4
Kurozumi Orochi watched helplessly as the ground beneath his feet tore free of the earth, his view suddenly tilting.
The whole world began to spin-no, someone was lifting the entire cone-shaped mass of severed rock.
That figure twisted at the waist and drew his arm back into a throwing stance.
"Off you go."
The mass of rock hurtled through the air.
Amid the shrieking wind, Kurozumi Orochi's screams stretched into broken, quavering notes.
The carriage jolted violently inside the transparent shield, but the old man beside him remained perfectly still.
"Please remain calm, Lord Orochi."
Kurozumi Semimaru's voice was as calm as an ancient well. "The vitality granted by the Yamata no Orochi Devil Fruit is enough to withstand this impact.
"Within my barrier, you are absolutely sa-"
Before he could finish.
The tumbling abruptly stopped.
A figure landed lightly on the edge of the rock, the dull thud of his boots against stone mostly swallowed by the wind.
"So this really does work as a way to travel."
The pupils of both men inside the shield contracted.
A black haori snapped in the fierce wind, while the scenery racing backward below blurred into patches of color.
The man turned around, a cold curve lifting his lips beneath his wind-tossed hair.
"Nice view, isn't it?"
His voice passed through the barrier with terrifying clarity.
"Take a good look while you can."
"This will probably be the last time you see the sky."
Udon.
Everyone fighting paused at once.
Overhead, an enormous shadow tore through the clouds, howling past with enough wind pressure to send gravel rolling across the ground.
"Damn brat-!!"
The Azure Dragon circling in the sky let out a deafening roar and twisted his body to give chase.
Something suddenly whistled through the air.
An invisible