Imai continued to counter Diane's relentless strikes, her movements fluid and deliberate. For the first time in a long while, a thrill coursed through her veins. Finally—someone in this vast world could rival her. After all, her existence had thrown the balance between pirates and marines into chaos.
"Ancient Honorary Technique: Blessed by the Holy Light," Diane intoned, her voice resolute.
"Sovereign's Secret Technique: Harbinger of Evil," Imai countered, a devilish grin spreading across her face.
Dark purple Haki flared from Imai's blade, its aura suffocating and oppressive. It felt as if death itself clung to the weapon, sending shivers through all who bore witness. Diane's blade, by contrast, radiated golden Haki, its warmth evoking feelings of protection and resolve.
The two warriors stood as opposites—light and dark, good and evil, yin and yang. Together, they embodied the ultimate clash of duality.
When their blades collided, a wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded outward, shaking the battlefield. The weaker combatants collapsed instantly, unconscious. Even those with strong wills found their legs trembling, barely able to remain upright.
They were witnessing a battle for the ages.
"So," Imai said, her voice calm yet cutting as she leaned back to dodge Diane's horizontal slash, "you've got the qualities of a king, too. Your swordsmanship is impressive, though you've still got a few flaws."
"Tch," Diane spat through gritted teeth. "I'll end you here and now—to avenge everyone you've killed!"
Imai chuckled, sidestepping another strike. "You mean the ones who weren't as innocent as they seemed? Tell me, Diane, did they really send you here to kill me? Or do they want you to bring me in alive?"
Diane faltered, her expression betraying surprise for a fleeting moment.
Got her.
Imai knew the higher-ups wouldn't want her dead—not yet. She had too much knowledge, too many secrets they'd want to extract. Capitalizing on Diane's hesitation, Imai smacked her blade aside with her left hand and followed with a swift kick to Diane's stomach. As Diane staggered back, Imai closed the gap and drove her fist into Diane's cheek.
"Agh!" Diane groaned, clutching her stomach as she stumbled further. Pain radiated through her body, but she refused to fall.
Imai tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "What happens if you bring me in, I wonder? A promotion? An award? Or… is there something deeper?"
Diane glared up at her, rage flaring in her emerald eyes.
"Fine," Imai said suddenly, lowering her blade. "I'll let you take me in."
"What?" Diane froze, her anger replaced by suspicion. "You're surrendering? Why?"
Shrugging, Imai sheathed her sword. "Maybe I want to see what Impel Down is like. Who knows? I might meet someone interesting there."
Diane frowned. "Do you honestly expect me to believe that? You're plotting something."
Imai smirked, saying nothing as she unbuckled the scabbards from her waist and tossed them to Uta, who had just reached her side.
"Huh? Captain, what's this for?" Uta asked, catching them with confusion written all over her face.
"I'm going to prison," Imai said matter-of-factly. "Impel Down—the highest-security hellhole Marineford has to offer."
"What?!" Rei blurted out. "Captain, you didn't even lose! Why are you letting them take you?"
Ignoring the outburst, Imai pulled them close, her voice lowering to a whisper. "I'm looking for our fourth crewmate. She's in Impel Down—in the deepest level. I'm going to break her out and bring her back with us."
Uta and Rei's eyes widened, their mouths opening in protest. Imai quickly clamped a hand over each of their mouths, muffling them before they could ruin her plan.
"Don't say anything," she hissed. "Just follow my lead. Once I'm arrested, news will spread like wildfire. You'll set sail for Marineford in a few days. From there, you know what to do."
Uta nodded hesitantly. "Got it. We'll break you out of there."
Rei grinned, though her voice shook with worry. "Don't worry, Captain. We'll get you out fast. No way we're leaving you in that place for long."
Imai chuckled softly, but before she could reply, cold metal clamped around her wrists with an audible click. A sudden drain washed over her as her devil fruit abilities were suppressed.
"Looks like this is where we part," she said, glancing at her crew with a wink. "Don't let me down."
Diane yanked her forward, her grip firm and unyielding. "Let's go," she barked.
As they walked toward the marine ship, Imai threw one last glance at her crew. Everything was going according to plan. She was invading Impel Down as a prisoner.
Imai couldn't suppress a chuckle. Who willingly walked into the jaws of hell?
"What's so funny?" Diane snapped, her scowl deepening.
"Oh, nothing," Imai replied with a smile. "I just think this whole situation is… amusing."
The pirates and marines still conscious stared as they passed, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion.
"So," Imai said casually, "Diane, how've you been these past few years?"
"Be quiet," Diane shot back. "I've got nothing to say to you."
"Well, that's rude. Guess we'll suffer in silence then," Imai said with mock indignation. "You were ordered to keep an eye on me, weren't you? To make sure I don't escape?"
Diane's eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?"
"It's obvious," Imai replied. "Your superiors may seem clever to you, but they're easy to read. They're predictable."
"Arrogant as ever," Diane muttered, her grip tightening.
"Of course," Imai said with a grin. "Oh, and by the way, you're stunning."
Diane blinked, caught off guard. "What are you staring at?"
"Nothing," Imai replied, leaning back with a smirk.
Nothing yet, she thought, her mind already spinning with the pieces of her plan falling into place