Chris recalled the bold promise he had made to—protecting the other cadets at all costs. Yet, as he surveyed the chaotic battlefield, he realized this was no task for one man alone. Support would be crucial. The tide of the battle had shifted; what began as a numbers advantage for the pirates now saw the navy holding the upper hand. While most pirates had been felled by swift strikes, only a few retained the strength to resist.
Despite the shift in momentum, the navy's cadets bore their own share of injuries. Thankfully, there had been no casualties among their ranks—a silver lining in an otherwise dire situation.
Just as victory seemed within reach, a cacophony of heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed through the battlefield. Both navy cadets and pirates froze in place, uncertain whether the approaching figures were friend or foe.
As the newcomers emerged, their fierce expressions and malevolent aura left no room for doubt. These were no allies. Even the pirates, members of the Sin Skull Crew, exchanged wary glances, unfamiliar with the intruders. But judging by their grim demeanor, the pirates silently celebrated—they hoped this third party would turn the tide in their favor.
"You're the one who killed my men yesterday, aren't you?"
The question came from a towering figure leading the newcomers. His sheer size dwarfed everyone present, his imposing physique more akin to that of a giant. Satoru scrutinized the man, his thoughts briefly wondering if there was some trace of giant blood running through his veins.
"I did kill a few people yesterday," Satoru admitted, his tone cold. "But they were slave traders. Are you telling me you're one of them?"
"That's right," the man confirmed with a wicked grin.
Chris gawked in disbelief. He had specifically warned Satoru to avoid trouble in this place, yet it seemed the man had gone and done the exact opposite. To make matters worse, this new group's strength was palpable, rivaling even the Sin Skull Pirates and possibly exceeding them.
"It seems fate hasn't been kind to you," the towering figure sneered. "Today, you're destined to meet your end."
Cermo, a member of the Sin Skull Crew, took a step forward, addressing Satoru with barely contained fury. "You've been toying with me all this time. Do you really think you can survive this?"
Satoru's expression didn't waver. "Do you know why I've held back? The Navy doesn't want your Devil Fruit falling into anyone else's hands. Keeping you alive and locked away forever seemed like the better option. But now, with these new players here, I don't have that luxury."
Satoru turned to Chris, his tone firm. "Chris, take the others and leave—now. Get as far away from here as you can."
"But what about you?" Chris hesitated.
"Don't worry about me. Your presence will only hold me back. Go!"
Though reluctant, Chris nodded. "Understood. Everyone, fall back!"
The cadets obeyed, their steps hurried but uncertain. The newcomers made no move to stop them. To them, killing one navy cadet was a simple matter. Killing an entire squad would invite retribution from the Navy, something they weren't ready to face.
The Sin Skull Pirates, however, bristled at letting their enemies escape but lacked the strength to oppose anyone present.
With the battlefield cleared, Satoru cracked his knuckles, his demeanor shifting. "Finally, some room to breathe." His gaze locked onto the towering figure. "You must be Dragon, the leader of these slave traders."
Daragon smirked, his tone mocking. "That's right. You've heard of me? Good. Now, when I send you to hell, you can tell my brothers I said hello."
Satoru laughed, the sound sharp and cold. "You're awfully confident. Let's see how long that lasts."
Before Daragon could respond, Satoru vanished, reappearing in front of him in a blink.
"Black Flash!"
Dragon barely had time to raise his arms in defense. Satoru's punch landed with devastating force, sending Dragon hurtling through the air. He crashed into a tree dozens of meters away, the impact shaking the ground.
"Tch," Satoru muttered. "Armed Haki, huh? Seems like everyone in this era has it."
Dragon gritted his teeth, his arms trembling from the impact. Without his Armament Haki, his limbs would have been shattered from that blow.
The tension on the battlefield thickened as Dragon stood, his aura flaring. Yet, Satoru remained unfazed, his confidence unwavering.
"Now," Satoru said, his voice carrying over the silence, "let's see if you can keep up."