Lloyd absorbed the Persian Cat Fruit into the dark bible. Its ability was ordinary at best, serving for now only as a collectible.
Lucia and Ginny were still dazed, their expressions adorably stunned. Lloyd chuckled softly, about to speak, when the den den mushi on the table suddenly rang.
Startled for a moment, Lloyd connected the device. Fleet Admiral Kong's voice came through, sharp and urgent.
"Lloyd, return to Marine Headquarters immediately. Do not take a warship—use your ability. The sooner, the better!"
The tone left no doubt: something major had occurred.
Without wasting words, Lloyd replied simply, "Understood," and hung up. Rising, he turned to Lucia and Ginny.
"I'll head back to Marine Headquarters first. Wait for me at the base."
Both girls nodded. Lucia said softly, "Young Master, leave this place to us. Don't worry."
Ginny frowned, concern etching her features. "Lloyd, if anything dangerous is happening at Headquarters, you must be careful!"
Lloyd stepped forward, pulling them both into a brief, reassuring embrace. "Do not worry. If anything arises, I will inform you beforehand."
With that, he activated Kamui. His body twisted, merged into darkness, and vanished without a trace.
Marineford
Inside Fleet Admiral Kong's office, Garp had just again refused promotion to Admiral. He was about to leave in a hurry, his urgency palpable. A knock sounded at the door. Casually, Garp pulled it open, and standing there was Lloyd.
Garp froze. "Lloyd? Why are you back?"
Lloyd offered a polite smile. Before he could speak, Fleet Admiral Kong stepped forward. "I called Lloyd here. He will accompany you and Sengoku to Aed Wall. The matter is urgent; you can explain the situation en route."
Garp nodded, "Understood. Lloyd, come with me."
He guided Lloyd aboard the warship, closing the door behind them. Garp's haste was clear—he needed to reach Roger quickly.
On the way, Sengoku addressed Lloyd directly. "Do you understand the situation this time?"
"I do, Admiral Sengoku. Shall we depart?" Lloyd replied calmly.
Under Garp's slightly resentful gaze, Sengoku waved, signaling the ship to set sail. Casting a sharp glance at Garp, he added irritably, "Do not look at me like that. I am an Admiral; this warship must follow my command."
Garp turned away, muttering under his breath, "Tch… I don't want to be an Admiral anyway. Too many restrictions, no freedom at all."
Sengoku smirked knowingly. "You just don't like dealing with the Celestial Dragons, right?"
"Ha! Sengoku, you know me too well," Garp replied with a wry grin.
Lloyd remained silent, his gaze fixed on the sea.
Aed Wall
"Lion • Thousand Cutter Valley!"
"Divine Avoidance!"
Roger leapt into the air, his Supreme Grade sword, Ace, crackling with red and black lightning, intercepting the golden slashes hurled by Golden Lion's forces.
Rayleigh hurried alongside him, concern etched on his face. "Roger, the situation is unfavorable. If we keep fighting… I fear…"
Roger understood. The Flying Pirates had overwhelming numbers and numerous ships. Their men were far from cannon fodder and could withstand even Haoshoku Haki attacks.
More troubling was Golden Lion himself. In these waters, he commanded absolute air superiority and could manipulate seawater to attack. With only one ship, Roger Pirates were severely disadvantaged.
Some Flying Pirates had already boarded the Jackson, engaging in fierce combat. Golden Lion floated above, laughing heartily, shouting down at Roger:
"Roger, it's not too late to regret your choices! Join me and let us rule the world together!"
Roger snorted and unleashed his Haoshoku Haki, causing a monstrous shockwave to surge across the sea, countering Shiki's attacks.
On deck, two young boys stood back-to-back, eyes wide with admiration. The red-haired one whispered, "Buggy, Captain Roger is truly imposing!"
The red-nosed boy, gripping twin swords, cut down a towering enemy before replying, "Shanks, you're still fawning over the Captain? Save yourself first!"
These boys were the future Four Emperors: Red-Haired Shanks and Buggy the Clown, both only twelve years old.
Shanks bristled at Buggy's comment, about to retort, but before he could, a Flying Pirate appeared behind him, sword raised.
"Die, brat!" the pirate shouted.
Too late. A dark vortex appeared suddenly in front of Shanks. Lloyd's figure solidified, and with a single motion, he grabbed the pirate's arm.
The pirate screamed as his limb twisted unnaturally, writhing like a pretzel in horror. Before he could react further, Lloyd pressed his hand to the pirate's face. Another dark vortex formed, and in an instant, a headless body gushed blood onto the deck.
Shanks froze, staring at Lloyd's Navy coat fluttering behind him, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.
Lloyd turned slowly, gazing down at the boy who barely reached his waist. His voice was indifferent.
"Did Roger not teach you to stay focused during battle?"
___
Throw your stones my way 😭
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