"Phew... finally... I hit it!!"
Seeing that PX5 had finally been defeated, Luffy and the others breathed a sigh of relief, their momentum completely gone, and they slumped to the ground in joy.
Slap slap!!
"That's impressive! Even PX5 has fallen. It seems I underestimated the Straw Hat Pirates. A man-made weapon simply can't defeat you..."
However, your fate has come to an end. I am Sentomaru, the person with the strongest defense and the most stubborn mouth in the world. Don't even think that I'll tell you my name!
Just then, as Luffy and his crew were relaxing after finishing their battle, a clapping sound came from not far away. Then, he jumped down from the treetop with another artificial weapon and introduced himself to them as if he were nobody else.
"Hey, when did this guy get here? And he even claimed to be the most discreet person in the world, yet he blurted it out himself..."
Hmm... wait, what's behind that guy... could it be...?
Franky and his group were taken aback when they saw the man in front of them boast that he was the most discreet, yet he revealed his own identity. They made a sarcastic remark, but then they noticed another Kuma standing on his back, and were immediately shocked and terrified.
"Hmph, PX5 is pathetic. You actually lost to people who haven't even mastered Haki yet. But this does prove your level of strength. I'm going to personally capture you again. Although I have no prejudice against pirates, don't expect me to hold back!!"
The Sentomaru, wearing a huge bellyband, spoke up.
"... Who needs you to hold back? We'll defeat you now and continue on our previous path!"
Luffy retorted defiantly.
"Hey Luffy, I think we should... retreat for now... He's got someone following him who looks like that guy you guys just took down, and he doesn't look like someone you want to mess with!"
Usopp, who was behind him, was terrified when he saw Sentomaru appear with yet another artificial weapon. He then offered advice to Luffy, the captain in front of him.
"You'd better shut up, Usopp. This guy isn't going to give way so easily. We can only keep going by defeating him!!"
Sanji struggled to his feet again and replied with his back to Usopp.
"Of course I know that, but maybe there's still a sliver of a chance!"
Usopp stammered that when he saw another man-made weapon appear, he had already lost all confidence. It was only with the help of the three of them and others that they were able to defeat it with great difficulty, and that came at a great cost. If another one came, how could they possibly handle it?
"Hahaha, don't even think about it. I'm here on orders, how could I possibly let you go? You either fight, or you surrender. You only have these two options, nothing else exists!!"
Sentomaru didn't let them off easily just because of Usopp's words. Before coming here, he had already spoken with his superior, Kizaru, and was determined to capture them at all costs. As the most wanted criminals who had offended the Celestial Dragons, how could he let them go?
"Damn it, if reasoning won't work, then watch my ultimate move... Firebird Star!!"
Seeing that negotiations were impossible, Usopp had no choice but to put on his goggles, pick up his extended slingshot, stuff a gunpowder into it, and fire at Sentomaru.
Bang...
"It's useless, a mere little firework is of no use to me at all!!"
Sentomaru didn't even glance at it, casually pushing forward. An invisible energy burst forth from his body, deflecting Usopp's attack. Then, he glanced sideways and said...
"Although I feel that you pose almost no threat to me, for some reason I have sensed a powerful presence behind you since the beginning. Is it your accomplice?"
After finishing speaking, Sentomaru pointed to a large tree behind Luffy and the others and continued his sermon.
"Huh... an aura? Wait, how is that possible? Do you mean someone has been observing us from a distance all along?"
Upon hearing this news Luffy and his crew were all shocked. Nami was the first to recover and looked at Sentomaru to confirm it again.
"I'm the most tight-lipped person in the world, how could I possibly answer your questions? But after I arrived, I did sense a presence standing there motionless. My Observation Haki, while not as strong as Armament Haki, is still outstanding and won't be wrong!"
Sentomaru said he wouldn't tell his enemy, but his actions betrayed him, completely unaware that he had casually cleared up the doubt for him.
"Yes, I told you that myself, not because you asked me!"
After he said it, he realized his mistake and added another comment.
"What? Still not showing up? Do I have to physically remove you?"
After saying that, Sentomaru looked back over there, his voice lingering as he reminded the people there.
Slap slap!!
"Excellent! As expected of Admiral Kizaru's disciple and subordinate, you detected my presence so quickly. In that case, I shall reveal myself!"
Upon hearing Sentomaru's precise explanation, Luo Chen, who had been sitting on a tree branch waiting for an opportunity, could no longer remain seated. He leaped down to the side of the group and clapped his hands, saying...
"Hmm... who are you... how do you know I'm Uncle Kizaru's disciple and subordinate? Did you specifically investigate my identity?!"
Upon seeing Luo Chen directly identify himself, Sentomaru felt a little uneasy and stared at him directly, asking sharply.
"Hahaha, no need to be so suspicious. Knowing your identity was just a coincidence. The Marines here mentioned your identity when they were talking to me just now, saying that a young man would be landing with Admiral Kizaru. Although Kizaru isn't here now, there are only a few people on the island with powerful auras. After eliminating the impossible options, we can naturally deduce your identity!"
Luo Chen didn't actually explain why he knew his identity so well, but instead gave him a half-truth and half-lies explanation, before changing the subject and looking at Luffy and the others.
"But everything else is secondary right now. The most important thing is to arrest the Straw Hat crew, am I right, Mr. Sentomaru?!"
"Hmm, while what you said isn't entirely correct, it's not wrong either. Right now, the Straw Hat Pirates are the priority; we can deal with our own matters later. I didn't expect you to be here to capture them too, Shichibukai... Mr. Luo Chen!!"
Sentomaru recognized Luo Chen's identity at this moment. Because of his reminder, he had to put other matters aside and turn his attention back to Luffy and his crew.
"It's been a long time! Mr. Luffy and you all, I really didn't expect to see you..."
After exchanging glances for a while, Luo Chen, still wearing a smile, spoke to Luffy and his crew, his true thoughts unknown.
"Heh, fate is truly unpredictable. I never imagined our reunion would be like this, swords drawn. You have your purposes, and I have mine; please forgive me!"
Then, with a sigh, she said to him.
"Yeah, I didn't expect it either. I really didn't expect you to become Shichibukai in less than a month. But don't feel any pressure. We've always been rivals and enemies, so let's have a showdown!"
Luffy recognized Luo Chen and had the same expression, but he was more carefree.