The air in Loguetown crackled with tension as the Straw Hats regrouped around Luffy. Smoker, his seastone jutte in hand, stared them down, his presence oppressive and commanding. Behind him, the clamor of reinforcements signaled an escalating threat. Vice Admirals, their imposing forms clad in justice-marked coats, began to emerge from the shadows, their footsteps echoing like thunderclaps in the chaotic square.
Luffy, still weakened from the seastone shackles, leaned heavily on Zoro. His usual boundless energy was subdued, but his spirit remained undaunted. "Guys… get out of here," he said weakly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't move right now… don't let them get you too."
"Shut up, captain," Zoro replied, his grip on his swords tightening. "We're not leaving you behind."
Sanji's cigarette burned brighter as he exhaled a plume of smoke. "Don't even think about it, Luffy. You're the captain, and we stick together."
Usopp swallowed hard, his hands trembling as he loaded his slingshot. "Yeah! No way I'm letting them take you… even if I have to face those guys!"
Nami stepped forward, her eyes glowing faintly with the energy of the System. "We're not running," she declared, her voice steady and firm. "Not anymore."
Smoker, unimpressed, tightened his grip on his weapon. "You're brave, I'll give you that," he growled, his tone sharp. "But bravery won't save you. This ends here."
As Smoker advanced, the Vice Admirals spread out, cutting off every possible escape route. The Straw Hats prepared themselves, ready to face overwhelming odds.
[System Notification: Threat level critical. Multiple high-ranked Marines detected. Strategic assistance available.]
Nami's mind buzzed with the System's voice, and she quickly whispered, "System, what's the plan? I need to protect everyone."
[System Directive: Activate evasive maneuvers. Strategic distraction recommended to delay reinforcements.]
Nami gritted her teeth. "A distraction? What kind of distraction?"
Before the System could respond, a sudden, powerful gust of wind swept through the square. It was unnatural, swirling with an intensity that silenced the crowd. The Marines halted, their attention shifting skyward.
From atop a nearby building, a figure emerged, cloaked in shadows and wreathed in the howling wind. His piercing gaze swept over the scene, lingering on Luffy and his crew.
"Who… who is that?" Usopp stammered, his voice barely audible over the growing gale.
Sanji's eyes narrowed. "Whoever he is, he's strong."
The figure leaped down, landing gracefully in the center of the square. The wind dissipated as he stood to his full height, his presence radiating authority and power. Smoker's expression darkened as recognition dawned.
"Dragon…" Smoker muttered, his voice laced with both frustration and awe.
Luffy, still weak, blinked in confusion. "Dragon? Who's that?"
The man Dragon urned to face Luffy, his expression unreadable. "We'll talk later, Luffy," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "For now, let's deal with this."
The wind roared to life once more, swirling around Dragon as he raised a hand. The Marines hesitated, clearly aware of the threat he posed. Smoker gritted his teeth, his frustration palpable.
"This isn't over, Dragon," Smoker growled, preparing to charge.
Dragon smirked faintly. "You're right. It's just beginning."
The wind surged forward, creating a barrier that pushed the Marines back. Smoker fought against the gale, but even he couldn't get close. The Vice Admirals shouted orders, but their voices were drowned out by the howling tempest.
"Straw Hats," Dragon said, his gaze sharp, "take this chance and go. The storm will cover your escape."
"But—" Nami began, but Dragon cut her off.
"Now isn't the time to argue," he said firmly. "Get to your ship and leave. Protect your captain."
Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp nodded, quickly grabbing Luffy and preparing to move. Nami hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting Dragon's. There was something about him, something familiar and powerful, that made her trust him despite the chaos.
"Thank you," she said softly before turning to follow her crew.
As the Straw Hats fled toward the harbor, Dragon held his ground, the wind swirling protectively around him. The Marines, unable to advance, could only watch as their quarry escaped into the storm.
From the rooftops, Dragon observed their retreat, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You've got a long journey ahead of you, Luffy," he murmured. "But you'll make it. I'll make sure of that."