Chapter 73: Gambi vs. Vergo
> "This is a man's battle! I will never lose!"
"Witness my resolve, Jinbe!"
"Fish-Man Karate — Sanzen Wa Shōken! (Three-Thousand Tile True Punch!)"
"I understand, Brother Vores," Jinbe said solemnly. Perhaps moved by Vores' unwavering will, he took a firm stance, fists clenched.
> "Fish-Man Karate — Gosen Wa Shōken! (Five-Thousand Tile True Punch!)"
BOOM!
The massive clash sent tremors through the ground. Vores was sent flying by Jinbe's blow. A sickening crack echoed—the bones in his right arm fractured—and his body slammed into the ground.
Ace and the crew leapt forward, but Jinbe was already there, catching Vores before he hit the earth.
> "I'm sorry... Captain Ace... I lost..." Vores gritted his teeth and smiled weakly before passing out.
> "I should be the one apologizing," Jinbe said quietly, handing Vores to Aki. He bowed his head sincerely.
Fwoosh...
The flames around Ace flared silently. He stepped forward and faced Jinbe with serious eyes.
> "Then allow me to be your opponent, Jinbe."
Clang—!
A massive broadsword blocked Ace's path.
> "Captain, it's not your turn to fight yet. You're our pillar."
Gambi stood in front of Ace, broadsword in hand.
> "I'm Amberly Gambi, partner of Vores. I'll be your next opponent, Knight of the Sea Jinbe!"
Though Gambi spoke calmly, the fury radiating from him was palpable.
Jinbe stared at Gambi for a long moment, then sighed and sat cross-legged on the ground.
> "I'm sorry. I was wrong to judge your resolve so lightly. I won't fight anymore. Even if you raise your sword again, I won't strike. All I ask is to remain here and witness your next battle… Please."
Seeing Jinbe's humility, much of Gambi's anger dissolved. He turned to Ace, who nodded after a moment of thought. Gambi silently sheathed his broadsword and stepped aside.
---
An hour later, a warship approached from the horizon. On the sail: G-5, the most unruly Marine base in the New World.
> "That ship… it's from G-5!"
"The man onboard… that's Vice Admiral Vergo, commander of the base!" Kerla reported urgently.
Ace narrowed his eyes as he spotted the figure standing proudly at the bow.
> "Vice Admiral, huh? I didn't expect to see him again so soon."
> "You've fought him before?" Jinbe asked, glancing sideways at Ace.
> "Yeah. A year ago, he was just a Rear Admiral. I beat him back then… barely. Looks like he's climbed fast."
Jinbe nodded solemnly. "Don't underestimate him. Six months ago, he took down a pirate with a 330 million bounty single-handedly. He's dangerous."
Ace chuckled. "I don't plan on underestimating him. Just not afraid of him, either."
The warship dropped anchor, and Vergo leapt ashore. His footwork was slightly uneven. He stood just ten meters from Ace and scowled when he saw Jinbe.
> "Jinbe? A former Warlord… What are you doing here?"
> "I came to take down Ace's flag. I failed. Now I'm just staying to watch," Jinbe replied honestly.
> "Someone like you... failed?" Vergo asked, surprised.
Jinbe didn't answer. He simply closed his eyes.
Vergo turned back to Ace.
> "Portgas D. Ace. We meet again."
> "Vergo. I see you survived."
Vergo raised his pant leg, revealing a prosthetic.
> "Barely. I lost a leg in that battle. This time, I'll repay the favor—with your life."
Flames erupted across Ace's body. "You're welcome to try."
Whoosh—!
Vergo vanished and reappeared before Ace in an instant, his bamboo staff infused with Armament Haki, aiming to smash it down onto Ace's head—
CLANG!
A broad blade intercepted the strike, knocking Vergo backward.
> "Our captain doesn't fight unless necessary," Gambi said, stepping forward, sword at the ready. "I'll be your opponent, Vice Admiral Vergo."
Vergo narrowed his eyes.
> "You're… the 'Mad Blade' Amberly Gambi. 168 million bounty. Didn't expect you to be Ace's crewmate."
> "Only 168 million? Guess I'll be worth double after I beat you," Gambi grinned savagely and charged.
His slash howled through the air with such force that it whistled. Vergo raised his hardened staff in defense—
CLANG!!
Vergo's expression shifted—shock. He was blown back several steps.
He had clearly underestimated Gambi's strength.
> "Ha-ha-ha!" Gambi laughed wildly, eyes blazing with madness. "Let's go, Marine dog!"
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Their weapons clashed with explosive force, the sounds echoing like cannon blasts.
Ace, watching calmly, smiled slightly.
> "He's mastered Armament Haki…"
Gambi's blows came in fierce, unpredictable arcs, pressing Vergo on the defensive. The Marine gritted his teeth.
This wasn't going to be easy.
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