Bondrewd appeared on the battlefield, and he did so by "replacing" Shining.
The Marines around him involuntarily backed away. Some even fell to the ground and scrambled away on all fours.
"Damn it! Was this part of your plan too?!"
At the sight, Sengoku unleashed a surge of Conqueror's Haki.
One fighter added, another removed-the resulting imbalance in combat strength left him sensing a tremendous crisis.
He did not think Shining would be taken out so easily. The question was when Shining could "come back."
"Sorry-this road's closed!"
Black fire and frost rose from the Red Count's claws, one on each hand. He released his Conqueror's Haki as well, and black-and-red lightning clashed between them.
"Don't get too cocky!"
Sengoku slammed his palm down. Buddha's light blazed, and the air roared, briefly driving the Red Count back.
But the Red Count kept Sengoku firmly occupied. Even at a disadvantage, he had no trouble tying him down.
Sengoku scanned the battlefield out of the corner of his eye.
In the sky, Kizaru was also being held back by the Golden Lion. With his speed, Kizaru could certainly attack Bondrewd, but that would also leave the Golden Lion free.
Kuzan led a group of officers in surrounding Whitebeard. Crocodile had retreated with his subordinates, Hawk-Eye was fighting Shiryu, and Kuma faced the Great Battleship. The Empress...
To Sengoku's surprise, the Empress was actually blazing with fighting spirit as she raced toward Bondrewd.
...Meanwhile.
"Mr. Ace, it's been a while."
Bondrewd looked at the distraught Ace.
Ace was a classic "gentle, Japanese-style pseudo-protagonist." By... Celestial Empire standards, that made him the indecisive sort who could not get his priorities straight.
"Nar... uto. What did you do to him?!"
Ace clutched the ruined metal box, trembling all over.
"Well, actually, Naruto asked me to