Lloyd lightly tapped the deck with his toes and instantly appeared beside Zephyr, standing perfectly still.
Garp immediately leaned in, poking Lloyd's flawless, jade-like skin, and asked, "Are you really Lloyd?"
Lloyd ignored him, turning to Zephyr. "Zephyr-sensei, the situation on the warship is under control. You need not worry."
Zephyr could only nod stiffly, still struggling to understand. "Lloyd, why do you look like this?"
"It is the power of the Mink Tribe," Lloyd replied indifferently. "Someone experimented on my body."
Before he could elaborate, Whitebeard erupted in a storm of motion.
Shockwaves radiated from the tip of From Clouds Cut as his massive frame shot forward with astonishing speed.
"Brat! Die!"
From Clouds Cut slashed from top to bottom.
Pale blue cracks appeared in the air around Lloyd as the Moby Dick trembled violently.
Yet Lloyd's form twisted like a projection for a moment and then returned to normal, completely unharmed.
Whitebeard frowned.
His strike had hit nothing.
"A special Devil Fruit?" he thought.
As he struck air, Garp and Zephyr launched a simultaneous attack, two iron fists slamming toward Whitebeard's waist.
Whitebeard snorted coldly.
Circles of transparent shockwaves appeared around his hands, but the attacks flickered out and disappeared.
Lowering his head, he saw Lloyd pressing a darkened hand against his abdomen.
Before he could react, Garp and Zephyr's attacks landed, leaving two fist-shaped imprints on his sides.
Whitebeard roared, Haoshoku Haki surging.
With his combat experience, he freed himself, grabbed Zephyr and Garp by their collars, and slammed them together in front of Lloyd.
The impact was humiliating, though it caused little harm.
Lloyd's face remained expressionless, as if he had seen nothing.
Zephyr, slightly weaker, was dazed.
Garp, recovering, charged again, enduring shockwaves to engage Whitebeard in close combat.
Meanwhile, Lloyd occasionally touched Whitebeard, suppressing the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
Gradually, Whitebeard realized Lloyd's ability
his physical presence manifested when he touched him, and that was when he was most vulnerable, albeit still far above most combatants.
Seizing a brief opportunity, Whitebeard landed a punch on Lloyd.
Even in his prime, Whitebeard's strength was Admiral-level.
Enduring this blow was no small feat.
Lloyd grunted, immediately entering Kamui state, retreating to the edge of the deck.
Garp and Zephyr continued to engage Whitebeard.
Electric light formed around Lloyd's abdomen, easing the pain coursing through him.
A worried voice called from above.
"Young… Cousin!"
Lucia descended swiftly, folding her wings behind her.
"Cousin, are you hurt?" she asked anxiously.
Shaking his head, Lloyd replied softly, "I am fine, Lucia. Let us return. This battle is still too much for me right now."
Though he could fight, Lloyd understood the cost.
With his Moon God form, he had the strength of a First Mate, and with Zephyr and Garp, Whitebeard could fall—but at a price he did not need to pay.
Lucia mistook his restraint for discouragement.
Taking his hand, she said gently, "You have done remarkably well. Just a little more time, and I believe you will surpass Whitebeard."
Lloyd's lips curved into a faint smile.
He stroked her face softly. "Of course. I am your Young Master, after all."
Lucia beamed.
The two glanced back at Whitebeard's ongoing battle before leaping into the sky, returning to their warship.
On seeing Lloyd return, Whitebeard Pirates were astonished.
Jozu, distracted, was knocked to the ground by Kuma, rolling several times.
Jozu rose and shouted decisively, "All hands, retreat! Support the Old Man!"
Everyone understood—this was their cue to escape.
The strong leapt from the ship, while the weaker swam for safety.
Many pirates were cut down by Lloyd and others without mercy.
Once the deck was cleared, Akainu and the others approached Lloyd, a trace of respect in their gaze.
Lloyd's performance had dominated the battle.
Oden alone had been a formidable obstacle, and the Moon Lion transformations, along with several strong interns, had complicated matters further.
Akainu's admiration was tempered by his injury.
Kizaru restrained him, preventing pursuit, leaving him no choice but to stay behind.
Gion's eyes sparkled with awe.
Lloyd's transformed form exuded nobility, his presence commanding and mysterious.
Her heart raced at his sheer aura and performance.
Kuma placed a defeated pirate into a transparent red paw, a piercing scream echoing as he was tossed aside.
Lloyd relaxed slightly, a faint smile on his face. "Thank you, Kuma."
Kuma scratched his head. "It is my duty, Dage."
Lucia massaged Lloyd's back gently, while Ginny attended to his abdomen.
Treated like royalty, Lloyd closed his eyes, exhaling lightly.
His silver hair receded, the silver ribbons dissipated, and he returned to his original appearance.
____
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