Intersecting water meteors. Luffy's water-ball body ricocheted through the gaps between the fiery barrier and the sandstorm, sending up great sprays of mist with every collision.
The water clung to Crocodile's mass of sand, noticeably slowing his movements.
Ace seized the opening and charged out of the fire barrier. His flaming fists rained down like meteors, cracking the sandstorm beneath a barrage of heavy blows.
Crocodile's furious roar rang out from the sand. "You brats have managed to piss me off!"
A moment later, the mass of sand suddenly condensed into dozens of sand snakes several meters long, striking at the brothers from every direction.
Ace immediately expanded his flame shield, only to see Luffy burst out of his water ball and charge bare-chested at the nearest sand snake. "Check out my Meatball Tank!"
He opened his mouth and sucked in a huge breath. His belly instantly swelled like a balloon, making him even bigger.
Crocodile stared, dumbfounded. Even Ace froze, unable to understand what Luffy was trying to do. "Luffy, what are you doing?"
The next moment, Luffy's body began to spin, forming a full-circle defensive screen around Ace. The instant the sand snakes touched his spinning body, they were smashed to pieces.
Ace had never imagined that an ordinary Paramecia Rubber-Rubber Fruit could be used like this. "Nice work, Luffy!"
Crocodile had not expected it either. Luffy, who fought as though he were just fooling around, had actually used his ability to form a defensive ball. "Damn it, what kind of ridiculous ability is that?"
Before long, once he had dealt with all the sand snakes, Luffy slowly came to a stop. He patted his belly, seeing stars as he muttered, "Whoa, I'm so dizzy!"
At the sight, Ace burst out laughing.
Crocodile had just been about to