Everyone stood ready, not daring to let down their guard.
The soldiers watched with sharp eyes, afraid to miss a single detail.
They were the Pudora Kingdom's forward sentries. If they slipped up and allowed the Chris Pirates to launch a surprise attack...
Everyone knew what the consequences would be!
Aboard the Chris, the Chris Pirates had also spotted Thriller Bark.
But their faces were full of delight, the exact opposite of the Pudora Kingdom's garrison.
Gecko Moria's arrival was wonderful news for them.
As they watched Thriller Bark sail slowly toward them, the Division Commanders exchanged glances.
Lafitte adjusted his hat and said with a gentleman's poise, "It's been a long time since we left the Florian Triangle!"
"Come to think of it, that was the first time we defeated a Shichibukai with our own strength!"
Burgess chuckled and slammed his fists together. "Wahahaha! That was the first fight since we set sail that left me feeling truly satisfied!"
"It took a lot out of us, but at least the captain didn't have to step in!"
The Division Commanders smiled as they looked back on it.
Their first battle against a Shichibukai had been in the Alabasta Kingdom.
Even working together, the Division Commanders had been unable to overcome Crocodile. He had kept them on the defensive.
In the end, Chris had stepped in to finish the fight.
After losing to Crocodile, the Division Commanders had trained diligently.
By the time they encountered Gecko Moria, every one of them had grown considerably stronger.
Cavendish rested a hand on the hilt of his sword and smiled faintly. "Looking back, that really was an unforgettable battle."
"Not one of us let Gecko Moria have an easy time of it."
Doc Q felt a twinge of guilt. Back then, he