Open a Gundam with Bare Hands / Devil Fruit Awakening

But—

Desperate straits could bring out courage, especially in pirates who lived with their lives on the line.

There was no shortage of ruthless fighters among them.

"Fight them!! What the hell are you afraid of?!"

One pirate charged first, swinging his long blade. Others quickly followed.

"Kill those Marine bastards! Take one down and we break even; take two and we come out ahead!!"

"You want my life? Then I'll make you pay for it!!"

A good number of pirates charged straight at the Marines without a moment's hesitation.

Onigumo clenched his cigar between his teeth, his expression calm. Only the slight curl of his lips betrayed him as he raised one hand high, then brought it down hard.

"Fire!!"

At his command, a line of Marines stepped forward with loaded guns and fired a volley at the charging pirates.

Thud, thud—!!!

Clang, clang, clang—!!!

Black bullets formed a dense barrage, weaving a net that swept over the pirates.

Some struck flesh with dull thuds; others rang sharply against Armament Haki.

Even pirates of the New World varied wildly in strength.

Everywhere had its weaker fighters, and the New World was no exception.

Some pirates had yet to awaken Armament Haki, and their bodies were far from durable.

Ordinary guns alone could do terrible damage.

"Everyone else, move in!!"

Onigumo was unsurprised. After calling to the commanders behind him, he drew his blade and charged ahead. Haki coated it as he swung with a whistle of wind, cutting toward the stronger pirates.

"Hic—!!!"

Vasco Shot looked half asleep, his cheeks flushed. He grinned at Onigumo as he approached.

"Would you believe me if I said I was just passing through?"

"..."

Clang—!!

Without the slightest hesitation, Onigumo slashed at him.

As expected, a layer of black Armament Haki beneath