He heard Aokiji's words.
Luo's expression changed. No wonder Bepo's side had kept failing to answer the Den Den Mushi when they were nearing the Sabaody Archipelago.
Maud, meanwhile, furrowed his brow.
The lawless zones of the Sabaody Archipelago were teeming with countless pirates.
Compared to those pirates, the Heart Pirates' presence was not particularly conspicuous.
Yet the Marines had set their sights on the Heart Pirates' crew, and when he connected that with Aokiji's attack on Perona and Urouge...
The enemy's intentions immediately became clear.
"What did you do to Bepo and the others?"
In an instant, Luo did not think as far ahead as Maud. He abruptly stepped forward, and his gaze toward Aokiji turned as sharp as a blade.
"Well... you'll find out soon enough."
"Room!"
Before Aokiji had finished speaking, Luo opened his domain and enveloped Aokiji on the ice.
Clang!
After releasing his domain, Luo swiftly drew his sword and slashed at Aokiji from a distance.
Slash...
After a faint sound, a cut appeared across Aokiji's chest, and his body split in two.
But in the next instant, Aokiji's severed body suddenly turned into ice and fell onto the frozen surface.
"Hm?"
Luo's eyes narrowed. He had no idea where Aokiji had gone after transforming into his elemental form.
"Follow me."
A red glint flashed through Maud's eyes and vanished. After tossing out those words, he charged straight toward where the Marines and Lafitte's group were fighting.
Through his Observation Haki, he sensed Aokiji rushing at incredible speed toward where Onigumo and the others were.
Aokiji had deliberately materialized in front of them and spoken to disrupt their concentration—all to help Onigumo's group escape their predicament.
Hearing Maud's words, Luo's gaze turned cold. He did not retract his domain. Instead, he recklessly expended his stamina