Chapter 104: Continue Playing Music and Continue Dancing!

Fujitora gripped his cane sword tightly, his expression darkening. "Mr. Lucas is right. Surprise attacks and preemptive strikes are indeed effective. I suffered a significant loss just now when you disarmed me."

Lucas watched Fujitora with mild amusement, a glint of interest in his eyes. "So, what's next? Are you looking to settle the score?"

Fujitora let out a low, sardonic chuckle. "Getting promoted to Marine Admiral as a recruit puts quite a bit of pressure on an old man like me."

Lucas nodded, as if he understood completely. "Ah, I see. To silence the critics, you've got to show them you've earned your rank."

With that, Fujitora's face hardened. He opened his blind eyes, though he couldn't see, and shouted, "Exactly!"

In a blur of motion, Fujitora lunged at Lucas, slashing down with his cane sword. The blade wasn't just sharp—it was heavy, carrying the weight of his Press-Press Fruit ability. The air around it warped as if an invisible mountain was crashing down with each strike.

Clang!

Lucas raised his arm, coated in Armament Haki, and effortlessly blocked the falling blade. But before the clash could settle, Kizaru and Momousagi, standing nearby, sprang into action. Without hesitation, they joined the fray.

A Three-on-One Siege.

Lucas chuckled softly under his breath. "The three Admirals level marine against me, huh? Now that's an interesting lineup. Too bad I don't run a news agency—this would make headlines."

But there was no trace of fear or panic in his voice. Instead, Lucas faced the combined assault of Fujitora, Kizaru, and Momousagi with calm, collected precision.

Flying Thunder God Technique!

In an instant, Lucas's figure shimmered and vanished, leaving all three Admirals swinging at thin air.

Momousagi blinked in surprise. "That... Is that the teleportation ability Lucas demonstrated before?"

Fujitora, relying on his Observation Haki, quickly tracked Lucas's presence. After a brief pause, he pointed toward the distant Golden City. "He's over there!"

Kizaru raised an eyebrow, his laid-back demeanor cracking slightly. "It's terrifying how far he can travel in an instant."

Momousagi frowned, her eyes narrowing. "This ability is more troublesome than we thought. Without a way to counter it, defeating him is impossible."

Flying Thunder God Technique!

Before they could regroup, Lucas reappeared behind them, his hand gripping a long golden sword. Without warning, he executed a precise Slash aimed at all three Admirals.

"One Sword Style—Dragon Slash!"

The blade shimmered with top-tier swordsmanship and was coated in Armament Haki. In a single fluid motion, Lucas wounded Fujitora, Kizaru, and Momousagi, leaving them reeling.

The three Admirals, still thinking Lucas had fled, were completely caught off guard by his sudden return.

"Didn't I say it before? Surprise attacks and preemptive strikes are terrifying." Lucas flicked the golden sword lightly, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Kizaru clutched his side, the pain evident on his face. His usual carefree grin had disappeared, replaced by a grim expression. "That... was terrifying indeed."

"Relax," Lucas added, waving his hand dismissively. "I only used the back of the blade. I've got nothing against Marine, so I didn't come here to kill you."

The surrounding Marines stood in stunned silence.

Just moments ago, they had been celebrating when the Admirals cornered Lucas, believing their forces had the upper hand. But in the blink of an eye, Lucas had turned the tide, injuring the top three Marine powers with ease. If Lucas hadn't held back, the Admirals would have been incapacitated—or worse.

"That strange space ability..." Fujitora muttered, rubbing his head. "I thought it was just a means of travel or support, but it's proven invaluable in direct combat. We underestimated him."

What none of them realized was that Lucas had left a Flying Thunder God mark on Fujitora's sword when he previously disarmed him using his Float-Float Fruit ability. It was this mark that allowed Lucas to teleport back so suddenly, catching them off guard.

In this world, people lacked the awareness or understanding of ninja techniques. Even if someone noticed the dark markings on Fujitora's sword, they wouldn't have connected it to Lucas's space manipulation.

"You're not my opponents—that's just a fact." Lucas floated effortlessly in the air, looking down at the battered Admirals. "The real reason you lost is because of intelligence. I know everything about your abilities. But you know nothing about me."

He paused for a moment, his tone softening. "I don't really want to fight you. Why not step aside?"

But Kizaru wasn't ready to give in. He pulled his hands together, forming golden light particles that condensed into a shimmering blade—his weapon, Ama no Murakamo (Light sword).

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Kizaru sighed, his laid-back tone masking the determination in his eyes. "We've been ordered to suppress your arrogance. We can't just walk away now."

Lucas chuckled darkly. "Is that so? Well, then..."

He extended his hand toward Fujitora, and with a flick of his fingers, the cane sword in Fujitora's hand began to rise into the air.

"Get down!" Fujitora growled, gripping his weapon tightly, refusing to let it go.

But Lucas's smirk widened. "I marked that sword with my Float-Float Fruit. Once marked, I can manipulate it whenever I want."

Fujitora gritted his teeth, increasing the gravity around his cane sword to counteract Lucas's manipulation. But it was a constant struggle—a battle he couldn't win.

"I'm afraid you'll never erase my mark, Fujitora," Lucas said, his tone almost sympathetic. "If you want to stand a chance, you might want to find yourself a new weapon."

Fujitora's expression darkened. He knew Lucas was right. A weapon should feel like an extension of oneself, but now, his own sword had become a liability. The idea of having to guard against his own weapon turning against him was exhausting.

Had the sword been anything less—a simple blade without history—Fujitora would have discarded it immediately. But this was one of the 12 Supreme Grade sword – Yakuza Kasen, one that had accompanied him for decades. Letting it go wasn't so easy.

In the chat group, Golden Lion Shiki was stunned.

Golden Lion Shiki : "The Float-Float Fruit can be used like this? What a misstep! There were so many weapon users in Roger's Pirates. If I had known, I would've touched all their weapons one by one!"

Whitebeard : "I have to say, this ability of the Float-Float Fruit is downright perverse. As long as you've touched someone's weapon, you can control it. Anyone relying on weapons wouldn't stand a chance!"

Sword God Ryuma : "Is this ability really that strong? It sounds exaggerated. I'll believe it when I see it with my own eyes."

Lucas : "Don't worry, I'll show you. Just watch—Fujitora is about to start testing his sword."

In the outside world, Fujitora gripped his cane sword tightly, attempting to perform his usual swordsmanship techniques. But something was off.

When Fujitora swung his sword to the east, Lucas subtly manipulated it to drift west. When he turned west, Lucas pulled the sword east. Every motion Fujitora made was countered, as if the sword itself was rebelling.

When Fujitora tried to execute a downward slash, Lucas forced the blade upward.

Frustrated, Fujitora finally hurled the cane sword to the ground with a growl. "Useless!"

No matter how skilled a swordsman he was, a disobedient weapon crippled his ability to fight effectively. He had to constantly anticipate Lucas's interference, halving his combat effectiveness.

Seeing Fujitora's predicament, Momousagi stared in disbelief. "Mr. Fujitora, isn't your Press-Press Fruit supposed to counter the Float-Float Fruit? Why can't you regain control?"

Lucas chuckled, interjecting smoothly. "Miss Momousagi, your understanding of Devil Fruits is a bit lacking. The Float-Float Fruit and the Press-Press Fruit only cancel each other out in certain areas. It's not as straightforward as you think."

Fujitora nodded, his expression solemn. "That's right. The Float-Float Fruit can make objects float or descend, and so can my Press-Press Fruit. When we apply opposing forces, they neutralize each other. But…" He sighed. "That doesn't erase the marks Lucas left on my weapon."

Lucas clapped his hands with a grin. "Exactly. While our abilities might counteract each other in basic applications, you can't remove the marks I've left with my power."

Fujitora let out a resigned sigh. "That's true. However…" His tone hardened as he waved at a nearby Marine. "Bring me another sword."

A marine hurried over with a new blade. Fujitora gripped it firmly and turned back to Lucas, his expression steely. "I may have lost my old cane sword, but as long as I can catch you, the hidden danger you've left on it will be eliminated. Isn't that right?"

Lucas nodded, unbothered. "You've got a point. But let me ask you—after losing the weapon you've relied on for decades, are you sure you can still fight at full strength?"

Fujitora snorted, his pride flaring. "Don't underestimate me! I might be blind, but they still call me a monster for a reason."

In the chat group, Golden Lion Shiki was flabbergasted.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Wait, that's it? Just switching weapons solves the problem?"

Whitebeard : "Shiki, your brain really has gotten slower. Aren't there plenty of powerful techniques that lose their edge once their secrets are exposed? Seems like that rudder in your head has dulled more than just your sailing skills!"

Pirate King Roger : "As Lucas said before, intelligence, surprise, and preemptive strikes are crucial in battle. If you had used the Float-Float Fruit to control my sword by surprise, I might've actually died at your hands."

Gold Thief Woonan : "But in real combat, it's not that easy to swap out weapons mid-fight. Not everyone is going to stand there calmly like Lucas and let you change your blade."

Lucas : "Honestly, I never considered the Float-Float Fruit's ability to control weapons as some unbeatable trump card. If I can win through sheer strength, why bother with tricks and schemes? There's a certain disdain in using underhanded methods against worthy opponents."

Back in the outside world, Fujitora, now armed with a new sword, strode forward to face Lucas once more. Kizaru and Momousagi flanked him, their expressions set and determined.

Lucas floated lazily in the air, a mocking grin on his face. "What's this? You guys really love dancing that much?"

He stretched his arms wide as if inviting them into a grand performance. "Well then, let's play some music. Let's keep dancing!"

With a casual wave of his hand, he beckoned them forward. "Come on. I've got plenty of new tricks to show you."

The three Admirals frowned, feeling the weight of his taunt. Without another word, they lunged at Lucas, coordinating their attacks to besiege him from all sides.

But this time, Lucas didn't teleport away with the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Instead, he spread his Conqueror's Haki across the battlefield, releasing an overwhelming mental shock that made even seasoned Marines nearby falter. Simultaneously, his top-tier Observation Haki activated, allowing him to predict their every move. Future fragments flickered in his mind, giving him clear foresight to dodge, counter, and strike with perfect precision.

Lucas's swordsmanship, honed to perfection and bolstered by Armament Haki, clashed against the Admirals in a dazzling display of skill.

Despite being outnumbered three to one, Lucas gained the upper hand. His movements were fluid and effortless, his attacks precise and devastating.

The faces of Kizaru, Fujitora, and Momousagi grew increasingly grim. Their confidence eroded with each clash, their eyes widening with a mix of disbelief and fear.

This wasn't just power—it was domination.

Even Kaido of the Beasts or Whitebeard would've struggled against two Admirals, let alone three. At most, they could have held their ground like Golden Lion Shiki had done in his prime, but ultimately, they would have been overwhelmed.

But Lucas?

Lucas wasn't just holding his own—he was winning.

Kizaru, ever the lazy optimist, felt the chill of realization sink in. As a man known for his laid-back approach, he could confidently say that none of them were slacking off. Fujitora and Momousagi were both fighting at full strength, and so was he.

And yet, Lucas was still overpowering them.

How could such a person exist? Kizaru wondered, his usual nonchalance replaced by genuine dread.

"Surprise?" Lucas scoffed lightly, effortlessly dodging Kizaru's laser beams while countering Fujitora's gravity slashes with a flick of his wrist. "It doesn't have to be about surprise. My talent is simply on another level compared to yours—it's only natural that I'm stronger."

The three Admirals gritted their teeth, their faces a mix of frustration and disbelief. Lucas wasn't just holding them off; he was toying with them.

"Oh, what's that?" Lucas continued, his tone playful. "You say your talent and strength are already at the top of the ocean?"

He chuckled, weaving effortlessly between Momousagi's fierce sword strikes. "Please! There are too many so-called 'tops' like you. But that doesn't make you the real deal."

With a swift, unexpected motion, Lucas disengaged from the immediate clash, his free hand moving with fluid precision.

Snapped!

His palm connected with Fujitora's shoulder.

Snapped!

A sharp slap against Kizaru's chest.

Snapped!

A quick tap on Momousagi's back.

Before any of them could react, Lucas gracefully retreated mid-air, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Game over," he announced with a playful glint in his eye.

Momousagi frowned deeply, her instincts flaring. "What did you do?"

Fujitora tightened his grip on his new sword, his blind eyes narrowing. "Are you trying to use the Float-Float Fruit to control us?"

Kizaru shook his head, his voice unusually serious. "Impossible. The Float-Float Fruit can't act on living things. That's not how it works."

Lucas's grin widened, a knowing look flashing in his eyes. "You're right—my ability can't control living beings." He paused dramatically. "But the clothes on your bodies? They're not alive, are they?"

For a brief moment, silence blanketed the battlefield. Then the realization hit.

Fujitora, Kizaru, and Momousagi froze, their faces a blend of shock and horror. The surrounding Marines stood stunned, their eyes darting between the Admirals and Lucas, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

Lucas's smile took on a mischievous edge. "If you don't want to show off your bodies in front of everyone," he teased, "I'd recommend not moving too much."

The once-feared Admirals now stood paralyzed—not by physical force, but by the humiliation Lucas threatened to unleash.

Momousagi was the first to react, stepping forward despite her embarrassment. "You…"* she started, her voice shaky.

Sing!

Before she could finish her sentence, she felt a sudden pull on her uniform, yanking her slightly skyward.

Lucas chuckled softly, watching her struggle. "If your clothes are sturdy enough, I don't mind giving you a little tour of the sky," he said, his tone light. "Of course, don't think that's the only thing I can do."

To prove his point, he raised a stone from the ground—a piece of earth he'd touched earlier. With a mere clench of his fist, the stone rose, then shattered into fine dust, the pieces scattering in the wind.

Lucas turned his gaze back to Momousagi, his expression calm but dangerous. "Do you understand now? I can make your clothes rip apart just as easily." He let the words hang in the air before adding with mock politeness, "Beautiful Ms. Momousagi, care to give us a show?"

Momousagi stood frozen, her face flushing with anger and humiliation. The thought of being exposed in front of her fellow Marines and subordinates made her stomach churn. Death in battle would have been preferable.

"You…" she hissed, her voice trembling with outrage. "You would actually threaten a woman like this? Despicable!"

Lucas's smile faded, replaced by a look of mild annoyance. "Despicable?" His voice dropped, laced with a sharp edge. "You don't know what's good for you."

He took a step closer, his gaze hardening. "I have a good sense of respect for Marine. That's why I'm letting you go. Otherwise, you'd all be dead or gravely wounded by now." His voice echoed ominously through the tense air.

Lucas gestured toward the island behind them, his expression darkening. "And this country? If I fought you seriously here, Dressrosa wouldn't exist by the time we were done. The entire island would sink beneath the sea."

He stared directly at Momousagi, his eyes narrowing. "I'm showing you mercy, and you call me despicable?"

Momousagi faltered, the anger in her eyes dimming slightly under the weight of Lucas's words. She knew deep down he wasn't bluffing. The destruction he hinted at was well within his capabilities.

Still, her pride wouldn't let her back down completely. "If you're really so kind," she snapped stubbornly, "then why did you quit Marine?"

Lucas sneered, the disdain in his voice unmistakable. "I think you already know the answer to that, don't you?" He paused for effect before delivering the final blow. "It's because I'm kind that I quit Marine."

Momousagi opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless, the words caught in her throat.

Just then, the tension was broken by a new voice.

"Mr. Lucas, we are here to negotiate with you under the orders of the Five Elders!"

All eyes turned as Rob Lucci and his CP0 team stepped forward, their masked faces emotionless.

Lucas's mood shifted instantly. His stern expression melted into an amused grin as he addressed them. "The Five Elders want to negotiate with me?" He chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Interesting."

He paused, glancing once more at the stunned Admirals before returning his gaze to Rob Lucci.

"Very well," Lucas said, his voice laced with amusement. "Let's go."

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