CHAPTER 39 — PORT DISTRICT IN FLAMES
(AT THE PORT DISTRICT)
"Attaaack!"
The cry tore through the harbor as pirates and government agents surged forward together, boots slamming against wet stone, blades flashing under the cloudy sky as they rushed Ren's anchored warship.
Before the first wave could even reach the deck—
"Comet Twister!"
Ross's voice cracked like thunder.
A violent spiral of compressed wind erupted from his blades, tearing through the front line. Pirates were ripped off their feet, slammed together mid-air, and crushed into a tangled heap against the harbor wall with sickening force.
Groans followed. Bones snapped.
Ross exhaled slowly, lowering his swords.
"If you attack me again," he said coldly, turning his back on the fallen men, "I won't bother leaving your head intact."
His gaze shifted—sharp, focused—toward the approaching figures in black suits.
CP agents.
At the same time—
"Now to the main dish."
"Yeah… finally."
Umi and Kris spoke together.
Umi cracked his knuckles, his tail swaying behind him as a feral grin stretched across his face. Kris rolled his shoulders, aura gathering faintly around his rifle as his eyes scanned the battlefield.
"Hehehehehe…"
A man in a black suit laughed as he stepped forward, hands tucked casually into his pockets.
"You idiots have no idea what you've stepped into," he said. "Squad Captain Domino is the head of our CP1 unitis here and also He's due for promotion soon."
Another agent sneered.
"So consider yourselves dead. And even if you somehow survive—our South Blue CP Captain is already on his way to this island."
He leaned closer, eyes cold.
"There is no escape."
Ross blinked once.
"…Huh?"
He shifted his footing, blades crossing slightly as his stance sharpened.
"What are you blabbing about?" he said. "If you want to talk, go sing karaoke or something."
His eyes hardened.
"If you want to fight—then come."
"Ahhhhh!"
The agents charged.
Gunfire erupted. Flintlocks barked as blades clashed, sparks screaming through the air.
Ross vanished into motion, slicing through agents like paper—clean, efficient, terrifying. Umi roared as he met them head-on, uppercuts launching men skyward before his tail smashed them back into the ground like cannonballs.
Kris moved like a shadow, rifle snapping up again and again.
Bang.
Bang.
Each shot glowed faintly with aura, dropping anyone foolish enough to try flanking the others.
The port district became a slaughterhouse.
---
(RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT)
Smoke drifted low between shattered houses.
Brocky and Sophie arrived to chaos.
Agents were already forcing civilians from their homes—dragging elders, shoving children, firing warning shots into the air.
"Move! Out! Now!"
One agent kicked a woman hard in the back, sending her and her daughter tumbling into the dirt.
The next second—
"HEY."
Brocky's voice boomed across the street like a cannon.
Everyone froze.
The giant stepped forward, eyes blazing. His massive fist crashed into the agent mid-motion, sending him flying through a stone wall.
"Who gave you permission?" Brocky growled.
Another agent swallowed nervously, staring up at him.
"W-Who is this…?"
A third stepped forward, forcing a grin.
"Hey, big man. Kneel. You're standing before government offi—"
KPAA.
The blunt end of a sickle slammed into the back of his skull.
He collapsed instantly.
Silence.
All eyes turned.
A woman stood behind Brocky, bangs shadowing her eyes, twin short sickles resting loosely in her grip.
Sophia.
"I'm tired of this bullshit," she said flatly. "Get everyone to safety on that side. I'll clear the other."
She sheathed her weapons and leapt onto a massive lizard waiting nearby—the same beast she used to cross the forest.
Brocky nodded. "Roger that."
He immediately began lifting rubble, pulling trapped civilians free as explosions echoed nearby.
"Thank you… thank you…" an old woman sobbed as she stumbled away.
Then—
BOOM.
A shockwave ripped through the street, dust swallowing everything.
"Hehehehehe…"
A massive silhouette emerged.
"So you think you can play hero?" a deep voice mocked. "The World Government has already crossed this island out."
The dust cleared.
Brocky stood unmoved.
Not a scratch.
The man's eyes widened.
"…So you're not just a frog in a well."
He leapt back.
"So," Brocky said calmly, "you're a government agent."
"Yes." The man grinned. "Name's Jork."
"I'm Brock," the giant replied. "A giant."
Jork laughed. "You look fun."
His body began to change.
Muscles swelled. White fur burst from his skin. His bones hardened, limbs elongating as power flooded his frame.
"I hope you can match my energy, big guy," Jork snarled. "Because this is the Ancient Armoured Rabbit Fruit."
The ground cracked.
He vanished—
BOOM!
Jork appeared instantly before Brocky, steel-clad kick colliding with Brocky's fist.
The impact shattered concrete.
They exchanged blows—dozens in seconds—each strike shaking nearby buildings as dust and debris filled the air.
"Hehehehe! Feel the strength of my armor!" Jork roared.
BOOM!
Both skidded back.
Buru Buru… Buru…
A Den Den Mushi rang in Jork's pocket.
"Tch—hold on," he muttered, pulling it out.
"Hello?" he said casually.
A voice answered.
"Hello"
Jork's grin widened.
"Little brother."
Behind him, Brocky tightened his fists.
The battle just began"