Lawless District.
Enel deftly sidestepped Bonney's kick, casually picking at his ear as he observed the panting woman before him, his eyebrows arching high.
The curves outlined by her pink bodysuit heaved with her rapid breathing, her tightly pressed lips glistening with sweat—like a bristling wildcat.
Definitely the fiery type Bahr would appreciate.
"Come with me," he repeated, his tone carrying the divine condescension of a god addressing mortals, as if this were the greatest concession he could offer.
Bonney's chest heaved even more violently with anger as she clenched her fists and spat, "Are you insane, you freak?!"
Enel clicked his tongue and took half a step back, deliberately avoiding Bonney's swinging fist while examining his pristine fingertips, muttering to himself.
If not for the risk of injuring this woman, a single bolt of lightning would've sufficed—why bother with all this trouble?
If Bahr found out he'd damaged the woman meant for him, there'd be endless nagging and reprimands.
Just as he considered summoning Ohm to bind her with Rope Cloud and save himself the hassle, his spine suddenly stiffened. A crushing pressure bore down from behind, like storm clouds blotting out the sky, suffocating and freezing the very air.
Enel whirled around, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
Behind him stood a towering man, his massive frame resembling an iron fortress, his shaggy bear-like fur gleaming dully in the dim light.
His expressionless gaze fixed on Enel, calm yet fathomless as a frozen abyss. The faint but unmistakable Haki radiating from him was a hundred times more oppressive than Bonney's feeble resistance—the true weight of a powerhouse capable of crushing souls.
"Who are you?" Enel instinctively tightened his grip on his golden staff, his knuckles whitening as sparks crackled in his palm.
Having ruled over Sky Island for so long, he hadn't tasted the bitterness of suppression in ages. It felt as if every pore in his body was clogged by an invisible force.
Bonney, still catching her breath, brightened the moment she recognized the bear-like man. Her earlier fury and wariness vanished instantly as she took two eager steps forward, her voice trembling imperceptibly: "Fa—"
The word died on her lips. She simply stared at the figure, her previously defiant eyes now brimming with unspoken grievance and reliance—like a lost child suddenly spotting their protector. Her tense shoulders relaxed unconsciously.
The man ignored Enel's question, his gaze sweeping over Bonney to confirm she was unharmed before settling back on Enel. Still, he remained silent, yet the oppressive silence thickened like an invisible net enveloping the entire alley.
Enel's cold sweat slid down his temples, his grip on the staff tightening further.
Just who the hell is this bastard?!
He could sense the man wasn't even releasing his Haki, yet his mere physical presence was enough to unsettle him—this kind of opponent was far more terrifying than those who relied on bluster.
.....
Marine Headquarters—Marineford.
The conference room reeked of tobacco and paper. Sengoku braced one hand on the table while pressing two fingers against his throbbing temple, his knuckles pale with tension.
"Another Celestial Dragon attack?" His voice simmered with suppressed fury. "We just received reports of some long-eared man assaulting Charloss Saint, and now, before we can even catch our breath, the Straw Hat Boy's crew has attacked Roswald Saint?"
"Y-yes, sir!" The messenger stiffened, his voice trembling slightly. "According to intel, aside from Straw Hat Luffy, the pirates Eustass Kid and his crew, as well as Trafalgar Law and his subordinates, were involved. The primary offender is Monkey D. Luffy, who harmed the Celestial Dragon. The guards at the human auction house—no, the 'Same Occupation Stability Center'—have lost contact. They're presumed wiped out. In short, Roswald Saint is currently being held hostage by them."
Sengoku slammed his palm onto the table, sending stacked documents scattering across the floor with a rustle.
"What the hell is happening to the world?" he roared. "Starting with that bastard Bahr, everyone's treating Celestial Dragons like target practice—and it's all from the same family! Just how much hatred does the Roswald family inspire?"
The messenger flinched, pressing his hands rigidly against his thighs and holding his breath as he watched the usually composed Fleet Admiral unravel. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
Sengoku took a deep breath, forcing his turbulent emotions under control as he straightened up, the fire in his eyes banked by military discipline. "Notify Borsalino."
"Yes, sir!" The soldier snapped to attention, posture impeccable.
"The situation with Roswald Saint is more urgent." Sengoku's fingers drummed an impatient rhythm on the table. "Have him deal with Straw Hat Luffy, Eustass Kid, and Trafalgar Law first. They must be apprehended swiftly, and Roswald Saint rescued."
"Understood! Mission will be accomplished!" The soldier saluted crisply and turned to leave, only to hesitate, shuffling his feet as if he had more to say.
Sengoku's brow furrowed, a bad premonition rising in his chest. "What else?" he demanded gruffly.
"W-well..." The messenger hesitated, his face twisting in discomfort. "Princess Shalria... has issued an urgent directive."
"What does she want now?" Sengoku's frown deepened, his tone dripping with irritation. The Roswald family's mess was headache enough—this spoiled princess was bound to stir up more trouble.
"Her Highness says..." The messenger swallowed hard, choosing his words carefully, "she's discovered traces of the 'Blasphemer' Bahr and demands the Marines dispatch an Admiral immediately to assist in his capture. She insists... the criminal who defiled the Celestial Dragons must not escape."
Sengoku closed his eyes briefly. When they reopened, only deep exhaustion remained.
As if things weren't chaotic enough, now Bahr had to reappear—and at this worst possible moment. Were these lawless bastards determined to turn the world upside down?
"Understood." He waved a hand, his voice heavy with resignation. "Inform Borsalino to assist in capturing the 'Blasphemer' Bahr after rescuing Roswald Saint."
Just as the nearby messenger was about to acknowledge the order, Aokiji—who had been lounging with his eyes closed—removed his sleeping mask and drawled, "Ara ara... I'll handle that one."
Sengoku looked up at Aokiji, surprised. It was rare for the notoriously lazy Admiral to volunteer.