Ink Tide Island.
Black tide slammed against the shattered port once and again.
The auction house that had originally been brightly lit and filled with shouted bids and wild laughter was now completely quiet.
Those pirates and underground buyers who had once stood high above and auctioned living humans off like cargo were now kneeling on the ground with their heads in their hands one by one, their faces pale, not even daring to breathe loudly.
The injured civilians were gathered and placed in a temporary open space.
Someone held a child and wept softly.
Someone leaned against the wall, staring blankly at the shackles that had already been opened.
T Bone crouched among the wounded, personally bandaging a child's wound.
His movements were very light, and his voice was kept very low.
"Endure it for a moment, it will be better soon."
Right at that moment.
Snap.
A soft sound suddenly came from the air.
The next instant, a tall black figure appeared before the crowd without warning.
The marines instantly raised their guns.
"What person?!"
"Be on guard!"
Smoker and T Bone turned their heads at the same time.
When they saw clearly who had come, their pupils both contracted.
A massive physique close to seven meters, a broad and thick body like a silent high wall.
A black coat hung down, holding a book in his hand.
Even while not saying a word, he carried a pressure that was difficult for anyone to ignore.
One of the Shichibukai.
The Tyrant -- Bartholomew Kuma.
Smoker gripped his Seastone Jitte tightly, his brow furrowing.
"Tyrant Kuma?"
"Why are you here?"
Kuma did not answer.
His gaze crossed over Smoker, landing on those civilians who had just been rescued.
Especially those children.
A little girl sat in her mother's arms,