The explosion roared again, and flames filled the sky, frightening the islanders who'd gathered to see what was happening.
"Run! It's an air strike!" they shouted in panic.
Amid the chaos, Kaizen heard the innocent cries of a little girl. Turning around, he spotted Tianmi-chan, a small girl sitting on a sand pile, searching for her mother. She was a kind child who'd once shared her sweets with him.
"Tianmi-chan! Get out of there!" Kaizen called, his voice urgent.
She ran towards him, arms outstretched, just as dozens of artillery shells rained down. With no time to lose, Kaizen appeared by her side, shielded her in his arms, and endured the blast himself. Flames exploded along the coast, setting nearby homes ablaze.
As the smoke cleared, Kaizen's imposing figure could be seen, unharmed, holding Tianmi-chan safely. The villagers were in awe.
"Everyone, retreat to the center of the island. I swear to protect this place!" Kaizen's voice carried over the crowd. His figure, standing resiliently in the chaos, inspired them.
Realizing the Marines' attack was likely linked to Roger's recent visit, Kaizen resolved to face the Marines alone. The usual smile crept back onto his face, a fierce aura surrounding him.
"If I can't have peace, then I'll turn the world upside down," he muttered, his Haki flaring as he faced the incoming warships.
On the leading ship, Admiral Zephyr stood, flanked by his students—Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan.
"We've encountered unexpected resistance," Zephyr observed, his gaze fixed on Kaizen's figure.
Borsalino, yawning with a look of mild irritation, said, "Guess this means Roger left followers here after all."
"Teacher, allow me to handle this," Sakazuki growled, glaring at Kaizen with a fiery intensity.
"Hold on, Sakazuki," Zephyr cautioned, his tone firm. "This opponent could have traps laid out. Patience."
"Understood, Zephyr-sensei," Sakazuki replied, though visibly displeased.
Zephyr then turned to Borsalino, who seemed indifferent. "Borsalino, go scout the situation. Report back first; don't act recklessly."
Borsalino nodded reluctantly and transformed into light, flashing to the island with instant speed.
Kaizen turned, noticing Borsalino's arrival, a faint smirk forming as he recognized the future Admiral Kizaru.
"Hey, ohayou!" Borsalino greeted, his usual nonchalant tone in place. "Was it you stopping the bombardment just now?"
"Are you the Marine scout?" Kaizen asked, unimpressed.
With a sigh, Borsalino waved a hand dismissively. "Fighting really isn't my thing. How about we handle this like a game?"
"Oh? What's your suggestion?" Kaizen asked, intrigued.
"Why don't you just surrender? It saves all of us trouble, and we can go home early," Borsalino replied casually, his tone almost playful.