After dealing with Chinjao and the Eight Treasures Water Force, Ivan's expression remained utterly calm, as if the overwhelming battle had never happened.
The next moment, he vanished from the spot, reappearing inside the secret chamber where the Devil Fruits were stored.
Ivan glanced at the two Devil Fruits displayed in the glass case and let out a soft chuckle.
Though he knew the glass case was rigged with traps, he still had to put on a grand show!
He intended to further undermine the Navy's authority while showcasing the strength of the Shadow Garden, inspiring greater confidence in the revolution among those with ambition!
With that, he flicked his finger, shattering the glass case and retrieving the two Devil Fruits.
The moment the glass shattered, a piercing alarm erupted throughout the ruined G-2 Navy base.
Seastone powder buried beneath the ground exploded violently, spreading like thick fog and instantly enveloping an area of one square kilometer.
Within that radius, every Devil Fruit user present immediately lost their strength, collapsing weakly to the ground.
Before Ivan could react, a world-shattering wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted from above.
This Haki first repelled Mihawk, who had been confronting it, then transformed into a terrifying pressure akin to a meteor crashing down, bearing directly down on Ivan!
The violent Conqueror's Haki swept outward, centered on the glass case. Buildings and ground within several hundred meters crumbled and collapsed, with rubble, steel bars, and broken walls pulverized into dust, sending plumes of smoke soaring into the sky.
Amidst the swirling dust, a hearty, thunderous laugh boomed, echoing throughout the entire G-2 base:
"Finally caught in the net, you brat from the Shadow Garden!"
As Garp's wild laughter faded, the earth trembled violently. Countless thick branches burst from the ground, intertwining and entangling madly to form an airtight, colossal wooden cage.
The cage completely enclosed the one-square-kilometer area covered by the Seastone powder, sealing off all exits.
Immediately afterward, several sharp figures leaped into the wooden cage.
They were Onigumo, Stroberi, and several other non-Devil Fruit-using Navy Vice Admirals, forming an encirclement with Garp at the front, firmly locking onto Ivan within the cage.
Garp's eyes were sharp as blades as he laughed heartily, his voice booming across the scene:
"HAHAHAHAHA, little Fox brat, surrender now!
The Seastone weakens your abilities and stamina, and you're surrounded by several Vice Admirals. Today, you have no chance of escape!"
Onigumo's long hair transformed into six hands, each gripping a long sword, all pointed at Ivan as he spoke coldly:
"Fox, hand over the fruits and kneel in surrender if you know what's good for you. Otherwise, don't blame us for being ruthless!"
The other Vice Admirals joined in, their layered Armament Haki pressure intensifying as they shouted sternly:
"Surrender! Don't resist pointlessly. As you are now, you're no match for us!"
This scene shocked all the onlookers, who instantly realized:
These two Devil Fruits were nothing but a trap specifically set by the Navy for the Shadow Garden!
Under the suppression of the Seastone powder, Fox's aura was visibly weakened. He had lost his Devil Fruit abilities, and even his strength had significantly declined.
As he was now, facing the Navy hero Garp and being surrounded by seasoned Vice Admirals like Onigumo, he stood no chance of resistance!
Not far away, Perona's face turned pale, her brow furrowed with worry.
Could it be that Mr. Fox was about to be captured by the Navy?
No!
Hang in there, Mr. Fox! Don't give up easily!
Elsewhere, Cracker, watching from a distance, instantly wore a look of smug satisfaction.
He gloated:
"HAHAHA, excellent! This time, Fox absolutely cannot escape! This way, I won't have to return that Devil Fruit!"
His tone was confident, his eyes gleaming as if he already saw Fox's capture!
At some point, a Dominant News Bird circled in the sky, steadily recording the battle below with a camera Den Den Mushi.
A news story destined to shock the world was on the verge of breaking!
"This tree-manipulating ability… is that Vice Admiral White Dove?" Ivan scanned his surroundings, feigning surprise. "HAHAHA, to deal with just me alone, the Navy has mobilized such a force. I'm truly flattered!"
Garp snorted disdainfully, his voice booming like thunder: "Brat, quit pretending. Surrender to this old man now! My fists hurt quite a bit!"
"Heh, do you really think you can catch me?" Ivan sneered.
"Why not?" Garp felt completely assured, utterly unaware of how he could possibly lose!
Just as the tension between the two sides intensified and battle seemed imminent, a tremendous crash suddenly sounded from outside the wooden cage.
Following the crash, the wood composing the cage trembled violently, as if it might collapse at any moment.
This development surprised Ivan. He immediately used Observation Haki to investigate and was astonished to find that his Wood Clone was actually fighting Mihawk!
Perfect. Now he didn't even need to pretend. He could use Mihawk as an excuse to let his main body escape directly.
Meanwhile, Ivan's Wood Clone, holding Snowfall, stood facing Mihawk.
He was somewhat puzzled. Why would Mihawk seek him out for a spar at a time like this?
However, what he didn't know was that Mihawk had long been dissatisfied with the World Government. Though it was a coincidence, he had no qualms about indirectly assisting Fox to ensure his successful escape.
Moreover, this newly emerged great swordsman was his target to begin with. Even if he suddenly attacked him, the Navy wouldn't interpret his actions as aiding the Shadow Garden.
After all, he was a sword fanatic through and through.
Seeing White Dove's look of surprise, Mihawk's voice was cold, his golden eyes fixed intently on White Dove:
"Draw your sword, White Dove. Let me see the true strength of the Navy's Supernova!
Black Blade・Chaotic Slash!"
Mihawk's sharp, soaring slash shot through the air. Ivan's expression changed abruptly, showing urgency as he questioned:
"Mihawk! The Navy is currently focusing all efforts on capturing Fox. By attacking now, are you trying to help Fox escape?!"
Mihawk's grip on his sword was steady, his voice cold and calm, devoid of any fluctuation:
"I have no interest in the conflict between the Navy and the Shadow Garden. I merely wish to cross blades with a truly powerful swordsman. That is all."
Before his words fully faded, he leaped into the air, gripping the black blade "Yoru" with both hands. His Haki condensed into a tangible aura around him as he shouted sharply:
Black Blade・Crossing Ridge!"
The Supreme Grade Sword, carrying a force capable of splitting mountains and cracking the earth, cleaved downward from above. A pitch-black blade light plummeted, aiming straight for Ivan's head!
"Damn it!"
Ivan cursed, not daring to be negligent in the slightest. He drew his sword, its black blade wrapped in Haki, and swung horizontally with all his might to block:
"One Sword Style・Black Azure・Horizontal Cut!"
The two extreme slashes collided violently. The deafening clang of metal against metal shook heaven and earth. A furious shockwave centered on the two combatants swept outward wildly, even causing the surrounding Seastone dust to billow back!
This battle was detected by Garp and the others using Observation Haki. Upon realizing what was happening outside, Onigumo roared in anger:
"Damn it! I knew the Seven Warlords couldn't be trusted! Mihawk is actually attacking Vice Admiral White Dove at a time like this!"
Garp laughed heartily:
"HAHA! That's exactly why that brat Mihawk is a true powerhouse!
Enough talk! Keep watch here. This old man is going to capture Fox all by himself!
HAHAHA, it's been a while since I've moved around. Really brings back memories!"