Then...
It sank down.
Yes, it sank down.
After transforming into a mammoth, its weight was truly terrifying.
Plus, it was jumping down from high altitude, the ice layer created by Nojiko couldn't withstand such an impact.
That's why, upon landing, it directly broke through the ice surface, sinking to the bottom amidst the thunderous splashes.
In the blink of an eye, even its shadow couldn't be seen.
The ice surface was dead silent.
"...?"
The group stared blankly at the "strong enemy" that suddenly appeared and disappeared, speechless for a moment.
"An Ancient-type, Mammoth Fruit Ability User, huh?" Even Robin showed a hint of bewilderment, "Originally should have been a difficult opponent, but in the end..."
"In the end, it's just a complete fool."
Smoker exhaled a smoke ring and shook his head expressionlessly, "Forget about that guy, let's go!"
As soon as the words fell.
His lower body had already transformed into smoke, charging like an arrow towards the deck of this gigantic pirate ship!
The wind whistled by his ears, and he couldn't help but grin.
Facing such scum that harm the innocent, being able to take action at will, this feeling is truly satisfying!
If it were back when he was in the Navy...
Even if the Seven Warlords of the Sea were burning, killing, and robbing right in front of him, he couldn't do anything, and if he couldn't hold back and intervened, he'd be reprimanded and punished harshly by those damned superiors.
But now?
He no longer has to worry about those damn superiors and damn Seven Warlords agreement, being able to retaliate before the masses suffer significant casualties, is better than anything!
Freedom, oh what a beautiful thing!
Swish!
Amidst the swirling smoke, Smoker had already reached above the deck, his arms suddenly extending, transforming into two sturdy smoke chains, instantly binding over dozen pirates who couldn't react in time.
"White Snake·Strangulation!"
The smoke chains tightened fiercely, the crisp sound of bones cracking echoed, and these dozen pirates fell to the ground screaming.
"Stop, you bastard!"
"Daring to charge up alone, so arrogant, surround him!"
The surrounding pirates were both shocked and furious, drawing their swords to attack, only to slash straight through the smoke.
"Damn it, why can't I cut him!"
"Fool, this guy's a Logia-type Ability User!"
...
"Can't let you hog all the spotlight, Smokey!"
Nojiko chuckled and leaped high with Moonwalk.
Her fists bumped heavily on her chest, an astonishing cold air instantly gathered, then rapidly spread from her fists, dashing towards the entire pirate ship.
"Blizzard!"
Whoosh—!
The bitter cold wind swept through, directly securing the entire pirate ship, around the ship's sides, a solid and thick snow wall rose.
This maneuver effectively turned the deck into an isolated island, completely blocking the pirates' escape route.
Within the swirling blizzard, Nojiko's figure suddenly formed, her fists unleashed, entwined with layers of snow waves, slammed heavily down on the pirates below the deck!
"Snow Fist·Ice Cone!"
Boom!
The massive explosion echoed instantly across the Santora River estuary.
"Another Logia-type, huh!"
From the deck came the pirates' anguished cries.
"Wait for me, I'm coming too!"
Nami, eager and impatient, transformed into a fiery bird soaring into the sky, worried that someone might not see, the blazing flames erupted from her body.
...
On the ice surface.
Kuina listened to the wailing cries echoing from the ice walls, shrugged, and returned the unsheathed Wado Ichimonji back into its scabbard.
"Looks like we don't need to intervene anymore." She said softly.
"Haha, rare to see two little girls having fun." Zeff grinned, "Let them unleash to their hearts' content."
"Logia-type ability, truly convenient."
Next to them came Robin's sigh, "Not only is there large-scale destructive capability, just the body elementalization ability can cause headache to those without Haki."
Kuina and Zeff nodded.
This Hanafuda Pirate Gang, although numerous, looked quite menacing.
But their actual combat power was far lower than expected.
Even their officers seemed recruited from the first half of the Grand Line, except for the Deputy Captain currently tangled with Smokey, no one else knew how to use Armament Haki.
They pose no threat to Logia-type Ability Users.
Initially planned for all six to attack, even planned to call Ah Yin from the ship, but now it seems, leaving it to these three Logia-type Ability Users on board is more than enough.
The three of them left can just sit back and watch.
...
In the vast desert.
A group, composed of running ducks, raced along the riverbank, speeding towards the estuary.
"Kalu, I count on you, quicker, please quicker!"
Vivi hugged tightly to the running duck's neck, her blue hair flying in the hot wind, her youthful face covered in sand, yet unable to hide the anxiety in her eyes.
"Quack! Quack!"
Kalu couldn't help but quack, it was already giving its all.
"Princess."
The Captain of the guard, Igaram, followed on another running duck, his expression equally grave, but still speaking comfortingly:
"Only a short distance remains, once past the corner up ahead we'll be there, the opponent's actions are nothing more than attempting to force the royal family into an early meeting, soon you'll be able to negotiate, so please do not worry overly."
"..."
Vivi bit her lip, saying nothing.