"Oh no, it's Jack the Drought…"
"Just look at him—his size, his appearance—definitely a monster…"
Jack squinted at the figure floating above him, clad in a Marine's Justice cloak. Disappointment crossed his face.
"Damn it! I thought it was Ultraman!"
"Wait, does that mean… Ultraman doesn't actually exist?"
Jack pointed accusingly at the man above.
"And you… what are you supposed to be?"
"No, wait…"
"You're that Marine freak—Boru… ru… sa… rino!"
Jack smirked.
"Hey, old man, ever thought about changing careers? You've got the look for it. Maybe a children's educational show, fixing pipes, or even delivering packages? It'd be a waste to stick to the Marines with a face like that."
The golden light around Kizaru, now unmistakably recognizable as Borsalino, grew brighter as he scratched his head. He clasped his hands together, speaking softly but ominously.
"To meet you, I came to work early… and even did overtime. You're going to have to share some of this pain with me."
"Yasakani no Magatama!"
A low hum filled the air.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Countless radiant light bullets materialized from Kizaru's body, raining down toward Jack. The blinding flashes and deafening explosions drew the attention of the pirates still partying nearby, who came running out of their festivities.
Jinbei, Rim, and a few others were at the forefront. When they saw the gleaming, glowing figure floating midair, they exclaimed in shock:
"That's…!"
"Vice Admiral Kizaru!"
"The monster of the Marines! Why is he here?"
A flying slash shot up from the ground, aiming for Kizaru, but it harmlessly passed through his intangible, Logia-transformed body.
Jack's eyes turned red with irritation as he glared at the Marine above him.
"Yasakani no Magatama? Big name for a flashy move."
Kizaru adjusted his sunglasses, letting out a light sigh as he stared at the unscathed Jack.
"Oh my, how scary~"
"As expected of a monster from the Beasts Pirates."
With a burst of Geppo, Jack launched himself into the air to confront Kizaru.
"A Marine freak like you calling me a monster?"
Jack hadn't expected Kizaru's appearance and silently heightened his vigilance. Kaido had once mentioned that if anyone in the Marines could take Jack down, Kizaru would be one of them.
He wasn't necessarily the strongest attacker in the Marines, but he was undoubtedly the fastest and most mobile. As a wielder of the Glint-Glint Fruit, Kizaru could control light itself, wielding both its speed and power.
Years ago, when Kaido was captured by the Marines, this very Kizaru had been part of the operation.
Still, Jack wasn't too concerned. Half a year ago, he might've stood no chance and risked capture, but now? He had grown significantly. Even the humanoid fridge—Aokiji—had been a tough but manageable fight. Jack's invincible body now rivaled Kaido's.
'I've got nothing to worry about,' Jack muttered to himself, a faint excitement growing as he faced Kizaru.
Kaido had always kept a close eye on Marine movements. Of the three Logia Vice Admirals, Kaido had fought each and deemed them capable of becoming Admirals. With the current Admirals mostly retired, these three had essentially taken their place.
Jack's blood surged. "Can I beat him? Even if I can't, I'm not going down without a fight. This could be good training."
But as Jack prepared to attack, Kizaru suddenly appeared beside Jinbei with a flicker of Soru, landing gracefully on the ground.
"Jinbei," Kizaru said, his voice unusually serious. "From this scene, am I to assume you've rejected the World Government's invitation?"
Jinbei clenched his fists, shouting back:
"I haven't rejected anything! And it's not even the deadline yet!"
Kizaru returned to his usual lazy demeanor, waving a hand dismissively.
"Oh? So you've agreed, then?"
"Well, there's still time. You can take your time deciding. Makes my job easier too."
"But," Kizaru continued, his tone turning cold, "if you plan to lead the Sun Pirates into joining the Beasts Pirates, then…"
"Then what?"
Jack's towering frame appeared behind Kizaru. The Marine calmly turned and tilted his head to look up. He took a small leap backward to create some distance and spoke nonchalantly.
"Well, it'll be a bit of trouble, but I'll just have to arrest you all."
"I've heard the Beasts Pirates recently recruited some Fish-Men," Kizaru added, adjusting his sunglasses again.
"I assume that's your doing. A few Fish-Men might not change much, but if the Sun Pirates join you? With their influence among Fish-Men, the World Government will never allow it."
Jack smirked mockingly.
"The World Government doesn't allow a lot of things. What're they going to do about it? Plant a box of detergent and accuse Fish-Man Island of having weapons of mass destruction? Send an army to wipe them out?"
Jack gestured to Rim and the others. They immediately understood and began rushing back toward their ship. Kizaru made no move to stop them, instead turning to Jinbei.
"Looks like your friend has quite the temper," Kizaru said lazily. "But standing here… does this mean you've chosen to stand with him?"
Jinbei took a deep breath, releasing his clenched fists. "I've agreed to become a Warlord of the Sea. Whatever happens between you and him is none of the Sun Pirates' business."
"However…" Jinbei gestured to the remaining Fish-Men by his side. "Many of my crewmates disagreed with my decision and left the Sun Pirates. Whatever they do is no longer my concern."
Kizaru pushed his sunglasses up again, his voice carrying an edge.
"Well, those deserters' bounties won't be revoked, then."
"Revoke them? Raise them higher!" Jack barked, grinning. "I'd like to see who dares to touch a member of the Beasts Pirates!"
Kizaru's gaze darkened. He raised his left leg deliberately, speaking each word with gravity.
"Tell me… have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"
"Kick your damn leg!" Jack shouted and, to Kizaru's surprise, turned and sprinted toward his ship. Once aboard, he yelled back.
"Get the ship closer!"
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg