Kizaru went after the Straw Hat crew, but the Pacifista didn't retreat. Alone, it faced off against three captains, proving incredibly formidable.
"Arghhh!!!"
The Strange Monk had his shoulder pierced by a laser, Drake was shot through the kidney, and Hawkins fared slightly better—so long as his voodoo straw dolls held out, he wouldn't get hurt.
The battle was a complete mess.
"Gu Jiang, they're so weak!"
"Don't underestimate the rookies."
Even Gurd was struggling to keep a straight face.
They were all Supernovas, yet the Straw Hat crew could solo a Pacifista, while Kid and Law had also performed impressively.
But these Supernovas, fighting together, were getting their asses handed to them.
How embarrassing.
"Da-da-da-da, doo-doo-doo!"
Just as the three were about to collapse, Apoo finally started his performance, launching an unavoidable attack that gave the Pacifista a good "massage."
The Pacifista raised its hand.
"Biu!"
"Waaah!!!"
Flames erupted into the sky. The sheer force of the explosion sent Apoo and his subordinates flying face-first into the dirt.
The four captains had assembled!
"This thing's body is way too tough!"
"Does anyone have a powerful attack? Use it now!"
"If this keeps up, we're all dead."
"Don't worry, none of us are fated to die today."
"Is that supposed to comfort us?"
Sweat dripped down the four captains' faces as they faced the Pacifista. Its attacks were simple, but devastating.
A single Laser Beam hit would mean either death or severe injury!
At least Kizaru had left.
But there was still another dangerous figure lurking—who knew what they were thinking?
"Let's take this thing down first!"
"No holding back!"
"Charge together!"
In this critical moment, the four captains coordinated their attacks—though their shouts were loud, their actual strikes were half-hearted.
They still needed energy to run!
"BOOM!!!"
Another Laser Beam exploded, sending all four flying with agonized screams.
"These idiots."
Gurd's face darkened.
The Pacifista was strong, but if the four captains had gone all out, they could've defeated it.
Instead, they were too busy watching each other, waiting for someone else to do the heavy lifting—especially Apoo, who yelled the loudest but barely scratched the Pacifista.
Thinking about how these guys would later become part of the Beasts Pirates made Gurd sigh. Then again, most of the Beasts' executives weren't reliable either.
"Ulti, take out the Pacifista."
"Leave it to me!"
Ulti leaped into the air, her body bending like a drawn bow as she shot toward the Pacifista.
"Ulti Headbutt!"
"CRACK!!!"
A direct hit between the eyes!
The Pacifista's head deformed, sparks of electricity bursting out before it short-circuited and exploded, collapsing stiffly to the ground.
"What?!"
The four captains were stunned.
How was this possible?!
The monster that had pushed them to their limits had been taken down in a single strike!
"That's Ulti, one of the Beasts' executives!"
"She just one-shot a Warlord of the Sea!"
"A Warlord?!"
Ulti glared at them, stepping on the wrecked Pacifista as she scolded, "You useless rookies! Can't you tell this thing's just a copy? It's nowhere near as strong as the real Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"Morons! Idiots! Dumbasses! Imbeciles!"
The four captains' faces darkened.
Hey, they'd tried their best!
And this terrifying thing was just a replica?!
"Everyone, come over! Gu Jiang wants to see you!"
Ulti snorted coldly and returned to the rooftop.
The four exchanged glances and silently followed.
Apoo secretly slowed his pace, turning to make his escape.
However, Page One blocked his path.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Eh?!"
Apoo's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock. This guy had just been upstairs—when did he get behind them?!
A short while later.
Gurd looked at the four Supernovas and spoke in a calm tone: "If you can't make it in the New World, you can come to Wano Country and join our Beasts Pirates."
"Understood?"
"Understood!"
The four were drenched in sweat.
Just looking at him made their bodies stiffen with fear.
How could they dare refuse?
"By the way."
Gurd took out business cards and handed them to the group: "The New World is full of dangers, but every island has an absolutely safe Fortuna Community. You can buy property there as security—show my card for a discount."
"Huh?!"
The four stared at Gurd's business card, speechless for a long moment.
Groudon Company—Chairman?!
And... buying property?
They were rootless pirates who never stayed long on any island. Even if they bought property, they'd never use it.
This made no sense at all!
Gurd's gaze was profound.
"You'll understand soon enough."
"..."
The four exchanged glances.
"Thank you, Mr. Gurd!"
Time to get out of here!
Watching the four Supernovas flee in disarray, Ulti asked in confusion: "Gu Jiang, you're just letting them go like that?"
"It's fine."
Gurd waved his hand with a smile.
Once the Whitebeard Pirates are defeated, only two of the Four Emperors will remain. Then the entire New World will be his—where could these rookies possibly go?
When these arrogant newcomers witness the terrifying, omnipresent influence of the Beasts, unless they're content being small-time pirates, they'll have no choice but to join him.
They had no other options.
That earlier conversation was just to plant the idea and weaken their resistance to joining the Beasts.
"Let's go—more properties to buy!"
After this chaos, property prices on Sabaody would drop significantly again.
Meanwhile, on Grove 12.
The Straw Hat crew had fought with all their might and finally defeated the Pacifista. But the appearance of Sentomaru and new Pacifistas plunged them into despair.
Kizaru. Rayleigh. Kuma.
The three arrived one after another.
"Ama-no-Murakumo Sword!"
Kizaru drew his light sword, his eyes behind the lenses clearly irritated.
"I've had enough frustration today. If pirates delay me further, I'll truly have no face left!"
"Ran into Gurd, did you?"
Rayleigh smirked.
The only person on this island who could make Kizaru wary was Gurd. Judging by his words, he'd clearly had an unpleasant encounter.
Their swords clashed in a fiery duel!
Nearby, Kuma appeared.
"Pop!"
One by one, the Straw Hat crew members were sent flying.
This scene infuriated Kizaru and Sentomaru. Knowing Kuma's abilities well, they understood he was helping the Straw Hats escape.
But they couldn't spare the effort to stop him.
Nor would it be easy.
They knew Kuma's strength all too well.
By now, the Straw Hats were completely exhausted. Against Kuma's approach, they couldn't muster any resistance.
"Damn it!"
Sanji tried to stop Kuma, but his legs wouldn't obey. The earlier battle had pushed his body to its limits.
Facing Kuma's incoming palm, Sanji could only watch helplessly.
At that moment, a pink light shot from the distance, saving Sanji at the very last second.
"That's the scent of a woman!"
Sanji's heart nearly leaped out of his chest upon realizing he'd been rescued. But when he saw the woman's face and those distinctive curly eyebrows, he froze in shock.
"Why are you here?"
"Long time no see, Sanji."
Reiju winked at him.
Kuma stared at Reiju, clearly surprised and confused by her sudden appearance and intervention.
"You're from Germa 66, aren't you? Why save Black Leg?"
"Sorry, Kuma, but could you let me take this idiot away?"
Reiju curled her lips into a smile as her butterfly cape slowly unfurled behind her, clearly preparing for battle.
"He's my little brother!"
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