Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Bai Ye had no worries about the safety of his companions. His confidence stemmed from his belief that the island's foes were no match for the Straw Hats. While Bai Ye was engaging in a not-so-friendly chat with Spandam, the rest of the Straw Hats were also facing their opponents.
Luffy was fighting off another wave of attackers with his signature Gomu Gomu no Gatling, sending enemies flying with a barrage of rapid punches. As he ran, he noticed a distinct building ahead. Grinning, he stretched out his arm, grabbed it, and swung himself up towards the Tower of Justice. "Bai Ye said the info we need is in there," Luffy muttered to himself, a smile spreading across his face as he drew closer to his goal.
At that moment, a door appeared out of nowhere above Luffy, and three sharp air blades sliced through the air towards him.
Tempest Kick! x3
The attack, one of the six powers of the navy executed by Blueno, was incredibly powerful. The ground where Luffy had been just a moment earlier was now marked with flying debris, but Luffy had already dodged the assault.
As the dust settled, three figures emerged from the air door. Blueno, his horn-shaped haircut unmistakable, spoke first, his words sparing as usual: "Straw Hat Luffy, he's worth 150 million."
Kaku, standing next to him, looked oddly at ease. "Enies Lobby is in chaos because of you," he said, almost casually. "Just a few days after we met, and you're already an enemy of the World Government?"
The reason behind Kaku's newfound confidence was clear: before leaving the Tower of Justice, Spandam had given him and Kalifa a significant boost—a Devil Fruit each. The sudden increase in their powers had obviously bolstered his assurance in facing Luffy.
Alongside Kaku and Blueno, the formidable Rob Lucci had also arrived on the scene. His posture was composed, yet there was an unusual tone of resentment in his voice. "General Aokiji warned us about your strength, suggesting that CP9 might not be able to handle you," he said, his displeasure with this assessment clear. Lucci's eyes hardened as he faced Luffy. "But CP9 isn't known for backing down."
Luffy's demeanor grew serious as he confronted the trio. "I'm here to retrieve Mister Tom's records," he stated firmly. "I'm not interested in a fight with the World Government or the navy, but if you're planning to stand in my way..." Luffy adjusted his straw hat, fixing a steady gaze on his opponents. "Then you'd better be ready for a beating."
-----
Zoro surveyed the half-demolished building he apparently chopped down himself and muttered, "Weird, this place feels familiar. Have I been here before?" Just then, a voice called out from behind, halting his thoughts.
"Straw Hat Pirates, Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro."
The voice alone was enough to tell Zoro that this wasn't just any adversary. It carried a weight that only a seasoned warrior could possess. Turning around, Zoro came face to face with his new challenger. The man stood tall in his navy uniform, his attire marked by a justice cloak and a striking red feather on his helmet. His long, curly black hair framed a stern, gaunt face with a noticeable missing tooth that became evident as he spoke.
"I am Captain T-Bone of the Marines. I will be your opponent."
T-Bone, known for his unwavering sense of justice, stood in stark contrast to other Marine officers like the crafty Nezumi, the gruff Smoker, and the laid-back Aokiji. Unlike them, T-Bone embodied the true spirit of naval justice. His intimidating appearance belied a compassionate nature, especially towards his men, for whom he'd readily tear his cloak to bandage their wounds.
Moreover, T-Bone was not just a figure of moral integrity but also a formidable fighter, holding the rank of a headquarters captain. His weapon of choice, a long sword aptly named the Ship Slasher, hinted at his extraordinary ability to cleave through pirate ships as though slicing through steak.
T-Bone has always been known for his disdain for bending swords, evident in the straightforward name of his signature technique: Right Angle Flash Slash! Facing Zoro, who was already in a defensive stance, T-Bone wasted no time on words and launched into action. His long sword flashed from its sheath, sending a swift slash cutting through the air towards Zoro.
Zoro, intrigued by the attack, recognized the skill behind it. As someone who had mastered similar techniques, he could instantly gauge the slash's strength. This might have been a challenging fight for the Zoro who had just departed Sky Island, but the Zoro now, having conquered his inner demons, found it lacking.
With a casual flick of his sword, Zoro deflected T-Bone's attack. The clash escalated quickly as both warriors charged, their swords meeting with a resounding clang. T-Bone was pushed back several steps by the force of Zoro's blow.
"Your strength is respectable," Zoro commented, "but you're not in my league. Stand aside."
Regaining his stance, T-Bone straightened up, his eyes sharp. "Step aside for pirates? I am a captain of the navy. If you wish to pass, you must defeat me. This is my justice!" With those words, T-Bone executed a series of slashes, forming a rectangular pattern in the air with his sword before sending the powerful strikes towards Zoro.
Zoro, unfazed, responded, "Your justice may be a heavy burden, but we too carry our own." He readied his stance for a counterattack.
One Sword Style: Lion's Song!
In an instant, Zoro's counter-slashed through the air, dismantling T-Bone's attack and continuing towards him with unstoppable force. T-Bone, gritting his teeth, managed to parry two of the slashes but was too slow for the others.
Just as the remaining slashes were about to reach him, another figure, clad in a navy uniform with the lower half of his face shrouded in white cloth, stepped in front of T-Bone, intercepting the attack.