22. Second And Third Commanders

"Just when you think it can't get any worse, huh?" Kid's expression twisted into a grimace of frustration.

Dealing with these pacifists was proving to be far more challenging than they had anticipated. These machines were specifically designed to apprehend pirates, boasting incredible speed, power, and an uncanny ability to track their movements.

Their defence was formidable, thanks to their unknown composition, rendering them impervious to the attacks of even the most capable users. Their offensive capabilities, particularly their laser attacks, were devastatingly effective against supernova-level defences.

Despite the combined efforts of all the supernovas present, they had struggled to overcome just two of these pacifists, sustaining severe injuries in the process. Now faced with two more, their situation looked dire.

"I'd heard about them back when I was in the Marines, but I never imagined they'd be this formidable. Damn Vegapunk and his twisted creations," Drake muttered through gritted teeth, clutching the gaping wound in his chest.

"If it wasn't for the Straw Hats…" he trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid, his thoughts lingering on the debt owed to their fellow pirates.

Now, as a supernova aiming to infiltrate the New World and make a name for himself among the Four Emperors, Kid should have been going smoothly. However, faced with the current predicament, he couldn't fathom how he would escape this encirclement.

Sentomaru's ability to manipulate water might have provided a means of escape, but with the other supernovas already ensnared, his identity as a pirate would be painfully obvious.

As photons condensed on the palms of the two pacifists, aiming directly at the weakened supernovas below, despair threatened to overwhelm them.

"Damn it, is this the end?" Law's grip tightened on his long knife, his expression twisted with frustration.

But just as the lasers were about to be fired, the pacifists abruptly turned away, directing their attacks elsewhere.

"PX1, PX2, what are you doing? Why aren't you finishing off the pirates below?" Sentomaru bellowed in confusion.

The supernovas below were already on the brink of defeat; just two more shots, and it would be over. Yet, the pacifists' sudden change in behaviour puzzled him.

Could there be a glitch in Vegapunk's capture command? Sentomaru pondered anxiously. Such errors couldn't be tolerated, especially considering the pacifists' importance in the impending war.

"Capture the Straw Hat Boys. They're our top priority," PX1 declared, the red light in its eyes flickering as it turned its attention elsewhere.

With keen perception, Sentomaru spotted the Straw Hat Boys heading their way, drawn by the commotion caused by the pacifists' lasers.

Leading the charge were Roronoa Zoro and Blackfoot Sanji, racing towards them at top speed.

"PX1, PX2, take them down!" Sentomaru commanded, gesturing with his massive axe as the two pacifists behind him lowered into position.

Like giant cannons, they unleashed bright light waves from their mouths, each containing formidable energy and penetrating power akin to powerful bombs.

As the light waves hurtled towards Luffy, Zoro, and the others, Luffy's eyes flashed with determination. With a swift sidestep, he narrowly avoided the barrage, the shockwaves from the explosions blasting behind him.

Beside him, Zoro and Sanji dodged effortlessly, their movements fluid and precise, as if they had anticipated the trajectory of the light waves.

"Shichibukai bears? Something doesn't feel right," Zoro remarked, his hand gripping Shusui's scabbard while the other poised on the handle. With a subtle push of his thumb, the black blade gleamed ominously.

"Hey, Moss-Head, take a good look. These aren't your typical Shichibukai bears. There's something off about them, and they don't even seem alive," Sanji remarked, eyeing the pacifists in the distance with suspicion. "What the hell are they?"

"Whatever they are, since they've attacked, let's take 'em down," Zoro grinned, ready for action.

As the pacifists in the distance rushed towards them with bright light waves still gathering in their palms and mouths, Kid observed the impending collision with a half-kneel while Law looked on with a serious expression. If Luffy couldn't handle these two pacifists, escaping the island would be out of the question.

"Fascinating," Luffy remarked casually as the pacifists closed in. Beside him, Zoro and Sanji exchanged a knowing smile before accelerating sharply.

A dark aura surrounded Zoro's hand as he prepared for an attack. "One strike," he whispered confidently.

"Banquet Set Meal!"

With a swift leap into the air, Sanji unleashed his signature move.

"Black Flash! Death Lion Song!"

Zoro followed suit, his blade slicing through the pacifist with precision.

"First Grade: Rough!"

In an instant, Zoro appeared behind the towering pacifist, his sword still unsheathed.

Meanwhile, Sanji descended gracefully, landing beside Zoro with a flicker of flame from his lighter as he lit a cigarette.

"It's a bit tough, not the most satisfying chop," Zoro remarked as he sheathed his sword.

"In terms of raw ingredients, it's a bit hard, but the flavour's just right," Sanji quipped, releasing a puff of smoke.

As the defeated pacifists behind them sparked with electrical currents and exploded, the duo stood victorious.

"So suave, Zoro, Sanji," Luffy cheered, impressed by their prowess.

Chopper's shout echoed from a distance, expressing admiration for Zoro and Sanji's impressive display.

"Those two are seriously cool!" Usopp chimed in, sharing in the excitement.

It was undeniable that compared to their first encounter with a bear, Zoro and Sanji's actions were now effortlessly stylish and effective.

"The Straw Hat Crew," the supernovas muttered in disbelief. They couldn't comprehend the ease with which the Straw Hats had dispatched the two pacifists they had struggled against.

Just moments ago, Kid and Kira had fallen in an instant, and now, facing the same adversaries, the Straw Hats hadn't even broken a sweat.

It seemed the gap between them and the Straw Hat Crew was insurmountable.

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