"Did you really win?"
Admiral Kuzan asked lazily, "Nico Robin is getting closer and closer to the Gates of Justice. Are you really sure that if you don't act, your companions will be able to rescue her?"
"Of course."
Shirogai glanced at Zoro, whose face was pale as paper, lying inside the building, then disappeared from Yun Zhongjun.
"The rest depends on the battle between our Captain and Lucci, CP-9's only remaining fighter."
…
"Hey, Zoro! Don't scare me like that!"
Usopp held the unconscious swordsman frantically, his mask hiding a face twisted with shock.
Nearby, Jabra of CP-9 hung limply, watching the fear growing in Zoro's expression. He sneered and taunted, "Hahaha, your buddy is already dying. And you, long-nosed freak, you're next! There's no way off this island. Long-nosed guys are worthless!"
Swish!
Usopp trembled in terror, but suddenly Shirogai appeared in front of him, wearing a calm smile.
"Sniper King, you actually defeated a CP-9 member? Well done."
"A– Ah! Who—Huh, Shirogai!"
Usopp panicked at first, then when he recognized Shirogai, he lunged forward, grabbing his clothes and pleading, "Shirogai, hurry! Zoro's bleeding out fast!"
"Don't worry."
Shirogai waved his hand, and two silvery-white mushrooms appeared as if conjured from thin air.
"Healing Mushrooms — their effect is strong. They can't instantly restore his lost blood, but they'll keep him alive."
Usopp quickly forced the mushrooms into Zoro's mouth. Gradually, Zoro's shallow breathing steadied.
"You bastard!" Jabra snarled through clenched teeth. He glared at Zoro, who looked weaker by the second, and growled in frustration.
Swish!
A figure emerged in front of Jabra.
Shirogai regarded him calmly and asked with a light smile, "Disappointed?"
"Hmph! So you are the Marine rookie called the Fifth Emperor." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Even if you defeated an Admiral and your power is formidable, don't think you can just become an enemy of the World Government without consequences."
His voice dropped to a sinister whisper. "The World Government controls most of the world's power. There are hidden masters in corners you don't even know about — masters who rival Admirals. Eventually you won't be able to evade them. Sooner or later, you'll die by their hands."
Shirogai looked at him with faint amusement. "Interesting. Very well then, I'll wait for the day those hidden forces make their move."
Turning, Shirogai gave a faint smile. Jabra snarled even more viciously, shouting threats: "You have no idea what you're getting into! You don't stand a chance against them!"
"Shut up," Usopp growled as he rushed forward, picked up the whip that had been discarded and resumed lashing Jabra.
"You long-nosed bastard, I'm not done with you! I'll eat you someday! Damn, it hurts!"
Jabra screamed as each lash cracked across his body. He cursed under his breath. That Marine rookie seemed to enjoy making him a whipping toy.
Still, I wonder if the Fifth Emperor understands what I implied, he thought to himself. He said it as a threat, but maybe it was a warning.
The methods of the World Government are not limited to the Navy, CP-0 or CP-9. There are darker, more hidden forces at work.
Shirogai watched Jabra struggle under Usopp's blows, a flicker of interest stirring inside him at the thought of those unknown powers.
…
"Huh?"
Admiral Kuzan suddenly stood, attention shifting gravely toward the sea on the horizon.
"What's the reason Marine warships are approaching Enies Lobby?"
Shirogai reappeared beside him. He looked out at the approaching ships with a calm expression and said, "You triggered the Buster Call yourself. That guy accidentally pressed the Buster Call button earlier."
Kuzan frowned, thinking deeply, then regarded Shirogai with a piercing stare. "So this was your plan."
"Oh?" Shirogai smiled, feigning ignorance. "Admiral, what do you mean?"
"If the Buster Call is activated and the warships bombard all of Enies Lobby," Kuzan said slowly, "then the Marines would have implicitly interfered with our wager."
He exhaled, the sound heavy in the air. "That would mean I, representing the Marine faction, broke the rules. I would have violated the conditions of the bet. At that point, you would be justified in entering the Gates of Justice to rescue Robin."
"Indeed."
Shirogai nodded faintly, a mischievous grin curving his lips. "That was within my expectations. But even if the Buster Call remains, I still hold victory firmly in my grasp."
"Is that so?"
Kuzan gazed at the sea beneath the Judicial Tower and murmured, "Do you really think Lucci will lose to your Captain, Luffy?"
"Of course."
Shirogai glanced at the three additional Marine warships sailing toward them and smiled faintly. "So, aren't you going to act? Do you intend to let those cannon blasts annihilate the entire Enies Lobby?"
Kuzan sighed lazily. "I must. If I, an Admiral, block a Buster Call released by the Marines, the incident would shatter their prestige."
Shirogai surveyed the Marines scattered in the plaza — they had heard rumors of the Buster Call and were fleeing in panic. He smiled lightly. "Don't worry. With me here, I won't let them be harmed."
Kuzan nodded gravely. Then he leapt from the cloud, his form releasing a chilling aura as he slid downward along an ice path conjured midair.
Boom!
A massive cloud of ice dust erupted as he landed in the plaza. The Marines nearby froze at the sight. A few seconds later they gasped in disbelief, "Admiral Kuzan! Is that really you?"
Slowly, Kuzan rose and nodded. "Yes. Notify everyone. All of them — gather here now!"
"B-but Admiral Kuzan! The Buster Call has been triggered on Enies Lobby. The cannon fire will start soon!" one Marine shouted in panic.
"Don't worry," Kuzan replied calmly.
He inhaled deeply. A chilling aura radiated from his body. Stretching out his arms, he formed a huge semi-circular fortress of ice directly on the plaza out of thin air.
Having created the hidden fortress, Kuzan commanded in a deep voice, "Everyone, hide inside. All of you."
"But… can it stand the cannon fire?" several Marines asked, voices trembling.
Kuzan answered without hesitation, "Yes. It will withstand the Buster Call."
After all, he had faced similar threats before. "They survived, so will you."
---