Chapter 261: Kong vs. Redfield

Holy Land Mary Geoise:

"It seems the Infinite Pirates are attacking the Navy fortress to distract them from participating in the operation against the Roger Pirates. Who knows what kind of deal the Infinite Pirates made with the Roger Pirates," said Saturn Saint, the God of Scientific Defense.

"Doesn't this provide us with an opportunity to steal their technological secrets while the Infinite Pirates are weakened? CP0 has already been dispatched. I'm confident they won't disappoint us," added Pitre Saint, the God of Agriculture.

Just as Pitre Saint finished speaking, the Den Den Mushi rang.

"Your Excellencies, the life cards of the three CP0 agents, Pons, Sophia, and Arthur, have completely burned up. One burned instantly, while the other two took about two minutes," reported the subordinate in charge of the CP0 life cards.

"It seems we underestimated the Infinite Pirates. We thought they had deployed all their forces, not expecting they still had hidden strength guarding Wano Country!" remarked Nasujuro Saint, the God of Finance.

Anyone capable of instantly defeating CP0 is close to top-tier strength, even if not at the very top.

"Since we've failed, we have no choice but to accept it. Right now, we don't have extra forces to deal with the Infinite Pirates. Let's focus on the Roger Pirates instead. We can't let them return to the New World; what they're pursuing is too dangerous for us," stated Voucheri Saint, the God of Law.

"Your Excellencies, Redfield, the notorious pirate from the New World, has appeared on Hasg Island in the Grand Line, near where we're ambushing the Roger Pirates," reported the intelligence department via Den Den Mushi.

"Another New World pirate? This guy is outrageous, daring to come to the Grand Line alone!" exclaimed Maz Saint, the God of Environment, angry at Redfield, known as a powerful lone wolf from the New World.

His appearance suggested he might aid the Roger Pirates, fueling their frustration.

"I'm just traveling. I have nothing to do with the Roger Pirates. Even if I know about them, I wouldn't rescue them!" Redfield would have protested if he heard the Five Elders, claiming he was just exploring the Grand Line and the seas for a change of scenery.

"The issue is, our top forces are all deployed against the Roger Pirates. Redfield's appearance might ruin our plans. What should we do?" asked Saturn Saint.

"Send Kong. With the Navy engaged in the New World, they shouldn't lose," suggested Pitre Saint.

"Alright, I'll inform him," Nasujuro Saint agreed.

Marine Headquarters:

"Redfield, is it? Understood, Lord Nasujuro Saint. I'll depart immediately!" Kong, receiving the order, prepared a warship.

Since the death of Rocks, Kong hadn't personally set out to deal with pirates as the Fleet Admiral.

"This lone pirate dared venture from the New World to the Grand Line. This time, I'll capture him and send him to Impel Down, to curb the pirates' arrogance!" Kong declared, reviewing Redfield's file on his warship.

Redfield was the only major New World pirate without a crew. His record was strong, having challenged all the New World's top pirates, losing only to Li Yuan.

Yet, Kong was confident, unafraid of any New World pirate since Rocks' demise.

The warship moved swiftly, and with Redfield genuinely on a leisurely tour, lingering on Hasg Island, Kong found him quickly.

"Redfield, you've committed heinous crimes worldwide. Today, I'll arrest you for Impel Down!" Kong announced coldly, stopping a hundred meters from Redfield.

"Didn't expect the Fleet Admiral Kong himself. Are you alone?" Redfield asked, surprised, using Observation Haki to check for hidden forces.

"Hmph, as Fleet Admiral, I'm more than enough to capture you alone!" Kong boasted.

Having fought Rocks as a main force, Kong saw Redfield as a lesser threat, confident in his ability to capture him alone.

Thus, he had the Navy stay at the coast, knowing they'd be of little use in such a battle.

"Interesting. I've challenged all New World pirates and fought admirals, but never a Fleet Admiral. I'm curious about your strength!" Redfield smiled, convinced he could win.

Seeing Redfield's smile, Kong's anger flared, his fist cloaked in dense Armament Haki, its intensity impressive.

"Bone Fist: Shattering Sky!"

Kong burst towards Redfield with extreme speed, delivering a punch, Armament Haki surging with the strike's force.

Excited by Kong's strength, Redfield, having honed himself since the last swordsmanship tournament, hadn't gone all out in three years. Meeting an opponent like Kong thrilled him.

"Crescent Slash!"

Redfield's sword umbrella turned black, entwined with sword intent and Conqueror's Haki, dark red lightning crackling. He met Kong's punch head-on, fully committed.

Weapon and fist clashed, their immense power creating a shockwave that shattered the earth, forming a massive crater over a hundred meters wide.

"His strength is incredible?"

"Damn Conqueror's Haki, it's troublesome without it!" Kong was surprised his Armament Haki couldn't fully block Redfield's power, feeling pain in his bones.

"Fleet Admiral, is that all?"

Their initial clash ended in a draw, both retreating, but Redfield sneered, unimpressed by Kong, thinking him weaker than Li Yuan.

"Redfield, I'll send you to Impel Down!" Kong, enraged by Redfield's disdain, charged again, fists raised.

Battles aren't just about power but experience and skill. Kong, with his extensive combat history, believed he could outmatch this younger pirate.

"Hahaha, come on then. Let's see if you capture me or if I kill you here, solidifying my legend!" Redfield laughed, charging with his sword umbrella.

Their battle was intense, echoed by constant explosions and clashes.

Kong's unmatched close combat skills fueled his assault, while Redfield's cunning swordsmanship and mind-reading kept him on par with Kong's strength.

"His Armament Haki and physique are too strong. To win, I must exhaust his stamina and Haki," Redfield realized, struggling to inflict significant harm despite landing hits.

"This guy's Observation Haki is tricky. I need to find a way to counter it," Kong admitted, recognizing Redfield's ability to control the battle's pace.

Though Karp had mentioned this before, Kong only appreciated the difficulty when facing it firsthand.

Both top-tier fighters engaged at incredible speed, fully committed, knowing any opening could decide the battle's outcome.

Oracio Island:

"This is an ancient island, sparsely populated and remote, with little trade, making its inhabitants quite primitive compared to others," a crew member from the Roger Pirates explained.

"The villagers mentioned an ancient altar. Let's check it out," Rayleigh suggested cautiously, sensing danger but compelled by the historical Poneglyph.

"Hahaha, let's find what we're after first. If there's danger, we'll handle it. We're the Roger Pirates; no one can defeat us!" Roger declared confidently.

Exploring the island, they soon found the Poneglyph beneath the altar.

Though not a Road Poneglyph, its inscription held significant meaning for them.

However, emerging from the altar, they found themselves surrounded.

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