Galette's Declaration, an Unwavering Stance!

"Oh~"

"Looks like my method is working quite well after all~"

Looking down at the vast body of water that had shrunk by more than half, Kizaru smirked and said, "Let's see what you can do after the water disappears."

As he spoke, Kizaru increased the frequency of his attacks, intending to evaporate the water as soon as possible.

'cut...'

Xi Yan, who was in the water, glanced at the water that was now less than half its original size and immediately spat.

Light and stuff... it's really annoying.

The intense heat had shrunk his waters to this extent!

Dodging the lasers is now much more difficult than before; one wrong move and you could get hit.

Xi Yan knew very well that at this point, continuing to maintain the water area would only be a waste of Chakra.

'It seems... there's no need to maintain this anymore,' Xi Yan murmured to himself.

Thinking of this, Xi Yan looked up at Kizaru high above, his eyes narrowed, and he launched an attack!

"Boom!!"

The circular body of water trembled, then transformed into several Water Dragon that shot into the sky and pounced towards Kizaru!

"Roar!!"

"Oh~"

"So, you're finally going to come out of that water sphere?"

Watching the Water Dragon approaching, Kizaru chuckled and said, "They really are... quite clever~"

If this guy had been just a little later, he was confident he could cripple him through the water!

As he thought this, Kizaru transformed into a streak of light, swiftly rushing upwards and instantly dodging the bites of several Water Dragon!

Then, Kizaru pulled with both hands, drawing out a slender Light Saber!

"The Ame no Murakumo!"

"Buzz~"

He raised his longsword and swung it fiercely at the Water Dragon below!

"Clang!"

"Boom!!"

With a single blow, it actually blasted several Water Dragon to pieces!

The seawater, having been defeated by Kizaru, seemed to lose its power and rapidly surged in all directions, transforming into countless water droplets!

"Splash~"

Xi Yan, his head drenched in seawater, frowned as he looked at the Sky Cloud Sword in Kizaru's hand.

"You're actually a swordsman?"

That wasn't a laser attack, it was a swordsman's Flying Slash!!

This was indeed somewhat unexpected for Xi Yan.

"Whoosh~"

"Click~"

Kizaru, who landed steadily on the rock, said with a faint smile, "Is there anything strange about the fact that I am a swordsman?"

Although Zephyr often said that he was someone who relied on Devil Fruit powers, after so many years of training, he no longer has any weaknesses!

Even if he only uses swordsmanship, his strength is still considerable!

"Yes, that's true."

Xi Yan nodded, without refuting the other party.

Ultimately, the opponent is also one of the Navy Headquarters' Greatest Battle Power, a figure described as monstrous, so it's normal for him to know swordsmanship.

"Kid, right now... you don't have any tricks up your sleeve?"

Looking at Xi Yan, whose face was covered in water droplets, Kizaru chuckled and said, "If there is any, I wouldn't mind playing with you a little longer."

The methods of Ninja are quite interesting; I just wonder if there are any even more interesting ones.

Kizaru's effortless demeanor annoyed Xi Yan.

"Releasing such a high-intensity laser attack must have taken a toll on you."

"Don't underestimate Marine Admiral, kid!" Kizaru said. "This old man... can fight you for days and nights!"

"Of course, that's assuming you have the ability."

"Tch, is their stamina monstrous too...?"

Xi Yan spat, realizing that it was unlikely he could outlast his opponent.

but...

'So much time has passed, Luffy and the Shakky-jie should be almost there by now,' Xi Yan murmured to himself.

As long as they reach Shakky, even if he can't beat this guy, his life won't be in danger.

After all... Kizaru's initial statement was that he wanted to capture him alive!

"Not going to continue the attack?" Kizaru tilted his head and said, "Then I'll make my move."

First, break this brat's limbs; that will also calm him down completely.

"Then let's give it a try!"

"Bump!"

As soon as Xi Yan finished speaking, the ground beside Kizaru suddenly exploded, and Xi Yan's Shadow Clone rushed out from underground at an extremely fast speed, throwing a punch at Kizaru!

"I told you, sneak attacks are useless against me."

"That's not necessarily true!"

Earth Release: Rock Hand Technique!

"Bang!"

An arm made of rock burst forth from the ground and grabbed Kizaru in one swift motion.

The next moment...

"Bump!"

The clone's fist, imbued with Haki, struck Kizaru squarely in the face.

"Um?"

Seeing this, Xi Yan himself was stunned for a moment.

Did it actually hit?

Isn't this guy supposed to be luminous? Why does he sometimes seem... a bit slow?

"What an... rude brat."

"Clang!"

A flash of golden light, and the Rock Hand that was grabbing Kizaru shattered instantly!

The rushing out Kizaru arrived in front of Xi Yan almost instantly, raising his Sky Cloud Sword and pointing it directly at Xi Yan's face.

"You..."

"Stop!!"

"Um?"

Kizaru, who was interrupted, was taken aback. Who would dare to come and join the fun at a time like this?

Thinking of this, Kizaru immediately turned around to look.

"This is..."

Kizaru frowned as he looked at the unfamiliar woman.

Who is she?

"Galette?!"

Xi Yan stared at Galette in disbelief. Why was she here?

Didn't she see the Marine Admiral?

Or perhaps... this is also her first time meeting Marine Admiral, just like her?

"Oh~"

"Oh, we know each other!"

Kizaru said, "So... she's a pirate too?"

If this woman is also a pirate, he wouldn't mind capturing her as well.

"That's right, I'm a pirate," Galette readily admitted.

Xi Yan:???

"Galette, you idiot!!" Xi Yan exclaimed, dumbfounded. "Don't you recognize him?"

What was this guy thinking, admitting he was a pirate in front of a Marine Admiral?

"They're pirates, that makes things easier..."

Kizaru nodded, then glanced at Xi Yan and said, "This person seems to be your friend... In that case, why don't you two keep each other company!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a yellow light flashed around Kizaru's body, making it look as if he was about to rush over and attack Galette.

"Idiot, run!"

"How could I possibly abandon you and run away?" Galette said. "I came here specifically to save you!"

After saying that, Galette glanced at Kizaru, who had come up to her, and said, "Kizaru, my name is Charlotte Galette, and I'm from the Big Mom Pirates. Think carefully before you mess with me."

"Um?"

Kizaru, who was about to use Light Speed Kick to send Galette flying, immediately stopped.

"The Big Mom Pirates..." Kizaru scratched his head and said, "Are they members of Four Emperors?"

"That's really... unbelievable!"

Charlotte... that is indeed that woman's surname. So, this guy is that woman's daughter.

Well... we really can't touch this guy.

Even if he is Marine Admiral, he cannot take action against Four Emperors without permission.

Moreover, the navy is currently in a very sensitive period!

If we were to provoke one of the Four Emperors at this point... then the Navy Headquarters would truly be doomed.

Whitebeard and Charlotte Linling joined forces, they could definitely wipe out their Navy Headquarters.

Thinking of this, Kizaru lowered his long legs.

This relieved Galette.

"So the Four Emperors are this powerful?"

Xi Yan looked at Kizaru with some surprise. He really didn't expect that Kizaru could be intimidated by the name of Galette's Big Mom.

"Kid, don't talk like I'm afraid of the Four Emperors," Kizaru said irritably. "It's just that I haven't received permission."

If a fight really broke out, he believed he wouldn't lose to those guys.

He was quite confident in his abilities.

"That's because I'm afraid," Xi Yan said, pursing his lips.

Kizaru:...

I suddenly really want to beat this brat to a pulp!!

Thinking of this, Kizaru's eyes immediately turned hostile.

Xi Yan:???

Xi Yan looked at Kizaru with surprise. So this guy cared about this kind of thing that much?

"Kizaru, you can't touch him!"

"Um?"

Why can't I touch him?

Kizaru glanced at Galette and said, "Don't think you can be so arrogant in front of me just because you're that woman's daughter!"

We can't touch him yet... Does this little girl really think that the title of one of the Four Emperors Crew means she can do whatever she wants?!

Forget it, I can't be bothered with this guy. I'd better just take this brat away quickly.

At that moment, Galette said without hesitation, "Because he is my man!"

Kizaru:???

Just as Kizaru was about to attack Xi Yan, he suddenly stumbled.

Then, looking at Galette in disbelief, he said, "What did you say?"

"I said, he's my man!"

Kizaru:...

Wait, is this kid actually a member of Four Emperors Crew?

So what was his purpose in joining the Straw Hat Pirates?

Could it be... that it's to get closer to Straw Hat Luffy?

But what is their purpose in doing this?

He didn't understand.

Looking at the silent Kizaru, who had been subdued, Galette grinned and said, "He's my husband, and a member of the Charlotte Family, so... you can't touch him."

"To harm him is to declare war on us!"

"You... you'd better think this through, Marine Admiral!!"

Kizaru's silence gave Galette hope.

This time... maybe we really can take Xi Yan away completely!

Seeing Galette's smiling face, Kizaru suddenly laughed.

Then, he glanced at Xi Yan and said, "Ninja Kid, are you really the son-in-law of the Charlotte Family?"

"Does that mean... you betrayed the Straw Hat Pirates?"

Xi Yan didn't answer Kizaru's question, but instead glanced at Galette.

He noticed that the woman was frantically giving him meaningful glances, as if to say, "Agree first, we'll talk about the rest later!"

Xi Yan paused for a moment, then smiled at Galette. This smile made Galette's heart skip a beat.

Could it be...?

"Galette, I appreciate your kindness," Xi Yan said, "But I cannot betray the Straw Hat Pirates."

"Oh~"

"So it was fake after all~" Kizaru said with great interest.

He really saw something interesting!

When Charlotte Linling's daughter said those words, her expression seemed genuine, which meant... she truly considered him her husband.

Does this mean that Charlotte Galette came with orders from Charlotte Linling?

That's really... interesting!

'Thinking about it carefully, that woman does indeed have a habit of finding men for herself or recruiting sons-in-law,' Kizaru thought to himself.

So, that woman also coveted the bloodline of the Blood-Eyed Ninja.

That's true. Who wouldn't want a Ninja who has mastered Water Release Technique?

Even the navy is quite interested in this kid.

"You idiot!" Galette said, somewhat exasperated. "Even if you're going to reject me, you should consider the timing!!"

What's wrong with agreeing first?!

Surviving the Marine Admiral's attacks is the most important thing, isn't it?!

We can discuss other things with her later!

Even if she really doesn't go with her, she'll accept it.

But at the very least... we have to survive!

That idiot!!

"Tsk tsk, this little girl is right, it would be better if you agreed first~" Kizaru said with a smile.

"Stop talking like that." Xi Yan glanced at Kizaru and said, "You've never intended to let me go from the beginning, have you?"

"Oh~"

"You've been seen through~"

Kizaru asked with great interest, "How did you discover that?"

He truly had no intention of letting this guy go, after all... this guy killed three Celestial Dragons, and was someone the Five Elders specifically ordered to be captured alive!!

In that case, even if the other party is Charlotte Linling's son-in-law, he still has to take him away!!

After all... he's not Charlotte Linling's blood relative~

Galette was stunned after overhearing their conversation. So... Kizaru had been playing her all along?

"Is there even a need to think about that?" Xi Yan chuckled and said, "I killed three Celestial Dragons. If the World Government lets me off so easily, you'll lose all face."

"Moreover... the World Government is very interested in my abilities."

Given these preconditions, even if he were truly the son-in-law of one of the Four Emperors, the World Government might not necessarily let him go.

"That's right." Kizaru nodded directly and said, "I have to take this kid with me, and no one can change that."

After saying that, Kizaru paused for a moment, then looked at Galette and said, "Little girl, you'd better leave before I change my mind."

"Otherwise... I wouldn't mind taking you all with me."

If he could, he wouldn't want to lay a hand on Charlotte Linling's daughter.

Because... that's too much trouble!

Galette did not answer, but remained silent.

After a moment, he said, "I see. It seems that relying on Big Mom's name won't be enough to take Xi Yan away..."

Kizaru simply smiled and said nothing.

"If that's the case..."

As Galette spoke, she walked step by step towards Xi Yan. Once she stood beside Xi Yan, she turned to look at Kizaru and continued, "Then take me down too!"

Kizaru:???

Xi Yan:!!!

Kizaru looked at Galette with a puzzled expression. Wasn't his meaning clear enough?

Did they really think I wouldn't dare to make a move?

If a member of one of the Four Emperors were to provoke his Marine Admiral, he... wouldn't mind beating them half to death!

Xi Yan stared at Galette in shock; he never expected her to say such a thing.

Is this a plan... to live and die together?

"Hey, you idiot, what nonsense are you spouting?" Xi Yan said, "Get out of here! The Marine Admiral isn't joking!"

Galette isn't even as strong as him!

For a monster like Kizaru to fight her... would probably be like fighting Supernovas —one kick and the battle would be over.

He certainly didn't want this woman to die here.

"I'm not talking nonsense!"

"We've only known each other for a short time, and you already want to live and die with me?"

"So what?" Galette said seriously, "Once I, Galette, have made up my mind about you, there's no way I'll change it."

"I can't bear to watch the husband I've chosen die here!"

If Xi Yan really dies in battle, her Big Mom might marry her off to someone else.

However, Galette, who had already decided on Xi Yan, could not accept such a proposal.

At that time... he might be killed by his angry Big Mom.

Since that's the case... let's give it our all!!

If she were to die here alongside Xi Yan, she would have no regrets.

Seeing Galette's serious expression, Xi Yan felt deeply moved.

This woman actually...

"Oh~"

"You've certainly put on an interesting melodramatic show," Kizaru said with a smile. "But you two, I don't have much time to play along with your act here."

"If you don't leave, I'll get physical!"

"Click~"

Galette's face immediately contorted with rage, and a round Butter Circle instantly appeared in her hand.

Then, she glared angrily at Kizaru and said, "Do you think I'm acting?"

"You bastard, don't underestimate my resolve!!"

"Whoosh~"

Having already made up her mind, Galette attacked Kizaru without hesitation!

The Butter Circle, spinning in the air, Sarutobi at an extremely fast speed and finally landed in his hand.

Seeing this, Galette was immediately overjoyed.

Once you're caught in her Butter Circle, you're at her mercy!

"We've got him, Xi Yan, quick..."

Before she could finish speaking, she saw Kizaru raise his hand, take the Butter Circle off, and then toss it aside like trash.

"Varied..."

Galette's pupils contracted. Was her Devil Fruit ability really so insignificant in front of Marine Admiral?

Can't even control it for a second?

Are Marine Admiral... really that terrifying?

"They've made their move..."

Kizaru's smile faded as he said, "Then... I will take this as a provocation!!"

"Little Charlotte Family, are you... ready?"

Since the other party has already attacked him, he doesn't need to be polite anymore.

As Marine Admiral, facing members of Four Emperors Crew who provoke him... he has the right to retaliate!!

With that thought in mind, Kizaru raised his hand without hesitation, conjuring a laser beam in his palm.

"Laser Beam!"

"Whoosh~"

"Boom!!"