The surrounding marines stared intently at Cavendish.
After dealing with the troublesome Jim, they could handle the remaining Philo without breaking a sweat.
Once the battle ended, they could preserve their strength and become a mobile unit, then go support whichever comrades needed help according to the situation on the battlefield.
But Cavendish's appearance had ruined that plan.
Momonga stared coldly at Cavendish and said, "Resigning from your title as a Shichibukai at a time like this... You must have prepared yourself for the consequences, Cavendish."
"..."
Cavendish said nothing, glaring furiously at the marines on the battlefield.
Given his usual lively and showy nature, after blocking Momonga's slash, he would certainly have started with a few impressive words.
But he was furious now. How could he have been in the mood for an opening speech?
"You're the ones who should prepare yourselves."
Cavendish's rage-filled eyes slowly swept over every marine present.
If he had arrived in time only to watch Philo fall into a pool of blood.
He would never forgive himself for the rest of his life.
Fortunately, he had made it...
After merging with his other personality, this was the first time Cavendish had been so grateful for the power and speed it had brought him.
Without wasting another word, Cavendish moved, his figure vanishing in an instant.
Whoosh, whoosh—
Invisible slashes that had melded with the darkness whipped up sharp sickle-shaped winds as he moved at tremendous speed, sweeping toward the nearest Momonga.
"Quick Sword...?"
Red light flickered in Momonga's eyes. Gripping his sword with both hands, he advanced instead of retreating and calmly faced the oncoming sickle winds.
The long sword in his hands shook out a string of afterimages, rapidly weaving through the sickle winds.
With the assistance of his Observation Haki, Momonga precisely