Ivan rubbed his temples, a look of annoyance on his face as he stepped out of the captain's cabin. His gaze swept across the deck before finally settling helplessly on the green figure.
These past few days, Zoro had been challenging him at every opportunity, which had practically become a daily routine on the warship, much to his irritation.
If Zoro had just agreed to his invitation and joined the Marines as his subordinate, Ivan wouldn't have minded sparring with him every day.
But when he had formally extended the olive branch a few days ago, Zoro had refused without a second thought.
When asked why, Zoro's eyes grew resolute as he said:
"I must achieve my dream, so I need to challenge the world's strongest swordsman and constantly hone my skills. The Marines wouldn't allow me to freely challenge powerful swordsmen.
Besides, a swordsman's will must be free. It can't be bound by the Marines!"
After hearing this, Ivan's desire to persuade him instantly faded, leaving him both frustrated and helpless.
In the end, he wasn't a pure swordsman.
He studied swordsmanship merely to complement his abilities and elevate his combat power. He had never considered the way of the sword itself as his lifelong pursuit.
He didn't have habits like Hawk-Eyes, who enjoyed nurturing promising swordsmen and letting them challenge him.
Yawning lazily as he stepped out of the captain's cabin, Ivan casually flicked his index finger: "One Sword Style: Azure Horizontal Slash!"
A brilliant blue slash shot through the air, carrying a howling wind pressure, and instantly struck Zoro!
Two cracking sounds rang out in succession. The two long swords Zoro had just bought from a Marine shattered into pieces instantly. Only Wado Ichimonji withstood the force, remaining intact.
At the same time, under the powerful impact, a wound appeared on Zoro's body. He didn't even have time to grunt before he was sent flying, skidding across the deck for several meters before plunging into the sea with a splash.
In an instant, the outcome was decided!
After the fight ended, Johnny and Yosaku rushed out from a corner and immediately jumped into the sea, shouting anxiously, "Boss Zoro, hang in there! We're coming to save you!"
The other Marines witnessing this scene showed no reaction.
For the first couple of days, they had watched from the sidelines, treating it as entertainment.
But by now, the routine of Zoro challenging Ivan only to be sent flying in a few moves had become an everyday occurrence on the warship.
Everyone was long since used to it.
Ivan pushed off lightly with his legs, leaping onto the upper deck. He lay down on a sun lounger beside Tashigi, squinting his eyes slightly.
However, before he could enjoy the sun for long, Nami suddenly exclaimed, "Ivan! There are many pirate ships ahead! They're surrounding the Baratie Floating Restaurant... They look like the Krieg Pirates!"
Tossing aside the hat that had been covering his face, Ivan immediately stood up and appeared beside Nami, looking into the distance.
Dozens of pirate ships had surrounded a familiar vessel. It was indeed the Krieg Pirates besieging the Baratie Floating Restaurant!
Seeing this, Ivan couldn't help but smile. "Finally found them. Full speed ahead! I'm going to kill that scum Krieg!"
...
On the deck of the Baratie Floating Restaurant, Sanji and the others gazed forward with grave expressions.
Ahead, dozens of pirate ships aimed hundreds of cannons. With just one order from Krieg, a devastating barrage would rain down, reducing this floating restaurant to dust.
Krieg stood at the bow of the largest pirate ship, looking down at Sanji and the others with an impatient coldness in his voice:
"I'll say this one last time—abandon all resistance, surrender now, and swear loyalty to me. I might still spare your lives.
Otherwise, you'll be reduced to ashes today!"
Sanji stared at the countless cannons before him, sweat beading heavily on his forehead.
The Baratie Floating Restaurant had enough strength to fend off attacks from a few pirate ships, but against dozens surrounding them, they were helpless.
Even if just a fraction of those hundreds of cannons fired, it would be enough to completely destroy the Baratie.
Right now, they were no match for the Krieg Pirates!
The chef Patty wiped sweat from his brow, hesitating for a moment before suggesting:
"Boss Zeff, maybe we should surrender for now. We can find a chance to escape later. After all, the Baratie can be rebuilt, but if we die, that's it."
Some of the staff agreed with Patty, but Zeff shook his head:
"It seems even now, you still don't understand Krieg's true goal. What he wants is undoubtedly the Baratie Floating Restaurant and my navigation log.
On the Grand Line, the Baratie can supply dozens of ships, and the navigation log can help him avoid many dangers. But us chefs aren't necessary—they have plenty of replacements on their ships.
If I'm not mistaken, the moment we surrender, they'll take over the Baratie and kill us all immediately!"
Sanji's face paled. He took a deep drag from his cigarette and said firmly, "Old man, let's fight them. Surrendering means certain death. Our only chance to survive is to fight!"
The other staff also realized Zeff was telling the truth. They mustered their courage and shouted together, "That's right, let's fight them!"
Krieg saw the Baratie crew's response and sneered disdainfully before giving the order:
"So they still want to resist? Fire the cannons! As long as we have the wreckage of the Baratie, our shipwrights can replicate its structure.
As for the navigation log, it doesn't matter if we don't get it. If even Zeff could manage it, how could I, Krieg, fail?"
Krieg's subordinates grinned savagely and shouted in unison, "Yes, fire!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Continuous roars echoed as countless cannonballs fell like rain, blanketing the Baratie Floating Restaurant.
Facing the downpour of cannonballs, Sanji and the others immediately sprang into action, doing everything they could to intercept them.
But there were too many cannonballs. More than half still struck the Baratie, damaging the hull.
Amid the explosions, Zeff gasped heavily, blood seeping from his severed leg. He gave Sanji a complicated look and said gently, "Sanji, you should leave. Leave this to us…"
Sanji's expression changed. "Old man, what are you saying? How could I abandon you all and run?"
"Fool!" Zeff's voice was hoarse. "If you stay here, you'll just be blown to pieces with us!"
"No, there has to be another way!" Sanji's eyes reddened as he clenched his teeth tightly.
Even knowing the odds of victory were slim, he would never flee alone. Even if he had to die, he would fight side by side with his comrades until the very end.
Krieg watched this scene with disdain.
In his eyes, pirates were inherently cold and ruthless predators. So-called emotions were nothing but burdensome hindrances.
To be so reckless over such things at a life-or-death moment was utterly laughable.
What Red-Leg Zeff? Just a crippled waste!
"Fire at will! Sink them completely!" Krieg snarled.
But just as another volley of cannonballs was about to be fired, aiming to utterly destroy the Baratie Floating Restaurant, a black-and-red blur suddenly tore through space, howling as it came!
"Cursed Technique Reversal: Red!"