The CP0 commander knew that the Fish-Men could swim and that the Navy traitor, Wood, could use "Moonwalk." He wasn't relying solely on the bombardment to eliminate all enemies on the island. The indiscriminate barrage was meant to destroy obstacles that hindered visibility and to clear out the weaker foes.
Meanwhile, on the flagship where the CP0 commander resided, sentries kept a close watch on both the sea and the sky, prepared to react immediately if any Fish-Men attempted to dive into the ocean or if Wood tried to escape using "Moonwalk."
The bombardment raged on, and within minutes, every building on the island was reduced to rubble. It became clear that Wood, who had intended to escape using "Moonwalk," was easily spotted amidst the encirclement of thirty warships.
At the commander's signal, three CP0 agents in white suits—each of varying height and build—took off at high speed using "Moonwalk," swiftly closing in on Wood's position.
The bombardment was useless against an opponent who could use "Moonwalk." Sending ordinary CP agents after him would only slow them down or result in needless deaths. Only the elite CP0 agents were deemed capable of handling Wood.
The CP0 commander himself did not bother to engage Wood directly, deeming him unworthy. His primary target was Fisher Tiger, the man who had dared to attack Mariejois and trample on the World Government's dignity.
As for Wood, though reports indicated he was formidable, the CP0 commander saw no need to exert himself. Sending three CP0 agents was already giving Wood more respect than he deserved.
"This mission was doomed to fail not only because of Spandam's incompetence but also due to the Navy's lackluster performance," the CP0 commander remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Who would have thought that the so-called 'Hero of the Navy,' Garp, and the much-lauded Rear Admiral Momousagi would be unable to capture a single traitor?"
His words were a clear jab at the Navy, suggesting that their reputation was nothing more than empty boasts. The CP0 agents, on the other hand, represented true strength, their capabilities hidden behind their clandestine nature.
Garp, seemingly unbothered by the taunts, continued to pick his nose nonchalantly. He didn't bother to respond, instead watching the three CP0 agents chase after Wood with a knowing smirk, waiting for the inevitable turn of events.
While Garp acknowledged that CP0 was indeed powerful, he was certain that Wood's abilities far exceeded what the CP0 agents anticipated. The idea that three agents could subdue Wood was laughable to him, but he chose to let the CP0 commander learn this lesson the hard way.
As Wood left the devastation of Enies Lobby behind, he noticed three figures in white suits rapidly approaching him from one of the warships. The distinctive white attire and the use of "Six Powers" confirmed that these were CP0 agents—old foes.
In the past, during the Mariejois incident, Wood could only manage a victory against a single CP0 agent. Facing two at once would put him at a severe disadvantage. Now, the World Government had sent three to capture him.
But things were different now. Wood wasn't the same as before. However, instead of confronting them head-on, he chose to flee again—not out of fear, but as a tactical maneuver to create distance between himself and the larger enemy force.
It didn't matter if he could defeat these three CP0 agents; there were likely more where they came from, and if they fell, their commander might decide to step in personally. Wood wasn't made of steel, and he had no intention of fighting the entire CP0. His priority was to escape safely.
Seeing Wood flee, the CP0 agents weren't surprised. After all, they represented the World Government's most elite intelligence agency, and it was only natural for most pirates to run when confronted by them.
Their commander had instructed them to capture Wood as quickly as possible, not just to complete the mission but also to show up the Navy. If CP0 could capture a traitor that even Garp and Momousagi couldn't, it would be a significant blow to the Navy's reputation.
The chase continued until Wood led them several kilometers away from Enies Lobby. Finally, he stopped, seemingly deciding to make his stand.
"Have you given up because you realize you can't escape our net, or are you simply out of strength after the battle on the island?" one of the CP0 agents taunted. "You shouldn't have stopped. If you kept running like a rat, you might have lived a little longer. Now that you've stopped, this battle will end in an instant because we will finish you off in one strike."
The CP0 agents were so confident that they didn't even bother to attack together, instead arguing over who would get the first blow. After all, their commander was watching, and they wanted to prove themselves.
"Indeed, the battle on the island took a lot out of me, but dealing with the likes of you should still be easy enough," Wood replied calmly. "The reason I stopped is because I think we're far enough now. And you're right—the fight will end in an instant. But it won't be me who's finished. It'll be you three."
As Wood spoke, the rune on his chest, representing the "Heart of the Gods," began to glow with a brilliant silver light. The CP0 agents barely had time to register the light before a massive, blinding slash filled their vision.
"Hyakki Yagyo Sword Style: Single Blade Ultimate Technique—Higanbana!"
A radiant slash, born from the blade of Asayoru, expanded to a terrifying length of several hundred meters, obliterating everything in its path.
*******
P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 320+ at p@treon.com/Betek and change @ to a