"Just a mere pirate, don't get too arrogant!"
Cross's expression was stern. He held Kagehide level, pointing its tip at the opponent, and said in a deep voice, "I represent the Marines, and in the name of justice, I ask you, pirate Patrick Redfield, are you declaring war on the Marines?"
Cross knew he was no match for his opponent, but he wasn't afraid, because he had backing! Besides, he represented the army of justice; how could he bow to an evil pirate?
"Hehehe~ These kids nowadays are truly hot-blooded!" Redfield's lips curved upwards into a sinister chuckle.
"What can I say? If you're not hot-blooded, are you even young?"
"An interesting kid. Let's see if you have the backing to match that hot-bloodedness!"
The moment he finished speaking, Cross only saw Redfield take one step forward, instantly appearing before him like a ghost. The bat-handled umbrella in his hand, wielded like a sword, lunged straight.
"Scarlet Solitude!"
In an instant, a brilliant crimson light erupted, transforming into a surge of powerful sword energy.
Rumble—!
Before Cross could react, he was engulfed by the dazzling crimson light, sent flying. In almost a single instant, he traversed over a hundred meters, crashing violently into a three-story building. Still retaining momentum, he tore through a dozen more houses before finally coming to a halt.
At this moment, powerful shockwaves swept in all directions, kicking up thick, rising dust. A semicircular trench, several hundred meters long, appeared in the town, as if a large 'one' had been carved into the ground.
"Cough, cough… cough, cough, cough…"
Cross lay painfully amidst the ruins of brick and wood, coughing violently, blood already staining his white shirt red. He hadn't expected to be sent flying with no room to retaliate in just one move… Was this the power possessed by a world-class monster?!
If he hadn't immediately used Tekkai and Armament Haki to defend himself, he might have been pierced through by the opponent's umbrella.
Boom—!
Then, Cross shook off the bricks and debris on him, soaring straight into the sky. Using Geppo to walk on air, he dashed like the wind towards the East Port.
On a warship out at sea, Borsalino and Zephyr stood on the bow deck, looking out at Gurri Island in the distance.
"That's strange. Why isn't anyone answering the phone?" Borsalino looked at the Den Den Mushi in his palm, scratching the back of his head in confusion.
"Lost contact, huh…" Zephyr's expression was grave. He slowly said, "It seems the Conqueror's Haki that suddenly erupted just now really was problematic!"
"Eh?!" Borsalino was a little surprised, asking strangely, "Zephyr-sensei, why isn't it Cross0kun's Conqueror's Haki?"
"Hmph~ His aura hasn't reached that level yet!" Zephyr snorted dismissively, then mumbled to himself in thought, "Besides, that Conqueror's Haki just now felt very familiar… Could it be an 'old acquaintance' I know?"
"But the guys I know are mostly in the New World, or they're dead, or they've been captured and imprisoned in Impel Down. Who could it be?" Zephyr frowned deeply, constantly guessing in his mind, finally muttering, "Damn it, I can't remember!"
"How terrifying!"
Borsalino looked at Zephyr's conflicted expression, pouting a little as he muttered, then handed the Den Den Mushi to his subordinate behind him, ordering in a deep voice, "All ships cease fire, approach the east and west ports!"
As he spoke, Borsalino walked to the triple-barreled gun turret, directly jumped onto one of the thick cannon barrels, and steadily walked to the front of the muzzle before stopping.
"Right then, fire the cannon, send me to the island!"
"Eh???"
The Marine officers and captains widened their eyes, unable to help but roar, "Isn't that method a bit too exaggerated, Borsalino-san?!"
...
Gurri Island.
"Pfft~"
Strawberry sprayed a mouthful of blood, his face contorted in pain, and crashed heavily onto the street. Half of his blade spun several times in the air before clanging as it fell to the ground.
"It's no use. You're just looking for death!" Redfield said with a disdainful tone, slowly lowering the bat-handled umbrella in his hand, propping himself up with it.
However, Strawberry had already lost consciousness and could no longer continue speaking with Redfield.
Suddenly, Redfield looked up with a surprised expression, murmuring to himself, "He can still move… It seems the Marines have gotten themselves a good kid!"
The next second, Cross descended from the sky like a divine soldier, gripping his sword hilt with both hands, and slashed Kagehide down towards Redfield.
Clang—!
The renowned blade and the umbrella clashed, emitting the metallic ring of swords meeting. As powerful forces collided, red and black lightning erupted, agitating the air and creating a fierce, howling gale that swept outwards, even sending the unconscious Strawberry flying further away.
"Still thinking of saving people? Are you afraid I'll kill him?" Redfield smiled sinisterly, using one hand to block Cross's strike with his umbrella.
"I just don't want him to get in the way of our fight!" Cross said coldly.
"Fight?!"
Redfield raised an eyebrow, saying with a hint of amusement, "Are you talking about your fight with me? Aren't you a bit too arrogant, Marine brat?!"
"Don't think that just because you have some kingly qualities, you're qualified to stand before me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Redfield flicked his wrist, and the umbrella in his hand dislodged Kagehide's blade that was resting on it. He then thrust the umbrella like a sword straight at Cross.
"Don't underestimate me!"
Cross let out a low growl, decisively withdrew his hand, and held Kagehide horizontally in front of him.
Clang—!
In an instant, Redfield's umbrella struck the blade of Kagehide, but it produced a resounding clang like a grand bell, shaking the air and sending out a visible ripple.
Then, violent shockwaves erupted from the two of them, accompanied by a tremendous rumble. The ground's bricks and stones were violently lifted, revealing the bare yellow earth, and streaks of red and black lightning danced wildly in the air.
"Not bad, you actually have some strength!"
Redfield showed a surprised expression, then nodded in appreciation. However, despite his words, Redfield's movements remained swift. The slender, bat-handled umbrella transformed into countless afterimages, carrying a strong, piercing wind, and instantly enveloped Cross.
"Damn it!"
Cross couldn't help but widen his eyes, staring intently at the myriad sword shadows, trying desperately to discern the trajectory of each of his opponent's strikes. Kagehide in his hand followed suit, slashing out with fierce counterattacks in front of him.
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