Mangekyō Sharingan, Activate!

"Evil..."

Hearing Kizaru's words, Xi Yan unconsciously frowned.

Why do all these guys like to say things like that?

That's really... annoying.

"What, am I wrong?" Kizaru glanced at Xi Yan and said, "You're a pirate who dares to kill even Celestial Dragons, what wouldn't a brat like you dare to do?"

"What a dutiful dog..."

Hearing Xi Yan's words, Kizaru's lips twitched, and he said, "What a sharp-tongued brat."

"I think your Navy is well aware of what the Celestial Dragons have done, yet... you choose to turn a blind eye."

"Is this... what you call justice?"

Upon hearing this, Kizaru fell silent.

Because of this question... he really couldn't answer it.

To be honest, he also disapproved of the Celestial Dragons ' actions, and in his youth, he had some... rather dangerous thoughts!

But as time went by, he became increasingly silent, until... he became Marine Admiral.

Kizaru is now fully aware that some things are beyond change, which is why his sense of justice has become what it is today.

All he could do was stand on the Navy's side and do what he was supposed to do.

That's all.

"He can't answer that kind of question," Rayleigh laughed. "After all... he's Marine Admiral!"

"Ha ha ha ha."

As someone who participated in the God Valley Incident, Rayleigh knew very well what the Navy was all about.

To put it bluntly, he's just a dog kept by the World Government.

No matter how unwilling they are to admit it, they can't change this fact!

After hearing Rayleigh's sarcastic words, Kizaru merely glanced at him and ignored him.

Then, Kizaru looked at Xi Yan and said, "Ninja Kid... it's none of your business, a pirate, to question the Navy's justice."

This world does indeed have many dark sides, so dark that even Marine Admiral like him has fallen silent.

But... no matter what, their navy is doing its best to protect this sea, isn't it!

Without their navy, the world would have been destroyed by pirates long ago!

This time, Xi Yan didn't argue with Kizaru anymore; he simply glanced at him calmly and then looked away.

"Xi Yan, take your girlfriend and leave this place," Rayleigh said. "I'll hold this guy off for you."

Once the little guys have successfully hidden themselves, he can leave.

"Uncle Rayleigh, then I'll leave it to you!!" Xi Yan said.

"Um."

"By the way, Uncle Rayleigh."

Just as Xi Yan was about to leave with Galette, he suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "Besides Kizaru, there's also Akainu on this island now."

"Akainu?"

Rayleigh was taken aback, clearly not expecting two Marine Admiral the Sabaody Archipelago this time.

Has the Navy gone mad?

Just to deal with the Straw Hat Pirates, they're sending out two top-tier fighters at once?

This isn't like attacking Four Emperors... is it really necessary?

"Hmm." Xi Yan nodded and said, "Uncle Rayleigh, do you know what kind of Akainu is?"

Before Rayleigh could answer, Galette spoke up instead, "I know that, let's talk as we walk."

Staying here will only waste more precious time and increase the risk of being cornered by Marine Admiral!

So... you'd better run.

After they leave, the man will have a chance to escape.

Xi Yan understood what Galette meant, so he nodded and said, "Alright, I'll be going then."

"Uncle Rayleigh, don't get carried away in the fight."

"Don't worry about me," Rayleigh said, waving his hand.

He had participated in countless battles, so he naturally knew when to leave.

"Good."

After Xi Yan finished speaking, he decisively activated the Earth Release Technique, took Galette underground, and quickly rushed away into the distance.

"What a... cunning brat," Kizaru remarked.

With Rayleigh blocking his way, he might not have the energy to use his Observation Haki to find out where the other party escaped from.

As for the other navy personnel... unless Sakazuki arrives, it's impossible for anyone else to discover the two hiding underground.

'Hopefully Sakazuki can stop them.'

"Alright, now it's our turn." Rayleigh flicked his longsword and looked at Kizaru with a grin, saying, "It's been so long since I've fought, I wonder if my old bones have deteriorated."

As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh swung his sword straight at him!

"Clang!"

Their weapons clashed, producing a crisp sound.

"The Vice-Captain of Pirate King, really..."

"Within the mouth~"

What old bones... this guy's Haki aura is by no means weak!!

Even he would have to be careful to deal with such domineering Haki.

"Kizaru... if I'm not mistaken, your Navy must be planning something big," Rayleigh suddenly said.

"Oh?"

How do you know?

"I just... saw it in the newspaper."

While he was collecting Red Tree Resin, a News Bird appeared beside him.

Out of boredom, he bought a copy, which led him to discover some very important information.

The Navy Headquarters not only captured Fire Fist Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, but also... plans to publicly execute him!!

Rayleigh knew all too well what this meant.

The Whitebeard Pirates are notoriously protective of their own; anyone who dares to lay a hand on their family will face their wrathful retaliation.

And now, the Navy plans to execute Whitebeard's son in front of the whole world... Isn't that a slap in the face to that old man?!

Whitebeard will definitely pay a visit soon!

That was absolutely a brutal battle!

As he pondered this, Rayleigh took a newspaper from his pocket and tossed it to the ground.

"Newspapers...?"

Kizaru glanced at the contents of the newspaper and said, "What does this prove?"

"It's already in the newspapers, is there any need to keep it a secret?" Rayleigh narrowed his eyes and said, "Your Marshal Sengoku has no intention of hiding his intentions."

They were clearly telling the world that they intended to use this as bait to lure the Whitebeard Pirates to Navy Headquarters!

Thinking of this, Rayleigh continued, "Let me guess, you plan to keep Whitebeard permanently at Navy Headquarters?"

If the Navy could really do something like that, then the Navy Taxi's popularity would reach a terrifying level!

Of course, it's also possible that Whitebeard completely destroyed the Navy Headquarters.

After all... he was a man who could fight Roger for three days and three nights without a clear winner.

I have no obligation to answer your question.

"It's alright, it's fine if you don't answer. Anyway, it's probably about what I'm thinking." Rayleigh said with a smile, "But this means you won't have much time left."

If the Straw Hat Pirates can evade the pursuit these next few days, then... those two Marine Admiral will have to return to Navy Headquarters!

After all... they didn't know when the Whitebeard Pirates would appear at Navy Headquarters, so they had to be prepared.

'Once the Marine Admiral leaves, these kids can finally head to the New World.'

Once they reach the New World, it won't be an easy task for the World Government to hunt them down.

Have you finished speaking?

"Heh, it seems you have nothing to say to this old man."

"No, I just have nothing to say to pirates!"

"Clang!"

"Boom!!"

"So, that guy named Akainu is a Logia - Magma-Magma Fruit user?"

"Yes."

Galette nodded and said, "This guy is very strong; he's a monster-level character."

As the children of the Four Emperors, they had some knowledge of some of the powerful figures active on the seas.

Especially the Three Admirals of the navy!!

Akainu, as Marine Admiral, is the most unique among the Three Admirals.

Because... he's the most ruthless one!

That guy rarely leaves any pirates alive when he captures them.

Thinking of this, Galette said, "When he encounters pirates, he basically kills them all."

"Iron-blooded, huh...?"

Xi Yan stroked his chin and said, "It seems this guy is definitely Martial Faction."

"More or less."

After speaking, Galette glanced at the mud in front of her and asked, "Where are we going?"

"We'll take you to your brother's place first."

"Huh?"

Aren't you coming with me?

"My companions are still waiting for me, I can't go with you, Galette," Xi Yan said.

The situation of his companions is currently unknown, so how could he possibly leave here with Galette to go to the New World?

Moreover... he never intended to marry into one of the Four Emperors Crew.

Galette opened her mouth, but in the end she didn't say anything, only sighed silently.

Seeing this, Xi Yan said, "We can talk about it after we get through this crisis."

Hearing Xi Yan say that, Galette regained some energy and nodded, saying, "Okay!"

That's true. No matter what we're going to do, we have to get through this crisis first.

The two Marine Admiral were like the Sword of Daruma hanging over their heads, and they had no time to stop and deal with their personal matters.

Soon, the two reached the edge of Number 11 Tree and rushed out of the ground!

The moment he rushed out, Xi Yan saw a tall figure.

This person is none other than Katakuri!

The man was running towards them at an extremely fast pace, and he looked very anxious.

However, when he saw Xi Yan and Galette burst out of the soil, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's good that you're alright..."

He was genuinely afraid that his sister would be killed by Marine Admiral.

Soon, the three met up at one place.

"Katakuri-gege!!"

Are you all alright?

"It's alright," Galette shook her head and said, "Xi Yan protected me very well."

Katakuri nodded upon hearing this and said, "That's good."

Not bad, Xi Yan knows how to protect Galette.

In that case... go easy on him when you deal with him.

"Let's go, let's get out of here first," Katakuri said, "To avoid a conflict with Marine Admiral."

Although the Four Emperors Crew are not afraid of the Marine Admiral, it's still best to avoid conflict if possible.

However, as soon as Katakuri finished speaking, he noticed that Galette's expression had become somewhat unnatural.

Then, his expression changed.

"Brother, I'm sorry, I've already had a conflict with Kizaru."

Katakuri:...

So, these two little guys just escaped from Marine Admiral?

Thinking about this gave Katakuri a headache.

While it's certainly good news that my brother-in-law is powerful, it won't be easy to escape if Admiral comes after us.

Thinking of this, Katakuri said, "Let's leave here before the Marine Admiral arrive."

After speaking, Katakuri paused for a moment, then said, "Xi Yan, we can discuss your problem properly once we're on board."

"Now, come with us."

Katakuri said this last sentence with an unquestionable tone.

But soon, his expression changed again, because... his Observation Haki caught what Xi Yan was about to say.

'This kid...'

"I'm not going with you," Xi Yan said.

"Can't you understand what I'm saying?" Katakuri frowned. "The Marine Admiral will be here soon. We can talk about this later."

"It's you who can't understand what I'm saying," Xi Yan said. "I never said I was leaving with you."

After saying that, Xi Yan ignored his brother-in-law, whose face was contorted with rage and veins were bulging, and turned to Galette, saying, "Galette, you should be aware of the situation on the island now."

"So... let's leave with Katakuri as soon as possible."

After saying that, Xi Yan planned to dispel the clone.

As if sensing something, Galette immediately said, "Wait a minute!"

"You... are actually a clone, right?"

"A clone..."

A hint of doubt flashed in Katakuri's eyes. His Observation Haki clearly indicated that the other person was indeed him, yet Galette claimed that it was a clone?

Could it be that this kid's ability to create clones is so Observation Haki can't distinguish which one is the original?

Then, his expression changed, and his eyes were filled with shock.

'It really is... a clone?!'

What's wrong with this kid's ability? Even someone with advanced Observation Haki, capable of briefly Predicting the Future, can't distinguish between the real body and the clone?

"I am indeed a clone," Xi Yan said frankly. "My main body has already rushed off to the other side."

The instant he entered the underground, he released Shadow Clone to replace his original body.

This way, Galette can be delivered to her destination without delaying my search for my companions.

At the same time... it wouldn't necessarily lead to a conflict with Katakuri.

Xi Yan knew very well how dangerous it would be to clash with Katakuri at this time, so... this method was the best.

"Then... will we ever see each other again?!"

As she spoke, Galette gripped the little devil Crossbody Bag at her waist.

This item, which matches her style, was bought not long ago when she went shopping with Xi Yan.

If we can never meet again, this... might be the only thing left.

"Of course." Xi Yan gave Galette a thumbs up and said, "Let's meet again in the New World!"

"Good!"

Galette's smile returned, and she nodded vigorously.

Since that's the case... then let them meet again in the New World!!

Katakuri sighed as he looked at his sister.

Well, since Marine Admiral appeared this time, their failure to bring the person back doesn't necessarily mean they violated their mission.

After all... the strength of Marine Admiral is indeed terrifying.

Big Mom should be able to understand.

"Katakuri."

"Um?"

"You should know what I'm trying to say, right?" Xi Yan grinned.

"Ah, I know."

"Let's have a spar when we get to the New World."

"Hehe, I'm fine." Katakuri said, paused for a moment, and then continued, "But I think you should call me Katakuri-gege)."

"Let's talk about this later."

Then, Xi Yan waved to the two of them and said, "Gentlemen, I wish you a safe journey."

"Jana ~"

"Bang!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the shadow Shadow Clone exploded, turning into white smoke and disappearing from the spot.

Galette slowly lowered her outstretched hand, then murmured, "Hmm... goodbye."

Katakuri glanced at his sister and shook his head helplessly.

This was only their first meeting, and his sister's heart had already been stolen?

That brat... I'm definitely going to beat him up next time I see him!!

After giving a silent snort, Katakuri said, "Let's go, Galette."

"Let's get out of here first."

"Okay, let's go."

Coming to her senses, Galette nodded and said, "Let's get out to sea first, otherwise it'll be troublesome if we get blocked by two Marine Admiral."

Especially that iron-blooded Akainu, being cornered by that guy, Who Knows if he'll care about Big Mom's reputation.

Katakuri:???

"Two Admiral?"

No, how come he didn't know that two Marine Admiral had arrived?

This is no joke. No matter how powerful he is, he can't possibly take on two Marine Admiral at the same time.

Once you're cornered by the other side, the final outcome will definitely not be good.

"That's right, Akainu and Kizaru are both on this island," Galette said.

Katakuri paused for a moment, then without hesitation used his Devil Fruit power to wrap Galette up and ran towards his ship at an extremely fast speed.

"Let's go, let's get out of here first!"

Staying here is no different from courting death, so... let's go!

Galette, being carried away by Katakuri, glanced back and silently prayed, "Xi Yan... I hope you'll be safe and sound."

Meanwhile, on the other side...

After receiving the message from the Shadow Clone, Xi Yan breathed a sigh of relief and then ran towards Number 13 Tree as fast as he could.

"Galette's problem is solved. Now it's up to us to see if we can hide safely," Xi Yan said.

If they can hold out for three days, they can go to Fish-Man Island.

By then... even if the World Government wanted to take action against them, they wouldn't be able to catch them!

Thinking of this, Xi Yan's lips unconsciously began to curl upwards.

Directly ahead of Xi Yan, a small figure appeared in front of the tree.

It was Merry, who had just crawled out of the tree hole!!

Standing in front of the shadows of the trees, Merry immediately spotted Xi Yan in the distance.

Then, she took off running along her Short Legs, following her shadow towards Xi Yan, crying out, "Xi Yan!!"

"Merry?"

Seeing Merry crying, Xi Yan's heart skipped a beat. Why was this little girl here?

Where are Luffy and his crew?

What exactly happened?

Could it be that they encountered another Marine Admiral?

Just as Xi Yan was speculating, Merry shouted, "Xi Yan, Zoro and the others are all dead..."

These words struck Xi Yan like a heavy hammer, leaving the man stunned on the spot.

' Zoro and the others... are they all dead?'

Why... why?

At that very moment, a tall figure appeared above Merry —it was none other than Marine Admiral Akainu!!

Seeing Merry running forward below, Akainu didn't hesitate to activate his Devil Fruit ability and attack Merry.

"Great Fire Breath!!"

"Huh?"

Upon hearing the sound, Merry instinctively turned around and immediately saw an enormous Magma Fist descending straight towards her.

At that moment, Merry was as if God of Death was beckoning to her.

Xi Yan, regaining his senses, also witnessed this scene, and his pupils contracted.

"Xi Yan, save..."

"Don't want!!!"

"Boom!!"

Xi Yan slammed his hands to the ground as fast as he could, but in the end, he still couldn't save the other person and could only watch helplessly as the other person was hit by the lava.

' Merry... is dead?'

Xi Yan's eyes widened, his heart felt like it had been squeezed tightly, and he heard a ringing in his ears.

At that moment, the images of his companions began to replay in his mind.

"Xi Yan, be my partner!"

"Xi Yan, show me your Fire Release!"

"Xi Yan, let's have a swordsmanship contest!"

"Xi Yan, isn't my cooking delicious? Hahahaha!"

"Xi Yan..."

"Xi Yan..."

"Xi Yan..."

"..."

Finally, that image froze on Merry's face.

"Xi Yan, we are family, you are not alone~"

That healing smile brought Xi Yan peace of mind more than once.

And now... it's all gone, everything's gone...

"Click~"

"Bump!"

The images in my mind shattered completely.

At this moment, Xi Yan endured incredibly intense mental stimulation, and his expression began to gradually become distorted!

The Three-Tomoe in his eyes began to spin wildly, faster and faster... faster and faster!

Finally... they connected to form a complete pattern!!

"Clang!!!"