There were quite a few well-informed people around, and gradually some recognized Rayleigh's identity, exclaiming in surprise.
"Netherworld King Rayleigh..."
Upon hearing this name, Robin's expression turned serious, "I didn't expect such a legendary figure to still be alive, let alone clashing with the captain..."
Just then,
The live broadcast signal suddenly flickered, showing brief static.
When it returned to normal, the camera switched, focusing on the port of Gr. 1.
On the sea, a few Navy warships were rapidly approaching the port.
One ship was particularly eye-catching, larger in size, with the giant black character "豚" on its billowing white sail.
In the broadcast, the reporter's voiceover also sounded:
"Breaking news! Everyone, things are getting heated up!"
"As you can see now, not only the local branch's Marines but also Navy Headquarters' warships have landed at Gr. 1 and are heading this way!"
"And leading them, having been just promoted a few months ago to Admiral Candidate, is Mr. Tokikake!"
...
Navy Headquarters' warships?
Before the big screen, there was a hint of surprise on everyone's face.
Even though Marinfanto is indeed nearby, but... even they had just noticed the anomaly, how could they have arrived so quickly?
"Coincidentally passing by?" Nojiko frowned.
"That doesn't matter."
Kuina stared coldly at the ships on the screen, "In comparison, Lord Shano is still fighting, and it seems he's quite enjoying it. We can't let these guys ruin his mood."
Admiral Candidate?
Kuina snorted coldly, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly.
Compared to Doflamingo, this seems to be a more challenging opponent.
"Let's go! Speed up and get there, our task is to stop these Navy guys for Lord Shano!" She said in a deep voice.
"Understood!"
This time, everyone used Moonwalk to rush to the location of the battle at full speed.
...
Gr. 1.
At the port, the Navy Fleet had already docked, and a large number of Navy Soldiers had completed formation amidst the pouring rain.
But strangely, these Navy personnel did not immediately advance towards the slave auction house, instead, they stood still on the spot.
It seemed they were waiting for something.
"Ho ho ho, this is quite a pleasant surprise."
Chaton, biting his cigar, stepped onto the shore; he raised his head, looking through the rain at the two figures engaged in fierce combat in the distance.
"Tsk tsk, I actually got such a bargain..."
Had his luck finally turned?
Just over an hour ago, he struck out over at Gr. 52.
The troublemaking Super Rookies had already retreated, and he was about to leave for headquarters out of disinterest when he stumbled upon this scene.
Shano, who he had been searching for over a week without a trace...
was now so close, right before his eyes!
And fighting with that Netherworld King Rayleigh.
Chaton inhaled deeply on his smoke, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
Fight on, fight on, you two, keep it up, the more intense the better.
"Mr. Tokikake?"
The young adjutant beside him anxiously asked in a low voice, "In such a big event, don't we need to notify headquarters and request backup?"
"Idiot, do we even need to say it? The people from Shampodi Branch have probably already notified headquarters."
Chaton lazily exhaled a smoke ring, "The Grand Admiral should be deploying soon, who will it be? Mr. Borsalino or someone else... tsk, doesn't matter, they won't make it in time anyway. Can't you see? Those two are giving it their all with every move; at this pace, the battle won't last long."
"By then, it'll be my time to step in and reap the benefits."
Chaton squinted at his adjutant with a smirk, "Don't underestimate the power of an Admiral Candidate; rest assured, dealing with two spent forces, I can handle it easily."
...
Boom!
Shano and Rayleigh collided again, fists and swords clashing, erupting visible shockwaves in mid-air.
Dust rose, and both parties landed, panting heavily, without making any moves for a long time.
Having fought with all their strength for over an hour, both were in significantly different conditions compared to when the battle began.
Rayleigh's silver-white long hair was soaked with rain and sweat, clinging to his wrinkled forehead.
He knelt on one knee, his long sword deeply embedded in the ground, his chest heaving violently, his gray robe tattered, exposing large patches of bloody, raw skin underneath.
"Hoo..."
After glancing down at his chest, Rayleigh, supporting himself with his sword, struggled to stand, revealing a wry smile:
"You brat, not only is your Haki, but your physical strength and power are also fearsomely strong. Ever since I retired, it's been ages since I've been this disheveled..."
"Besides, it seems some bothersome fellows have arrived."
Rayleigh adjusted his breathing rhythm while glancing towards the direction of the port.
"Do they think by staying at that distance, we won't sense them if they don't come closer? Hmph, there are quite a few of them and even a troublesome character... Shall we pause for now, kid? I don't want to end up in a stalemate with you, only for the Navy to take advantage in the end."