The island's residents had all been evacuated under Sentomaru's command. He had taken all 50 of the latest-model Pacifista and secured the southwestern coast.
Crimson-red cliffs rose and fell along the coastline. With a massive double-bladed battle-axe resting on his shoulder, Sentomaru stood firmly atop a rock, legs spread and eyes resolute.
The sea before him was filled with countless steel warships, lined up in formation a hundred meters away.
The air of war grew heavier by the moment. Even the sea breeze carried the faint smell of gunpowder.
"Well, well~. Long time no see, Sentomaru."
The frivolous voice rang out all the more clearly against the tense atmosphere. On the bow of a warship, Kizaru stood with both hands in his pockets.
"The Straw Hat Crew are in there, right? Could you please have these Pacifista stand down, if you can?"
Kizaru spoke softly and lifted a hand to adjust his glasses, a complicated look in his eyes.
"After all, I don't want to fight you either, Sentomaru."
"Did you come here to kill the doctor too?! Answer me, Uncle!"
At the sight of him, Sentomaru's eyes darkened. More than apprehension, he felt anger and confusion.
Their days spent together in the past lingered in his mind. It was hard to accept that they now faced each other with weapons drawn.
"I absolutely will not take a single step back!!"
Thud!
Sentomaru gritted his teeth, took a large step to the right, and sank into a forceful stance. Then he shouted:
"If you want to go after the doctor, you'll have to step over my corpse! Come on, Uncle! I'm the man with the strongest defense in the world!!"
"I see."
Kizaru let out a soft sigh and gazed up at the sky, his eyes distant.
On the bow