Zoro sensed a slash hurtling toward him and rolled aside just in time. The green-and-white arc cut the air, slicing past his nose and scattering seaweed across the deck.
A voice laughed from the spray, "Hahaha, interesting! As befits the chief swordsman of Rolan's crew, your reflexes are sharp."
Zoro turned toward the voice and saw a square‑nosed man in a baseball cap wielding twin blades—he recognized him as CP9 agent Kaku, charging forward.
Zoro's lips curved into a cold grin, "Sneak attacks aren't the style of a real swordsman."
Kaku sneered, brandishing his blades, "I am CP9, a Special Agent of the World Government, on a righteous mission. Chivalry means nothing dealing with pirates."
Zoro's gaze swept the crowd surging toward them — a trap, no doubt. From Rolan's earlier tone he knew the main enemy force had yet to arrive. So he didn't plan to waste time on this lackey.
He drew his sword, Wado‑Ichimonji, stance firm. A thunderous strike cracked the deck.
"One Sword Style: Lion's Song."
In an instant Zoro appeared behind Kaku. A crimson slit opened along Kaku's chest. Blood spurted, and the agent collapsed silently.
Zoro didn't look back. He wiped his sword clean and muttered, "Maybe pick a better profession next life. CP9 isn't for you."
He darted into the chaos.
---
Nearby, Crocodile confronted the werewolf‑faced Jabra. Jabra hesitated, recognizing his rival — the former government agent turned pirate.
"You, once in service to the World Government, now stoop to pirate trash?" Jabra snarled.
Crocodile's eyes glinted coldly. "What's the point of serving scum when you can build your own world?"
Shock flashed across Jabra's face. He clenched his claws, but Crocodile acted first. Golden sand whirled around his hand, charged with Haki.
"Sandstorm."
The sand transformed into razor‑sharp blades midair, ripping Jabra's flesh.
"Sandstorm Funeral."
With one final squeeze of his hand, Crocodile collapsed the storm around Jabra. Blood sprayed.
Elsewhere, on the ground scorched black, the crushed form of Kalifa lay motionless. Another agent, Kumadori, burned to a crisp nearby. Blueno had already been removed from the roster after his last defeat.
Except for Lucci and Spandam, all CP9 operatives were down.
Meanwhile, on the Judicial Tower platform, Rolan stood beside Franky and Robin. In his perception, eerie electromagnetic ripples — enemy reinforcements — raced toward the Gate of Justice beyond them.
"Found them!" Franky barked, urgency in his voice. "Iceburg? Then what are we waiting for? Let's move!"
Rolan nodded. He guided Franky and Robin onto the Bridge of Hesitation.
Franky scanned the hall, panic rising, "Where's Iceburg? Why isn't he here?"
Rolan held up a finger, silent. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the entrance halls.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Three figures emerged. Franky lunged forward shouting, "Iceburg! I came to rescue you!"
Before he could reach them, Spandam appeared first, sword drawn. Behind him, Lucci dragged a bound figure — Iceburg — rag gagged against his mouth.
Franky's eyes went wide as anger surged.
"Strong Right!" he roared. His fist smashed into Lucci, knocking him backward.
Lucci coughed, spat out blood and tossed Iceburg aside. He looked at the shining, muscular man before him, scorn in his voice, "Who are you?"
Franky lowered himself, catching Iceburg before he hit the ground. "Iceburg, don't you dare die." He placed him gently. Iceburg's eyes, glassy, flickered with recognition.
Then Franky turned toward Lucci, flexing his metallic frame. "You don't remember me? Guess my upgrades are too much."
Lucci's eyes widened in horror. "Franky? Impossible! How did you become this strong?"
Franky shrugged, combing his hair casually. "Memory alloy body, Sea‑Stone reinforced fists. That's the upgrade."
Lucci turned pale, realization dawning. The punch earlier had nearly shattered him.
"I don't care what's in you," Lucci spat. "Just give me the Pluton blueprints and we're done."
With a blur, he vanished, reappearing in front of Franky. "Soru — Finger Pistol!" His clawed paw clawed toward Franky's chest.
But the blow met only metal. No blood. No scream. Just the dull clang of impact. The hole he made melted away, as if the metal had never been pierced.
Lucci's eyes bulged. Franky grinned.
"You don't know half of what I am." Then he punched.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A storm of fists, force and speed unleashed. The clash rang like thunder through the tower's halls. Neither side giving ground.
---
Rolan approached Iceburg swiftly. He cut the ropes binding him and removed the rag from his mouth. Then he popped a senzu bean into Iceburg's mouth.
Gulp. Iceburg coughed, eyes fluttering, as the bean worked its magic. He gasped, "Rolan, run! This is a trap by the World Government! They're calling a Buster Call! An Admiral might join."
Rolan's jaw tightened slightly, voice flat. "An Admiral, huh? Interesting. But you don't have to worry, my crew is here."
Iceburg's eyes flicked up. "They're serious this time. They want to wipe you out. Leave while you still can."
Rolan looked down at him, expression unreadable. He stood, shoulders broad, eyes cold with resolve. "No. Ion doesn't run away from threats. We either finish this now, or die trying."
His words hung in the air. Iceburg's eyes widened.
Within the Tower of Justice, as steel clashed and cries echoed, Rolan turned and raised his arm. The crew outside confronted waves of agents.