understood!"
The Marines watched nervously ahead, many already breaking out in sweat.
Pirates who dared kill a Celestial Dragon... just what kind of madmen were they?
"When will Rear Admiral Billman arrive?"
"He's already on his way," the communications soldier replied. "Admirals Kizaru and Akainu will also be arriving shortly."
The Marine Commodore was stunned—he never expected two Marine Admirals to be mobilized simultaneously for this.
But with this, the Straw Hat Pirates would have no chance of escape!
Thinking this, a smile immediately appeared on the Commodore's face.
"Ehhh~"
At that moment, the auction house doors were pushed open, and two people walked out calmly, as if they didn't even regard the Marines as a threat.
"It's... it's the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Straw Hat Boy!"
"And the captain of the Heart Pirates, Trafalgar Law!"
"Both have bounties over a hundred million... everyone, be careful!" a Marine shouted.
Hearing this, the soldiers immediately raised their weapons, muscles tensing.
"Quite a crowd here," Law remarked, glancing around.
"Step aside, I'll handle these guys," Luffy said.
Law: "???"
Law glared at Luffy beside him. "Don't order me around!"
This idiot couldn't possibly think that just because they killed a Celestial Dragon, he could intimidate him.
He just didn't want trouble—that didn't mean he was afraid.
Ignoring him, Luffy charged forward, ready to knock away any Marines in his path.
"Quick, fire the cannons!"
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
A barrage of cannonballs hurtled toward Luffy, aiming to blast him to pieces.
Facing this, Luffy grinned. "Rubber Net!"
"Whoosh~"
Crossing his arms and swinging them forward, his hands transformed into a massive rubber net, intercepting all the cannonballs.
Then, Luffy hurled them right back.
"Here, take these back!"
"C-Cannonballs!!"
"Everyone, run!"
Seeing the cannonballs flying back, the Marines panicked, scrambling away from the cannons.
The next moment...
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
The explosions destroyed their artillery and took out several Marines.
"Ahh!!"
"Dammit..."
The Commodore gritted his teeth. "Don't back down! Keep fighting—just hold them off until reinforcements arrive!"
"Sorry, but that won't do~"
Hearing this, Law smirked. "We don't have time to waste here with you."
The Straw Hat Pirates had killed three Celestial Dragons—who knew how many terrifying enemies would come after them? So... it was best to leave now.
With that thought, Law immediately launched his attack.
"ROOM!"
"Room!"
"Gah!"
"Ahhh!"
The sharp slash effortlessly severed the bodies of several marines, splitting them apart while leaving them floating midair.
But to their shock, even after being cut apart... they didn't die?
"What kind of bizarre ability is this?!"
The marines stared at Law in disbelief, unable to comprehend how people could survive being sliced up.
"Heh, interesting, isn't it~" Law said with an amused grin.
"Truly a despicable pirate..."
The marine commodore glared at Law through gritted teeth. Was this bastard treating them like toys?
"Try this move!"
As he spoke, Luffy stuck his thumb in his mouth and blew hard.
In the next instant, his arm visibly expanded at incredible speed, ultimately becoming as massive as a Giant's limb!
"Gear Third!"
"Rubber Giant Pistol!!"
"BOOM!!"
The terrifying attack sent an entire group of marines flying, creating a vacuum in their ranks.
"What kind of monstrous strength is this?!"
The marines stared in horror at Luffy's gigantic fist. "Is he from the Giant Race?"
The power behind that punch... was absolutely terrifying!
"Ahahaha, now you know my strength!" Luffy laughed uproariously.
As he spoke, he deactivated his ability, causing his body to shrink temporarily for a few seconds.
"Just what kind of Devil Fruit user are you?" Law asked with a twitching lip.
Being able to stretch his body was one thing, but now he could grow and shrink too... it was like he was literally made of rubber.
"Ah, I ate the Gomu-Gomu Fruit. I'm a Rubber Man," Luffy said with a toothy grin.
Law: "..."
So he'd been right - this guy really was made of rubber.
At that moment, Meiser and the others emerged from the auction house.
"Quite lively out here," Zoro remarked.
"These guys move fast..."
"Indeed."
Sanji looked around in confusion. Barely any time had passed since they killed the Celestial Dragon until now.
Yet... so many marines had already arrived?
"Maybe they were already nearby," Nico Robin suggested.
"Tch." Meiser spat in disgust. "That just shows how rotten they are to the core."
These marines had been right here all along, yet turned a blind eye to this human trafficking operation... Were they protecting this place on purpose?
How utterly revolting.
With these thoughts, Meiser followed his crewmates to the open area.
"Hey Luffy, come here. We're leaving."
"Huh?"
Luffy tilted his head in confusion at Meiser's words. Wasn't that exactly what he was fighting for right now?
How could they leave without defeating these marines first?
Still, trusting Meiser completely, Luffy obediently returned.
"What's he planning?"
Law glanced curiously at Meiser. Was the ninja about to use some technique?
The thought made Law's eyes gleam with interest. He was genuinely curious about this ninja's methods.
The marines also watched Meiser warily, uncertain what to expect.
"Meiser, what are you going to do?"
"Of course, we're leaving this place," Meiser said. "I have no interest in sticking around to fight them slowly."
Nico Robin had mentioned that this place was very close to the Holy Land Mariejois, the residence of the Celestial Dragons... There were bound to be many powerful fighters there!
And now, with a Celestial Dragon dead here, it was highly likely that some formidable opponents would come to intercept them. To avoid such a situation, they had to leave immediately.
"Alright."
Though confused, Luffy didn't press further and obediently stood by Meiser's side.
"I don't know what you're planning, but you won't be leaving here!" the Marine Commodore shouted. "We will definitely—"
"Too much talk."
Boom!
In the next moment, Meiser tossed out a smoke bomb, obscuring their surroundings in thick smoke.
Law: ???
Wait, is this a Ninja's technique? Using smoke bombs to block vision? What's the point of that?
But the next development made Law's expression change drastically.
BOOM!!
A massive Water Dragon suddenly surged out of the smoke, carrying several figures as it soared away at incredible speed.
Marine Commodore: !!!
"Huh?!"
Staring at the flying Water Dragon, the Marine Commodore was dumbfounded.
What kind of technique was this?!
They had this place surrounded with so many men... and now the enemy just flew away?!
What kind of nonsense was this?!
"That's the Water Release Technique of a Ninja!" Bepo exclaimed excitedly. "Captain, did you see that? That's the Water Release Technique!"
In all his life, this was the first time he'd seen a Ninja use Ninjutsu—and it matched the legends he'd heard perfectly!
This was so thrilling for the bear!
"Yeah... I saw it..."
Law also looked astonished. "It really is beyond imagination..."
The fact that they could conjure a Water Dragon out of thin air... Did that mean they could also manipulate seawater?
If so, their naval combat abilities would be terrifying—especially against Devil Fruit Ability Users like them.
Looks like if we encounter these guys in the New World, we can't afford to fight them at sea... Law thought to himself.
Otherwise, they'd be at a severe disadvantage.
"Wait..." Bepo suddenly realized something. "Captain, they ran away—what do we do now?"
If they had all worked together, they could've dealt with these Marines quickly. But now... the Straw Hat Pirates just left?
"What do we do? We fight our way out, of course," Law said.
They didn't need the Straw Hat Pirates to break through—his own abilities were more than enough!
As he thought this, Law glanced at the enslaved captain, Gianni, sitting by the auction house entrance.
"Want to come with me?"
As he spoke, Law used his Devil Fruit Ability to remove the explosive collar around Gianni's neck.
"The collar...?!"
"Damn pirates! How dare you interfere with a Celestial Dragon's slave! Don't let them escape!"
BOOM!!
The moment they approached, Gianni moved.
With a single powerful swing of his arm, he sent all the Marines flying!
"It would be an honor to serve under you!"
"Ha ha, let's go then," Law laughed heartily.
"Bepo, move out!"
"Roger!"
After kicking a Marine flying with one foot, Bepo immediately followed his captain to break through in another direction.
For the moment, the Marines truly couldn't stop them.
"Commodore, we can't hold them back."
"I know, I saw," the Marine Commodore said with a grim expression. "These Supernovas really aren't easy to deal with."
Even with several hundred men deployed this time, they still couldn't capture them.
Thinking this, the Marine Commodore sighed heavily.
"Commodore, what should we do?"
"Of course we keep chasing!" the Commodore declared. "We absolutely cannot let them escape!"
"One group pursue the Heart Pirates, the rest follow me after the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"And contact our colleagues—tell them to watch the skies!"
The Straw Hat Pirates had left riding the Water Dragon. Though fast, as long as they didn't land, they could still be spotted.
They just needed to follow the trail.
"Yes, sir!"
Soon, under the Commodore's lead, they departed in pursuit of the Straw Hat Pirates.
But just beyond Grove 1's perimeter, they saw Billman charging over using Moonwalk.
"Rear Admiral Billman!"
"Where are they?" Billman demanded as he landed. "Where are the Straw Hat Pirates?"
"They just left on the Water Dragon—in that direction. Didn't you see them?"
Billman: "..."
He had indeed spotted something strange flying in the distant sky earlier, but it was too far to make out clearly.
So... that was the escaping Straw Hat Pirates?
"Move out, follow me!" Billman ordered.
"Roger!"
Meanwhile, in Galette's area.
"You're saying Meiser might provoke a Marine Admiral?" Galette frowned.
"Yes."
"Big Bro Ninja told you to leave immediately," Loll reported.
"Where are they now?"
"When I left, they were at Grove 1, but now... I'm not sure."
Galette fell silent, then nodded. "Alright, I understand. You may go."
"Right."
Loll exhaled in relief—his mission was finally complete.
He just wondered if Big Bro Ninja's group had managed to rescue their targets yet.
Watching Loll leave, Galette's brow furrowed. "A Marine Admiral might appear, huh..."
Just rescuing someone—surely they wouldn't attack a Celestial Dragon over it.
But... the Straw Hat Pirates dared to storm Enies Lobby. They might actually do something like that.
Worry flashed in Galette's eyes.
"No, I need to check this myself."
Without hesitation, she stood and sprinted into the distance.
On the main battlefield, Katakuri had already taken down Kid and the others.
"So... strong..."
The flame-spewing man lay on the ground, staring hopelessly at Katakuri.
This man was too powerful—even their combined attacks couldn't land a single effective hit.
It was as if he was invincible, effortlessly dodging every strike.
If not for the captain and Killer taking the brunt of the attacks... I'd probably be...
"Still conscious?"
Katakuri glanced at the opponent but didn't pay much attention, not even feeling the urge to finish them off.
After all, they were just a bunch of small fry.
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi in Katakuri's pocket suddenly rang.
"Puru puru puru~"
"Puru puru puru~"
"Puru puru puru~"
"Kacha~"
"Hello?"
"Is this Lord Katakuri?!"
"It's me," Katakuri replied. "What's the matter? Why so panicked?"
Seeing the expression on the Den Den Mushi, Katakuri instinctively furrowed his brows. What could possibly have them so flustered?
Just then, Katakuri noticed a Flying Fish Motorbike soaring through the air in the distance.
"Isn't that... the guy who took Meiser away earlier?"
What was he doing here?
"Lord Katakuri, something terrible has happened," the subordinate said. "The Straw Hat Pirates killed a Celestial Dragon. Soon, a Marine Admiral will come to hunt them down. Should we retreat now as well?"
"The Straw Hat Pirates killed a Celestial Dragon?"
Katakuri was stunned. Had those guys really gone and slaughtered a Celestial Dragon?
At that moment, Katakuri recalled the face of that Three-Sword Style Swordsman.
That guy... would definitely dare to cut down a Celestial Dragon.
If not for that woman stopping him, the Celestial Dragon would have died.
"Lord Katakuri?"
"Where did you get this information? Is it accurate?"
"Many people escaped from Auction House No. 1. The news came from their mouths."
"Seriously..."
Katakuri rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Though Celestial Dragons were easy to kill, dealing with the Marine Admiral that would follow was another matter entirely.
"Prepare the ship for departure. We'll set sail as soon as we return," Katakuri ordered.
He wasn't afraid of a Marine Admiral, but it was best to avoid trouble during such a sensitive time.
As for Meiser...
Forget it. He'd just take him by force. Katakuri thought to himself.
No matter what, this was the man Galette had chosen as her husband—his future brother-in-law. He couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
"Understood!"
After ending the call, Katakuri tucked the Den Den Mushi back into his pocket and turned to head toward his sister's location.
But when he returned to where he'd left her, he immediately fell silent.
Because... his sister was gone!
"Galette?!"
"Galette!!"
Katakuri's voice echoed through the area, but there was no response—as if she had vanished into thin air.
"Don't tell me..."
Katakuri's expression suddenly darkened. Had his sister heard about the Straw Hat Pirates and gone off to find Meiser on her own?
That foolish little sister! She should've at least waited for him!
If she ran into a Marine Admiral, there was no guarantee they'd recognize Galette!
Thinking this, Katakuri immediately dashed toward the bridge on the side.
Coincidentally... he and Galette had gone in opposite directions.
A short while later, the fire-breathing man regained some mobility and struggled to his feet. "Anyone still able to move?"
"Y-yeah..."
A few trembling figures slowly stood up—all survivors who had been protected by their captain.
Though their injuries were severe, now was not the time to dwell on such matters.
"That guy's words just now—you all heard them too," the flame-spewing man said. "We need to get out of here immediately."
"Let's go! We'll talk more once we're back on the ship!"
"Right!"
The group moved swiftly, carrying their crewmates on their shoulders as they trudged step by step toward the shore.
Fortunately... the distance to their pirate ship wasn't far.
Yet when they finally reached the coastline, despair instantly gripped them.
Because... their ship was on fire!!
"Our ship!!"
"Bastards! Who the hell did this?!"
"Hmm?"
Akainu, standing by the shore, turned his cold gaze toward them. "Is this your ship?"
In other words... these men were pirates!
"Admiral Akainu, they're the Kid Pirates from the South Blue," the adjutant reported dutifully. "Captain Kid—bounty 315 million Berries."
"First Mate Killer—bounty 162 million Berries. They're this year's Supernova pirates."
"Supernovas, huh..."
Akainu nodded, his expression icy, before vanishing on the spot.
The next moment, he reappeared directly above Kid and his crew.
Clearly, Akainu had no intention of taking prisoners!
"Great Eruption!!"
Activating his Devil Fruit powers, a massive magma fist formed in the air and came crashing down mercilessly upon Kid and the others!!
From the very first move, it was a killing blow—no hesitation, no mercy!
"Damn it!!!"
The flame-spewing man's eyes burned with frustration. They had been so close—just a little further, and they could've escaped on their ship. Yet now... now they had crossed paths with Marine Admiral Akainu!
The heavens were unfair!!
BOOM!!
The magma fist descended, engulfing the entire Kid Pirates and reducing them to ashes in an instant.
And just like that... the Kid Pirates were wiped out.
At that moment, a Marine rushed over. "Apologies, Admiral Akainu."
"We've lost track of Moria."
"Hmph. Understood."
Akainu replied, "Moria can wait. Right now, capturing the Straw Hat Pirates takes priority."
"We're not pursuing Moria anymore?"
"That's the World Government's order!!"
Watching as the stone-faced admiral strode ahead, the Marine hesitated.
Why did he get the feeling... his superior wasn't in the best mood?
"Enough dawdling. Move out," the adjutant said, patting him on the shoulder. "We'll catch Moria sooner or later."
"Understood!"
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