Chapter 18: The Fall of the World Nobles: A New Age of Piracy Dawns?

"The captain's really good at making Celestial Dragons squeal like pigs," a crew member chuckled. "I wonder what Mariejois will say if they find out?"

"Don't be naive," another scoffed. "Even if the captain lets them go, they'd never be accepted back after this humiliation, right? Ha!"

"Forget the repercussions," a third chimed in. "The captain wouldn't just mess with them without a reason. He has a plan, I'm sure."

Shiryu of the Rain and his companions watched the Celestial Dragons from a distance. Witnessing them firsthand was a strange experience. Everyone knew the power these "World Nobles" wielded, their privilege absolute, their freedom exceeding even the most lawless pirates. They were the living embodiments of wealth-fueled disdain.

Suddenly, Shiryu raised his hand towards his demon sword, Thunderstorm. "A strong presence," he murmured.

"Looks like it's fight time, Kizaru. Been itching for a good brawl!" Bullet's fists clenched, the explosive power beneath his clothes radiating a sense of terrifying potential. With a silent exchange, the three prepared to move.

Meanwhile, Kizaru sped towards the scene on his eight-foot mirror. As an Admiral, his duty was to ensure the Celestial Dragons' safety before the attack. He wasn't afraid of the consequences, but dealing with the higher-ups afterward would be a nuisance.

His thoughts were interrupted by a black blur slamming into him, the force of the impact sending him crashing into a massive tree. The explosion shattered the trunk, leaving a crater bigger than some houses.

Dust settling, Kizaru rose, eyes narrowing at the figure before him. "Douglas Bullet!"

It was indeed Bullet, a formidable foe ready for battle.

Without further ado, Kizaru lashed out with a flashing right kick. A football-sized light bullet pierced the void, hurtling towards Bullet who remained stoic. The light bullet arrived, and Bullet met it head-on with a punch. He struck it again.

The moment the light bullet detonated, engulfing a house in the blast, Bullet stomped his right foot. The ground cracked, and he launched himself toward Kizaru at incredible speed.

Bullet might be a ruthless man, but his physical prowess was undeniable.

"The so-called descendant of the devil," Kizaru addressed Bullet, feeling the immense power behind his fist. "You, who once turned the New World upside down, surrendered to a mere boy?"

"Just a temporary partnership," Kizaru countered. "The Marines have nothing to fear, do you?"

Bullet grinned savagely. "Kizaru, you better give it your all. Otherwise, I might just pummel you to death. Even while imprisoned, I never slacked off for a day!"

"And to think I'd see the light of day again!"

Boom!

Bullet's punch sent Kizaru reeling three steps back. Just then, Sentomaru roared Bullet's name, his tomahawk poised for attack. But a black blur intercepted him, deflecting the blow. The force of the impact rattled Sentomaru, flinging him back over ten meters.

"Shiryu of the Rain," Sentomaru bellowed. "No second chances this time."

Shiryu lunged at Sentomaru. His demonic sword pulsed with an eerie purple aura as he swung it down. Sentomaru met the blow with his battle axe, but the impact sent a jarring clang through the air. The axe nearly tore from Sentomaru's grasp, and a new, larger crack appeared along its blade.

"PX-4!" Sentomaru yelled, recognizing he was outmatched against Shiryu. He immediately called upon the remaining Pacifistas to engage.

A black shadow darted in – a Pacifista. Yellow flashes gathered in its mouth, moments away from unleashing a laser blast. But a colossal sand blade materialized from the ground, pulverizing its head in a single blow.

"Crocodile!" Kizaru exclaimed, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face.

Bullet ripped his shirt free, his fist clad in Armament Haki. He charged at Kizaru, who stood his ground. Kizaru swept his right leg out in a counterattack.

Boom!

A thunderous collision erupted as their fists and feet met. A shockwave radiated outwards, shattering the ground beneath them.

"The Celestial Dragons," Kizaru frowned. "Were they executed?"

"Likely. That man is a man of his word, after all."

"Arrogant fools, causing such chaos at a time like this!"

Kizaru's irritation grew. He stretched his fingers, then with a flourish, drew his sword, the Ama no Murakumo. He swung it at Bullet, who met the blade with his bare hands, haki crackling around them. Both fighters surged forward, their speed escalating.

Ling Bai hoisted the heads of the three Celestial Dragons high. They, in their naivety, interpreted his action as a prelude to their release, a flicker of hope igniting in their eyes.

But that hope was brutally extinguished in the next instant. With a sweeping motion of his sword, Ling Bai severed their heads in one bloody stroke. Crimson sprayed as three lifeless bodies crumpled to the ground.

A tremor of absolute terror rippled through the crowd in the square. They watched, mouths agape, disbelief etched on their faces.

"What a madman! He's pierced the heavens!" Rayleigh muttered, shaking his head. This public execution brought back a long-forgotten era – the age of Rocks. Rocks, too, had defied the Celestial Dragons, slaughtering them with impunity. But even a force of nature like him couldn't escape their wrath.

The Supernova pirates were equally stunned. Notorious as they were, their infamy paled in comparison to this act. Even the most ruthless among them, Eustass Kid with his penchant for civilian slaughter, wouldn't dare touch! a Celestial Dragon. And here was Ling Bai, broadcasting his defiance for the entire world to see.