Chapter 50: 50: Glimmer of Hope
"We're all dead, whether we run or not, it doesn't matter," Law said expressionlessly.
He didn't want to die, at least not before taking down Doflamingo and avenging Rosinante. He couldn't die yet.
"I'm going to be the Pirate King! I won't die in a place like this!"
Luffy said with determination, then extended his fist toward his temporary allies.
"Ah bah bah bah bah! Although I have some objections about you wanting to be the Pirate King, I don't want to die in a place like this either!"
Apoo extended his fist to meet Luffy's. As a long-arm tribe member, his arms were much longer than those of ordinary people.
"I have reasons not to die here."
Drake extended his fist and tapped it lightly. This might be his chance to fully integrate into the pirate group.
"Same here."
Law calmly extended his fist as well. Compared to their previous loose Supernova alliance, this new temporary alliance formed out of necessity to survive was clearly much more valuable.
Meanwhile, after Nami and Sentomaru arrived with the Pacifistas, Kizaru also chose to give up continuing his act with Rayleigh.
Although little Nami probably couldn't tell, Sentomaru had quite a good eye for things.
If he accidentally noticed that Kizaru was holding back, the consequences would be disastrous.
After all, this guy was known as "the tightest-lipped man in the world"—any secret he knew would soon be known by the whole world.
"Kizaru, what's going on with you?"
Nami looked at Kizaru, who now appeared as a handsome teen version, and her face was filled with confusion.
Could someone explain to her why, in less than half an hour, Kizaru had gone from appearing to be at least in his twenties to now looking no older than twelve or thirteen?
If it weren't for his trademark handsome face and his usual unreserved way of approaching her, Nami might have thought she'd mistaken him for someone else.
"Oh, I was ambushed by a Supernova and turned into a child, almost got killed by Rayleigh the Dark King!"
Kizaru spoke with a tone that suggested he was still somewhat shaken by the experience. He was clearly acting like he was about to throw himself into Nami's arms for comfort, if it weren't for Sentomaru being there.
"Boss, have you gotten weaker now?"
Sento Maru exclaimed excitedly, his greedy eyes locked onto Kizaru's forehead, seemingly fantasizing about what it would feel like to punch him in the head.
He had always claimed to be "the strongest defensive man in the world," and it was thanks to Kizaru and Garp's brutal punches that he earned that title.
Originally, Sentomaru had never expected to get his revenge in his lifetime, after all… Garp and Kizaru were too vicious. But now, it seemed like an opportunity had arrived?
"Yeah, I've gotten weaker. Want to try?"
Kizaru glanced at Sentomaru. This annoying little bitch really needed a good beating.
However, even Vice Admiral Garp couldn't fix this habit of his, so it seemed like there was no saving him. Perhaps they could use him as a shield during the War of the Best and see if Whitebeard could teach him a lesson.
"Sure!"
Sentomaru eagerly nodded, his face full of excitement.
"Alright, once we deal with these pirates, I'll let you try!"
Kizaru gritted his teeth and spoke slowly. Nami could testify that Sentomaru was just itching for a fight.
It just so happened that he had gotten a lot stronger recently, thanks to his ability and some work with his stand. Let Sentomaru experience it for himself.
"Good! It's a deal, boss!"
Sentomaru said cheerfully, completely unaware of Nami's facepalm nearby.
"Hmm... let's take care of these Supernovas first, then I'll hold off Rayleigh, and the rest is up to you and the Pacifistas!"
Kizaru muttered to himself. Calculating the time, Kuma should have already arrived by now, so why wasn't he here yet?
If Kuma didn't show up soon, even Kizaru wouldn't be able to hold off Rayleigh for much longer without exposing himself.
The remaining Supernovas wouldn't be able to handle this Sentomaru and the twenty-four Pacifistas.
Moreover, outside the Sabaody Archipelago, the main Navy fleet had already arrived.
In preparation for the War of the Best, the Navy had mobilized elite forces from various branches, making it nearly impossible for anyone to escape the Archipelago.
Without Kuma sending the Straw Hat Pirates flying, even if Luffy had nine lives, there was no way he could break out of the Navy's encirclement.
"No problem! Leave it to me, boss!"
Sentomaru loudly slapped his chest. He had either been guarding Dr. Vegapunk or getting beaten by Kizaru and Garp for a long time, so he was itching for a chance to beat up some weaklings.
"Be careful, Nami. Those Supernovas are no pushovers either..."
Kizaru patted Nami's head, irritated by Sentomaru's thick-headedness. He had almost instinctively thrown a punch, but fortunately, he reacted in time and was clever enough to hold back. Otherwise, he might never get to climb into Nami's bed again.
"Dr. Vegapunk gave me a lot of good stuff, and I'm just waiting for someone to be my target!"
Nami looked at Kizaru suspiciously. He usually never patted her head like that. Was this some sort of special hint?
"Alright, then..."
Kizaru casually drew his sword ready to go another round with Rayleigh.
But just then, a heavy figure suddenly dropped from the sky, landing near Kizaru and his group. It was none other than one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Bartholomew Kuma!
Before Kizaru could speak, Kuma pulled out a Den Den Mushi, and the voice of Admiral Sengoku, sounding somewhat urgent, came through.
"Kizaru, the Celestial Dragons were attacked on Island No. 1! Go immediately to assist!"
Though the voice sounded strange, it was undoubtedly Sengoku's.
"Hmm? But Rayleigh is still here, and if I don't act, the Straw Hat Pirates, who attacked the Celestial Dragons, might escape..."
Kizaru raised an eyebrow, casting a deep glance at Kuma before slowly replying.
"Leave Rayleigh to Kuma. You're the fastest, go and assist immediately!"
Sengoku's voice became more 'angry,' and even Nami felt that something was off.
Considering Sengoku's usual demeanor, it was hard to believe he would say something like that...
"Understood... Nami, come here."
Kizaru waved to Nami, signaling her to come over. Kuma had clearly given up, and although Kizaru didn't believe the Revolutionary Army would harm Nami, considering the pirates around them, it was best not to be too careless.
As for Sentomaru? As long as Rayleigh and Kuma didn't make a move, there was no way this thick-headed fool could be taken down. After all, he had been certified as the ultimate meat shield by both Kizaru and Garp.
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