The gravity around Reiner suddenly vanished, and the black mist around Teach's hand dispersed. He toppled backward, rolling across the ground in agony.
"Gah!"
"Pain, pain, pain, pain!"
"It hurts like hell, damn it!"
Teach's face went deathly pale as he wailed, clutching his chest. Blood immediately stained his hand, while dark mist spread over the savage wound that had been slashed into a bloody mess.
From the hostage exchange to their sudden attack, everything had happened in an instant. Some on both sides were still stunned, but they quickly reacted and sprang into action.
"Gear Fourth: Snake-Man Form!"
Luffy was the first to leap out. He bit down on his arm and blew hard, wrapping it in Armament Haki as black-red patterns spread across his body.
"Luffy! Stick to the plan!"
Sanji shouted urgently and rushed forward right after him, his right foot coated in Haki and glowing a blazing red.
"I know!"
Luffy narrowed his eyes, his gaze resolute as he drew back his arm like a spring.
"Gomu Gomu: Great Serpent Cannon!!"
Whoosh.
His fist blasted forward, whistling through the air like a darting serpent, aimed straight at Aokiji!
Aokiji, now fully engaged in battle, radiated cold air. Each breath released a long stream of white mist, and patches of frost had formed across his skin.
"ice: Ice Blade!!"
As the cold gathered, two ice blades quickly formed in his hands, crossing before him in defense.
Bang!!
The savage punch struck them. Cracks spread across the twin ice blades with a sharp crackle before they shattered explosively.
"My, my. That power is really something."
Aokiji spoke calmly as he leaped backward. He looked unconcerned as he watched Luffy, though inwardly, he could not help feeling alarmed.
Behind them.
"Nami... How did you all...?"
"Don't talk yet, Hancock.