The gravity around Lina abruptly vanished, and the black mist around Teach's hand dissipated. He toppled backward and writhed on the ground in agony.
"Gah!"
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!"
"I'm in agony, you bastard!"
Teach's face went deathly pale as he wailed. He clutched his chest, his hand immediately becoming slick with blood. Dark mist spread over the hideous, bloodied slash where he'd been cut.
From the hostage exchange to the sudden attack, everything had happened in the blink of an eye. Some on both sides were still stunned, but they quickly reacted and sprang into action.
"Fourth Gear: Snake Man Form!"
Luffy leaped forward first, bit down on his arm, and blew it up. Armament Haki coiled around it, forming streaks of black and red across his body.
"Luffy! Stick to the plan!"
Sanji shouted urgently and charged right behind him, his right foot coated in Haki and glowing a fiery red.
"I know!"
Luffy narrowed his eyes with determination and drew his arm back, coiling it like a spring.
"Gomu Gomu no... Great Snake Cannon!"
Whoosh!
His fist shot out with a thunderous blast, roaring through the air like a snake and heading straight for Aokiji!
Cold emanated from Aokiji as he entered battle. Long plumes of white breath drifted from his mouth, and patches of ice formed over his skin.
"Ice Blade!"
As the cold gathered, two ice blades quickly formed in his hands, crossing in front of him to block the attack.
Bang!!
The powerful punch struck them. Cracks spread across the blades with a series of sharp clicks before they shattered.
"Ah, ah, ah. That's some incredible power."
Aokiji leaped backward, his tone calm and his expression unconcerned as he watched Luffy, though he couldn't help feeling shocked inside.
Behind them.
"Nami, you...