"What terrifying guys you are. But now that you've provoked 'God's Wrath,' don't think you'll leave here alive."
The man in the number nine mask stared at Nicholas. Even though his gaze was hidden by the mask, the cold, snake-like watchfulness was palpable.
As he finished speaking, more CP0 agents, exuding powerful auras, emerged from the air door beside the woman in the number five mask. Unlike the CP0 agents who had been protecting the Celestial Dragons like Saint Rosward, these newcomers were far more dangerous, exuding the air of cold, human killing machines.
Just like how CP1 through CP9 handled different tasks, CP0 agents had different roles. Those who protected the Celestial Dragons daily were their strongest shield, while those tasked with eliminating threats to the Celestial Dragons and the World Government were the strongest spear. They were more offensive and discreet, as their missions usually resulted in complete eradication of their targets, making them less known.
Meanwhile, outside Pangaea Castle, aside from those rescuing Celestial Dragons and fighting fires, most of the forces responsible for Mariejois's security were rushing towards the social plaza.
Inside the labyrinth, the man in the number nine mask watched Nicholas and Dragon with a cold, merciless gaze.
From the moment they arrived using the Door-Door Fruit's ability, the fates of Nicholas and Dragon were sealed. Before being pulled into the maze, they might have had a chance to escape. But now, with endless reinforcements pouring in through the air door, they had no chance.
However, Nicholas viewed the situation differently. Despite facing not just the special Celestial Dragon squad but also the strongest shield and spear of the World Government's CP0, and the guards of Mariejois, not to mention the approaching Navy reinforcements, Nicholas was not overly worried.
Both Nicholas and Dragon were top-tier Devil fruit users. Putting two elite Devil fruit users in an enclosed space with a group of enemies could result in some very brutal outcomes.
Nicholas was more concerned about the safety of Fisher Tiger, Karasu, and those causing havoc in Mariejois. If Karasu and the others couldn't escape to the sea before the Navy reinforcements arrived, a complete wipeout was likely.
Nicholas and Dragon exchanged a glance and smiled. Thunder roared and the wind howled in the labyrinth.
...
At a burning Celestial Dragon residence in Mariejois, Karasu, clutching his injured shoulder, stared at the newcomer. This person had shot him by surprise. If not for his crow's warning, it would have been more than just an arm injury. If this person caught up with Tiger and the others, it would be big trouble.
A wolf howl echoed from afar, and a visible mist began expanding rapidly as it moved away from the fire.
Thinking quickly, Karasu focused on the CP0 agent on the rooftop. He needed to take this person out so his crows could support Tiger.
"Crow Strike!"
Fiery crows launched from the sky like missiles towards the CP0 agent on the roof.
The CP0 agent dodged rapidly, firing at Karasu as he moved.
"Bang, bang, bang...!"
The CP0 agent dodged the fiery crows diving at him from the sky while raising his gun and firing at Karasu. The bullets, radiating intense heat, shot towards Karasu.
"You still don't get it. You can't escape!"
The CP0 agent taunted, his eyes glowing red as he continuously locked onto Karasu.
Karasu, using his Kenbunshoku Haki and the shared vision from his crows, easily evaded the bullets. He kept moving and controlling his crow flock to counterattack.
Responding to the CP0 agent's taunts was the last thing on Karasu's mind. In a life-or-death battle, it was either kill or be killed.
At the Red Port, Jinbei and Ivankov were also facing opponents.
After punching a World Government soldier away, Urouge glanced to the side. There, fully armed soldiers made way for a large man who was just as burly as Urouge.
Bang, bang, bang!
With the sound of fists colliding, the man reached Urouge.
"Supernova, Mad Monk Urouge?"
Before Urouge could react, the man lunged forward with a powerful uppercut, sending Urouge flying. Then, with surprising speed, the man pursued and continued his assault mid-air.
As the man's fists rained down, Urouge only shielded his face with his arms, his smile never wavering.
Meanwhile, Jinbei and the others also engaged the enemy.
"Emporio... DEATH WINK!"
With Ivankov's words, his massive, beautiful eyes blinked rapidly, sending a powerful explosion of wind that enveloped a group of enemies.
True men never look back at explosions, especially not the New Kama King, Emporio Ivankov!
"Ivankov!"
"You've committed the unforgivable sin of greed. I, Purple Mist, strip you of all rights and hereby arrest you. Surrender now!"
"You've committed the unforgivable sin of wrath. I, Red Mist, strip you of all rights and hereby arrest you. Surrender now!"
"You've committed the unforgivable sin of lust. I, Gray Mist, strip you of all rights and hereby arrest you. Surrender now!"
Three oddly dressed CP0 agents struck cool poses and addressed Ivankov.
Ivankov: ...
"Come on! As the hope of the New Kama, Queen of Kamabakka Kingdom, and creator of the Okama, I will never surrender easily!"
With a giant face, a huge deep purple afro, long thick eyelashes, light blue eyeshadow, purple lipstick, fishnet stockings, a cape, and a tight, low-cut outfit revealing abs with a large skull tattoo, Ivankov struck a pose.
Three CP0 agents: ...
Why does this feel like we've met our match?