When Werther appeared again, he was already in front of Shiryu of the Rain.
Clang.
Intent Blood met Shiryu of the Rain's long sword.
Nearby, Doffy transformed the ground around him into masses of white threads and sent them toward the Black Cloth covering Blackbeard.
Strangely, only Van Augur, Jesus Burgess, and Lafitte moved to stop Doffy.
The others retreated together and stood aside to watch.
Doffy's spirits rose. Holding off the entire Blackbeard Pirates would have been dangerous, but handling the three in front of him was no problem.
He settled into the fight against them with ease, trading blows to keep them occupied.
Meanwhile, Werther attacked Shiryu of the Rain with everything he had. Killing Shiryu was why he had come to the Summit War.
"Why? I don't think I've done anything to you."
Sweat began to bead on Shiryu's forehead. At his peak, he had been about as strong as Werther.
But years in prison had left his body in terrible shape. He could barely react to Werther's ghostlike Speed.
Werther laughed at Shiryu's question. His answer came from the two Intent Blood swords in his hands.
Slash.
Blood sprayed as Werther carved a deep cut across Shiryu's face.
Shiryu had reacted quickly enough to dodge the strike meant for his neck.
"Too weak. I spent so long preparing to kill you. What a disappointment."
Before Shiryu could answer, Werther rushed straight at him.
"You lot, stop watching and help me!"
Shiryu knew his life was at stake. He called out to the prisoners who had escaped with him.
"Hehehe. Shiryu of the Rain, we haven't decided whether to join the Blackbeard Pirates or go our separate ways. We'll only join if Blackbeard succeeds. For now, we're not on the same side."
The ugly pirate Catarina Devon