Although everyone in Marine Headquarters knew that this Hero of the Marines greatly detested the Celestial Dragons, as a member of the Marines, that old man might clap his hands in delight when seeing a Celestial Dragon suffer misfortune, but he would absolutely not watch a Celestial Dragon fall into danger.
Unless he could pretend not to see it…
After giving this brief explanation, Sakazuki put the cigar back into his mouth, turned his head, and his gaze sharpened once more as he looked at Rayleigh, who had a headache written all over his face, and the pink dragon in midair whose expression was full of vigilance. "Since you're here, then let the judgment of justice begin!"
The scorching magma all over his body surged up once again. "We absolutely cannot allow these extremely evil criminals to continue acting so arrogantly!"
However, in response to Sakazuki's words, Kuzan frowned again. Then, with his hands still in his pockets, he jumped down from above and walked to Sakazuki's side. His eyes swept over everyone in front of him as he said calmly, "Now is not the time to deal with them."
"Justice does not allow retreat!"
Sakazuki's tone grew displeased in response to Kuzan's words. "All evil must be eradicated!"
As he spoke, the blazing magma surged again, but this time it did not rush toward the others. Instead, it charged directly at Kuzan.
In response, Kuzan did not yield in the slightest. The sharp, cold air erupted from his entire body, standing evenly against the scorching magma.
In that instant, cold and heat swept outward in all directions, and the climate of the entire island seemed to have been altered.
But seeing that cold, indifferent gaze, Kuzan said no more. He only stated: "Fleet Admiral Sengoku's order: Capture Rocks' blood, Marshall D. Teach, and the Straw Hat Pirates at all costs. Do not create any additional complications!"
Sakazuki: "..."
Those words instantly caused Sakazuki to calm down, especially after hearing the words, additional complications, which made him rein in the surging magma.
He also understood Marine Headquarters' meaning: They could not allow the incident at Enies Lobby to happen again!
Thinking of this, Sakazuki did not hesitate any longer. He did not pay attention to the escaping slaves either.
Taking a deep breath, he shouted loudly: "Immediately seal off the coast. Capture Marshall D. Teach and the Straw Hat Pirates. Absolutely do not let these people escape!"
As Sakazuki's words fell, the marines who had stopped due to this sudden turn of events came back to their senses. After exchanging glances, firm expressions appeared on their faces.
Without hesitation, they shouted loudly: "Understood!"
Countless marines began charging toward the Straw Hat Pirates and Teach.
If they were to capture those slaves, they might have had a headache. But capturing a few pirates... That was far too easy.
Seeing this sudden change, Rayleigh's expression also changed. He had not expected the marines to make such a decision, abandoning everyone else and focusing all their efforts on capturing the Straw Hat Pirates.
At this moment, his expression became serious.
Gripping his weapon tightly, he spoke with a tone that was both troubled and helpless. "What a troublesome situation, but..."
As he said this, the aura around his entire body changed. At this moment, it was as if the former right-hand man of the King of the Pirates, the legendary pirate known by the seas as Dark King Rayleigh, had returned.
"I cannot just stand by and watch you destroy the dreams of children like this!"
As his words fell, he did not hesitate at all. Gripping his sword, he charged toward Sakazuki, who was rushing in the direction of the Straw Hat crew. Holding the sword with both hands, he slashed down heavily.
That terrifying slash forced Sakazuki to turn his head to respond. Then he looked at Rayleigh with an irritated expression. "It seems that this peaceful life has already made you feel bored, former King of the Pirates subordinate, Silvers Rayleigh!"
Two powerful auras collided instantly.
Kuzan, however, paid no attention to this side and did not intervene. Instead, with his hands still in his pockets, he raised his head and looked at the pink dragon in the sky. "Is Umbrella Corporation also planning to get involved?"
"No, I've already vented my anger!"
Gerd laughed loudly. "I just didn't expect that the Marines, who bear the banner of justice, would actually protect slave traders. I wonder if my clansmen within the Marines have also become as detestable as you!"
As she spoke, her massive body coiled once, then flew directly toward the Umbrella Corporation's fleet.
Facing Gerd's mockery, Kuzan did not say anything. He merely watched quietly as Gerd flew away before lowering his head and scanning the situation.
Sakazuki was being held back by Rayleigh. The main marine force was split into two groups: One part went to pursue the Straw Hat Pirates, and the other went to pursue Rocks' blood.
Added to that were the chaotic civilians and the escaping slaves…
"What a mess!"
Rayleigh also noticed the situation. When he saw that pink dragon leave, a trace of a bitter smile appeared on his face.
"Just leaving like that?"
"How ridiculous."
Sakazuki revealed a trace of ridicule. "Isn't this exactly the style of you pirates?"
"Hahaha, we pirates are actually quite honorable!"
Hearing Sakazuki's mockery, Rayleigh did not mind it at all. Instead, he laughed and said, "If I remember correctly, Umbrella Corporation shouldn't be pirates, right?"
"Hmph, what difference is there between those criminals and pirates? The so-called corporation is nothing more than a cover to conceal their crimes!"
Sakazuki snorted coldly. But he did not say anything more to Rayleigh in front of him. Instead, he shouted loudly toward Kuzan: "What are you still standing there for? Kuzan!"
Kuzan: "..."
As those words fell, Kuzan came back to his senses. His right hand came out of his pocket, and he covered his face as he sighed in distress. Then, without saying anything more, his gaze sharpened, and he rushed straight toward Teach.
This sudden turn of events caused Rayleigh's expression to grow heavy once more. He wanted to break away from Sakazuki to intercept Kuzan, but Sakazuki clung to him tightly.
"You old relic of a bygone era, just stay here obediently and accept judgment!"
But how could Sakazuki possibly let such a terrifying opponent go? In the blink of an eye, the two exchanged dozens of blows. Magma and sword slash intertwined, forming a shocking shockwave.