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Back at the front gate,
The marines and world government agents had gathered in formation behind Enies Lobby's main island gates. With them were also the watchdog unit of Law, trained soldiers especially for protecting the order of Enies Lobby.
All of them were prepared, with a shared confidence resonating among them. They believed in the defense the towering gatekeepers, Omio and Kishii, provided.
The giants had been protecting the gates for almost fifty years now. No one had ever breached their guard. Even though somehow the pirates managed to breach the first gate, they won't be able to do the same for the second one. Still, it was protocol for all active members to be in front of the gate in case they managed to open it.
"You know I heard a meteor fall on the front gate…" one of the marine soldiers said to another.
The other one snorted, "Must be drinking on the job… sorry bastards."
With that few others in the marines laughed. Even the world government agents stationed there were amused by the situation.
From beyond the gates, the muffled sounds of combat echoed—metal clashing against metal, roars of defiance, and the unmistakable tremors of giants on the move. The agents exchanged glances, it had been for a while since the fights started with the pirates, so they were still surprised as to why it was still going on.
"How many pirates were there again?" One of the agents asked.
"Four from the reports…" the other one replied.
Right then the front gates of the Enies lobby shook. The sturdy gates groaned and creaked under a force unimaginable. Then, in a deafening crash that sent shockwaves through the very foundation of Enies Lobby, the gates burst apart.
Sprawled amidst the splintered remains of what was once an impregnable barrier were the unconscious forms of Omio and Kishii. The marines and agents stared in stunned disbelief, their fortress's first line of defense crumbled in an instant.
"W-what… that's not possible," One of the agents said, looking at the four pirates that lazily walked between the fallen giants.
All four wearing similar-looking gas masks and the last one holding a pirate flag that he planted on the ground.
"Don't falter men!" One of the marines said, who was wearing a justice coat. It was Captain Very Good, "Charge at the enemy!"
As if heading his commands all the soldiers rushed towards the pirates with their weapons in hand.
"Huh, an eager welcoming party," Cricket grinned, taking out his sword ready to fight all of them. He was also training back in skypiea, and he wanted to see how strong he got against the normal soldiers.
"This will be… a chore," Hatchan nonchalantly said, taking out his six swords from their sheets. "But oh well…"
With that both of the swordsmen moved in unison.
Cricket's saber gleamed under the harsh light, its blade an extension of his swiftness and skill. While, Hatchan used his six swords with fluid elegance.
The two pirates tore through the ranks of marines and world government agents as if they were mere paper dolls. Each slash from Cricket's saber was a precise cut that neutralized his opponents, leaving them disarmed or incapacitated within moments.
But that wasn't all, Cricket also took out his modified gun from time to time, firing shots that acted more like cannonballs, destroying groups of soldiers with each shot.
Hatchan's swords moved just as swiftly, each swing releasing bursts of water from the surrounding atmosphere creating liquid cyclones that disoriented their opponents. He moved with the grace of water currents, his six swords making him a virtually unassailable vortex of blades.
The pair advanced with astonishing speed, their combined talents being an unstoppable force.
"We have to stop them… Gah!" one soldier noticed until it was too late. Luckily for them, the pirates weren't out for blood. So there weren't any casualties, only broken bones and cut ligaments.
Marines and agents fell one by one, unable to withstand the whirlwind assault of two pirates. Even the watchdog unit of Law was down, finished in minutes after engaging the enemy.
The world government had the numbers advantage, but not for long. Captain Very Good gritted his teeth, it seemed he needed to engage the pirates directly or else all of his men will be defeated.
Marines and agents alike were not even actively trying to face them anymore, and were running away.
It was then that he sensed new arrivals on the battlefield, a subtle change in the atmosphere that sent chills down his spine. Turning, he saw them, the infamous agents of CP9.
Rob Lucci, Kaku, Jabra, Kumadori, Fukuro five agents. Each one a living weapon, operatives trained to eliminate threats with deadly efficiency.
"Looks like you could use some assistance, Captain," Rob Lucci said, a bloodthirsty grin on his face as he went into his half-zoan form. Not even trying to control his blood thirst anymore.
Very Good just nodded, it was good he reported the situation directly to Vice Admiral Onigumo. At least now they had backup, "Finish the pirates quickly… I have news that former Admiral Bradly will be making a returning visit soon. He won't like seeing all of this…" he said the last words with a bit of fear.
Captain Very Good was a young marine, he wasn't there when Bradly was an admiral. But that man had a reputation. A reputation of being wrathful.
"Don't worry, we won't take that long," Jabra said with a confident smirk. His form also going into his wolf zoan form.
"Leave this to us," Kaku interjected, "We'll put an end to this little incursion." Resting his new sword on his shoulder. Kumadori, and Fukuro nodded ready to face the opponents.
The pirates also seemed to notice them and were looking at them directly. Even Hatchan and Cricket stopped their chasing and were looking at the new agents.
"Huh, so the plan did work…" Anchor said, cracking his knuckles, "Oi, Yosaku you done, there?"
Yosaku, who seemed to be explaining something to Kishii —the now crying giant— looked at him and nodded. "Yeah, just cleared up some misunderstanding, that's all…" he said before walking towards Anchor's side looking at the agents. "Huh, they look though. But anyway, let's end this quickly and save Groot and Franky."
Anchor nodded. "Well, time to get serious it seems…"
Lucci grinned, "I'm going to enjoy ripping you off…"
With that, both sides moved at once with no intention of holding back.
——