Kizaru raised his arm and spoke into a black Den Den Mushi, "Moshi Moshi."
But the device made no reply.
He tried again in his slow drawl, "Hello, Moshi Moshi, this is Borsalino."
Still nothing.
Scratching his head in confusion, Kizaru wondered aloud why there was no sound from the black snail. A ringing buzz suddenly came from another Den Den Mushi.
Luffy watched the Admiral's antics and gave a quiet sigh. "Why does this guy act dumber than Renn?"
He called out to Kizaru, "Hey, Admiral, that Den Den Mushi you're holding is still ringing."
Kizaru fumbled around and pulled out the correct one.
"So that's it," he said, answering properly. "Hello!", and only then did the voice on the other end speak.
"Old man, did you not bring your snail? Why didn't you contact me sooner?"
"Ah… Sentomaru," Kizaru answered, rubbing his head.
The voice sounded annoyed, "What 'ah'? Are you even at the island yet? And Straw Hat still hasn't been reported?"
Kizaru blinked. "Because I couldn't reach you."
"You were shouting at your spy snail again, weren't you? Didn't I tell you that one's for eavesdropping?" came the sigh.
"Well then," Sentomaru went on, "shall we get to work early? Where are you now? Have you sighted the Straw Hat crew?"
"I'm at Grove One. Straw Hat and crew are all here," Kizaru replied.
"Then I'll be right over," Sentomaru said before hanging up.
Luffy felt a chill in his gut. More enemies were definitely coming.
Kizaru tucked away the Den Den Mushi and looked up at Luffy. "You must be tired after such a journey. From here forward, we'll send you to Impel Down, food and lodging included."
Without warning, a beam of golden light formed from Kizaru's finger and shot straight at Luffy.
Luffy ignited his Observation Haki to predict the strike and braced his foot with Armament Haki. His sandal darkened as he blocked the beam, but the sheer output forced him back several paces. He wiped sweat from his brow. "That was close. My future sight still needs work."
Kizaru's brow twitched. He recognized Observation Haki that hinted at future sensing, a rare skill among most fighters. "Naturally gifted," the Admiral murmured.
Luffy leapt forward and punched, but Kizaru met him with Armament Haki coating his forearms. Their collision rang with force. Kizaru commented dryly, "Quite a strong attack."
In an instant, light streamed from the Admiral as he teleported himself back into the distance, crashing into Grove One with a violent explosion.
Before Luffy could recover, a flash of golden light formed into a blade in Kizaru's hand. "Light Sword," he said, slashing toward Luffy's head.
Luffy raised both arms to defend. Sparks flew as Kizaru's sword cut through the Haki defenses, inching into flesh despite Rolan's resistance.
Kizaru sensed Luffy struggling. "With all your Haki and Devil Fruit power unleashed, your body must be under extreme stress."
He then kicked Luffy hard in the chest, sending him flying through dozens of buildings before landing in front of Renn and Usopp.
Luffy lay on the ground, breath shallow, barely conscious.
"Luffy!" Renn shouted, rushing forward.
Suddenly, Kizaru's towering form appeared, stepping down on Luffy's chest. Usopp collapsed backward at the sight.
"I cannot allow him to escape," Kizaru said flatly. "He is a criminal for assaulting World Nobles."
"Usopp, take Luffy and retreat! I'll hold him off," Renn said, drawing his sword and launching himself.
But each of his strikes just cut through empty air, Kizaru barely moving.
Carina, Sanji, Chopper, and Brook all rushed to help, but without Haki, their attacks couldn't harm the Admiral.
Kizaru raised his foot again, radiant with golden glow. "No," Chopper cried. Carina covered her mouth, shock replacing her usual cheerfulness.
Luffy's crew could only watch in helpless despair as Kizaru prepared to stomp down.
But just as his foot fell toward Luffy's head, a swift figure kicked at Kizaru's ankle.
Kizaru's pupils narrowed. "Is it your turn now? Silvers Rayleigh."
The old man stood between them, arms crossed.
"Leave the young ones alone. Their era is just beginning."
Luffy looked up weakly. "Uncle…"
Usopp and the others felt relief wash over them.
Sanji exhaled, "We're saved."
Chopper added, "So that really is Rayleigh!"
Kizaru regarded Rayleigh with a faint sigh. "I've heard tales you live here. Didn't expect you to defend them."
Rayleigh smirked. "You can retire peacefully if you revoke my bounty."
Kizaru shook his head, "Pirate sins cannot be erased, even those of Roger's crew."
At that moment, a voice crackled from another Den Den Mushi.
"Arrest Kid, Hawkins, Urouge, Apoo, PX1, PX2, arrest the Straw Hat crew."
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