Cavendish already had the idea of slipping away.
When a World Noble gets beaten, the ensuing fallout is no longer something a pirate with a bounty of less than 300 million should stick around to witness.
Not only did Cavendish react strongly from the shadows, but Chuck, the tavern owner, was also completely stunned.
"I mean... little brother, what have you..."
Although Chuck had the backing of one of the World Noble families, he never had the courage to actually lay a hand on a Celestial Dragon. At most, he had intended to "politely escort" Vaskeriel-sei out. After all, the wrath of the World Government following the assault of a Celestial Dragon was not something a small tavern like his could withstand.
"Lord Vaskeriel-sei!"
Because the scene was so shocking, it took a full minute for the bodyguards accompanying the Celestial Dragon to snap out of it. They turned their heads in disbelief, looking at the ruins where Vaskeriel was buried, and shouted in extreme panic.
If anything happened to Vaskeriel-sei here, their heads wouldn't stay on their shoulders either!
"Take this brat down!"
The leader of the guards roared at his companions before frantically rushing toward the pile of debris burying the Celestial Dragon. Lord Vaskeriel-sei absolutely could not die!
The other guards, eyes bloodshot with rage, charged toward Luffy.
But...
The moment they moved, another green silhouette blurred into action.
"Three-Sword Style: Demon Hunt!"
With that low growl, dozens of sword light arcs flashed through the tavern. The caught-off-guard bodyguards instantly erupted in screams as they were cut down.
Roronoa Zoro!
Seeing Zoro carving through the opposition, Luffy wasn't about to be outdone. He kicked off the ground, his body shooting forward like a projectile.
"Gomu Gomu no... Bullet!"
Even though Vaskeriel-sei was a World Noble of high status, the guards he usually traveled with were only average in strength—roughly the level of a multi-million bounty pirate from the East Blue. Against the combined force of Luffy and Zoro, these men stood no chance.
For a time, rhythmic screams echoed through the tavern, making the place feel quite "lively."
Not far away, Chuck's face was full of worry. He had no idea what to do. Luffy's punch looked satisfying, sure, but what about the consequences?
"Chuck-boy, no need to be so worried. I'll handle that guy." Suddenly, a warm voice sounded in his ear. Chuck turned to see Old Man Rowan smiling at him.
"Mr. Rowan."
Looking at the unruffled Old Man, Chuck's worries strangely vanished in an instant. Grinning, Chuck said somewhat dismissively, "It's alright, Mr. Rowan. At worst, I'll just close the tavern and go on the run."
Rowan glared at him. "What are you talking about, brat? If you close the tavern, where am I supposed to find food this good? You really have no sense of priority! It's just a Celestial Dragon; there's no need to close shop and flee."
"Huh?" Hearing this, Chuck was momentarily lost for words. How was it that in the Old Man's eyes, provoking a Celestial Dragon was just a trivial matter?
"How about this, Old Man? I'll just become your personal chef from now on. You've tasted my skill; compared to my father, I'm truly a case of the student surpassing the master!" By the end, a touch of pride returned to Chuck's face.
"Don't you dare," Rowan shook his head. "If you become my personal chef, the regular customers here will drown me in spit. I wouldn't dare hoard your talent."
Patting Chuck on the shoulder, Rowan raised his pipe and smiled. "Come, let's go see how that fellow is doing."
By this time, Luffy and Zoro had finished off all the bodyguards. A dozen men lay on the floor, unable to move, groaning in agony.
"Great-Grandpa, these guys are too weak," Luffy said, looking annoyed. If it hadn't been for these pests, he'd still be feasting. Now, thanks to the commotion, he didn't even know if the meal would continue.
Zoro's face was also full of disappointment. He sheathed his three swords and sighed. "So weak. I hadn't even started to put in effort before they all fell."
Momousagi and Ain naturally followed Rowan as he walked out. Regarding Rowan's decision to have Luffy punch a Celestial Dragon, Momousagi didn't have much of a reaction. Regardless of the World Government's stance, she stood unconditionally with Rowan.
As for Ain, though she was worried, the deed was done. They could only move forward. Even though the World Government would be a massive headache, she believed that given Fleet Admiral Sengoku's relationship with Mr. Rowan, he wouldn't just hand him over.
Rayleigh, following along, kept his gaze fixed on Luffy and Zoro. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and intrigue.
"Haha! Old Senior, you're the man! That kid's punch was truly refreshing!" The pirate who had been used as a mount by Vaskeriel-sei gave Rowan a big thumbs up, laughing loudly from the floor. Having been a slave for so long, this was the first time he'd seen a Celestial Dragon get thrashed so hard.
Watching it happen was just... so damn satisfying.
Rowan smiled but didn't pay the man any mind. He stepped directly out of the tavern. Out on the street, the area was deserted; all the pedestrians had fled for fear of being caught in the crossfire.
Rowan looked toward the ruins across the street. The guard captain was frantically digging through the rubble to save Vaskeriel-sei. He was fast, and soon a large pit was cleared.
Seven or eight breaths later, the Celestial Dragon's head finally emerged. However, his current state was pathetic. The bubble dome was gone, his hair was matted with dust, and he looked no better than a common beggar. His opulent clothes were torn to shreds.
The guard captain let out a sigh of relief. He looked terrible, but at least he wasn't dead.
But before the captain could even ask if he was okay, the Celestial Dragon's twisted face turned a deep shade of crimson. Then, with a sudden ghak, he spat out a massive mouthful of blood.