Sabo pushed Luffy, who was hugging him tightly, away and finally caught his breath. "Huff, huff..."
He turned his gaze toward Akainu, then looked at Luffy's right hand, which had turned slightly red from the burns.
His brows furrowed deeply.
He knew Luffy had eaten the Gum-Gum Fruit, so slashing attacks and high temperatures were naturally what he feared most.
Akainu had eaten the Magma-Magma Fruit, one of the natural disasters humans feared most, and the hottest disaster of all.
He was Luffy's natural enemy.
If Sabo went to the Execution Platform to save Ace, Luffy would inevitably face Akainu.
Naturally, that was not something he wanted to see.
Having Luffy go to the Execution Platform to rescue Ace would give them a greater advantage.
Garp and Sengoku were on the Execution Platform, and Garp was Luffy's grandfather.
Garp was the hero of the Marines, and his strength was naturally terrifying.
If he fought seriously, almost no one on the battlefield besides Whitebeard would likely be able to stop him.
Even now, Sabo had no confidence whatsoever in facing that freakish old man.
He immediately said to Luffy:
"Luffy, I'm leaving Ace's rescue to you. I'll hold off this Admiral for you."
Luffy wiped away his tears, looking at Akainu and then at Sabo.
He sniffled, his voice a little choked as he spoke:
"Sabo, this Admiral is kind of a freak. His hands turn into magma, and they're really hot."
Sabo nodded. "Got it. Hurry along. I'm leaving Ace to you."
Luffy nodded firmly. "Oh! Leave it to me! Be careful!"
Seeing the two brothers talking as though he were not there, Akainu almost laughed in anger.
"Hmph! Do you think I don't exist? I told you, none of you three brothers will get away today!"
With that, he