Among naval ranks, Vice Admiral is the one with the most disparate range of strength.
The strong could take on pirates with bounties over 100 million, while the weak were only a match for those in the tens of millions—just enough to hold their own in the first half of the Grand Line.
The reason Magnus had confidently left behind all ten Vice Admirals was simple: even the strongest among them only had a presence comparable to a 100-million-Berry pirate.
"White Wolf Magnus, you better hold out..."
The black-hearted merchant Dukeman was drenched in sweat. With Magnus gone, he now had the highest bounty among all the pirates in the port town.
It was obvious he'd be a primary target.
But that wasn't the worst of it.
Magnus was fighting two Marine Admirals alone.
Other pirates may never have encountered an Admiral and wouldn't know their overwhelming presence—but Dukeman did.
Three years ago, had it not been for a fortunate storm, he'd already be rotting in Impel Down.
One single attack from an Admiral had left him like a dying dog. Since then, Dukeman gave up on rising in power and focused solely on making money.
And with examples like Immortal Jason and Giant Moz, he knew Magnus could crush him just as easily.
That's why he had surrendered without hesitation.
But had he known Magnus had robbed the Tenjōkin (Heavenly Tribute) and provoked two Admirals—he would've fled long ago!
"Black-hearted merchant Dukeman! You traffic arms, run smuggling rings, murder competitors! Your crimes are unforgivable—surrender now!"
As the highest-bounty pirate currently in the town, Dukeman had no choice but to stand front and center. The moment the Marines landed, they locked onto him.
"Leave him to me. Peck, Honiz—you handle the others."
Vice Admiral Elliot eyed Dukeman. Though he knew Dukeman had a bounty of 110 million, Elliot, as the strongest among them, didn't think any of the other Vice Admirals could handle him.
Peck and Honiz nodded and led the troops forward—only to be stopped by two figures.
"Members of the White Wolf Pirates."
Honiz stared at Ripley and Rocks, his tone turning grave.
The Navy's spies in Sphinx had already gathered plenty of intel on them.
"You take the one on the left, I'll handle the one on the right."
"Tch. I don't like hitting women."
"No choice. I sense the woman is stronger than the man."
Unlike Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki), Honiz was more adept at Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki). He sensed danger from Ripley and thus swapped targets, sending Peck to face her instead.
"Careful. They're White Wolf Pirates—not to be underestimated."
Their exchange wasn't hidden, so both Ripley and Rocks heard it. Ripley remained calm—but Rocks' face darkened.
"Do they really think we're just prey on a chopping block?"
Just as his expression turned to a fierce grin.
"I'll make you regret that!"
A burst of speed brought Rocks right before Honiz. With a punch cloaked in Busoshoku Haki, he attacked.
As if he had seen the move coming, Honiz merely tilted his head, dodging effortlessly.
"This kid already knows Haki at his age?"
Both he and Peck had only learned Haki after turning thirty—and hadn't even fully mastered both types.
Rocks, clearly younger, was already proficient in Busoshoku.
"Seems your sensing is off."
Peck chuckled. "This kid's at least on the level of a Rear Admiral. Be careful not to slip up."
"I should be saying that!"
Following his gaze, Peck turned to see Ripley's massive fist flying at him.
Bigger than his whole body.
Their youthful looks had fooled them—but Ripley's punch was anything but mild.
"Tekkai (Iron Body)!"
Coating himself with Busoshoku, Peck stood firm.
Peck was blasted back hundreds of meters, slamming into a warship and punching a hole straight through it.
Honiz was stunned. Just one punch?
"Your fight's with me!"
Rocks had been missing for a while—waiting for a distraction. Seeing Honiz stunned, he kicked with full force.
It hit—but felt like striking a wall. Honiz's arm gleamed with metallic shine.
"I may not specialize in Busoshoku—but that doesn't mean I can't use it."
Grabbing at Rocks' leg, he planned to disable it.
But Ripley had already charged back in.
He quickly retreated. From that brief clash, it was clear: Rocks lacked Kenbunshoku, and Ripley was stronger than he was.
"Peck, don't tell me you're down already!"
A muffled grunt came from the warship's wreckage. A shirtless brute crawled out, spitting blood.
"Cough, that woman's got some punch."
Seeing him get up, Ripley's expression turned serious. This opponent wouldn't be easy.
All across the ruined port, Marines and pirates clashed fiercely. Vice Admirals ran rampant, unchecked.
But then—a blue sword flash cut through.
A Marine swordsman barely parried it with Kenbunshoku.
Then he saw the attacker.
His face turned grim.
"Hahaha! You should've known—wherever Captain Magnus is, we're never far behind."
The aging man drew his sword, smiling.
"Marines—go on, guess: how many of us White Wolf Pirates have shown up today?"
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