"Dark King… Rayleigh!"
The moment Rayleigh stepped into view, Kizaru's expression darkened again.
Younger pirates might not understand the weight of that name, but as a Navy admiral, Kizaru knew all too well what the "Dark King" represented.
Rayleigh was a legend of the Grand Line, a top-tier powerhouse whose strength was no weaker than his own.
"So it's true." Kizaru's voice was edged with caution. "I'd heard whispers you were on this island, but I never expected it to be real." His gaze sharpened. "Why? You had a comfortable retirement. Must you return to being a fallen pirate, Mr. Rayleigh?"
Rayleigh chuckled faintly. "If the Navy would revoke my bounty, perhaps I could retire in peace."
"The sins of pirates don't vanish," Kizaru said flatly. "Least of all for Roger's crew. You're all criminals to the core."
As the two men traded words, Fenric finally interjected with an impatient smile. "Really? On a battlefield like this, must you waste time on speeches?"
Rayleigh gave a wry laugh. "Oh, young people truly are sharp-tongued. Well then—Kizaru, if Mundo alone can't sway you, what about the two of us together? Would that be enough for you to let these youngsters go?"
Before Kizaru could answer, Fenric suddenly cut in. "Wait!" His eyes gleamed coldly. "Mr. Rayleigh, take these kids and get them out of here. As for Admiral Kizaru…" He pointed the Empyrean Divine Sword toward his foe. "…I'll keep him on this island for a few days."
The words stunned everyone.
Robin's pupils contracted in horror, her face paling. "Luffy… we need to leave. Now."
"Eh? What's wrong, Robin?" Luffy asked, confused.
Her voice was grave. "War is about to break out."
Rayleigh frowned at Fenric. "Mundo, do you truly understand what it means to fight an admiral?"
Kizaru's expression was thunderous, though he remained silent.
Fenric only smiled. "Of course. Admirals aren't just the Navy's top combat force—they embody its pride, its very face."
"Then you should know better than to—"
Fenric's laughter cut him off, wild and unrestrained. "Perhaps you don't understand me yet, Mr. Rayleigh. My ambition… is to kill every last Celestial Dragon!"
The words dropped like thunder.
Nami and Robin went white with shock, their delicate faces frozen with fear.
No one in the world dared utter such blasphemy. No one—except Fenric.
Kizaru's face hardened, his voice cold. "Your thoughts are far too dangerous, Mundo." Raising the Ama no Murakumo, he locked eyes with Fenric. "As one who openly defies the World Government, the old man cannot allow you to live."
"You want my life?" Fenric laughed. "Then come take it!"
The Empyrean Divine Sword flashed into his hand with a resonant hum.
"Om—!"
Armament Haki erupted across his body, sheathing him in black steel, before coating the Empyrean Divine Sword itself. With that edge, even Kizaru could be cut down.
Rayleigh's brows furrowed deeply. No wonder they call him a madman… He truly is insane. Once words like that are spoken, there's no turning back. One side must fall.
"Luffy, go. Now."
"Got it, Uncle!" Luffy shouted back, though worry shadowed his face. "But… what about Uncle Mundo?"
Rayleigh waved dismissively. "He doesn't need your concern. This is no place for you brats—go, before this island becomes a battlefield!"
Usopp tugged on Luffy's arm. "He's right! Whether it's Uncle Mundo or the admiral, they're both monsters. Staying here won't help anyone!"
Though his heart resisted, Luffy knew it was true. Still, his loyalty burned.
"Uncle Mundo!" he roared. "You have to survive!"
Fenric threw back his head and laughed. "Straw Hat boy, don't worry. We'll meet again!"
His boldness ignited admiration in all of them.
Nami, Robin, and the others called out anxiously, "Uncle, be careful!"
Under Rayleigh's escort, the group quickly withdrew.
—---
At the dock, Rayleigh ushered them aboard.
"Uncle, what about you?" Usopp asked nervously.
Rayleigh smiled knowingly. "Mundo is no ordinary man. I see Roger's shadow in him. Of course I can't just let him face this alone."
They understood at once—Rayleigh intended to return to the battlefield.
"Uncle, please be careful!"
Rayleigh laughed heartily. "I've lived long enough. There's nothing left to worry about. I've already coated your ship—go, sail now!"
"Uncle, goodbye!"
Rayleigh watched until their vessel vanished into the horizon, then turned back toward the forest.
—---
In the woods, Kizaru and Fenric had already clashed.
"Yata no Kagami!"
Kizaru's body dissolved into light, darting through the trees at incredible speed.
Fenric's gaze sharpened. He dared not underestimate an admiral—least of all the Ama no Murakumo in Kizaru's hand. That blade, forged of pure light, was sharp enough that even advanced Armament Haki struggled to defend against it.
A flash of gold cut across Fenric's shoulder, leaving a shallow wound. His first.
Fenric hissed softly. So, the admiral's sword can pierce even my defenses… impressive.
From above, Kizaru's mocking voice rang out. "Mundo, if you can't keep up with this old man's speed, you'll be in trouble."
Fenric only smiled and remained still.
A golden streak shot toward him, faster than the eye could follow—just a blur, just a death omen.
Danger screamed in Fenric's veins.
His hand snapped up, fingers spread wide, and he clenched.
"Mind Force—bind!"
Suddenly, Kizaru's light faltered, his speed dragged down as though caught in invisible mud.
Fenric's sword flashed upward.
"Clang!!"
The Empyrean Divine Sword crashed against the Ama no Murakumo, releasing a shockwave that rippled through the air, scattering leaves in every direction.
Fenric's eyes widened. Even though it's pure energy… it can match the Divine Sword?
No time for hesitation.
"Boom—!"
A bolt of thunder split the sky, striking directly at Kizaru. His body scattered into countless motes of light, reforming at a distance.