Maud sent Weevil flying with another overwhelming slash.
Most people who witnessed this were not particularly surprised.
After all, Maud had already sent Weevil flying once. This was merely the second time.
But they also knew that Weevil was not weak because he was a Shichibukai. Rather, Maud was simply too strong.
The ones who were surprised, instead, were veteran powerhouses like Garp.
In that attack just now, they had seen Roger's shadow in Maud.
Facing the gazes converging from all directions, Maud flourished his sword in a beautiful arc, then slowly sheathed Shusui.
Why had he put his sword away?
Maud's sudden act of sheathing his sword left the surrounding enemies bewildered.
Then, they saw Maud perform another action that defied common sense.
He suddenly turned around, exposing his back to the numerous cannons.
"Shanks!"
Maud looked from afar at Shanks, standing at the bow of the Red Force, and raised his right arm, clenching his hand into a fist.
Shanks gathered the emotions stirred by his memories and met Maud's gaze.
Despite the vast distance between them, their eyes still met.
Behind Maud were rows of cannons ready to fire.
The Marines aboard the ships stared blankly at Maud, who refused to play by the rules.
"What are you waiting for? Open fire!!!"
The naval officers quickly came to their senses and abruptly ordered them to fire.
Upon hearing the order, the Marines snapped back to reality and opened fire at once.
Amid the shrill cries of cannon fire, shells flew toward Maud.
"I'm counting on you next!"
Ignoring the many shells flying in from behind, Maud waved his fist at Shanks in the distance.
Shanks said nothing. Instead, he drew the famed sword Griffin from his waist, responding to Maud with that gesture.
Boom, boom...!
The next