Chapter 103
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The misty white smoke billowed out, covering the entire execution square and severely limiting visibility within several meters.
"Huh? Why is there such heavy fog all of a sudden?"
Aqua, who was casually sitting cross-legged at a distance and watching the battle, was startled for a moment as she looked around, finding herself surrounded by white smoke.
Although her divine eyes could see through darkness, they seemed unable to penetrate the thick, dense fog.
It was evident that Aqua was still holding onto the giant bird egg she had bought for two million Berries, earnestly protecting "this child" even after being brutally beaten by Arlong.
Deep within the white smoke, the sharp blade halted just a millimeter away from Arlong's head.
"Smoker, are you trying to stop me?"
Zyhark's eyes shifted, looking towards Smoker who had appeared behind him.
"While I too wish to eradicate such a villain from Loguetown, Zyhark, he is recognized by the World Government as one of the Shichibukai. Killing him will bring unimaginable trouble to your sea restaurant," Smoker said, cigar in mouth, his serious face showing little emotion.
Mr. Garp had specifically instructed him to look out for Zyhark and provide all possible help before he left.
If Zyhark had agreed to join the navy, it would be one thing, but now they were merely ordinary sea businessmen.
Killing Arlong here, even if they were lucky enough not to be wanted by the World Government, would still provoke revenge from Jinbei of the Fish-man Pirates, making it a loss not worth the gain.
"Hahaha! Yes, yes, if you kill me, Brother Jinbei will definitely not let you go!"
Arlong, having narrowly escaped death, struggled to his feet with the help of his underlings, laughing wildly.
On one hand, there was the threat of being hunted by the World Government and the Shichibukai, and on the other, the minor matter of his companion being kidnapped. He believed the man before him would make the right choice.
Smoker's gaze flickered with disgust as he glanced at the complacent Arlong, continuing to persuade Zyhark, "The Shichibukai are renowned pirates of the Grand Line with complex powers. It's enough what you've done; don't act rashly."
As he spoke these words, Smoker's fists clenched tightly beneath his justice cloak.
At this moment, he was filled with conflict and reluctance, unable to believe that he, who prided himself on justice, was protecting a criminal pirate in the hands of the East Blue hero...
What was the point of the Shichibukai system?
He couldn't understand, and at his current rank of branch colonel, he wasn't in a position to question it.
Zyhark remained silent, looking up at the triumphant Arlong.
Arlong's laughter ceased abruptly, unnerved by the piercing gaze—after the battle, this arrogant fish-man had been thoroughly subdued.
"You're right. As a price for kidnapping my companion, one arm is barely enough."
In the end, Zyhark chose to yield, sheathing his twin swords and walking towards Aqua in the distance.
Seeing him finally give up the idea of killing Arlong there, Smoker let out a heavy sigh of relief.
He couldn't bear to see the man willing to fight pirates for the sake of civilians be wanted by the World Government and lead a life of constant flight, all because of a mere Arlong.
Arlong stared at Zyhark's fading figure in the thick fog, fuming. If not for experiencing the abnormal physical defense of his adversary firsthand, he would have launched a stealth attack and torn him to shreds.
'Sea Restaurant Zyhark, huh? Dare to sever my arm, someday, I will definitely make you pay!'
His eyes were filled with murderous intent.
"Smoker, those guys are very dangerous; you'd better stay away from them."
Zyhark's kindly warning came through the smoke.
Smoker casually drew on his cigar, unconcerned, not thinking that the Arlong Pirates would be foolish enough to attack him.
Even if they were that brainless, in their half-dead state, what threat could they pose to him, a user of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit?
But the next second, as if sensing a dire threat, his pupils suddenly contracted.
Looking down at the ground, he saw a dazzling red light suddenly illuminating from the cracks between the tiles.
A wave of scorching heat emanated from beneath, like a prelude to a volcanic eruption, as the red-hot tiles began to bulge and then melt.
Boom!
A gigantic pillar of molten red magma erupted, lifting the gloating Arlong and other fish-man pirates into the air.
As the red pillar reached its peak height, a blinding light burst forth, transforming into a terrifying explosion that resounded over the execution square.
Boom!
The resulting shockwave swept across the entire square, dispersing the dense fog that filled the passageways.
As the visibility cleared, onlookers just beginning to discern the scene inside saw charred figures continuously falling and landing on the shattered ground.
Except for Hatchan and a few other fish-men who were further away, the majority of the Arlong Pirates, including Arlong himself, were turned into grilled fish by the explosive force of the magma pillar.
Zyhark continued walking forward, not looking back at the explosion or the fate of the Arlong Pirates behind him.
Although the kidnapping of Aqua could be settled with the loss of an arm, considering the noble and brave Bellemere's tragic death and the long-term suffering of the kind and good-hearted Nami and the villagers of Cocoyasi Village, how could he possibly allow Arlong to leave Loguetown unscathed?
As for Smoker's concern about a potential World Government bounty, that was a non-issue since Arlong's crew had already separated from the Fish-man Pirates.
Although dealing with Jinbei might be problematic, it was unclear how long it would be before they encountered each other.
This was not an immediate concern for him.
"Magma? I thought I saw magma just now. I've never heard of Loguetown having a volcano."
"It doesn't matter, look, those brutal fish-men pirates got blasted!"
"Great! Evil begets evil, after all!"
Being residents of Loguetown, where pirate activity was frequent, the locals had a strong mental resilience and cheered as they looked at the charred remains on the ground.
From a hidden corner,
"Such power, such decisive action, that's really impressive!!"
A young boy with a green mohawk, eyes sparkling, had watched the entire process and now gazed at Zyhark's retreating figure, his mind filled with the image of that ultimate volcanic sword.
Daddy, watching with the child, wiped sweat from his face.
Clearly, the terrifying noise just now was no mere volcanic eruption—what kind of volcano erupts with such precise and appropriate attacks?
Wait, that kind of attack?
Recalling the unprecedented explosion, Daddy's mind unconsciously flashed to a description from the newspapers: with a mere gesture, he could obliterate a stretch of beach...
Could it be, that man?
A sniper's eyes are unlike those of ordinary people; his gaze swept over each passageway entrance on the execution square.
Soon, among the crowd, he spotted a blond man standing with his arms crossed, his expression indifferent.
It was indeed him, King from the Sea Restaurant *Endless Dream*!
(End of Chapter)