Death.
Human life is so fragile. Sometimes, just an accidental bump can cause internal organ rupture, leading to death.
Yet, human life is also incredibly tenacious. Even when bisected, with the body split into two, some can still write seven characters of 'misery' on the ground before finally expiring.
This Cipher Pol agent was just like that. His upper body screamed and thrashed on the ground, his lower half convulsing, bloodied intestines dragging along, a truly gruesome sight.
However, Cross had no penchant for torture. With a flick of his wrist, the katana, like an arrow from a bowstring, pierced the agent's neck with a 'thwack,' the tip emerging from his throat. The windpipe, carotid artery, and all various nerves were severed, sparing the man further torment.
Tiger stared at the young man before him, feeling a little bewildered.
He saw an expressionless, handsome face, a cigar clenched in his mouth, clad in a blue suit with black karakusa patterns over a pure white shirt, wearing a Justice coat, and holding a still-dripping katana. He was indeed a Marine, no doubt!
But what was he doing? Infighting? Or was he helping him?
"Run! This guy's a traitor!"
"Go back and expose him!"
Across the alley, the remaining two agents were both shocked and enraged. They watched helplessly as their comrades were knocked out by this sudden young Marine and one was killed. They no longer cared about arresting Fisher Tiger and fled in panic.
Though Tiger didn't understand why this young Marine would kill his own people, he knew it was an opportunity. He decisively made his move.
"Water Shot!"
Water droplets mixed with red blood shot out like large-caliber bullets, so fast they made a 'whoosh' sound from friction with the air, instantly piercing the body of a Cipher Pol agent.
"Pfft—"
The agent struck by the water droplets coughed up blood, his face showing an expression of disbelief. His body lurched forward violently, then he fell heavily to the ground, his blood quickly staining the earth beneath him.
"Damn it!"
The last remaining agent was aghast. He abruptly turned to look, only to see the young Marine staring at him with cold eyes, even reversing his grip on the katana and taking a throwing stance.
"Go!"
The next second, Cross let out a low shout, forcefully throwing Kagehide. Propelled by Cross's monstrous strength, the katana flew towards its target like a javelin at an incredibly high speed.
"Kami-e: Boneless!"
The sole remaining agent took a deep breath, and his body contorted into a 'C' shape.
Clang—
In a flash, Kagehide sliced through the air like lightning, deeply embedding itself into the ground behind the agent. But almost simultaneously, Cross raised his right hand, extending his index finger forward, and softly commanded, "Skyward Shigan!"
Bang!
An invisible air bullet shot out, striking the agent's chest like a true bullet. At the same time, the agent, who had just barely dodged one attack and hadn't yet had a chance to show relief, heard a gun-like sound. Then he felt a sharp pain in his chest, and a thumb-sized blood-hole appeared over his heart.
"Ugh… ugh…"
The agent opened his mouth but couldn't say anything. He sank softly to his knees, finally collapsing onto the ground, his breathing ceased entirely.
"Phew."
Seeing this, Cross casually raised his hand and blew on his right index finger, a wisp of smoke slowly rising from its tip. With that, all five Cipher Pol agents in the alley were eliminated.
"Haaah—"
Tiger let out a breath, as if a great weight had been lifted. He then turned to face the young Marine behind him, asking with a solemn tone, "Who are you? Why are you helping me?" He had already sensed that the other party bore no killing intent towards him.
"Hurry and leave. The Marine Headquarters fleet will arrive soon."
Cross didn't answer Tiger's question, merely stating indifferently, "Next time we meet, we'll be enemies."
Tiger was silent for a moment, then stepped towards Cross, who also walked towards him. But just as they were about to pass each other, Tiger suddenly stopped, his eyes red as he stared at Cross, asking in a repressed tone, "Why? You Marines pride yourselves on justice. Why do you protect trash like the Celestial Dragons?"
Hearing this, Cross also stopped. He looked at the Fish-Man hero before him, his face devoid of expression, and quietly replied, "Actually, the Marines aren't protecting the Celestial Dragons but the order of this world. If the Marines and the World Government clash, the order of the entire world will collapse, and more innocent people will suffer even greater harm then."
"What's more, from the very beginning, there's no absolute justice or fairness in this world."
"All the Marines can do is try to make this world as fair as possible."
As he spoke, Cross let out a light sigh, then continued, "Besides, instead of questioning me here, you should be thinking about how to evade capture. For hundreds of years, you're the first to attack Mariejois. The World Government won't let you off, and the Marines, under pressure from the World Government and Celestial Dragons, will launch a full-scale hunt for you."
"Hahahaha———"
Hearing this, Tiger laughed fearlessly, saying with a majestic air, "Before I did this, I never expected to leave the Red Line alive! The fact that I can live a bit longer now is already enough!"
Cross fell silent, for he could hear the boundless valor and freedom in Fisher Tiger's words, even feeling a little moved himself.
At this moment, Tiger smiled and said, "Oh, by the way, thanks for your help. Next time we meet, I'll treat you to some fine Fish-Man Island sake."
"Go to the New World."
Suddenly, Cross looked deeply at Fisher Tiger and said gravely, "The Whitebeard Pirates can shelter you."
"The Whitebeard Pirates, huh… Thanks, I'll consider it!"
Tiger looked at Cross with surprise, then smiled and waved his hand, striding away without looking back.
Cross said nothing, nor did he turn around. He waited until Fisher Tiger's footsteps faded completely before continuing to walk.
"I'm truly crazy, aren't I? I actually advised someone to become a pirate."
Cross muttered softly to himself as he walked to where Kagehide was stuck in the ground. He bent down to pull out the katana, then tore off a piece of clothing from a dead agent to wipe Kagehide's blade.
After cleaning Kagehide's blade, he sheathed it and tossed away the tattered cloth. Then he turned to look at the two agents he had knocked unconscious and coldly ordered, "Finish them off!"
Screeeech~
The silver giant eagle tilted its head back and let out a cry, then swooped down from the rooftop, kicking up a gust of wind.
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