"Oh dear..."
"Looks like I'll have to win you over with 'fatherly love.'"
At the sight, Dragon felt the atmosphere freeze, and fine beads of cold sweat seeped from his forehead.
Honestly, he had no desire whatsoever to fight Gern.
Because that was more than he could handle.
Especially since the man before him was no longer the West Blue recruit who had waited for guidance in Zephyr's office decades ago.
He was now a powerhouse whose name, "Heavenquake," shook the seas, someone who dared face Golden Lion, Kozuki Oden, Saint Garling, Rayleigh, and even Roger head-on!
Every single one of those powerhouses could make him... "sweat" like mad!
Gern's smile remained languid, but Dragon could feel the oppressive force hidden beneath his calm exterior.
He was just about to speak to ease the tension when a shrill voice suddenly broke the silence.
"You've left yourself wide open, Heavenquake!" Ivankov's piercing voice sliced through the heavy air as his pink figure flashed into view like a phantom.
Cold light gleamed between his slender fingers, and the needles traced deadly arcs through the air.
"Okama Kenpo: Fluffy Touching Fist!"
But before his attack could reach Gern, a massive golden shield abruptly formed, blocking the space between them.
Sparks burst from where the needle tips struck the shield.
Tesoro walked slowly out from the side, liquid gold flowing between his fingers.
"Vice Admiral Gern is talking. Anyone not involved..." He launched a powerful kick, Armament Haki coiling around his leg.
"Stay quiet!"
Bam! Ivankov flew backward like a kite with its string cut, smashing spiderweb cracks into the wall.
Before he could struggle to his feet, the liquid gold had turned into shackles, binding him fast.
"Hee-haw?! This gold..." Ivankov's expression suddenly changed. "I can't move! You're a power user too?!"
"Ivan!"