A sharp chirp rang out across the sky.
Sasaki and Fuzifu, recognizing the sound, let out a sigh of relief. If Kizaru appeared, the consequences of a direct clash could be severe. The harsh words they had exchanged earlier were only meant to save face. With King's support now present, their confidence swelled.
"Reinforcements," Kizaru muttered, his expression darkening.
"Saint Roswald, their support is arriving! I cannot ensure your safety alone, we must retreat first, or danger will overwhelm you," Kizaru said carefully, implying that they should fall back until aid arrived.
But Celestial Dragons were proud and arrogant. Kizaru's caution only fueled Saint Roswald's stubbornness.
"No need! I'll stay. I want to see if these pirates truly dare to kill a Celestial Dragon. Besides, you're here, so I feel reassured. I've also heard of your strength," Saint Roswald said confidently, waving his hand.
Kizaru's thoughts screamed in frustration. If this fool falls now, it's already too late. The New World is no place for pride. Even an admiral can die here.
Above, the chirping grew louder. Dark shapes approached, expanding against the horizon.
Hum!
A gust of hot wind signaled a transformation. King returned to human form, landing beside Sasaki and Fuzifu.
"Kizaru?" King asked coldly.
"Do you understand what it means to trespass in the territory of the Thunder Pirates?" His voice dripped with icy intent, far colder than the earlier intimidation from Sasaki and Fuzifu.
"Oh! The tone is so cold! I want to retreat!" Kizaru said helplessly.
"I'll contact Marshal Sengoku for instructions!" he added, panic creeping in.
"Three minutes! Otherwise, don't blame us for being impolite!" King's words were succinct but carried unshakable confidence.
"Who are you? A subordinate of that untouchable Kaito?" Saint Roswald asked, pride radiating.
"Ants! Begone! Or be crushed!" King's voice was sharp and cold.
"What did you say? Dare you speak to me like that? Do you know who I am?" Saint Roswald's expression twisted with rage.
"Noisy! Looking for death!" King's reputation as one of the three disasters was well-earned. He admired the strong but had no patience for the weak, especially ants like Saint Roswald.
Celestial Dragons? In the New World, strength mattered, identity did not. Hearing Saint Roswald's cries, King leaped into action. His body shot skyward, feet aflame with power like falling meteors, aiming directly at Saint Roswald.
A deafening roar followed. The air shuddered as King's coercion intensified, pressing down like mud on the battlefield.
Kizaru, still on the phone, watched in alarm. Golden light swirled around him as a radiant long sword materialized in his hand. He flashed in front of Saint Roswald, blocking King's strike, but the force of the attack sent a shockwave through the surroundings.
King scowled. "Kizaru, what is the meaning of this? Do you really intend to fight?"
"Of course not! These are Celestial Dragons—I must protect them," Kizaru replied, sweat forming on his brow.
Behind him, fear flashed in Saint Roswald's eyes. He staggered, a dark stain appearing on his trousers. Pale face, fool! Untouchables, and you dare defy Kaito? Kizaru, deal with him! Kill him! Saint Roswald's panicked thoughts painted him as desperate.
Kizaru's face darkened further. Couldn't they just stay quiet? Didn't they realize the danger?
"Hey hey! What's wrong, Kizaru? Why the commotion?" Sengoku's commanding voice echoed from the phone bug.
Hearing the voice, Saint Roswald scrambled to grab the phone bug. "Sengoku! I am Saint Roswald! I'm under attack and near death! Send Marines immediately or I will die!"
In the office, Sengoku stiffened. "Saint Roswald, didn't I assign Kizaru to protect you?"
"Kizaru is facing the enemy and cannot handle them alone! What about the admiral?" Saint Roswald yelled.
Sengoku paused. "Marshal Sengoku! Kaito has already sent someone here! Even Kaito may arrive himself. I want to retreat, but Saint Roswald refuses. What special measures should we take?"
From the phone bug, Kizaru's voice rang out, strained but clear.
"Yes, allow it. The priority is Saint Roswald's safety. Remove him from Kaito's territory and return him to our base," Sengoku ordered, his words firm.
Before Kizaru could finish, a familiar voice broke through the static.
"Yo, Kizaru! We've known each other a long time. What do you think we should do today? Are you sure you want to fight us?"
Falling from the sky, Kaito's figure loomed, expression indifferent.
"We only came to observe. Let's leave now! Understand?" Kizaru said coldly, gesturing to Saint Roswald nearby.
"Tf you mean leave?, You can leave but the fatso stays". Kaito said.
"Impossible! I am here to protect him! I won't hand him over," Kizaru refused.
Kaito smiled lightly. "Be clear. I am not negotiating. Understood?"
Saint Roswald, witnessing the fearsome presence of Kaito, realized no matter what he ordered, even Kizaru might not be strong enough to oppose him.