Bang.
A dull thud sounded, and a large figure instantly flew out.
Dragon's figure flashed, arriving on the trajectory of Ivankov's flight to catch him, and asked,
"Are you okay, Iva?"
"Hiss. Not okay."
Ivankov sucked in a sharp breath. The pain from his abdomen made him involuntarily reach up to rub it.
At the same time, he abruptly looked up, his gaze fixed on Kyle not far away, a few question marks appearing above his head.
What just happened?
He was sent flying by a single punch from a kid?
Also, that kid had Busoshoku Haki wrapped around his fist, right? It was definitely Busoshoku. Absolutely Busoshoku.
Since when could a kid who looks like he hasn't even grown all his hair yet master Busoshoku Haki?
"Who are you? Why did you attack us?"
Dragon stared intently at Kyle, an oppressive aura emanating from his entire body.
"My name is Kyle. I am a Marine."
"As a Marine, isn't it normal to attack you Revolutionaries?"
Kyle spoke calmly.
"A Marine?"
Upon hearing this, both Dragon and Ivankov were momentarily stunned, a trace of doubt appearing on their faces.
"Really? I don't remember the Marines recruiting child soldiers back when I was in the Navy."
"Times change, systems reform. Don't you know? Just because it wasn't done in your time doesn't mean it isn't now."
Kyle shot Dragon a disdainful glance.
"I see..."
Dragon murmured.
"Since you are a Marine, and it's normal for you to attack us, then it's also reasonable for me to attack you, right?"
Before the words finished, Dragon's figure instantly vanished from his spot. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Kyle, throwing a fierce punch straight at him.
Kyle didn't hesitate. Similarly, he threw a punch wrapped in Busoshoku Haki towards Dragon.
Boom.
The moment their fists made contact, a powerful shockwave spread out in all directions.
Immediately, with the two of them at the center, the ground within several tens of meters around them shattered violently.
Their fists didn't remain locked for long. As an even more powerful force burst forth from Dragon's fist, Kyle was instantly sent flying backwards, his body hurtling away at high speed.
Crackle.
Kyle's flying body transformed into violet lightning mid-flight. After several flashes, it reconverged not far in front of Dragon, revealing Kyle's form once more.
"The Rumble-Rumble Fruit?"
Dragon's tone carried a hint of confusion.
As for Kyle, feeling the slight sting in his fist, he shook his head imperceptibly.
Although it was just a single exchanged punch, he could tell that even now, his physical prowess wasn't much worse than Dragon's. The main gap was in their Busoshoku Haki.
Then, Dragon looked at Kyle and spoke in a calm voice,
"Kid. You are no match for me."
"Why don't we both take a step back. I won't hold your attack against us, and you stop attacking us."
"I've been in the Navy before too. Is that meager treatment worth you risking your life against us?"
"Me not attacking you is fine, but you cannot go to the Isshin Dojo. At least, not now."
As he spoke, Kyle repeated to the two of them what he had said about recruiting Kuina into the Marines and his conversation with Koushirou.
After listening, Dragon fell silent for a good while. Only after a long moment did he speak.
"We were inconsiderate."
"Our identities are indeed too sensitive. It's not suitable for us to openly contact Koushirou."
"Thank you."
"No need. I only said those extra words for Kuina's sake and out of respect for that old codger Garp."
!!!
"Old man?"
A trace of curiosity appeared on Dragon's face.
"Are you very familiar with the old man?"
With Garp's reputation, surely every Marine knows him. But judging by Kyle's tone, it didn't sound like a simple acquaintance.
"You could say we are quite familiar."
"I see..."
Dragon murmured again, fell silent for a moment, then asked in a low voice,
"How is... the old man doing?"
"He eats well, sleeps soundly. Of course he's doing well."
"Plus, he goes wherever he wants, without any restrictions at all. Much better than his son who has to hide all over the place."
Dragon: ....
Just saying, don't hit a person where it hurts, don't expose their shortcomings.
Was he hiding? That was called strategic relocation of bases.
Really, can't you speak properly?
"Alright, we won't stay here any longer. As you said, it wouldn't be good if we were seen."
"You said you're a Marine, right? Then you'd better avoid suspicion too. Otherwise, being seen would be trouble for you as well."
"No need."
Kyle waved his hand.
"My grandfather is Sengoku, and I'm just a six-year-old child. How would I know any Revolutionaries? Right?"
Upon hearing Kyle's words, Dragon was momentarily at a loss for words.
It seemed... to make a lot of sense.
Kyle walked past the two of them, heading in the direction of the Isshin Dojo, while not forgetting to add one more thing.
"Remember. Work quietly on big things."
After saying that, he put his hands behind his head, humming a little tune, and continued walking forward slowly.
Regarding Dragon, regarding the Revolutionary Army, Kyle's attitude towards them was fairly acceptable.
He wouldn't cause trouble for them now when he lacked strength, and he wouldn't cause trouble for them later when he had strength either.
Attacking them earlier was just because he happened to run into them, to test Dragon's strength.
The opponent his brand of justice would ultimately face definitely wouldn't be the Revolutionary Army, but the World Government.
And the Revolutionary Army is an enemy of the World Government. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Behind him, Dragon and the other watched Kyle's gradually receding back, their gazes thoughtful.
"**Dragon**, is what that kid said believable?"
Ivankov suddenly spoke.
"It should be believable. His words didn't have any intention of leading us to do anything. It was purely a reminder."
"And what he said does make sense. We weren't careful enough before."
"We thought this poor sea, the East Blue, wouldn't have World Government agents paying attention. But what if?"
At this point, Dragon paused, then spoke again,
"There's also a simplest way to judge whether his words are trustworthy or not."
Saying this, Dragon pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket and dialed directly.
Buru buru.
The Den Den Mushi rang a few times before being answered. A loud voice immediately came through the receiver.
"Brat, what do you want with this old man?"
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Dragon's mouth.
"Old man..."
--
Clang!!
The sound of metal clashing rang out, accompanied by a powerful aftershock that erupted and spread in all directions.
Two swords gleaming with a dark luster crossed, pressing against each other, then separated, only to swing towards each other again.
Clang clang clang clang!
A series of metallic clashing sounds accompanied by scattered sword flashes echoed, causing Kuina and Zoro, who were watching the battle from a distance, to widen their eyes.
Gulp.
The sound of swallowing echoed. Zoro felt his throat was a bit dry and spoke with a slight stammer,
"It's one thing that Master is this strong, but why is that guy so strong too?"
...
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