Bang!
Before Law could move to reinforce him, a sharp streak of light struck his back.
At the same time, he was hurled forward.
"Hiss!"
Every fiber of his body screamed as if it would split in two. He barely managed to stabilize himself before spitting out a mouthful of blood.
Turning his head, he saw Snack standing behind him, sword in hand, crimson drops dripping slowly from the blade. With a casual motion, Snack drew a white handkerchief from his pocket, wiped the blood away, and said, "I wonder how much of your strength remains after that blow?"
Law only gave him a fleeting glance, then turned his attention to Vivi.
The sight of her made his heart sink. An exquisitely beautiful woman dressed in white held a dagger pressed to Vivi's delicate neck. At that moment, Law realized how powerless he still was.
As a child, he had been a burden to Corazon. Now, he could barely protect his companions.
Beside him, Robin's expression was one of deep concern. A gash on her fair arm bled freely, inflicted by King while she had been distracted by Vivi's capture. Ignoring her own injury, she raised her hand, ready to activate her Devil Fruit power.
"Hehehe, I advise you not to act rashly, Robin," Qimo Ji purred, pressing the dagger closer. The sharp blade drew blood from Vivi's neck.
As a Special Agent, Qimo Ji had come prepared. She knew Robin's powers allowed her to grow limbs anywhere, even swap entire body parts. She was determined to prevent any chance of escape.
"Damn you, you slut! You sicken me! If you lay a finger on Vivi, I'll make sure you regret it," Lina yelled, a ball of flames manifesting around her. She had been disgusted by Qimo Ji's brazen charm and manipulations, almost losing her lunch in revulsion.
Qimo Ji only smiled, her allure undiminished. "Hand over Rolan, and I'll spare his woman."
At that moment, Issho opened his eyes. "Miss Vivi, I apologize for allowing this situation to unfold."
Before Vivi could respond, he shifted his gaze toward Qimo Ji. "This beautiful lady, I will act immediately."
He drew a portion of his sword with precision. Qimo Ji's brow furrowed. She sensed danger, a premonition arising from the fact that every warrior on this battlefield had been thoroughly investigated by the World Government. Yet, she had not expected a purple-clad swordsman from Rolan's crew—a person of incredible strength, perhaps second only to Rolan himself—to appear.
Her uncertainty deepened. Did this swordsman possess a strange Devil Fruit power?
"Don't move! I really—"
Before she could finish, a force lifted her body off the ground, hurling her backward.
"Nani?!"
Her eyes widened mid-air in disbelief. She recognized the power but could not comprehend its nature.
Lina appeared in front of Vivi instantly, concern etched on her face. "Vivi, are you all right?"
Vivi shook her head. "Lina, I'm fine."
Lina's expression hardened with determination. "Wait until I deal with that hussy, then I'll come apologize."
Flames erupted around her as she propelled herself toward Qimo Ji.
Perospero's rage boiled over. Earlier, Law had severed his right arm in battle. Although he could create a candy replacement, it was weaker than the original. He longed to tear Law, the spotted-leopard swordsman, into pieces.
Everyone else was similarly injured. Despite their fury, they could not deny Law's power. The battle had reached a tense stalemate.
The capture of the blue-haired woman had once promised an opening, yet the intervention of the purple-clad swordsman at the decisive moment thwarted it. Law breathed a quiet sigh of relief, knowing Vivi was safe.
He slowly rose to face Cracker and the others. Theirs was a numbers game, a swarm of ants against an elephant. Each opponent was formidable, making a prolonged fight inevitable. Robin's situation was more precarious. Her strength might slightly exceed Law's, but her adversaries—especially King—were unmatched. His speed, defense, and swordsmanship were near-perfect, and his body seemed almost immortal. She could not discern any weakness.
Vivi's worry grew. Law and Robin were injured, and she could not see the condition of the others without using Observation Haki. The enemies had managed to intercept Rolan's crew, suggesting they had a plan or advantage. Her confidence in her companions did little to ease her concern.
Issho, sensing her distress, reinserted his sword into its sheath. "Do not worry, Miss Vivi. I will act when necessary. I cannot allow our companions to fall into danger."
Lina faced the alluring woman with cautious respect. Even she could feel the latent power in Issho's move—it was something she could not block easily. Yet Qimo Ji remained mostly unharmed, her clothes slightly disheveled, her poise intact.
One could not deny that, despite her lewd demeanor, her strength was remarkable.
Qimo Ji raised her eyebrows and brushed stray hair from her forehead with delicate, pale fingers, her charm undeniable. She turned her gaze to the red-haired Lina. "Do not be so angry, Lina. That blue-haired girl must be Rolan's woman, correct? If I help you kill her, won't you have one less person to share Rolan with?"
Lina's fair arm trembled as she wiped it, a shiver running down her spine. "Shut up, you hussy!"
From a distance came a familiar, mocking laugh. "Yehahaha!"