Thump...
Thump...
Two thuds sounded as Luffy and Zoro fell to the ground, blood gushing from their bodies.
The moment the two fell to the ground, the battle was about to end. Two blood-red hands pushed out into the distance, then exploded with a loud bang, turning into countless specks of red light that scattered in all directions.
Tap... Tap... Tap...
Luo Chen walked up to the two of them, looked down at them, and said with a slight smile.
"It seems this battle can now come to an end. Straw Hat Pirates captain Luffy, swordsman Zoro, and the previously defeated Sanji— all three major figures—have fallen to my hands."
"Well? Is there anything else you want to say, Luffy?"
"Ahem, since we've already lost, I have nothing more to say. But I must say, Luo Chen, you're really strong. From the moment I saw you fight that old man at Navarone Fortress, I vowed to surpass you and repay the favor you did us by helping us escape. But even after trying so hard, I still can't catch up with you."
"Ahem, if possible, please spare my companions and let them go. This whole mess was caused by my impulsive captain; they have no reason to be involved. Is that alright, Luo Chen?"
At the moment of losing the battle, Luffy appeared very carefree. In his eyes, defeat was defeat and there was nothing to say. When he learned that he might be imprisoned, he pleaded with Luo Chen to forgive his companions and to take full responsibility for them.
"Heh, while I really want to grant your request and spare your companions, I'm truly sorry, but with Marine Admiral Kizaru here, how can I possibly agree to this request?"
As they were talking, the battle between Luo Chen's clone and Nami and the others came to an end. Although he could not use Haki and the Six Powers as freely as his main body, he used his Blood Breath to a masterful degree. Before long, he subdued them all and pinned them to the ground, ready to submit to Kizaru's disposal.
"Really? That makes sense. With things escalating like this, how could my companions possibly get away with it? I was being too naive!"
Upon hearing Luo Chen's words, Luffy's eyes instantly dimmed, and he spoke in a somewhat low voice.
"Rather than wasting the rest of your lives in prison, I'd rather end your lives myself!!"
As he spoke, Luo Chen used his Blood Breath to condense a crimson energy blade in his hand, preparing to stab it into their heads.
Clang...
Just as Luo Chen was about to succeed, a sword light flashed and severed the energy sword that Luo Chen had condensed in his hand.
"Ha, I knew you wouldn't just sit idly by. You finally decided to come out after all that waiting? Pluton... Rayleigh!!"
Even though his movements were stopped by the sudden flash of sword light, Luo Chen felt no surprise or disappointment.
The moment he decided to strike Observation Haki detected One Flash emotional fluctuation in the area. The aura of its owner was incredibly strong, no less than Kizaru's. He knew Rayleigh had arrived, but without hesitation, he thrust his weapon at him. Sure enough, at the last moment, Rayleigh intervened and saved them.
"Oh dear... Young man, could you please spare these young seedlings under your command? After all, their stage is yet to come, and I can't stand idly by and watch you stifle these nascent hopes!!"
Rayleigh appeared before everyone dressed in casual clothes, looking directly at Luo Chen and asking a question.
sand...
"Ara ara ara, is it your turn to make a move, Dark King Rayleigh?"
Just then, footsteps sounded behind him. Kizaru, who had been observing from the sidelines, had somehow appeared behind him and said in a somewhat lazy voice.
"Hahaha, if your navy could remove my arrest warrant, then I could finally retire in peace!!"
Even with Admiral standing behind him, Rayleigh showed no fear, instead chatting with him with a relaxed expression.
"Withdraw? Please spare me. How can the crimes I committed as a pirate be so easily erased? Even after receiving news of your retirement on this island, the Navy dares not act rashly. If we decide to arrest you, we must be prepared to face the Impact of several legendary figures at the same time, especially at this critical juncture. So, could you please hand over the Straw Hat and the others to us?"
Kizaru became somewhat serious when facing Rayleigh, and began to communicate with him in a very earnest manner.
"Hehehe, it seems you still won't give up..."
"Please spare me! The Straw Hat Pirates are prisoners specifically designated by the Celestial Dragons, especially Straw Hat Luffy. If we let them escape like this, what will become of the Navy's reputation?"
Although Kizaru still spoke to Rayleigh in that polite manner, the meaning behind his words was self-evident: he had completely rejected Rayleigh's request for him to release the hostage.
"Is that so? Then let's settle this with a sword. It's been a long time since I've used a sword. I'll use you to test if my strength has declined, Kizaru... Admiral!!"
Rayleigh naturally understood the attitude in his words. He had already made the necessary preparations. Even a Vice Admiral in the Navy would not agree to his request here. This was a matter of the Navy's face, and they would not give an inch. Now, they could only let their strength speak for itself. So Rayleigh took out a double-edged sword from his body, which he had casually taken from the pirates when he came here.
"No, I have no obligation to fight here with you, Shichibukai... Luo Chen, quickly kill the Straw Hat crew and crush their hopes..."
Kizaru shook his head and turned his gaze toward Luo Chen, then loudly commanded him.
"You want me to kill them right now? I'm sorry, Admiral Kizaru, but I must correct a few of your mistakes here."
Firstly, my primary profession is that of a pirate, even if I were to join the Shichibukai. My relationship with your Navy is merely one of cooperation; you have no right to order me around!
Secondly, my mission to capture the Straw Hat Pirates is over; they are no longer capable of fighting. Our deal is done, and I have no reason to help you and risk being hated by a legendary figure.
Therefore, in conclusion, I refuse to accept your order. These people are yours to handle as you see fit; I will not interfere further!
Upon hearing that Admiral Kizaru wanted him to deal with Luffy and the others, Luo Chen refused without hesitation. He had no intention of harming them, not to mention that Rayleigh, whose strength rivaled that of an Admiral, was watching from the sidelines, as well as the real Kuma, Luffy's father Dragon's subordinate, who was currently observing his every move from who-knows-where.
"Hmph, as expected, pirates are all unreliable. Sentomaru, go and take their lives, so that the Celestial Dragons can have some justice!"
Hearing Luo Chen directly reject his order, even the usually carefree Luo Chen couldn't help but get angry, his impression of Luo Chen worsened, and he ordered his subordinate Sentomaru to deal with them.
"It's... Uncle Kizaru!!"
Swoosh...
Upon receiving the order Sentomaru lightly pushed off from his spot and whooshed to Luffy and the others. He gripped the large axe on his back, swung it around, and aimed his gaze at Luffy's neck, preparing to deliver a powerful chop.
"Wait... Sentomaru, could you let me handle them?"
Just as Sentomaru shouted and was about to swing his axe down, a gentle voice came from his ear and stopped him in time.