Chapter 661: Retreat
Chapter 661: Retreat
Sengoku?
This made Kuro's heart leap with hope, while Charlotte's breath caught in her throat.
Another one?
She narrowed her eyes, staring at the two figures across from her.
She had to admit - facing two Admiral-level combatants was simply beyond her current capabilities.
She was already at a disadvantage.
Continuing the fight wouldn't change anything.
If Sengoku really had arrived...
Then she definitely couldn't keep fighting.
Two days of relentless combat had already drained much of Charlotte's fury, and the mere mention of Sengoku's arrival completely restored her clarity.
This wasn't the time to stubbornly hold ground - doing so would lead to disaster.
She had already used her soul energy to create two Homies from her own essence, not someone else's. That kind of technique required recovery time after use.
The last time she'd created Homies had been decades ago.
Prolonging this battle would accomplish nothing - she couldn't defeat these two.
"You two, especially you! Kuro, you little brat - I won't let you go!"
Charlotte gritted her teeth, glaring fiercely at Kuro before reluctantly shouting, "Ainemy, retreat!"
"Yes, Mother!"
A howling wind wrapped around her body, rapidly pulling her backward. The remaining Homies also withdrew.
"Trying to run?"
Yi Xiao gripped his staff-sword, preparing to give chase.
"Don't bother, Brother."
Kuro raised a hand to stop him. "It's pointless to keep chasing. If she wants to escape, we can't stop her."
No one could stop two Admirals, but likewise, two Admirals couldn't stop a Four Emperors from fleeing.
This wasn't an Rpg boss battle where neither side would back down.
These were real people who could think, strategize, and retreat.
Even if they pursued her all the way to Totto Land, they'd get stuck in a full-scale war there. If the Navy got involved again, it would trigger another Top War.
The Navy wasn't ready for that yet.
Besides, the other Four Emperors in the New World probably wouldn't allow such a situation either.
Balance - while the Navy and Four Emperors were enemies, neither side wanted to completely destroy this equilibrium.
If it really came down to a fight to the death, Charlotte might die, but they wouldn't come out unscathed either.
That would only give other factions the opportunity they were waiting for.
The Navy's true strength was the foundation maintaining peace in this world.
That strength couldn't show any weakness.
Hissing through his teeth, Kuro finally relaxed as Charlotte disappeared. The moment he let his guard down, every part of his body ached.
Charlotte had taken serious injuries, but he and Yi Xiao weren't unscathed either.
He'd at least broken three ribs.
His Black Tortoise form had been shattered countless times.
Yi Xiao looked even worse - minor injuries aside, the worst was the blow to his head that had left dried blood crusted near his eyes.
Their physical durability simply couldn't compare to that monster's.
"Chasing them really won't accomplish anything."
After Kuro stopped him, Yi Xiao thought for a moment and nodded. "By the way, is Sengoku coming over?"
"Yeah, probably heard the news. Judging by the situation, he's already nearby."
Kuro glanced back at Dressrosa.
The Birdcage had already vanished.
Likewise, he couldn't sense Luffy's crew's aura anymore, and that annoying Flamingo's presence had weakened significantly.
That guy had lost.
"Brother, let's go check things out."
Kuro sheathed Autumn Water and said to Yi Xiao before flying toward Dressrosa.
Meanwhile, at the heavily damaged Dressrosa, a group of Navy officers was already waiting.
"Kuro!"
Seeing Kuro fly in, Lida shouted, "Are you okay?"
"Do I look okay to you?"
Kuro landed, rolling his eyes white. "Hurry up and help me out!"
"Okay."
Lida nodded, quickly flashing afterimages past the other Navy officers before appearing beside Kuro.
"Borrowing some essence."
The Navy officers felt like half their essence had vanished.
Lida extended her hand, pressing it against Kuro's chest. "Essence Feedback!"
Whoosh!
A warm sensation enveloped Kuro as his external injuries began healing. His broken ribs started mending, and he let out a relieved sigh. "Alright, that's enough. Now help Brother."
"Uncle Yi Xiao, would you like some treatment?"
Lida nodded, approaching Yi Xiao with her hand raised.
"Oh? Treatment? Miss Lida has such talents now? In that case, I'll humbly accept." Yi Xiao smiled gratefully.
After finishing the treatments, Kuro turned to the leading Bastille and Minorin.
"What's the situation now?"
The two exchanged glances before Minorin spoke. "Donquixote Doflamingo has been defeated. We've already arrested him and his subordinates."
"Figures." Kuro beckoned Minorin closer. "Give me a cigarette. I'm out."
Minorin quickly pulled out a pack of cigarettes and handed it over.
Kuro took one, lit it, and took a deep drag before exhaling smoke. "That arrogant idiot still failed in the end. What about Luffy's crew?"
Hearing this, Minorin lowered his head. "Sorry, Kuro. We let Luffy escape."
"Hmm?" Kuro raised an eyebrow.
What? I let them go because of Garp's connection, but you did too?
Minorin and Bastille weren't particularly close to Garp, were they?
These two might not be Luffy's crew's match, but after fighting Donquixote Doflamingo, Luffy's crew definitely wouldn't have much strength left. They should have been easy to capture.
"It's like this - after Donquixote Doflamingo's defeat, I went to arrest him while Bastille went after Luffy's crew. But we encountered the Revolutionary Army on the way." Minorin hesitated.
Bastille stepped forward. His bull-horned iron mask was gone, revealing a somewhat disheveled face. "It was the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff Sabo who stopped us. We couldn't capture Luffy's crew. Also..."
"There's also me."
An elderly man who had changed into normal clothes, now looking dignified, stepped forward with a group of soldiers. "It was my decision."
Riku Dold Iii.
"You?" Kuro was momentarily stunned.
"Now King Riku has been officially reinstated as Dressrosa's king by the people's decision, and this has been recognized by neighboring countries!"
A one-legged man carrying a large sword spoke beside him.
Cyrus.
"Yes, I released them." King Riku said solemnly. "While I'm deeply grateful for the Navy's protection of our civilians, it was those pirates who truly saved this country. As king, I have the right to make decisions within my own nation."
(End of Chapter)
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