The battlefield on Laugh Tale was pure chaos, with every faction in the world converging in one climactic clash. Kikidori, battered and feverish, stood panting, his sword trembling in his hand. Across from him, Doflamingo smirked, his strings dancing in the air like an intricate spiderweb.
"You're struggling, Kikidori," Doflamingo said, his tone dripping with mockery. "You're not strong enough to stand on this battlefield."
Kikidori wiped blood from his mouth, glaring at the Warlord. "I don't care what you think. I've got people to protect. I'm not backing down!"
Doflamingo laughed, a sinister sound that echoed through the battlefield. "Then let me show you the gap between us!"
With a flick of his fingers, Doflamingo sent a wave of razor-sharp strings toward Kikidori. Kikidori dodged, his movements sluggish from his illness. The strings grazed his arm, drawing blood, but he pressed on, lunging forward with his sword.
Their clash was ferocious, the sound of metal against strings ringing out as they traded blow after blow. Doflamingo's control over his strings was precise and relentless, constantly keeping Kikidori on the defensive. Then, with a sharp motion, Doflamingo ensnared Kikidori in his strings, tightening them around his body like a noose.
"You're done," Doflamingo sneered, pulling the strings tighter.
Kikidori gritted his teeth, his vision blurring. His strength was fading, and the pressure from the strings was unbearable. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Law being attacked by a pirate, barely able to hold his own.
"Law…" Kikidori muttered, his heart pounding.
He thought back to his time under Law's command, to the bond they had formed as captain and crew. Law had given him a purpose when he was lost, and Kikidori refused to let him fall now.
With a roar, Kikidori summoned every ounce of strength he had, snapping Doflamingo's strings and breaking free. His body screamed in protest, but he didn't care. He sprinted toward Law, slashing through the pirate attacking him with a single strike.
"Kikidori…" Law said, his voice filled with both surprise and gratitude.
"You're my captain," Kikidori said, standing protectively in front of Law. "I'm not letting anyone touch you!"
Their moment of solidarity was cut short by a cry from the Rase Pirates' side of the battlefield. Kikidori turned, his blood running cold as he saw Chanko, the Rase Pirates' cook, fall to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.
"No…" Kikidori whispered, his legs trembling.
The Rase Pirates gathered around Chanko, their expressions filled with shock and despair.
"Captain…" Chanko said weakly, looking up at Rase. "I'm sorry… I couldn't protect everyone…"
"Don't talk like that!" Rase shouted, tears streaming down his face. "You're gonna be fine!"
But it was too late. With a faint smile, Chanko closed his eyes, his body going still.
The battlefield seemed to pause for a moment as the Rase Pirates mourned their fallen comrade. But Vanki, the nervous lookout who had always been afraid of battle, stood tall, his fear replaced with fury.
"You bastards!" Vanki roared, pulling out his bombs. "I'll make you pay for this!"
With a determination no one had ever seen from him before, Vanki began throwing bombs into the fray, devastating enemy lines and turning the tide in favor of the allies. His courage inspired the others, and the Straw Hats began to rally.
Luffy, still pale and sweating, stood up, his hand resting on his straw hat. He removed it, handing it to Nami.
"Protect this for me," Luffy said, his voice calm but filled with resolve.
Nami, her eyes wide, clutched the hat to her chest. "Luffy…"
Without another word, Luffy stepped forward, his fists clenching. He activated Gear Fourth, his body expanding as steam rose around him. His battle cry shook the battlefield as he charged into the fray, punching through enemies with devastating force.
Chopper, inspired by Luffy's determination, swallowed a rumble ball and transformed into his monster form, roaring as he joined the fight. Robin summoned her giant limbs, crushing enemies with her clutch attacks, while Brook danced through the battlefield, his swordplay both elegant and deadly.
And then, a sound rang out across the battlefield—a deep, resonant hum that seemed to shake the very air.
Pirates and Marines alike began collapsing, their bodies hitting the ground like dominoes. Kikidori stood at the center of it all, his eyes glowing with an intense light. He had unknowingly activated his Conqueror's Haki, its sheer force overwhelming everyone around him.
"I didn't… even know I could do that," Kikidori muttered, his breathing heavy.
The battlefield fell silent for a brief moment, but it was broken by the arrival of new forces. From the horizon, Shanks and his crew appeared, their presence commanding attention.
"Looks like we're just in time," Shanks said, his smile as calm as ever.
Following close behind were Perona, Crocodile, and the Revolutionary Army, led by Dragon. Their arrival sent shockwaves through the battlefield, but the tension only grew when the World Government forces appeared, led by the mysterious figure of Imu.
The battlefield was now more crowded than ever, the stakes higher than anyone could have imagined.
"This is it," Kikidori said, gripping his sword tightly. "The fight for the One Piece…"
End of Chapter 103