Reputation Shines Bright Through Contrast

Not far away.

Wilton also crashed to the ground, leaving a large pit before he stretched and emerged from the dust, completely unharmed.

"Cough, cough, cough~"

"What is this guy doing here?"

Luffy and the others got up from the ground, their faces changed and filled with fear as they watched Wilton emerge from the smoke and dust.

"Luffy, let's run!"

Nami's first thought was to escape; the shadow this man cast over them was too intense.

Snap--

The air exploded.

A whip lashed out, and Zoro quickly drew his sword to block it. His body was forced back several steps, and the hand holding his sword trembled slightly.

"Nyahaha~ I'm Sadi, who loves torture, and I can't let you pirates escape."

Sadi swung her long whip, her voice drawn out nasally, inexplicably excited. Combined with her S&M attire, it was clear she was a pervert.

Following closely behind.

Four colossal figures stood behind Sadi, and a wave of Marines was approaching in the distance. They would surround the area before long.

"What do we do?"

Nami's palms were covered in cold sweat. That woman was clearly not simple, and the four upright beasts behind her were a shock to her senses.

Just the aura of ferocious beasts emanating from them made her legs tremble.

She glanced at the spiked club, which was thicker and longer than her own body. One hit from it might be the end of her, with no chance to even cry.

"Be careful, this woman and those four monsters are very strong."

Zoro and Sanji assumed combat stances. Usopp shakily pulled out his slingshot, while Luffy wore a serious expression.

Chopper swallowed hard, his short legs trembling uncontrollably because he could sense the terrifying power of the four Jailer Beasts even more acutely.

"Major General Wilton, what are you doing here?"

Smoker flew out of the restaurant, very surprised to see Wilton emerge from the dust, and at the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Now, not only the Straw Hat Pirates but also Fire Fist Ace wouldn't be able to escape.

"Just passing through, didn't expect to run into a big fish."

"Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander, Fire Fist Ace, bounty 550 million Beli."

Wilton replied casually, then stared intently at Ace, whose expression was shifting unpredictably.

"What?"

"550 million Beli?"

Usopp and the others' mouths fell open in disbelief, shocked by the bounty. They had guessed that Luffy's brother was strong, but they never expected such an outrageous bounty.

550 million Beli was an astronomical figure beyond their imagination.

"A dumbbell engraved with the word 'Justice,' a flat-brimmed cap, a tight vest, gym shorts—you're Marine Rear Admiral Wilton."

Ace scanned Wilton from head to toe.

The heroic fearlessness and sense of justice emanating from him undeniably indicated the other's identity.

During his pursuit of Teach, he had heard of such a Marine Rear Admiral on the Grand Line; he was a fierce fighter with distinctive features.

Besides the dumbbell weapon, there was his attire and his fearless aura.

He was said to be a capable subordinate of Vice Admiral Dalmatian at Marine Headquarters, and he had recently fought the world's most ferocious man in Loguetown in the East Blue.

The Marines had published news reports, naturally to promote the spirit of justice within the Marines. Such positive reports were always widely publicized by the Marines.

Wilton was not the first Marine to benefit from this; there had been many, many before him.

Some were just the lowest-ranking Marines, while others were generals. Almost anyone who was positive and beneficial to the Marines' image had been reported.

The benefits of doing this, besides enhancing the Marines' positive image, were to deter pirate scoundrels and attract more civilians to join the Marines.

There were naturally disadvantages as well, such as Marines who were reported potentially becoming stepping stones for pirates to gain fame. However, this was also a test and a trial.

In short, the benefits outweighed the disadvantages.

Therefore, Wilton's reputation was actually quite strong now. To put it bluntly, it was thanks to the fight in Loguetown, which highlighted the world's most ferocious man.

"Sadi, Minotauros, Minotaur Rhino, Minotaur Koala, Minotaur Zebra, Smoker."

"You capture the Straw Hat Pirates, and leave Fire Fist Ace to me. No one is getting away today."

Wilton couldn't be bothered to waste words with Ace, Luffy, and the others.

In their eyes, freedom and dreams were built upon the suffering of others. Only Impel Down and death were the best destinations for them.

This world was rotten to the core; only by tearing it down and reshuffling was there a way out.

And he would unhesitatingly be the leader who would bring about this change and unite the world.

To realize this ambition.

He will throw caution to the wind, disregard life and death!

"Yes."

Facing Wilton's orders, Sadi, Smoker, and the four Jailer Beasts all grew serious. They immediately rushed towards Luffy and the others.

The battle in Loguetown.

Smoker inwardly admired Wilton, and Wilton held the highest position on the scene. He was being very accommodating and obeying orders this time.

What's more, he was originally here to capture the Straw Hat Pirates.

This is bad.

Ace's heart sank, and a look of panic appeared on his face. Neither Smoker, the perverted woman with the long whip, nor those four ferocious beasts were a match for Luffy's group right now.

He could feel the gap between them completely.

"Luffy, you guys hurry and leave."

"Fire Fist."

Flames blazed.

Ace clenched his fist and attacked Smoker, Sadi, and the four Jailer Beasts from a distance. The entire space seemed to crackle and bake as a giant fiery fist tore through the air, unstoppable and surging forward.

This move was very fast, covered a wide area, and had immense impact.

Crucially, it was also imbued with Haki.

Ace was fighting seriously to buy time for Luffy and the others.

"Dumbbell Impact."

Wilton quickly appeared before Sadi and the others. He raised his right hand high, swinging the dumbbell down with great force, creating a dumbbell slash wave far exceeding five hundred meters, vast and unstoppable.

Bang--

A large amount of flames sprayed outwards. The hard, thick street cracked and collapsed, and the surrounding buildings erupted in fierce flames.

Wilton's feet sank into the ground as he was pushed back, his right hand trembling slightly.

It had to be said that Ace was very strong at this time. He didn't have absolute confidence in defeating the opponent, but he could hold them off indefinitely.

"Lord Wilton."

Sadi's face was flushed, her eyes practically sparkling. She then became frenzied with excitement, gripping her whip imbued with Armament Haki, and charged at Luffy like a pervert, ravenous.

"Groan! Scream! Make me happy!"

"No one can save you today."

"Moo!"

"White Fist."

The four Jailer Beasts and Smoker also launched their attacks. For a moment, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper were almost scared out of their wits.

"Nami, Sanji, Zoro, Chopper, Usopp, split up and escape, then meet in the capital."

Luffy also felt unprecedented pressure.

Fortunately, Weiwei had already separated from them, otherwise today...

Over here.

Wilton also launched the first attack, a direct Explosive Double Axes, pressing down on Ace like Mount Tai.

"Get lost."

"Fire Fist."

Ace roared in fury, unleashing another Fire Fist directly at Wilton. This time, he was going all out.