Torrega watched as his sneak attack failed.
Without hesitation, he retracted the two chains extending from his palms, his expression filled with shock and wariness as he loudly exclaimed:
"The Navy's Rokushiki?! You're with the Navy!"
Seeing the opponent block his chain attack with just his arms, Torrega immediately thought of Tekkai, one of the six techniques of the Navy's Rokushiki.
After all, he had once encountered a Rear Admiral from Navy Headquarters who, during a chase, had similarly used his arms to block Torrega's iron chains.
However, back then, that navy officer had clearly struggled to withstand the impact—unlike the towering man before him, who appeared utterly unfazed.
He had never expected that what was supposed to be a simple retrieval of stolen treasure would unexpectedly drag him into a confrontation with a formidable fighter—perhaps even a Navy officer.
Yet, given the circumstances, he felt no regret or fear.
This place was secluded.
If he eliminated this man here, there would be no need to worry about the Navy coming after him.
"Huh? This guy is actually with the Navy?!"
Standing together in the distance, Nami and Karina were both startled upon hearing Torrega's words.
In perfect sync, the two instinctively took a couple of steps back, each considering the possibility of slipping away unnoticed.
However, when they recalled how this man had just stepped in without hesitation, facing down Torrega and his ruthless crew without a second thought for his own safety, they both hesitated, remaining in place.
Will lowered his arms, his face expressionless, his tone carrying a distinct note of displeasure:
"It's nothing more than a martial arts technique."
"And just because of that, you mistake me for one of those lapdogs of the Celestial Dragons?"
"You pirates from the outer seas really have no manners."
"Oh? So you're not with the Navy?"
Hearing such scornful words used to describe the Navy, Torrega raised an eyebrow, quickly dismissing his previous assumption.
Since this man wasn't a Marine, there was no longer any pressing reason to fight.
After all, his opponent was clearly strong, and this battle held no reward.
Torrega had no interest in fights that didn't promise treasure or some other benefit.
So, shifting his tone, he spoke:
"I must admit, taking down so many of my men in such a short time—you're quite strong."
"But my goal at sea is simply to seek treasure and wealth."
"So, in reality, there's no need for us to continue this fight."
"Hand over those two thieves who stole my treasure, and I'll leave immediately. I give you my word."
As a self-proclaimed Treasure Hunter, Torrega held little regard for ordinary pirates.
The men lying unconscious around him were nothing more than disposable tools for acquiring treasure.
On the vast sea, there was never a shortage of pirates.
Losing a few subordinates meant nothing to him—he could always recruit more.
To Torrega, nothing was irreplaceable... except treasure.
At this moment, his willingness to step back was purely to avoid wasting time on a meaningless battle.
Nami and Karina had never expected that, after losing so many of his men to Will's attacks, Torrega would still be willing to compromise.
They immediately turned to Will, their expressions tense.
If Will agreed to the truce, given Torrega's unique abilities, there was no chance the two of them could escape once handed over.
But Will, upon hearing Torrega's words, merely raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked in a puzzled tone:
"You're telling me this now? Surely you must be joking?"
"What? What do you mean?" Torrega's brows furrowed.
Will didn't mince words and responded bluntly:
"I appreciate your changed attitude, but the arrogance you showed earlier, as well as your insult of calling me a Marine, have left me quite displeased."
"Moreover, I am a man of my word. Since I've said I'll protect them, I will do so."
"So if you want to take them, there's only one way."
Hearing this, Nami and Karina both sighed in relief.
Standing behind Will's broad figure, they exchanged glances, their hearts touched by his unwavering stance.
But Torrega, upon hearing those words, could no longer hold back his fury. He ripped off his glasses and flung them aside, his eyes flashing with malice as he roared:
"I gave you a way out, and you refuse! You insist on standing in the way of my fortune?! Then I'll just have to get rid of you!"
Spreading his hands wide, chains shot out from his palms, quickly wrapping around his chest and back in a crisscrossing pattern.
At the same time, thick chains coiled tightly around his muscular arms and clenched fists.
His entire body expanded, making him appear even larger than Will.
Now fully armored, Torrega wasted no more words. With a furious roar, he charged forward, swinging his iron-clad fists straight at Will!
"Yes... yes! This is how it should be."
Seeing the attack, Will's expression remained unchanged—utterly calm, as if he had been expecting this.
Instead of retreating, he stepped forward, drawing back his right fist before throwing a powerful punch straight ahead!
Tekkai: Breaking Fist!
The two fists collided with a deafening impact, sending a visible shockwave outward from the point of contact.
Seeing Torrega trying to match him in brute strength, Will's eyes narrowed sharply.
In a sudden motion, he shifted his rear leg, tensed his muscles, and delivered a swift, precise kick straight to Torrega's shin.
Completely unaware of the strike coming, Torrega's leg took the full impact, throwing off his balance instantly.
Will wasn't surprised in the slightest.
From the start, he had noticed that these pirates fought without much technique—
Their attacks were broad and forceful, relying purely on brute strength.
Even their leader, Torrega, despite possessing a Devil Fruit ability and greater power, fought the same way.
To defeat him, Will hardly needed to exert his full strength. A bit of skill was more than enough to gain the upper hand.
In the blink of an eye, he made his next move.
Taking advantage of Torrega's imbalance, Will stepped firmly on the ground, pulling back his other leg before snapping it upward with lightning speed—
His leg shot up in a straight line, striking Torrega squarely on the chin.
The tremendous force sent Torrega's massive, chain-clad body hurtling into the air.
"My... my consciousness... it's slipping..."
With his jaw shattered by the impact, blood spurted from Torrega's mouth, his eyes rolling back as the thought of impending defeat flashed through his mind...
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