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Hancock took the faded bounty poster, her gaze fixed on the bewildered Noir and his crew in the distance, her thoughts unreadable.
Amazon Lily, located in the Calm Belt, was isolated from much of the world's news. Consequently, Hancock's knowledge of Noir's exploits was both delayed and limited.
She had recently received an intriguing piece of intelligence: someone had kidnapped over thirty Celestial Dragons and even publicly executed one in Sabaody Archipelago.
The news had shocked Hancock. She immediately dispatched her warriors to investigate but to no avail. The Government had already begun suppressing information about the incident.
All Hancock knew was that a mysterious figure had openly challenged the Celestial Dragons, engaging in a deadly feud.
Hancock, having been enslaved by Celestial Dragons in her youth, harbored an intense hatred for them.
But that hatred was a relic of her past. As the current empress, her duty was to protect her people. To do so, she had reluctantly accepted the title of Warlord, utilizing the privileges granted by the Government to safeguard her island and its inhabitants.
Hancock's hatred remained buried deep within her, unable to find release. But now, with someone actively targeting the Celestial Dragons, she felt compelled to offer her assistance, however discreetly.
As Hancock made her decision, Noir pulled out a mirror from his pocket.
The Marines, arriving in such force, couldn't be here for a casual visit. He needed to prepare.
The mirror connected the world of the living to the Underworld River, allowing Noir to summon anything from within.
Including, of course, its inhabitants.
Noir raised the mirror. A brilliant light spilled out, revealing figures within its glow.
Countless muscular figures emerged, their bodies taut and ready for action. Confined for days, they were finally released by their captain!
The pirates roared with excitement, their cries filling the air, instantly transforming the quiet seascape into a scene of boisterous activity.
The Marines, witnessing the sudden appearance of the ship and the pirates, were once again left in stunned disbelief.
What kind of devilish power is this? How did he manage to conceal so many people and bring them here?
Z, his face grim, watched the growing number of Marines, a surge of suppressed rage rising within him.
The former Marine, whose family had been brutally murdered by pirates despite his vow never to kill one, was consumed by regret.
"Pirates! You're all going to die!"
Z leaped from the warship, charging towards the Underworld Pirates. His massive attack generated a powerful gust of wind as it hurtled towards the Ark Maxim.
Noir's eyes widened in alarm. He flew forward, intercepting the attack. A blast of icy air erupted from his mouth, forming a thick wall of ice that rose from the sea.
The devastating punch collided with the ice wall, shattering it into countless crystalline fragments as if it were made of paper.
Noir drew Devil Blade, clashing with the relentless Z. The force of their Haki colliding sent shockwaves through the air, knocking back nearby Marines.
The old folks in the One Piece world are something else. They only get stronger with age, turning into unstoppable killing machines.
Vice Admiral Tsuru had almost seen through his disguise with her sharp mind. Sengoku's strategies constantly caused him trouble. Garp had nearly pummeled him to death with his fists.
And now, this Z guy... Give me a break! Can't you just let me win one fight?
Noir attacked ferociously, but the agile old man dodged and parried every blow, occasionally landing a solid hit on Noir's head.
Fighting these old timers meant either overwhelming them with brute force for a quick victory or having the stamina to slowly wear them down.
This kind of energy-intensive battle wasn't in Noir's favor.
As Z quickly retreated, Noir slammed his hand onto the ground, pinning Z's shadow. The old man's backward momentum abruptly halted.
Even if I can't hold him down directly, his shadow will do!
Noir reversed his grip on Devil Blade, aiming to slice through Z's shadow.
Before Z could react, a beam of light materialized, intercepting Devil Blade's blade. A flash of gold followed.
Noir reacted just in time, raising his left arm to block Kizaru's light-speed kick. The force of the impact sent him stumbling backward.
Kizaru lowered his leg, his expression impassive. Z grunted, regaining his footing.
The two didn't exchange a single word about their coordinated attack…
Noir gritted his teeth, glaring at the familiar face. He was about to lose his mind.
Why is Kizaru everywhere?!
He'd encountered Kizaru before, where the Admiral had thwarted his and Ace's crews.
Then in Mary Geoise, Kizaru and Aokiji had teamed up to pursue him, nearly killing him.
And now, the damn Admiral was here again, working with Z to capture him...
Sengoku, can't you send someone else for once?!
If Kizaru could hear Noir's inner rant, he'd probably echo the sentiment.
Akainu and Aokiji, those lazy old dogs, were on sick leave, leaving him to deal with all the trouble…
It's a long and tearful story...
Noir forced a smile and greeted Kizaru. "Ah... Uncle Kizaru, we meet again."
Kizaru, internally groaning at having to interact with this troublemaker, replied with a weary sideways glance, "Can't you just stay out of trouble…?"
Z, caught between them, looked back and forth in confusion as they exchanged greetings like old friends.
How did they get so familiar with each other?
And why did he suddenly feel like the third wheel…?
Ignoring Z, the two resumed their battle. Noir raised his sword, engaging the former Admiral in a fierce clash.
Kizaru, seemingly lacking his usual enthusiasm, wielded his Ama no Murakumo, supporting Z's attacks. Soon, deep cuts marred Noir's body.
Blood trickled down Noir's forehead. He gritted his teeth, dodging their combined attacks while fending off other Marine officers who tried to intervene.
Back, Aokiji and Kizaru had forced him to flee for his life.
If Kizaru hadn't held back, giving him a chance to fight Aokiji one-on-one, Noir would have been obliterated.
But the current situation seemed even worse…
Two Admiral-level opponents, supported by a large number of well-trained Marines... the odds were stacked against him.
The sheer number of Vice Admirals kept the Underworld Pirates' officers occupied.
Momonga had singled out Lucci, determined to bring the traitor to justice.
Onigumo and Doberman, both hawks within the Marines who followed Akainu's hardline approach, were eager to settle the score with the Underworld Pirates, especially with Akainu injured.
Enel and Wyper were locked in a fierce battle with the two enraged Vice Admirals, unable to break free.
Even Robin and Kalifa were facing formidable opponents: Gion, the "Momousagi," and Ain, Z's student.
With the two skilled swordswomen holding them back, and the Underworld Pirates outnumbered and outgunned, the Marines quickly gained the upper hand.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Sandersonia anxiously asked, "Sister, what should we do?"
Hancock, her statuesque figure accentuated by her form-fitting qipao, lifted her chin and spoke calmly,
"Find a reason to intervene and rescue Noir."
"I need to have a word with him!"
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