Watching the arrogant smile on Meiser's face, Kizaru remarked, "Brat..."
"Don't underestimate a Marine Admiral!"
As he spoke, Kizaru raised his hand, creating a shimmering mirror and aiming it at the shrinking gap high above.
"You think... this can really trap me?"
"I am light!"
"Whoosh~"
Kizaru's body transformed into light, instantly reaching the gap and bursting out of the massive water sphere just before it closed completely.
"Tch..."
Seeing Kizaru escape, Meiser clicked his tongue. "Not so easy after all, huh."
Light-based abilities... truly are troublesome.
The next moment, the water curtain fully merged, forming an enormous spherical prison.
"BOOM!!"
Seawater rapidly filled the interior, creating a vast aquatic domain.
"Water Release: Playful Fish Dance!"
Covered in a special membrane, Meiser floated leisurely at the center of the watery sphere. Then, he flipped Kizaru the bird.
"Hmm?"
Observing the taunt, Kizaru scratched his head. "What a childish provocation."
Glancing down at the aquatic prison, he added, "If Akainu were here, this guy might've actually been trapped inside."
Though that hothead could've blasted through with magma, the enemy's Water Release might've counterattacked first.
Of course, escaping underground would've been viable too—after all, magma can melt through terrain.
But then again... he might've ended up sealed inside the water sphere.
In that case... death would've been likely.
At this thought, Kizaru felt relieved he was the one fighting the Blood-Eyed Ninja. Sakazuki might've actually struggled here.
Suddenly, distant explosions echoed through the air.
"BOOM!!"
"BOOM!!"
"BOOM!!"
"Hmm?"
Turning toward the sound, Kizaru spotted Pacifista's Light Waves in the distance.
"I see... so they got intercepted by Pacifistas."
Perhaps Sakazuki wouldn't even be needed to eliminate them.
Just then, a razor-thin high-pressure water jet shot up from below at blinding speed.
"Ooh~"
"Scary~"
Using Observation Haki to detect the attack, Kizaru backflipped to dodge before transforming into light and ascending higher, evading the laterally tracking water beam.
"Tch, damn fast."
Retracting his Ninjutsu, Meiser mused underwater: 'Dealing effective damage to an Admiral really isn't easy...'
No matter. His mission was simply to stall them here. Killing wasn't mandatory.
After all... as long as he remained in this aquatic fortress, Kizaru—a Devil Fruit user—couldn't possibly dive in to attack him.
At this thought, Meiser suddenly grinned.
"Your attack is over, now it's my turn~" Kizaru raised his hands, aiming at the water below, and declared, "Double Laser Beam!"
Two terrifying lasers shot from Kizaru's hands, heading straight for Meiser below!!
"Water Release: Water Instantaneous Body Technique!"
"Whoosh~"
As if teleporting, Meiser instantly vanished from his original position, dodging the two laser attacks.
This scene left Kizaru momentarily stunned.
"A speed comparable to teleportation?"
This discovery puzzled Kizaru greatly. Why did the opponent also possess such speed?
And... if he had this kind of speed, why hadn't he shown it earlier?
Or perhaps... this teleportation-like movement ability could only be unleashed in water?
Recalling the intel on his opponent, Kizaru stroked his chin and mused, "Did I overlook something...?
Or did Aokiji and the others forget to include this in their report?
Alternatively, maybe he didn't display this ability during the Enies Lobby incident?"
While pondering, Kizaru dodged Meiser's Water Release attacks and moved to a position directly above the side.
"Though I'm not sure if your ability relies on water to activate..." Kizaru raised his hands and said, "If I eliminate your water zone, I'll get my answer."
"Yasakani Sacred Jewel!!"
"Rat-tat-tat-tat!"
Like a Gatling gun, countless laser orbs shot from Kizaru's hands, raining down on the massive water zone below!
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
Innumerable attacks relentlessly bombarded Meiser's water zone, forcing him to evade continuously.
"Such terrifying attack frequency..." Meiser thought to himself. 'Is this the power of a Marine Admiral...?'
If not for his teleportation-like speed in water, he wouldn't have been able to avoid such a dense barrage of lasers. Glancing up at Kizaru's expression in the sky, Meiser frowned.
"This guy... why does he seem so relaxed...?
Tch, how irritating."
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
The laser attacks continued unabated, blasting massive craters into the water's surface, but...
The surrounding seawater quickly filled the gaps, sealing them again.
"Heh, quite an interesting Water Release Technique."
If that's the case, capturing him alive through the water zone wouldn't be easy.
Then... he'd just have to evaporate the entire water zone!!
With this in mind, Kizaru increased his attack frequency.
"Zzzzt~"
As Kizaru's attacks intensified, the seawater began evaporating on a large scale!
Meiser immediately noticed this change.
"Could it be... this was his goal all along?!"
Turning to look at the water zone, now disconnected from the distant sea, Meiser instantly understood Kizaru's plan.
This guy intended to use the high-temperature lasers to evaporate his water zone!!
Hmph, fine. At least this meant he wouldn't abandon the fight to chase after Luffy and the others.
Now... it all depends on how long we can stall for time!
Meanwhile, in another area near Grove 12, Luffy and the others were engaged in battle with two Pacifistas.
"Damn it, are these bastards only targeting our Straw Hat Pirates?!" Usopp said frantically. "Why are there two more Pacifistas appearing out of nowhere?!"
If he remembered correctly, there were twelve Supernovas on this island—all with bounties over a hundred million berries.
Could it be that the Marines weren't interested in those guys at all?!
Were they really only chasing after the Straw Hat Pirates?
"Stop complaining," Franky said as he was slapped back. "We killed three Celestial Dragons—isn't this kind of treatment to be expected?!"
After all... no one had ever heard of anyone daring to kill a Celestial Dragon before!!
Not to mention two Pacifistas—even if two Marine Admirals showed up, he wouldn't be surprised!!
Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Franky charged forward again.
"Strong Right Hand!!"
"Bam!!"
With a single strike, he sent the Pacifista stumbling back.
"We can't waste the escape time Meiser fought so hard to buy for us!!"
"Devil Wind Leg!"
Sanji, his right foot glowing red, rushed toward the Pacifista and shouted, "Go to hell, you bastard!"
"Ultimate Iron Plate Grill!!"
"Boom!!"
His scorching-hot dress shoe slammed into the Pacifista, sending it flying.
"Whoosh~"
"Crash!!"
It smashed straight through a massive boulder!!
"Haah... haah..."
Sanji landed on the ground, panting heavily. "Now you know what I'm capable of, you bastard!!"
"Sanji, go help Luffy and Zoro!" Franky ordered. "We'll hold this guy off."
Seeing Sanji hesitate, Franky quickly added, "Scattered attacks won't kill it. The three of you need to focus on taking down one Pacifista first—that's the only way to deal with them quickly."
"Then we can turn around and handle this one. Got it?!"
Franki understood the principle—injuring ten fingers wasn't as effective as cutting off one.
They didn't have much time to waste, so... they had to eliminate the enemies quickly!
Once these two were dealt with, they could head to Grove 13 to find that woman named Shakky.
"Got it. I understand."
Sanji was decisive. Once he confirmed the plan, he immediately rushed toward Luffy and the others without hesitation.
"Alright, now... it's our turn."
Watching the Pacifista slowly stand back up, Franky said coldly, "You guys, stay sharp!"
"Right!!"
Chopper didn't hesitate—he immediately transformed into his muscular form, his eyes locked onto the approaching Pacifista.
"I wonder how Meiser is doing over there," Nami said worriedly.
"Meiser's strong. That fat guy shouldn't be a match for him," Franky reassured her. "Don't forget, he's a man who can fight a Marine Admiral!"
"Even so, but—"
Before Nami could finish, Usopp suddenly gasped in shock.
"W-what the hell is that?!"
"What's wrong?"
Upon hearing this, the group immediately turned to look at Usopp, only to find him staring intently at the distant sky through his specialized telescope.
Following his line of sight, they could barely make out a faint flicker of yellow light in the distance.
"I can see the massive body of water Meiser created, but above it, there's something glowing that's continuously attacking downward," Usopp said. "It looks like someone is firing lasers."
At these words, everyone's expressions darkened instantly.
"Lasers... If I recall correctly, Meiser mentioned that Kizaru's ability is light..." Franky said. "Could it be that Meiser is fighting a Marine Admiral right now?"
Hearing Franky's words, the others' faces grew even grimmer.
"No time to waste," Nami declared. "Quick, take this thing down as fast as possible!"
The longer they delayed here, the more danger Meiser would be in!!
Only after they successfully reached their destination could they summon Meiser back and fully resolve this crisis!
As for summoning Meiser back prematurely... Nami dismissed the thought.
After all, there was a Marine Admiral over there!!
If they summoned Meiser now, that Marine Admiral might follow him here—especially since... the commotion on their end was pretty loud too!
If a Marine Admiral showed up here, Meiser would have to split his focus to protect them, making the situation even more perilous!
With this in mind, Nami swiftly used her Clima-Tact to create a cumulonimbus cloud, intending to strike down the Pacifista with a lightning attack.
"Buy me some time!"
"Got it!"
Franky and the others immediately understood Nami's plan and charged at the Pacifista without hesitation!
"Arm Strength Enhancement: Hoof Carving Cross!"
"Clang!"
"Certain Kill: Gunpowder Star!"
"Boom!!"
"Weapon Left Hand!"
"Boom!!"
"Nocturne · Direct Pierce!"
"Clang~"
"Twelve Wheels Bloom, Hook Claw!"
They mercilessly assaulted the Pacifista's body, each strike delivered with their full strength. Unfortunately, the damage they inflicted remained limited.
But fortunately... they managed to stall the Pacifista!
Meanwhile, Sanji, upon reaching the Pacifista, didn't hesitate to deliver a powerful kick!
"Ultimate Iron Grill!"
"Boom!!"
The sheer force of the blow sent the Pacifista flying straight toward Zoro.
"Perfect timing!"
Zoro's expression hardened as he unleashed his full aura!!
"Demon Spirit: Nine Sword Style!!"
"Boom!!"
An overwhelmingly terrifying presence radiated from him, creating the illusion that Zoro had three heads and six arms!!
Watching the approaching Pacifista, Zoro coldly declared, "Asura Karma Fire can burn away all the sins of this world!"
"Asura: Karma Fire Dance!"
"Whoosh~"
"Thud!!"
A devastating slash struck the Pacifista, carving a deep gash into its body.
"Zzzzt~"
The Pacifista's body shuddered violently, as if on the verge of short-circuiting.
But soon, it straightened up again and raised its arm toward Zoro.
"Whoosh~"
"Wha—...?!"
Watching the opponent's palm grow increasingly brighter, Zoro's pupils instantly contracted.
"Even after being slashed by my Demon Spirit: Nine Sword Style, it can recover its mobility this quickly... This guy's defense is terrifying!"
After taking a swig of alcohol, Zoro swiftly leaped to the side.
The next moment...
"BOOM!!"
An earth-shattering explosion erupted, blasting a massive crater into the ground where Zoro had just stood!
From his perch on a tree, Luffy witnessed this without hesitation and immediately bit into his fingers to inflate them.
"Gear Third!"
"Hum~"
In an instant, Luffy's arm swelled to enormous proportions, resembling that of a Giant Race!
Without pause, Luffy leaped from the air, aiming a punch straight at the Pacifista's head!
"Rubber Giant Pistol!!"
"BAM!!"
The devastating punch struck the Pacifista, distorting its head before slamming it into the ground.
"BOOM!!"
The impact created a massive pit, with the Pacifista lying motionless inside, its body twitching uncontrollably as sparks of short-circuiting erupted.
"Zzzzt... 3... Zzzzt..."
Finally, the Pacifista ceased all movement.
"That bastard's finally dead..." Zoro panted heavily.
To take down this damned thing, they had gone all out from the start, yet it still took them forever to finish it off.
"We don't have time to rest—let's go help Nami and the others!" Sanji said weakly, swaying on his feet.
"Right!"
Both Zoro and Luffy knew there was no time to catch their breath. After a quick gasp for air, they immediately dashed toward Nami's location.
Luffy, still in Gear Third, dragged his enormous arm behind him as he charged forward.
"Zzzzt~"
"BOOM!!"
In the distance, thunder roared across the sky before a powerful strike hit another Pacifista, sending its body into convulsions.
"Perfect opening!!"
Franky's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he raised both arms and aimed at the Pacifista. "I'm gonna blast this guy with the power of three colas!"
"Maximum Wheel: Wind Coming Cannon!!"
"BOOM!!"
A devastating air cannon struck the Pacifista square in the head, sending it flying.
"Whoosh~"
"BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!"
Only after smashing through three trees did it finally come to a stop.
"Zzzzt..."
The Pacifista, now crackling with electricity, trembled uncontrollably, unable to get back up.
Seeing this, the Straw Hat Pirates collectively sighed in relief.
Even if they weren't sure whether it was truly defeated, at the very least... it wasn't moving anymore!
"Did we get it?"
Luffy and the other two, having rushed back, finally relaxed.
"Huff... Huff..."
After expelling the excess air from his body, Luffy reverted from Gear Third, shrinking down to his tiny form—smaller even than Merry.
The sight made Merry burst into laughter.
"Tiny Luffy, so cute~"
"Haha, just a side effect after using Gear Third," Luffy chuckled, scratching his head.
"Finally took care of these two bastards. Let's hurry to Shakky's Rip-off Bar at Grove 13," Usopp said.
Once they reached their destination, they'd be completely safe.
"Let's rest... just for a bit..."
"Who has time to rest now?" Zoro panted. "We'll rest when we get there!!"
Stopping to rest here would be no different from suicide.
So... they had to keep moving.
Just then, the Pacifista that should have been lying defeated slowly rose again.
"Dammit! That thing's still alive?!" Usopp screamed in frustration.
"This isn't working."
Sanji took a drag from his cigarette, forcing himself to calm down before speaking. "Luffy, the three of us will distract that thing and find a way to finish it off."
"As for Nami and the others... get to that place now!!"
"Got it!"
Little Luffy agreed without hesitation, not even considering the danger he might face.
After all... as captain, he was prepared to be the last line of defense.
"Move out!"
Seeing the Pacifista charging back, Zoro and Sanji rushed forward without hesitation, leaving a troubled little Luffy behind.
There was no helping it—he still needed a few more seconds to grow back to normal size.
After taking a deep breath, Luffy turned to Nami and the others. "Nami, you guys go ahead!"
Meeting Luffy's determined gaze, Nami paused briefly before decisively carrying Merry and running off into the distance.
"Luffy, you idiots better survive this!" Usopp shouted.
"Right!"
Watching his crewmates leave, Luffy's expression relaxed momentarily before tensing up again.
Because... he was back to full size now!
"Second Gear!"
Activating Second Gear instantly, Luffy charged forward without hesitation.
But just as he punched the Pacifista away, screams erupted from Usopp's direction.
"Huh?"
When Luffy and the others turned to look, they immediately understood why.
Another Pacifista had appeared right in front of Nami's group!!
"No... that's not right!!" Zoro's pupils shrank as he spotted the book in the figure's hand. "That's the real deal!!"
"It's Bartholomew Kuma—the Paw-Paw Fruit user!!"
"Wha...?!"
Sanji's eyes widened, his cigarette falling uncontrollably from his mouth.
After such a grueling battle... they were now facing an actual Royal Seven Warlord of the Sea? That unbeatable Paw-Paw Fruit wielder?!
"Huff..."
Slowly removing his left glove, Kuma looked down at Franky and asked, "If you were to travel, where would you like to go?"
"Huh?"
Franky blinked, momentarily confused by the question.
The next instant—
"Poof~"
With a light touch from Kuma, Franky vanished on the spot.
The Straw Hat Pirates froze in shock.
Their crewmate had just... disappeared before their eyes?!
"FRANKY!!!"
"Bastard! What did you just do?!"
The furious Luffy roared as he charged forward, delivering a powerful punch the moment he got close.
"Bam~"
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