In an instant, everyone saw Admiral Kizaru pierced through the abdomen by Leno, who had appeared before him out of nowhere.
"You… you…"
Even Kizaru himself couldn't believe it. His Observation Haki had long reached the level where he could foresee the future.
How did this Leno appear right in front of him and ambush him without warning? Shock turned to dread.
Such an eerie ability—who could defend against it? And why hadn't he used it before?
He tried to call out and warn Garp and the others, but as soon as he opened his mouth, blood gushed uncontrollably out.
"Admiral Kizaru, your speed is too dangerous. I have to take you out first."
"Damn it~ You brat, die!"
Seeing Kizaru heavily wounded while Leno still spoke casually, Garp and Aokiji's eyes went bloodshot. They all attacked Leno at once.
"Dark Hound!"
"Ice Time Capsule!"
"Iron Fist!"
Though his Observation Haki blared warnings from all directions, Leno's expression remained calm. Ignoring the attacks behind him, he spoke softly.
"Domain Expansion—Asura Thunder Prison."
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A crimson field of lightning expanded rapidly from around Leno, spreading in every direction.
The three attacks struck the barrier of crimson bolts and were instantly blocked, unable to advance even an inch. Instead, the attackers felt their bodies numbed by the electric shock.
"What?! What kind of technique is this?"
"What is… this?"
Their combined attacks had been effortlessly nullified by this strange power. Aokiji and Akainu's faces darkened as they stared in horror at the figure enveloped by scarlet lightning.
Under Kizaru's terrified gaze, Leno spoke slowly: "Admiral Kizaru, it's time for you to go offline. Two hundred million volts—Discharge."
Zzzzt—crackle—!
Lightning surged across Leno's blade, and the crimson field flared with dazzling brilliance.
Kizaru's shrill scream echoed across the battlefield, shaking Garp and the others to their core.
They launched frantic, desperate attacks at the scarlet thunder barrier.
Moments later, they finally broke through the electric curtain and rushed to Kizaru's side.
But Leno was already gone. Only Kizaru remained—his entire body charred, the air thick with the scent of roasted flesh. His life or death uncertain.
"Kizaru!"
"He's still breathing!"
After confirming that though gravely injured, Kizaru wasn't fatally wounded, they breathed a little easier.
Medics were called in a flurry to carry him away. Garp restrained the enraged Akainu, stopping him from charging after Leno, and hurried toward Sengoku's position.
Meanwhile, Leno, having vanished, reappeared atop the execution platform. Seeing little Aileen's tear-streaked face, his heart ached as he gently wiped away her tears.
"I'm sorry, Aileen. Big brother got your whole family dragged into this."
"Brother, I'm just so happy you came to save me!"
Aileen's eyes shone with joy at the sudden appearance of Leno before her.
"You brat… Thank goodness you're unharmed!"
Belle-Mère's heart lifted with relief seeing Leno safe and sound.
"The situation's bad—we don't have time. I'll send you all out first. We'll catch up right after!"
Swish, swish, swish!
Without waiting for their response, he sliced through their shackles. Under his power, the entire execution platform began to rise rapidly into the sky.
"Our ship's up there. Rest for now—I'll go get the others."
Looking down from above, Aileen shouted from the edge of the platform, "Brother! Please be careful!"
Flash!
Leno appeared beside Nami and Nojiko. Scanning the surroundings, he spoke quickly.
"Everyone, gather around me! I'll take you out of here!"
Before his words finished, Hancock appeared by his side.
Blushing deeply, she lowered her head, edging closer to him with a soft, syrupy voice.
"Lord Leno, I've finally come to your side…"
"Hancock, long time no see. You're more beautiful than ever. Thank you for helping us."
Patting her head gently, Leno smiled warmly. Despite the world government's pressure, she had come to aid him—it truly moved him.
"Ah~ Lord Leno…" Hancock's mind was already spinning in chaos, imagining him lifting her bridal veil in a wedding ceremony surrounded by pink hearts.
"Hey, hey, Hancock—are you okay?"
Seeing her suddenly go limp, Leno quickly caught her.
In his arms, Hancock's vision turned into a pink, heart-filled wedding scene.
"Lord Leno, I do!"
Cough, cough, cough!
Nami, unable to stand the public affection any longer, coughed a few times to break the moment.
Seeing Nami and Nojiko finally arrive safely, Leno asked with concern, "You're all okay? No one hurt?"
"Hmph."
"Leno, we're fine. Don't worry."
Though Nami's tone softened slightly, she still refused to give the pervert a good look. It was Nojiko who answered gently.
"We are fine... As long as you're safe."
"Mr. Leno, our boss's identity makes it inconvenient for him to appear, so he sent me to assist you."
Seeing the mercenaries closing in from afar, Baccarat hurried up to Leno to introduce herself.
"Your boss?"
"Yes, our boss is Mr. Tesoro. He said to leave those men over there. They're all mercenaries he hired from under Drug Peclo."
Leno frowned slightly, realizing she didn't know he'd met Tesoro before.
"Tesoro…" The image of a golden green-haired man flashed in his mind. So it had been him that night.
"Our boss said to thank you for saving his life back then. He's been wanting to repay you."
"Thank him for me. It was nothing back then—just chance. But really, thank you for today."
After thanking Baccarat, Leno swept his gaze around, confirming everyone had gathered. Then he activated his ability, causing the ground beneath them to rise swiftly.
"Wait! We're not on yet!"
"Damn it! We came to help you, you bastards!"
"You can't just leave us here! Bastards!"
The mercenaries who missed Leno's 'elevator' shouted curses from below, their voices echoing angrily.
Watching the ones who had helped them now stranded below, Nojiko hesitated, her voice soft.
"Leno, those people down there…"
Before he could answer, Baccarat interjected.
"Miss, don't worry about them. They're our boss's hired cannon fodder. And don't be fooled by their looks—they're all dangerous criminals. The Navy can deal with them."
Hearing her explanation, everyone was stunned. "You can… do that?"
Just as the group began to feel relief at their escape, Leno's eyes flashed red. He turned to them and said,
"Go back to the ship first. Something big's coming—I'll hold it off."