Value

"Lieutenant Shu, keep watch. I must rid ourselves of that wretched pirate," Catacombo commanded, withdrawing his katana from its sheath.

Lieutenant Shu nodded, fully understanding his orders. Catacombo aimed his pistol at the goat-man, diverting his attention away from Aki, who was in imminent danger. As Catacombo approached them in a small boat, the goat-man's focus shifted to the Rear Admiral.

The large marine ship remained motionless, leaving the bewildered sailors questioning the situation. "Die, you filthy pirate!" Catacombo fired more bullets, forcing the goat-man to release his hold on Aki.

The small boat drew nearer, and Catacombo leaped onto it with a burst of energy. He charged forward, his sword swinging with purpose. The goat-man employed his hoof to counter the attack. Aki, positioned to the side, observed the intense clash unfolding in the cramped space. The goat-man launched an assault, but Catacombo swiftly squatted and deftly slashed the goat-man's body.

Bleeding profusely, the goat-man knelt on the boat, the vessel teetering on the verge of capsizing. Aki seized the opportunity, leaping onto the next boat, causing it to turn and alter its course. Catacombo and the goat-man tumbled into the water.

Catacombo managed to catch hold of the goat-man and dragged him onto the boat. Aki extended his sole remaining hand, the right one, assisting Catacombo in climbing aboard. The goat-man, drenched in seawater, succumbed to his weakened state.

Catacombo swiftly placed sea prison handcuffs on the goat-man's wrists. "Sea water weakens devil fruit users, just as sea stone does. We are safe now," he affirmed, confident in their victory.

***

They paddled the boat, gradually ascending toward the marine ship. "Lock the pirate in the brig," Catacombo commanded.

Aki positioned himself in a corner of the ship, attentive and observant. "Did you discover why the boats came to a halt?"

"The ships were secured by sea anchors," Lieutenant Shu replied. "It was a deliberate trap."

"They haven't revealed themselves, except for one foolish pirate," Catacombo muttered, glancing at the captive pirate from the corner of his eye. "Make him divulge what he knows," he instructed before they whisked him away.

Aki settled on the marine ship, watching their every move. With his lone eye, he scrutinized the marines. None of them appeared particularly remarkable, except perhaps Catacombo and Shu. It struck him as odd to encounter a Rear Admiral and a lieutenant in the North Blue of all places. The marines were already stretched thin in terms of manpower.

Amidst the commotion and activity, a thunderous roar pierced the air—cannon fire resounded. One of the marine ships unleashed its cannons upon them. The ship's walls shattered, giving rise to sudden panic.

"Don't tell me..." Catacombo's eyes widened; he knew precisely which ship it was. The vessel that transported pirates from across the North Blue, collecting them from various kingdoms to be transported en masse to Impel Down.

"Attack their ship! We cannot jeopardize the entire fleet for a single vessel and a bunch of pirates," Catacombo ordered.

"Room!" A pale blue sphere enveloped the two marine ships. In the next instant, the stockpile of cannonballs exchanged places with approximately 50 pirates, all congregating on the main ship. "Slay the marines!" their battle cry echoed.

The pirates and marines clashed like savage beasts, blood staining both sides. Lieutenant Shun effortlessly reduced weapons to dust, leaving the pirates defenseless, while the marines unleashed a barrage of rapid bullets. Rear Admiral Catacombo effortlessly dispatched the feeble pirates, one after another.

Aki retrieved yet another cigarette and placed it between his lips. He glanced around, then fished out his lighter and flicked it, but only sparks emerged. "Already out," he muttered, keeping the unlit cigarette in his mouth.

"Room!" Once again, a blue sphere enveloped the ship. This time, one of the pirates behind Lieutenant Shun was swapped, and in the next instant, Shun's body was severed in two.

"I'm cut! I'm cut!" Shun screamed, his severed leg scurrying about. "Wait! What?" It dawned on him as he witnessed his own split form, still alive.

Law removed his fake mustache, reverting to his normal state, while the figure behind him did the same. Law and Bepo now stood in the midst of the chaos.

Law didn't underestimate the lieutenant, swiftly thrusting his sword toward him. But just as he did, Catacombo lunged from behind, seizing Bepo in both hands and pressing the sword against his neck.

Law persisted with his finishing blow, rendering Shun unconscious. In that instant, Catacombo took Bepo hostage and leaped to the edge of the ship.

All the marines encircled Catacombo, forming a defensive formation while aiming their guns at the enemy. "Tch, not this!" Law exclaimed, observing their strategic maneuver.

***

"Holding a hostage ain't my style, but this ship carries too damn valuable cargo to risk sinking," Catacombo stated. "And you know that, Trafalgar D. Law."

Aki fixed his gaze on Catacombo, who now stood at the opposite end, shielded by an array of marines. Most of the pirates had already been subdued, mere third-rate scoundrels from the North Blue.

Aki rose to his feet and slowly made his way toward Catacombo. "Hey, stay put. You're entering his firing range," Catacombo warned. "You're already a vegetable; if anything happens, we won't come to your rescue!" he bellowed, his voice booming.

"Hmm, hmm!" Aki responded, his steps deliberate as he passed by Law and continued toward the marines.

Aki infiltrated the marine formation, drawing closer to Catacombo. He rolled the cigarette between his lips. "Got a lighter?"

"You want to die, you vegetable? We're in the middle of—" Catacombo began yelling in anger, abruptly cutting himself off.

Bang... Bang.... Bang... Bang.... Bang.... Bang...!

In the heart of the marine formation, six consecutive bullets were discharged. The marines turned their heads in astonishment. Catacombo's left side was now riddled with bullet holes. But how?

The marines couldn't spot any guns in Aki's lone hand. So it wasn't him?

Catacombo's gaze fell upon Aki's coat, now marked by six fresh openings. Movements stirred within the garment. Only Catacombo and Bepo could discern it. In the next instant, Catacombo collapsed to the ground. "The cargo's far too valuable for a brawl, Rear Admiral."

With swift motion, Aki withdrew his other hand from his shirt and settled himself on Catacombo's prone form, his gun pressed against Catacombo's temple. "Surrender!" Aki declared, the cigarette still perched between his lips.