Half a day later, the massive warship surged forward across the waves.
Doll and the others gathered behind Luo Yu, eyes straining toward the horizon, eager to see where this so-called "special combatant" might be.
But no matter how hard they looked, they saw nothing but endless sea.
"Admiral Luo Yu, we've spotted an island," Ain called from the lookout.
"But that place was declared a dead zone by the World Government two years ago. Could anyone really still be there?"
Luo Yu took a swig from his gourd, eyes fixed on the island's silhouette as it came into view.
"Relax. We might just find a pleasant surprise."
"It's about tea time anyway. I'll go ahead. The ship's yours."
With that, Luo Yu stepped forward—and vanished like a ghost.
In the next instant, he reappeared hundreds of meters away, sprinting through the air toward the island.
The crew, unwilling to be left behind, quickly steered the ship in pursuit.
Even Tesoro was eager to see who—or what—this next special combatant might be.
Meanwhile, at the entrance to Punk Hazard—
A pirate ship flew its flag proudly at anchor.
A closer look revealed it to be the Heart Pirates, led by none other than Trafalgar D. Water Law, the "Surgeon of Death" with a 200 million bounty.
But the atmosphere on the dock was tense.
Law and his crew stood grim-faced, facing a figure wreathed in gas—Caesar Clown.
Signs of battle littered the area.
"Shurorororo! So this is the power of the Worst Generation?"
Caesar sneered, his gaseous form flickering.
"I thought it was someone important. You dare cause trouble on my turf?"
"You underestimate science. Not even the gods could catch me—let alone you."
"Is that so?"
Law's expression darkened.
After hearing about the Warlord summons, he assumed Doflamingo would be too busy to protect Caesar.
He had rushed to Punk Hazard to capture Caesar as leverage.
But once Caesar took the bait, Law realized he was far more troublesome than expected.
With Caesar's reinforcements arriving and the air thick with poison gas, Law knew he had lost the initiative.
Staying any longer would be pointless.
"You're right—I can't catch you now," Law said coldly.
"But if I want to leave, not even the gods can stop me."
"Next time, Caesar, I will take you down."
"Leave?"
Caesar laughed maniacally, his gas swelling.
"Too late for that. You think I'll let some rookie run wild on my turf?"
"Let's see if I can do what even the gods can't."
"Gas Ignition!"
BOOM!
Caesar struck his igniter.
Sparks flew—igniting the gas that blanketed the dock.
A thunderous explosion rocked the area.
Law's face darkened, but his hands moved swiftly.
"Room."
As the flames surged, Law and his crew vanished—reappearing a hundred meters away.
Caesar's face twisted.
He knew he couldn't beat Law.
But Law couldn't beat him either.
They were at a stalemate.
"Master Caesar!"
Tea Beard rushed over.
"We've got intel—a Marine warship is approaching fast. ETA: five minutes!"
"The Navy?"
Caesar's face paled.
Ever since he blew up Punk Hazard two years ago, he'd been exiled from the science division and slapped with a 300 million bounty.
Even with Doflamingo's protection, getting caught by the Navy would be a nightmare.
"Looks like you're lucky, brat," Caesar muttered.
"If not for the Navy, I'd show you why even the gods can't stop me."
"Tea Beard, we're leaving."
But as he turned, he noticed Tea Beard's stunned expression.
Before he could ask, a shout rang out:
"C-Captain! I think the Navy's flying toward us!"
Beppo, standing behind Law, cried out in alarm.
Law and Caesar both tensed, eyes snapping toward the sky.
Their pupils shrank.
BOOM!
A figure streaked through the air like a cannonball, slamming into the dock with explosive force.
The ground shook violently.
Dust and debris filled the air.
And from the crater, a man stepped out—gourd in hand.
"Sorry," he said with a grin.
"I'm not a god—but I can stop you."
Luo Yu emerged from the crater, smiling.
Law and Caesar's faces turned ashen.
They hadn't expected him.
The Fourth Admiral of the Navy—Luo Yu, the Glutton—had become the most talked-about name on the seas.
Especially after the Navy declared war on two Yonko.
If anyone still didn't recognize him now, they had no business sailing these waters.
Law and Caesar exchanged a glance.
They both had escape plans.
And in that moment, they reached a silent agreement.
"Trafalgar Law," Caesar hissed,
"Didn't you say not even the gods could stop you?"
"If you're going to act—now's the time!"