Dark Tide

Jonny and Yosaku swiftly plunged into the water, swimming towards Zoro to pull him out of the sea. Meanwhile, Luffy, enraged by the situation, attempted to attack Mihawk using his elasticity, but Mihawk dodged his movements with a disdainful ease.

– Are you a companion of the swordsman? – Mihawk inquired, a mix of curiosity and contempt in his voice.

– That's right – Luffy replied, his tone grave and resolute.

Mihawk, maintaining his serene composure, responded:

– Don't worry, your friend is still alive. For now, he won't die.

Zoro, now aboard a lifeboat, raised his katana with determination, vowing that he wouldn't rest until the day he could defeat Mihawk. His resolve was evident in every word and gesture.

Mihawk, nodding in respect for the young swordsman's bravery, uttered his signature words:

– You are a promising young man. Next time, come with all your potential.

Ethel and Saga, who were on the deck, watched as Mihawk prepared to leave. Ethel, in a contemplative tone, remarked:

– You have an interesting sword – addressing Saga – but you haven't yet mastered its spirit. If you're not careful, it might devour you rather than serve you.

Mihawk turned to them, his piercing gaze filled with knowledge and experience.

– It seems several prominent figures will emerge from the weakest ocean of all. For now, I've had enough. – With those words, he sheathed his sword and returned to his small boat, preparing to depart.

After Mihawk's unexpected departure, the battle resumed with renewed intensity. Don Krieg, who had remained partially hidden, fearful of facing the formidable swordsman, reengaged with renewed fury.

Luffy, eager for combat, intervened in the path of Krieg's pirates, initiating a personal duel. His determination was evident as he faced the captain's men.

The Baratie cooks were also deeply involved in the skirmish, defending their honor and their home from the invasion. Sanji, in particular, was fighting against Pearl, a fearsome lieutenant of Krieg. His combat skills were as refined as his culinary expertise.

Saga, with a practical sense, led Kaya towards the group's ship to keep her safe. Ethel, however, stayed at the Baratie, determined to protect those remaining and keep the invaders at bay.

Despite the intense fighting, Ethel seemed to be the focal point due to his special ability. Pirates attacking him were baffled as their swords, when cutting Ethel, became soaked in water, while his body vanished and then reconstituted itself without visible wounds. The Devil Fruit he possessed gave him a considerable advantage in battle.

Meanwhile, Luffy also drew attention for being a Devil Fruit user. However, Ethel was particularly focused on his attack. With impressive mastery, he began to condense a vast amount of clouds into his sword. The clouds became charged with water and electricity, creating a scene of pure energy and power.

With his sword enveloped in an ominous darkness, Ethel raised the weapon and, with a powerful shout, unleashed his most potent technique. "Dark Tide!" he exclaimed as the air filled with the force of the compressed clouds that he shot towards the pirates.

The attack took the form of a massive dark wave, rushing forward with devastating speed. The technique covered a wide area, sweeping numerous pirates in its path. The accompanying electric discharges struck with intensity, incapacitating them instantly and leaving them out of combat.

– Given your power, you must be a Logia user. And quite strong as well – observed Zeff, with a mix of admiration and respect.

– Indeed. It seems several of the East Blue's powers have gathered here today – Ethel replied, offering a slight smile.

Before they could continue their conversation, Gin suddenly burst in, charging furiously at Ethel. He wielded two large maces with round tips, ready to strike.

– Gin! – Ethel said calmly, remaining unmoved.

Gin launched a devastating attack. The maces struck part of Ethel's torso, a blow that would have been devastating under normal circumstances. However, for Ethel, it was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

As he reconstructed his body, Ethel looked at Gin with disdain and said:

– These attacks have no effect on me, Gin.

Despite hearing this, Gin didn't give up. His desperation drove him to attack again, but his efforts proved equally futile. Each blow he delivered failed to inflict any damage on Ethel, who seemed immune to the attacks.

Ethel decided to use one of his Devil Fruit abilities to address the situation. He began to condense electricity within his body, transforming himself into a source of electrical energy. Every time Gin's metal weapons made contact with him, they became electrified, causing Gin to suffer electric shocks.

The electric current coursed through Gin's body, leaving him paralyzed and unable to continue his assault. The desperation on his face was palpable as his body convulsed from the shock. Ethel, with an indifferent gaze, watched as the power of his Devil Fruit kept Gin under control without the need for further physical attack.

– Since you started these attacks, your future is sealed. Despite your loyalty to your captain, you've chosen poorly whom to follow – Ethel said with a mix of disapproval and pity.

Gin was dejected, his body trembling both from exhaustion and the electric shocks coursing through him. His mind was in turmoil; since Don Krieg had saved his life, he had chosen to serve him without question, committing vile acts that went against his own principles and honor.

– There's still time to change. This man cares only for himself. You're suffering and poisoning yourself for someone who has merely used you – Ethel continued firmly – Wake up.

Gin remained silent, the weight of Ethel's words and his current situation crushing him. Zeff, having overheard the conversation, joined in.

– Such a person doesn't deserve anyone's respect. His only way of earning loyalty is through fear. You don't deserve to die for someone like that – Zeff said with a determination that resonated in his words.

The battle was drawing to a close. Sanji had defeated Pearl, throwing him into the sea with a powerful blow. Meanwhile, Luffy was engaged in a fierce fight against Don Krieg. Most of the enemy pirates had been defeated by Ethel, while the remaining ones were overcome by Zeff and the other Baratie cooks.

After an intense exchange of blows, Luffy finally managed to destroy Don Krieg's armor. With a decisive strike, he delivered the final blow that secured the victory. Krieg's armor collapsed into ruins, and the leader of the Krieg pirates was defeated, marking the end of the threat that had endangered the Baratie.