36. Breakthrough

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Kuroobi's heavy footsteps thudded ominously as he marched straight toward Aero.

The villagers of Coco Village, huddled behind five black-robed pirates, hadn't expected the situation to spiral so quickly. Gripping farming tools and bricks, their hands trembled not from fear, but from the urge to fight.

They tried to rush forward to stop Kuroobi, but the five pirates held the line, standing shoulder to shoulder with unwavering discipline.

No matter how the villagers pleaded or pushed, they were blocked every time.

"Why are you stopping us?! We want to fight too!"

"Yeah! Let us help!"

"That's right...!"

Their fighting spirit flared, undampened even after Dylan and Eddie had fallen. The villagers refused to be cowed.

One of the robed pirates, a man named Wes, finally snapped. "Just cool it and watch. Our captain hasn't even stepped in yet. We don't need your help to handle this."

The villagers simmered down slightly, though frustrated murmurs still lingered.

Then Ken stepped forward from the crowd. "We're not strong enough. Kuroobi is a monster. If we charge in now, we're dead. But not all Fishmen are like him. The real fight will be at Arlong Park. That's where we'll make our stand. For now, don't be reckless."

His words calmed the crowd. Some younger villagers broke away to search for Dylan in the nearby wheat fields.

Eddie, meanwhile, lay motionless along the path behind Kuroobi. None dared approach him.

But Kuroobi had no interest in them. His eyes were fixed squarely on Aero.

"Let's see what you're really made of, human pirate."

Aero didn't move. He was counting the time when Dylan and Eddie would get back up.

Honestly, he wasn't worried. As a Wind-Wind Fruit user, even a Fishman's brute strength meant little. Shockwaves? Easily negated by his elemental form.

To him, Kuroobi was just another overly muscled thug. Not worth stressing over.

"Human," Kuroobi growled, channeling power into his palm as he lunged.

"Three… Two…"

"One."

In that exact moment, movement stirred in the wheat field. Dylan groaned, stood up, and brushed stalks from his tattered cloak. He walked forward, slowly but with determination.

Crack! A bullet tore through the air toward Kuroobi. He twisted away, dodging cleanly.

But the bullet kept going straight for Aero.

As it neared his face, it suddenly halted suspended in mid-air just centimeters from his nose.

Then, like a puppet with its strings cut, the bullet clattered harmlessly to the ground.

Kuroobi turned, startled. Dylan was on his feet, bloodied but standing. He scratched the back of his head, red hair tousled, and called out sheepishly, "Sorry about that, Captain. Didn't mean to shoot you."

Aero let out a quiet breath. Both were still alive. Good. He gave a small nod toward Eddie in the distance.

Dylan stepped forward again, cat claws equipped. His black robe was in tatters, streaked with bits of unripe crops.

Kuroobi suddenly laughed. "Didn't expect capable pirates in the East Blue. But this is where it ends. Your journey stops here."

He charged at Dylan, ignoring Eddie. Snipers were useless up close. Dylan had more fight in him so he'd crush him first.

As for Aero, Kuroobi still hadn't figured him out. He'd deal with him later.

This wasn't even supposed to be a real fight. He'd just been out for a walk and heard the noise. No backup. No Den Den Mushi. If he'd brought one, he would've reported to Arlong first. That was just how cautious he usually was.

If he didn't return, Arlong would know something serious had gone down. But if he came back fine, it would be just another minor scuffle.

Not that it mattered now. The outcome had already been decided the moment he stepped onto the scene.

Kuroobi launched into Fishman Karate. As a 40th-dan black belt, he wasn't holding back.

Dylan, better prepared this time, didn't panic. But Kuroobi's [Hundred-Tile True Punch] was still too much to take head-on.

That's when Eddie remembered the note Aero had given them days ago.

One move stood out as perfect for Dylan now.

Navy Six Styles: [Kami-e].

Dylan remembered the technique: release every muscle, sense the subtle shift in air from the enemy's attack, and move with it to evade.

He closed his eyes, letting go of all tension.

Kuroobi noticed something was off. Dylan wasn't guarding at all. Just standing there. Relaxed.

Kuroobi smirked. "He's wide open. This'll finish him!"

He struck with full force.

"[Kami-e]!"

The words left Dylan's lips like a breath.

And in the next instant, Kuroobi's punch slammed through empty air.

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