Taro's voice spread throughout the entire block, bolstered by his deep Internal Energy. His gaze made the pirates shrink back, none of them daring to meet his eyes as only his voice echoed through the air.
"Roar!"
After a long silence, a sudden burst of cheers erupted from the crowd of onlookers. Then, more and more people reacted, joining in the cheering.
"Taro!"
"Taro!"
The civilians were incredibly excited. Since Taro took over as the commander of the Sabaody Garrison, the security on the island had greatly improved. In several months, this was the only incident of pirate violence.
However, this ferocious pirate was also defeated by Taro in a single blow, causing the civilians' confidence in Taro to soar even further.
They firmly believed that as long as Taro was there, they would surely be able to live their lives in peace.
Many Marine Soldiers were also swept up in the emotion of the rising waves of cheers, waving their blades and guns as they shouted loudly.
They were so moved they were nearly in tears; this was their Vice Admiral Taro!
Merciless toward the enemy, striking them down in one hit,
Yet gentle and casual toward subordinates who failed to perform!
Mike and George were even more overcome, tears and snot streaming down their faces. They felt even more guilty for betraying Taro's trust, their voices trembling,
"Vice Admiral Taro...!"
Taro turned to glance at the two of them and frowned, looking somewhat displeased.
"What are you crying for?"
Damn, don't you see I'm acting cool here? If you can't shout 'awesome', you can at least clap, right?
In the crowd, Monet, whose workplace was nearby, scanned the cheering people around her and adjusted her glasses, her eyes filled with an unreadable expression.
She had seen this kind of emotion from civilians before.
Back when the Young Lord Doflamingo overthrew King Riku, the civilians of Dressrosa had shouted just like this!
This Taro had won the hearts of the people!
On the other side, the bar proprietress Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and squinted at Taro. She had come to watch the battle with the intention of gathering intelligence.
This Cockscomb Head pirate had left the Sabaody Garrison helpless, and his fruit ability was the Barrier-Barrier Fruit, known as the 'Absolute Defense'. He certainly had intelligence value.
She just hadn't expected Taro to return suddenly at this time and defeat the opponent in a single blow.
Looking at the sword hanging at Taro's side, Shakky's eyes flickered, her heart filled with immense surprise.
That old fellow Rayleigh is also a swordsman, but even he can't do this!
Taro's strength has improved significantly!
Then, she thought of how Rayleigh was currently on Amazon Lily teaching Luffy. Given the speed at which Taro's strength was growing, by the time Luffy reached the Sabaody Archipelago... Shakky felt a deep sense of worry!
After a long recovery, Bartolomeo finally regained some strength. He staggered to his feet, wiped the blood from the corner of his eye with his arm, and spat out a mouthful of bloody phlegm.
"Taro, you bas...!"
Taro's gaze turned cold, and his figure suddenly vanished. When he reappeared, he was already clutching Bartolomeo by the neck, his tone sharp and biting.
"Are you looking for death?"
"Protection... Barrier!"
Bartolomeo spoke with a weak breath, and immediately after, a transparent barrier emerged from the surface of his body, quickly separating Taro's palm from him.
Then, the barrier expanded rapidly, becoming flat like a mirror.
Behind the barrier, Bartolomeo's hands hung at his sides with his middle fingers crossed over his index fingers.
[Protection Barrier learned successfully!]
Taro's eyes instantly turned icy as he stared at Bartolomeo, cursing under his breath.
"Old habits die hard!"
He extended his right hand and pressed it against the barrier. His arm vibrated as Internal Energy surged out, transforming into Vibration Energy that conducted through the surface.
"Crack!"
"Hum!"
There was a crisp sound like glass shattering, yet the barrier only vibrated slightly.
However, the air fluctuated violently as the surging Vibration Energy swept toward Bartolomeo like an overwhelming wave.
The Cockscomb Head seemed prepared this time. His barrier only defended his front as he maintained his hand gesture, moving his body to try and dodge the center of the vibration.
However, Taro had already anticipated his movement. With a wave of his left hand, thunderstorm was in his grip, and he swung the blade with a backhand.
"Gravity Command!"
The dense blue light on the blade surged instantly. After a moment of churning, a massive amount of gravity suddenly appeared.
"Creak!"
The ground suddenly cracked and sank nearly a meter.
Bartolomeo felt as if he were carrying a mountain, making it impossible to move a single step. He couldn't help but widen his eyes, his brain slightly short-circuiting.
What kind of monster is this Taro? How can he have so many abilities?
However, before he could think further, unable to make any evasive maneuvers, he was hit directly by the Vibration Energy once again.
"Rumble!"
Space vibrated and the earth trembled as the roar echoed everywhere.
"Ah!"
At the center of the vibration, Bartolomeo let out a scream and was sent flying. The barrier he was struggling to maintain also failed and suddenly vanished.
Taro kicked off the ground and pursued him, planting a heavy foot on Bartolomeo's chest and stomping him into the dirt.
"Ugh, cough!"
Bartolomeo spat out a mouthful of blood, his head lolling to the side as he lost consciousness.
Taro curled his lip in disdain. "Daring to destroy my Grove 27 with only this much strength?"
Withdrawing his foot, Taro waved his hand to call over the Marines.
"Arrest him and send him to Impel Down!"
Only then did he look at Mike and the others.
"You guys, come with me!"
Pausing, he looked at Sentomaru. "Vice Admiral Sentomaru, you come as well!"
Hearing Taro's call, Sentomaru's expression tightened, and he gave a somewhat awkward smile.
"Taro, we're old friends. Calling me Vice Admiral is so formal!"
"Uh, let's talk about whatever it is later. I still have things to do at Grove 60..."
Taro raised an eyebrow, his tone becoming a bit more serious.
"Sentomaru, don't forget that you have officially joined the Navy! Now, in my capacity as the Navy Grand Staff Officer, I'm asking you to come over for a moment..."
"Is that okay?"
Sentomaru felt even more nervous, letting out two dry laughs.
"Of course, of course!"
The crowd of onlookers automatically made way as Taro led the group toward the 'Sabaody Film City'.
When he returned, he only knew that Grove 27 was a mess; he would have to see the scene for himself to know the specific losses.
Taro didn't speak along the way. Mike and George were anxious and didn't dare to say much either.
Sentomaru, who had previously taken everything upon himself, was now cowed, his mind racing as he wondered what Taro would say to him and how he should explain himself.
As he was thinking, Taro stopped.
"Mike, George, you two go to Grove 27 and wait for me first!"
The two were stunned for a moment before quickly saluting and running off.
Now Sentomaru was even more panicked. Though he was much taller and larger than Taro, he kept his head down, staring at his round belly like a child who had made a mistake.
"Sentomaru..."
Taro suddenly spoke, making Sentomaru jump slightly.
"Taro, I was wrong!"
"Huh?" Taro was a bit confused. "What did you say? What did you do wrong?"
Thinking Taro was being sarcastic, Sentomaru spilled everything like beans from a bamboo tube, telling him all about the matter between him and Mike.
Taro raised an eyebrow and thought to himself, 'Well then, Mike, and here I wasn't even planning to hold you responsible.'
'I never would have thought—Sentomaru told you to keep it from me, and you actually dared to keep it from me?'
However, Taro wasn't here to pursue that. His eyes flickered as he shook his head slightly, revealing a gentle smile.
"That's not what I wanted to talk about!"
Sentomaru was stunned. "You—what do you mean?"
Taro leaned in closer and patted Sentomaru's belly, his smile growing even brighter.
"Sentomaru, you said it yourself just now, we're old friends...!"
Sentomaru sensed that the tone was wrong, and Taro's feigned intimacy was even stranger. He immediately became wary, taking a step back to create distance.
"Taro, if you have something to say, just say it. Don't get all handsy!"
The smile on Taro's face stiffened for a moment before he took a step forward.
"Sentomaru, I want to meet Dr. Vegapunk. Help me figure out a way!"
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