"Zizi!!"
Arcs of thunder coiled around Fenric's body, their sheer force radiating overwhelming deterrence.
Above, dark clouds rolled across the sky, blotting out the sun. The heavens pressed down on the earth, suffocating all who stood beneath them. Everyone felt their chests tighten under the crushing pressure.
"T-this… this is Uncle Mundo's true strength?!" Luffy's eyes widened in awe. "So strong!!"
Nami's hands tightened around her Clima-Tact. She glanced up at the thunderclouds and suddenly felt her weather magic laughably weak.
Her Clima-Tact could summon clouds and call down lightning—but only a tiny patch, no more dangerous than household electricity. It was enough to shock an ordinary person, sure.
But compared to the vast storm above her now, her power seemed like a child's toy.
"Luffy, let's get out of here!" Usopp shrieked, trembling. "Whether it's Uncle Mundo or that Admiral, they're both monsters!"
The coward didn't hesitate—he slung Zoro over his back and prepared to bolt.
But before he could take three steps, a Pacifista's shadow loomed over him.
Boom—!
The massive machine landed in front of Usopp, jaws opening wide as golden light gathered in its mouth.
"I-it's aiming at me?!" Usopp froze in terror, his legs refusing to move.
"Usopp!!" Luffy roared, charging forward with all his strength.
But no matter how fast he was, he knew he wouldn't make it in time.
Everyone's faces filled with dread.
Then—
Boom—!!
A thunderbolt split the sky, crashing straight onto the Pacifista.
The mechanical giant convulsed violently as electricity tore through its circuits. Black smoke poured out of its frame before it collapsed, lifeless, onto the ground.
"H-huh?"
Usopp blinked, frozen in shock. He had been ready to die—and suddenly, he was saved.
The others stared wide-eyed, stunned by the impossible.
High above, Fenric hovered in the storm, arcs of lightning swirling around him. He looked down calmly and spoke with a faint smile:
"Little brats, hurry up and leave this place."
"It's Uncle Mundo!" Luffy laughed, his relief erupting into joy. "Uncle, thanks a ton!"
Nami and the others also looked up, their eyes filled with gratitude.
"Ehh~? So the old man is being ignored now?"
Though Admiral Kizaru's voice was calm, the irritation within it was unmistakable.
"Mundo," Kizaru said flatly, "is that the Thunder Fruit? The old man is very curious where you got it. But if you want to protect these kids from me, then you'd better be ready to pay the price."
Golden light flared in his hands.
"Ama no Murakumo."
In an instant, photons condensed, forming a radiant golden blade—the Sky Cloud Sword. Its glow sliced through the storm, carrying destructive power beyond measure.
Kizaru wasn't holding back anymore.
"Monkey D. Luffy. Bounty: 300 million." Kizaru's gaze sharpened, locking onto the boy. "Such a reckless child… but the world government will have its answer. I'll be taking your head."
"Luffy! Run!!" Robin cried, her face pale.
But Luffy only tightened his stance, determination blazing in his eyes.
Then Kizaru's body scattered into countless motes of golden light—disappearing.
Boom—!
The heavens roared. A massive thunderbolt speared downward, aiming directly for Luffy.
At the exact same moment, Kizaru re-materialized behind him, Ama no Murakumo poised to strike—only for the thunder to crash down and shatter his body into fragments of golden light.
He reformed a moment later, unharmed, but forced back.
The Straw Hats stared, stunned.
"What just happened…?"
They quickly realized—Uncle Mundo had predicted Kizaru's teleport and summoned lightning at the exact spot he would appear.
"Unbelievable!" Nami gasped.
"Yeah…" Sanji's cigarette quivered between his lips. "That's not strength—that's monstrous."
Kizaru, though intact, looked far less relaxed than before.
It hadn't been luck. Before he fully materialized, the surrounding air had rippled ever so slightly. No ordinary person could sense it—but Fenric's heightened perception caught it instantly.
His senses were sharper than any blade. No fluctuation could escape his awareness.
And thunder—true thunder—moved at the speed of light. By striking preemptively, Fenric intercepted the admiral's attack before it could land.
"Mundo… you've changed far more than I imagined," Kizaru muttered, eyes narrowing. "You're troublesome. Truly troublesome."
Fenric descended, his body wreathed in silver lightning. His presence was that of a war god.
"In that case, how about giving me some face, Admiral?" Fenric said evenly. "Let these kids go."
Kizaru shot upward into the sky, his form blazing with golden brilliance.
"Mundo… if you can block this, then I'll let them live." His voice rang out coldly. "Yasakani no Magatama!!"
Fenric's expression hardened instantly.
He knew that attack well. The "Yasakani no Magatama"—a storm of countless light bullets, an indiscriminate barrage that reduced everything in its path to dust.
He could endure it alone. But protecting Luffy and the others was another matter.
Before the golden storm erupted, Fenric swept his mind power outward, his telekinetic power surging. In an instant, he pulled Nami, Robin, and the others close, shielding them all behind him.
"Nami, Robin… you're my priority." His voice was calm, but unyielding. "Little ones—close your eyes. Don't move."
Then the sky exploded.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Thousands of golden light bullets poured down like a torrential rain, turning the world into blinding brilliance.
Boom—! Boom—! Boom—!!
Each light bullet hit with the force of a cannon, detonating upon impact. Explosions rocked the island, the very earth trembling.
Fenric spread his arms wide, unleashing the full extent of his mind power. A vast barrier materialized before them, shimmering with invisible force, repelling every shot that came near.
Robin forced herself to stay composed, but her hands trembled.
Nami, however, had no such restraint—she threw herself against Fenric's leg, clinging to him tightly. Her face was pale as explosions thundered around them.
In that moment, only Fenric's presence gave her a shred of security.