Chapter 26 : Kizaru!!!

Boa Hancock could sense Luffy's determination and realized it would be challenging to persuade him otherwise.

With this understanding, Boa Hancock's mind, clouded by her feelings, began to churn with plans for Luffy.

Boa Hancock said, "Luffy, if you're so adamant about this, then let me assist you once more!"

Luffy was taken aback by her words. After a moment, he quickly refused, saying, "No! Hancock, you've already done so much for me, and I can't let you get involved any further this time!"

Although Luffy often acts impulsively and follows his instincts without much thought, it doesn't mean he's foolish. He is fully aware of the dangers involved in rescuing Ace. 

However, there are some things he must do, no matter how perilous they are. They had only just met, and Hancock's country was still behind her. He couldn't risk putting her in danger alongside him.

"Are you worried about me?" Hancock's focus was entirely different from Luffy's. Her cheeks flushed with excitement as she looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"Yes!" Luffy nodded earnestly and said, "This is something you shouldn't be involved in. I can't let you be put at risk!" 

Hancock's heart raced at his confession. "He cares about me… No, he likes me! Oh~, where should we hold the wedding?"

Lost in daydreams of the future, Hancock barely registered what Luffy was saying next.

"So, Hancock, just stay here! Whatever happens behind you, don't worry about it. I'll handle it myself!" Luffy flashed a confident smile at Hancock, captivating her completely.

Boa Hancock bit her lip; she really couldn't refuse Luffy's request! In the end, she sighed and agreed, "Alright, I'll stay here!"

"Then I'm off!"

Seeing Hancock's acceptance, Luffy was relieved. After bidding his farewell, he slipped out of the room through the window!

Hancock was stunned. She hadn't expected Luffy to leave so decisively! She hurried to the window to search for him.

By the time Hancock looked out, Luffy had already surveyed the area. There were no other Marine personnel nearby, just two soldiers stationed at the main entrance of the building.

So Luffy jumped down from the wall outside after climbing through the window and turned around to give his final farewell to Hancock.

But as he turned, Luffy was taken aback! 

In addition to Hancock, four other figures were now at the window, observing him with varying expressions.

Three of these figures were familiar to Luffy:

- The Seven Warlords of the Sea, the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk!

- The Seven Warlords of the Sea, the zombie master, Gecko Moria!

- The Seven Warlords of the Sea, the massive Bartholomew Kuma!

And one unfamiliar face, dressed like a flamboyant, Doflamingo!

The expressions of these four were diverse and intriguing. Mihawk remained impassive, though his slight frown indicated confusion about why Luffy was here. 

Moria was dumbfounded, his mouth agape in disbelief. Kuma's face was emotionless, but his eyes revealed a complex thought process. 

Meanwhile, the flamingo-dressed Doflamingo looked amused, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Luffy was perplexed. Was this all over before it even began?

"Hee-hee-hee, if it isn't the Straw Hat kid! What a small world!" Moria chuckled, savoring the moment.

Moonlight Moria, reacting quickly, poked his head out of the window and burst into arrogant laughter. 

"Keep quiet? How could you ever scream, you shadowy bastard!"

Luffy, realizing the danger, didn't dare linger and turned to flee. Moonlight Moria's loud voice had likely attracted the attention of the guards.

However, before Luffy could get very far, he heard a whooshing sound and saw a tall figure appear right in front of him!

"Where would you travel if you could?"

The towering figure was Bartholomew Kuma, holding a book with "BIBLE" written on the cover in one hand. His other hand was raised high, with the glove removed, revealing a paw-like hand resembling a bear's paw!

Luffy's face turned pale with dread. He knew he was no match for Kuma and hadn't even seen how he had appeared in front of him.

Kuma, showing no intention of waiting for Luffy to respond, brought his raised hand down with a swift motion!

"Kuma? What do you plan to do with Luffy?"

At that moment, Boa Hancock appeared beside Luffy, raising her foot to block the descending hand of Kuma!

Kuma frowned slightly and said coldly, "Boa Hancock, the Straw Hat boy is a criminal who attacked the Celestial Dragons. Do you know what you're doing?"

Boa Hancock snorted and, with a haughty lift of her chin, pointed at Kuma. "No matter what I do, everyone will forgive me because I am too beautiful!"

Realizing further argument was pointless, Kuma shrugged off Boa Hancock's long legs, vanished, and reappeared on Luffy's other side, aiming a powerful blow at him. 

But Boa Hancock was quick to react again, kicking out to intercept Kuma's attack!

"Luffy, run now!"

Seeing that Luffy was still stunned, Boa Hancock urged him urgently.

"Thank you, Hancock!"

Hancock was now firing without moving, but Luffy was indifferent. He broke away from their skirmish and continued running!

A large number of Marine soldiers were approaching quickly. He had to get out of there as soon as possible!

But before Luffy could get far, a swarm of black bats swooped past him, coalescing into a tall figure blocking his path. 

"Hee-hee-hee, Straw Hat Boy, let's settle our old scores now!"

Moria looked at Luffy with a long, mocking laugh.

"Get out of my way, Shadow Man! I don't have time for you right now!"

Luffy flicked his arm, and bursts of steam erupted from his body as he activated 'Second Gear'! 

However, Moonlight Moria was no easy opponent. Even with Second Gear, Luffy found himself blocked and unable to escape.

"This is getting more interesting! Hey, Mihawk, are you going to join in?"

Doflamingo, leaning against a window in one of the buildings, called out to Mihawk in the adjacent room.

Mihawk remained expressionless and replied coolly, "I'm not interested. This farce will end soon."

Doflamingo was momentarily taken aback, then gazed up at the sky with anticipation. A golden light descended rapidly, transforming into a tall figure.

"It's quite lively. Is this a rehearsal before the big war?"

As the tall figure's somewhat lewd comment echoed, the four combatants in the field ceased their fighting and looked at the newcomer with envy.

It was one of the three Admirals of the Marine Headquarters: Admiral Kizaru, Borsalino!

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