Wild laughter turned into a raging storm as a colossal azure dragon plummeted from the skies.
"One after another… troublemakers just keep showing up."
Redfield's expression darkened.
Having to deal with just Dragon was already troublesome enough, and now Kaido had appeared as well!
"The worst-case scenario has arrived," Kizaru sighed helplessly. "The Beasts Pirates were drawn here after all."
After all, the West Blue and the New World were only separated by the Calm Belt. With the Navy making such a huge commotion this time, there was no way the Beasts Pirates wouldn't have caught wind of it.
The only good news was that Ian hadn't come.
After their last battle, Kizaru understood clearly—Ian's strength had already surpassed the so-called top-tier powerhouses who once dominated the seas.
Even as a Marine Admiral, he was nothing before that man.
Kaido was indeed a world-class monster, but compared to Ian, he was far too mild.
Dragon's brows furrowed deeply as well.
Damn it… Kaido had arrived too.
Now the Beasts Pirates had set their eyes on Miss Robin.
What should be done now?
The situation was spiraling into chaos.
Four factions had gathered here, each one determined to take Robin back with them.
Nico Robin's pupils trembled as she stared at the massive azure dragon descending from the heavens.
Kaido?
The infamous Kaido of the Hundred Beasts?
Founder of the Beasts Pirates… teacher of Emperor Ian… and now one of the highest-ranking cadres of the crew.
If he had come for her, did that mean the man called Ian also wished to meet her?
Robin's heart couldn't help but flutter with a trace of joy.
She had, after all, long intended to seek refuge with the Beasts Pirates.
Compared to the Cross Guild or the Revolutionary Army, the Beasts Pirates were far too powerful.
As long as one gained their protection, there was no need to fear the World Government anymore.
"Wuhahahahaha!"
The Azure Dragon coiled in the sky, its massive body visible even from dozens of kilometers away. In an instant, the entire island boiled with excitement.
"Red?"
Kaido turned his gaze toward Redfield, who stood holding an umbrella with a calm, indifferent expression. "You look to be in good shape. Want to have a fight?"
Back in Roger's era, this old man was a legendary figure, famous across the seas.
But at that time, Kaido himself had not yet fully risen to power. He hadn't possessed the strength to challenge those top-tier monsters.
He had never had the chance to cross blades with Redfield in earnest.
And now, there were fewer and fewer strong men from the previous era still roaming the seas.
"That doesn't sound so bad."
Redfield brushed a lock of hair behind his ear, a smile tugging at his lips. "Kaido, I'm curious. The man who raised someone like Ian… just what kind of strength do you possess now?"
"Ian?"
The massive dragon sneered. "That brat became strong because he was destined to be strong. What the hell does that have to do with me?"
Kaido never believed that Ian's current power had anything to do with his so-called guidance.
"Is that so?"
Redfield's smile didn't fade.
Their gazes clashed, lightning seeming to spark between them.
And then—
"But today is not the time for a duel. What we should do first is deal with the nuisance standing in the way."
Redfield turned his eyes toward the sky, where Kizaru floated. "We both want Nico Robin. But this man wants to kill her. It doesn't matter whose hands the girl eventually falls into—but she cannot die."
A chill ran down Kizaru's spine.
Not just Redfield—Kaido and Dragon's eyes had also locked onto him.
"Am I being bullied here?"
Sweat formed on Kizaru's forehead, though his voice carried the same leisurely tone as always.
"We're all working toward the same goal, aren't we? But it seems like I'm the only one being pushed aside. That doesn't sound very fair."
"Borsalino—"
Dragon spoke lightly, "If you want to die, then keep rambling."
Kizaru let out a faint sigh.
There was no other way, Mr. Sengoku.
Not only would he be unable to kill Nico Robin, but if he lingered any longer, he himself would die right here.
Kizaru turned his gaze to the terrified Marines hiding in the distance at the base. "All units, relocate. Evacuate the island's residents. Do not engage in this battle."
The Marines, already panicked from the continuous appearance of the monsters, didn't hesitate after hearing the Admiral's orders and hurriedly fled beyond the base.
Kizaru exhaled softly. This was all he could do.
He transformed into light, vanishing directly into the sky.
"Clever opportunist."
Redfield snorted.
Kizaru's speed was astonishing. If he didn't want to stay, no one could possibly catch him.
"Guhuhuhu! Well then," Kaido's gaze greedily swept over Redfield and Dragon. "Which one of you wants to go first?"
Either of them was a rare, formidable warrior. Fighting either would be an ultimate thrill!
The last battle against Sengoku had been far from satisfying.
That brat Ian was absurdly strong, ending his fight within minutes and forcing everyone else on the government's side to flee.
This time… it was finally going to be truly exciting!
Reedfield and Dragon hesitated.
Whoever fought Kaido, the other might snatch Nico Robin away.
"But before that!"
Kaido lowered his head. "Isn't it time for the rats underground to come out?"
The furious Conqueror's Haki transformed into black lightning and crashed heavily onto the ground.
The earth trembled and shook.
Deep underground, Crocodile's face had turned extremely grim.
Conqueror's lightning was the manifestation of sheer presence, effortlessly piercing through the thick rock layers and striking him. His elemental form was immediately hindered.
Though not forcibly expelled from his elemental state like during the Alabasta battle with Ian, he could no longer move freely.
Such a keen Observation Haki?
Kaido!
No wonder he was Ian's teacher!
Since he had been discovered, there was no reason to remain hidden.
**********
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