---
Shisui had dealt with the pig and his dogs.
"Thank you! Truly, thank you!"
The couple approached Shisui and Itachi, full of gratitude.
The man spoke apologetically, "We're so sorry. If it weren't for us, you wouldn't have…"
"No need to apologize. I only stepped in because people like him disgust me."
Kitaro had taught Shisui from a young age—if someone gets on your nerves, take them down. No need to worry about consequences; Kitaro would handle them. So, Shisui had always lived by that. Even though he was responsible but he loved how he had a big brother to care for him.
He then flashed through the crowd of slaves, breaking the collars around their necks, using amazing chakra control.
"What… What is this…"
The freed slaves touched their collars in disbelief, unable to believe they were no longer bound.
"You're all free now," Shisui said.
"Free…"
"Oh, thank goodness!"
"We're finally free!!"
"Thank you, thank you so much!"…
They knelt in gratitude, tears streaming down their faces. Being a slave for a Celestial Dragon was a life worse than death, and they had long lost hope. Today, they'd been granted freedom.
"Everyone, we just struck a Celestial Dragon, so an Admiral will likely come. We'll handle the Admiral. If any of you want to leave, now's the time," Itachi said, addressing the crowd.
"You'll handle it? Against a Marine Admiral?" Bonney snapped, annoyed. "You two are reckless! If you want to get yourselves killed, fine, but don't drag us into it!"
Itachi's Sharingan glinted as he glanced at Bonney, making her uneasy.
"Someone else will help us. So, take this chance to leave," Itachi said.
"Someone else? You mean Kitaro? Don't think you can act recklessly just because you escaped an Admiral once. This is near Marineford."
"Yes, which is why you should leave," Itachi replied, ignoring Bonney afterward.
"You annoying brat!"
Bonney looked around. No one else was moving, and it would be humiliating to flee alone. Gritting her teeth, she decided to stay, wanting to see what the Uchiha Security Company was truly capable of.
Meanwhile, other locals and pirates were in a frenzy.
"This is bad!"
"This town is doomed! The whole archipelago might be doomed!"
"Uchiha Shisui just struck a Celestial Dragon with lightning on Island 21!"
"What?!"
Everyone was dumbfounded. Who would dare strike a Celestial Dragon here?
"I heard all nine Supernovas are there too!"
A new storm is coming.
---
Marineford Headquarters
The news of Uchiha Shisui attacking Saint Charlos had already reached Sengoku.
The Sabaody Archipelago was the last island in the first half of the Grand Line. Every pirate heading to the New World needed to coat their ship there and travel to Fish-Man Island below the Red Line.
The Marines kept a tight watch on such an important place. Furthermore, an extremely dangerous figure already resided on the island.
Sengoku rubbed his temples, looking pained and furious. "Uchiha Security Company again. They're supposed to be a security company, yet they keep causing trouble!"
An officer reported, "In addition to Uchiha Security Company, the Straw Hats, Eustass Kid's crew, and Trafalgar Law's crew are all there. More than a billion-Berry bounty to all the supernovas."
"The main culprits are Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi! Saint Charlos is severely injured, which is unprecedented!"
Sengoku's expression was conflicted. He had just released a highly classified message, and he didn't want to clash with Uchiha Security Company right now.
At that moment, Kizaru spoke up. "Regardless of the circumstances, if a World Noble has been attacked, we can't stand idly by, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
"Kizaru…"
"Let me handle it."
Sengoku replied, "You know that Uchiha Kitaro is on Sabaody Archipelago. Alone, you may be at risk."
"Even so, if we ignore a World Noble being attacked, the Marine will be a laughingstock."
---
On a Marine Ship.
"So, it's Silvers Rayleigh…"
Garp munched on a donut, listening to his subordinate's report.
"They haven't recognized him yet and think he's just an old guy selling stuff!"
"They auctioned off the Dark King! Hahaha!"
A subordinate said nervously, "If it's truly him, this could get out of hand! Should we report it to Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
"No need; I'll handle it. Don't tell Sengoku or anyone. Keep it under wraps for now," Garp instructed.
"But… if it really is him…"
"Oh, it's definitely him!" Aokiji said.
"Eh?!"
Aokiji took a sip of tea and said, "I've heard people claim to have seen him around. My guess? He's selling himself out to make easy money, like he did many times before. Although Rayleigh's past his prime, underestimating him would cost the Marines dearly in manpower!"
"Especially now—do you want the Marine to deal with two legends at once?!"
At that moment, a Marine rushed in urgently.
"Report! Vice Admiral Garp! Urgent news from the Sabaody Archipelago! The Uchiha Security Company has appeared there, and Uchiha Shisui struck the Celestial Dragon, Charlos, with lightning, leaving him severely injured!"
"Pff—!"
Garp spat out his tea, eyes wide as he stared at the Marine who had reported the news. "What did you just say?!"
The Marine repeated the message.
Confirming he hadn't misheard, Garp was dumbfounded.
"These brats! Showing up now, of all times, and even hitting a Celestial Dragon. The incident at Enies Lobby only happened recently, and now they're causing trouble again. Wait what about Uchiha Kitaro? Where is he now?!"
"According to intelligence, he's currently at the..."
"Where?!"
"...the slave auction house."
Garp felt a jolt of dread. "Oh no!"
.
.
.