...
North Blue, a certain sea region.
Sailing across the ocean was one of the world's most famous pirate ships—the Oro Jackson.
It was none other than Roger's ship.
After receiving news that Byrnndi World was on an island somewhere in the North Blue, they had immediately set sail toward the region.
However, a violent storm had struck them along the way, causing them to lose their bearings.
As a result, they still hadn't arrived and were currently en route.
"Captain Roger, according to the latest information we've received, not only have the Marines gone to the North Blue, but Is and his subordinates have gone there as well."
Scopper Gaban stood beside Roger as he reported the newly acquired intelligence.
"Is..."
The moment Roger heard that name, he frowned deeply.
Among everyone sailing the seas, the person he least wanted to face was the Celestial Dragon, Aurelius D. Virel Is.
"Should we continue forward or turn back now, Captain Roger?"
Rayleigh asked seriously, his expression grave.
The death of Tom at Byrnndi World's hands had infuriated all of them.
They wanted revenge for their friend.
But Is was now present on that battlefield as well.
If they went, there was a real possibility that Is would leave them with no path of retreat.
They had to carefully consider whether they should proceed.
Roger remained silent for a long time before finally asking,
"Rayleigh, do you think we should turn back?"
Rayleigh was momentarily speechless.
Gaban beside him also fell silent.
Neither knew how to answer.
"Rayleigh, Gaban, you have to understand something."
Roger placed a hand on each of their shoulders and spoke solemnly.
"Tom wasn't just our friend. He was practically a benefactor of the Roger Pirates."
Back when they purchased Adam Wood and commissioned Tom to build their ship, they simply hadn't had enough money.
It was Tom who believed in their determination.
Because of that, he had agreed to design their ship for an incredibly low price and had even helped them acquire the materials from the Treasure Tree Adam.
Roger had little interest in the Pluton battleship blueprints.
The only reason he was pursuing Byrnndi World was because the man had murdered his friend—
Or rather, the benefactor of the Roger Pirates.
Tom.
"Then let's go."
Rayleigh took a sip of wine and smiled calmly.
"Is may be strong, but we're not weak either."
"I have to personally kill Byrnndi World."
Anger appeared on Roger's face as he thought of Tom.
"Otherwise, I'll never be able to face my departed friend."
"Then let's continue forward, Captain Roger."
Gaban grinned.
"Besides, I'd like to see just how strong Is's subordinates really are."
The Roger Pirates continued sailing toward the battlefield.
The fact that Is was present did not frighten them into turning back.
...
On the island.
The fierce battle between Is and Shiki continued.
Is's Wood Clones had caused Shiki enormous trouble, but Shiki's Devil Fruit abilities were equally troublesome.
After considerable effort, Shiki finally destroyed every one of the Wood Clones.
But by then, Is had already appeared right in front of him and swung his sword.
Slash!
Is's blade cut deeply into Shiki's shoulder.
At the same time, however, Shiki's two swords slashed across Is's waist and abdomen.
Both men immediately retreated.
"Jihahahaha! Is, your swordsmanship still falls far short of mine!"
Shiki laughed wildly, his face twisted with ferocity.
Although the strike to his shoulder hurt badly, he didn't care.
After all, he had landed two strikes while Is had only landed one.
In his eyes, this exchange had been his victory.
"You got cut by me and you're still laughing, Shiki?"
Is looked at him as though he were an idiot.
"I only took one hit, while you took two."
Shiki grinned confidently.
"If we keep trading injuries like this, sooner or later I'll be the one who wins."
But the smile on his face suddenly froze.
The wound across Is's abdomen was healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Thin wisps of white steam rose from the injury.
By the time Shiki blinked once, the wound had completely vanished.
"You... How is that possible?"
Shiki was stunned once again.
The recovery speed was absurd.
His swords were Meito-grade blades.
The attacks had been coated with both Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.
The residual Haki and sword energy should have remained inside the wound.
No matter how outrageous someone's recovery abilities were, they shouldn't heal this quickly.
"Surprised, Shiki?"
Is shrugged with a smile, his face filled with contempt.
"That's exactly why I couldn't understand why you were laughing after taking a hit from me."
"Damn it..."
Only now did Shiki truly understand why Rocks had lost.
"Now I see why Rocks wasn't your match."
How was anyone supposed to defeat a monster like this?
For the first time, Shiki genuinely wanted to run.
He had originally believed someone would come help him fight Is.
Instead, every pirate on the island had been tied down by Is's subordinates.
Helping him was virtually impossible.
"What is it, Shiki? Don't want to fight anymore? Thinking about running away?"
Is sneered as though he had seen straight through his thoughts.
"Hmph! I refuse to believe I can't wound you today, Is!"
Shiki's expression became savage.
He knew defeating Is today was nearly impossible.
But he simply couldn't accept it.
No matter what, he was still Shiki the Golden Lion.
Being looked down upon so blatantly was something he couldn't tolerate.
For now, he pushed thoughts of retreat aside.
If nothing else, he had to inflict some real damage on Is.
Otherwise, he wouldn't even be able to preserve his own pride.
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