The one who appeared next was Kuzan, the Marine Admiral candidate known as Aokiji.
The moment they realized Garp was in danger, the World Government's strongest fighters acted.
Unlike the others, Kuzan's ability posed a serious problem. It could not truly be blocked.
Though Kuzan's freezing power could not threaten Teach's life, he had no desire to find out what it felt like to be frozen solid.
Who could guarantee nothing would go wrong?
He was only one man, after all.
As for Garp, Teach had never been certain he could kill him.
Garp's physique might not match those of monsters like them, but if he focused entirely on defense, he could withstand a few blows without trouble.
The black armor binding Garp liquefied and peeled away on its own. It gathered in the air into Dark Jade, flew back to Teach, and merged into his body.
Beneath his clothes, out of sight, it became thin plates of armor pressed against his skin.
They covered his heart and other vital points in particular.
Borsalino saw his kick blocked. Even his light-speed kick could not budge Teach's Dark Jade.
When Teach evaded Kuzan's attack, Borsalino moved again, dissolving into a streak of golden light.
He needed to buy Kuzan some time.
Teach, however, had no intention of pursuing Garp.
The instant Teach moved aside, Kuzan appeared beside Garp without hesitation. He hauled Garp out of the ice in which his body was trapped.
Holding him with one arm, Kuzan quickly carried him back to the World Government's side.
As Borsalino approached, Teach merely raised a hand. Two pieces of Dark Jade floated to either side of him and formed hemispherical shields.
Whichever side Borsalino attacked from, Teach could block him with ease.
Borsalino found no opening.
Then he felt a familiar