Luffy, who was just about to deliver his ultimate attack, now hung suspended in mid-air, his gaze fixed solemnly on the mysterious powerhouse who had suddenly entered the battlefield.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Lin Ning, Vivi, and the others all stared intently at the figure gracefully landing, their eyes filled with shock and wariness.
Just then, Vivi's eyes widened abruptly, her pupils contracting violently, and with a face full of disbelief, she shouted out the identity of the newcomer!
"Marineford Vice Admiral Candidate—Momousagi!!!"
This shocking cry exploded across the battlefield like a clap of thunder!
Vice Admiral Candidate?!
The Straw Hat Pirates' hearts tightened as they heard that name.
This was an existence several times more powerful than an ordinary Marine Vice Admiral!
Momousagi—one of Marineford's top powerhouses!
At this moment, everyone finally saw the newcomer's appearance.
Her smooth, black wavy long hair fluttered slightly in the wind, and her figure was tall and slender, possessing a stunning beauty that was hard to forget at first sight.
But her demeanor exuded a noble and cold majesty, naturally carrying the Aura of a superior.
She wore a white "Justice" cloak of the Marine, its wide fabric billowing in the wind.
Her uniform clung to her body, perfectly outlining her graceful figure.
Especially her pair of long, shapely legs, paired with black long boots, appeared incredibly domineering, while also possessing a unique feminine charm.
At her waist hung a highly imposing famous sword—Konpira, one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. Its scabbard shimmered with golden light, exuding a chilling sharpness.
She was indeed one of Marineford's top combat forces, Vice Admiral Candidate Momousagi!
"Brat, don't look at me like that."
Momousagi narrowed her eyes slightly, slowly raising her hand to gently grasp the hilt of Konpira. Her gaze was as sharp as a blade, carrying an undeniable oppressive force.
"Crocodile is, after all, a Shichibukai recognized by the World Government; he cannot just die here."
"Although we Marines have received news that he intends to overthrow the Alabasta government and will be stripped of his Shichibukai status, that doesn't mean you pirates have the right to execute him!"
Her voice was cold and firm, like a drawn sword, piercing through the silent battlefield!
"Crocodile's judgment should be carried out by us Marines!"
As Momousagi's words fell, the atmosphere on the battlefield suddenly solidified, and the temperature in the air seemed to drop several degrees instantly.
Luffy, standing in the air, frowned slightly, a displeased expression on his face.
His gaze was fixed on Momousagi, and he seemed to unhappily purse his lips.
"Tch, meddling Marines."
But in the end, Luffy didn't argue further and slowly landed back on the ground.
Momousagi also slowly withdrew her hand, her gaze sweeping over the Straw Hat Pirates again, sharp light flickering in her eyes.
"However... compared to Crocodile, you young pirates interest me more."
A hint of coldness emanated from her tone: "At such a young age, you've already mastered such powerful combat abilities. If left unchecked, you will sooner or later become a great menace on the seas."
"Therefore, I am now going to arrest you!"
"Marines?! Don't catch me!!!"
Upon hearing Momousagi's words, Luffy's expression instantly changed from displeasure to panic, and he became flustered.
His hands waved in the air, looking like a naughty student afraid of being caught by the teacher.
Everyone: "..."
Nami: "Why does this guy always react like this when he encounters Marines?!"
Chopper: "Hey! Get serious, Luffy!!!"
Usopp: "Weren't you overflowing with Haki just now?! Why did you suddenly become a coward?!"
A moment later, Luffy returned to his serious demeanor, his fists clenched, his eyes burning with Battle Intent as he looked at Momousagi.
"We won't be caught by you Marines!"
"Because—I am the man who will become the Pirate King!!!"
As this declaration left his mouth, the atmosphere of the entire battlefield instantly ignited!
Momousagi frowned slightly, a strange emotion in her eyes: "...Pirate King?"
She stared at the battle-ready youth before her, and for some reason, a hint of interest unexpectedly arose in her heart.
However, very quickly, her eyes grew cold again.
"If that's the case... then I absolutely cannot let you go."
However, just then—
"Clang—!"
A crisp sound of a sword being drawn echoed across the battlefield!
Zoro directly stepped in front of Luffy, his Battle Intent boiling!
"Luffy, I'll take care of this Marine swordsman."
Zoro had already drawn his three swords, his Aura soaring, his gaze locked onto Momousagi!
Luffy glanced at Zoro, then grinned and nodded without hesitation: "Zoro, I'll leave it to you!"
No doubt, no hesitation, absolute trust!
Momousagi's mouth twitched slightly as she saw this scene.
"...Do you look down on me that much?"
"You're not even coming at me together?"
Her voice carried a hint of displeasure, and her tone grew several degrees colder.
"Do you think one person alone can stop me?"
"Then let me personally crush your pride!!!"
As soon as her words fell, Momousagi's hand suddenly tightened on the sword hilt, and the Aura of a powerhouse surged wildly!
Zoro stood his ground, slowly raising his three swords, their blades gleaming with intense Armament Haki.
The black blades, illuminated by the sunlight, emitted a chilling glint.
His gaze was fixed on Momousagi in front of him, his eyes unwavering, his Battle Intent burning fiercely!
Momousagi, however, still maintained her arrogant posture, holding the famous sword Konpira at her waist with one hand, a hint of disdain on her face, and a touch of surprise in her eyes.
"Oh? Your Armament Haki is quite well-mastered."
Her tone remained calm, without any tension, and even carried a hint of playfulness.
"Too bad..."
Her lips curved slightly upward, her eyes sharp.
"You're just a filthy pirate!"
"Clang—!"
Momousagi gently drew Konpira, the blade slowly unsheathing, and instantly, an extremely sharp Sword Qi swept across the entire field.
The intense slashing Aura caused the surrounding sand to be blown away!
"...Go on, brat, let me see what you've got."
Momousagi stood her ground, holding her sword with one hand, not assuming any flashy starting stance, nor even deliberately adjusting her sword posture.
Clearly, she didn't consider Zoro to be on an equal level with herself.
Boom!
The next second, Zoro's figure transformed into a whirlwind-like afterimage, his feet stomping hard on the ground, yellow sand exploding, and he charged towards Momousagi like a fierce tiger!
"Three Sword Style—Onigiri!!!"
Zoro's blade carried incredibly sharp Sword Qi, and three black slashes tore through the air.
They went straight for Momousagi's throat, abdomen, and both legs—three vital points, a thunderous killing move right from the start!
"Clang—!"
The sound of metal clashing reverberated across the entire battlefield!
Everyone's pupils contracted; Zoro's attack had been blocked!
Momousagi simply held her sword with one hand, casually placing it horizontally in front of her, effortlessly blocking the three deadly slashes.
Her posture remained calm and unhurried; she didn't even move a single step.
"Is that all?"
Momousagi tilted her head slightly, a hint of disappointment in her tone.