"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, this is Momosagi. I'm currently in Alabasta and have just concluded discussions with King Cobra about next year's Heavenly Tribute Gold," said Momosagi as soon as the Den Den Mushi connected. "However, I just spotted the captain of the Black Crow Pirates and Diamante—one of the Donquixote Family's top officers—appearing to make contact."
Although Momosagi came with the primary objective of monitoring Mio, her official duty was negotiating the Heavenly Tribute Gold. The Celestial Dragons were still furious about the incident where Doflamingo and Mio allegedly plundered a shipment of tribute gold.
That single event had caused chaos at the top, prompting the Celestial Dragons to demand an increase in tribute from every affiliated kingdom. In addition, each kingdom was now required to assign heavily armed escorts to all future tribute deliveries.
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Fleet Admiral Sengoku fell silent in thought before responding after a pause. "I'm aware of the situation. Don't take any action against the Donquixote Family for now. As for the Black Crow Pirates… you can test the waters."
"According to our intel, it seems they've recently recruited a new member. You're permitted to engage, but keep in mind that the New World is still our top priority."
"I understand," Momosagi replied, her tone steady.
Sengoku added, "Also, the investigation into the tribute gold theft in the North Blue has concluded. I'll be sending additional personnel to assist you."
"Understood." With that, Momosagi ended the call and immediately dialed the Den Den Mushi again to contact the Marine scout she had assigned earlier.
Soon, the soldier reported his position. Momosagi wasted no time and headed out.
Outside Alubarna, Capital of Alabasta
At that moment, Mio and his group were making a swift departure from the city.
As they moved, Mio suddenly raised his hand. Erica quickly approached.
"Deal with the pest following us," Mio said casually.
"Understood, Master," Erica responded calmly.
Without even looking back, she unsheathed her blade and slashed with a wave of deadly energy. A sharp scream echoed behind them.
Sliding her sword back into its scabbard, Erica returned to Mio's side without a second glance.
Moments later, Momosagi and a group of Marine officers arrived at the scene, finding the dead Marine scout on the ground.
With a cold expression, Momosagi ordered, "Pursue them."
Mio had already sensed the pursuers, but he didn't want to waste time in a drawn-out fight. He was intent on reaching their next destination.
Unfortunately, it seemed the Marines had predicted their escape route.
Just a short distance ahead, a blockade of hundreds of Marine soldiers appeared, cutting off their path.
Mio stopped and sighed. "Is this really necessary? I'm just a rookie pirate."
"Rookie pirates don't possess power like yours," came a cold voice from behind.
Turning, Mio saw Momosagi approaching, leading another unit of soldiers. Her sharp gaze locked on his.
"That just proves I'm too talented," Mio replied with a light smirk.
"It's because you're too talented—too dangerous—that I can't let you go," Momosagi said sternly.
With a metallic ring, she drew her Kinpira blade, the gleam of its edge flashing under the sun.
The Marines surrounding Mio readied their weapons.
In response, Mio calmly unsheathed his black-bladed Raikiri, his grin widening. "You guys really think you can stop me?"
Then, without hesitation, Mio shouted, "Kill!"
Whoosh—
The moment the word left his mouth, Mio vanished from his spot. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared beside Momosagi, sand scattering as he emerged. His Raikiri slashed toward her without mercy.
Sensing the deadly intent, Momosagi's eyes widened. Reacting with practiced instinct, she twisted and blocked the blow just in time.
Clang!
Blades collided with a burst of sparks.
Such speed… and power!
Momosagi was stunned. If not for her Observation Haki, that strike could've ended her life.
He had grown stronger—much stronger—since the last time they fought.
"You think you can take me down?" Mio said with a smirk as he stepped back and swung his blade again.
A black arc of energy shot forward, condensing into the shape of a giant crow and flying toward her.
"As a Marine, even if I can't win, I'll capture or kill any pirate I face!" Momosagi yelled back, unleashing a golden slash of her own.
Boom!
The two energy waves collided mid-air, creating a shockwave that rippled across the desert.
Marines moved to support their vice admiral.
But just as they were about to act—
Whoosh!
A figure soared into the air, massive wings unfurling behind her.
"Who gave you permission to interfere in the master's battle?" Lilith's voice echoed from above.
With a flap of her wings, a fierce wind erupted. Navy soldiers were blown away like leaves in a storm. The yellow sand around them twisted into a tornado, sweeping up more of the troops.
Momosagi looked up in shock. "Is that… the new Black Crow member?"
That terrifying power—Lilith wasn't using a standard Zoan-type Devil Fruit. Nor did it seem like an Ancient Zoan.
Could it be… a Mythical Zoan?
Before she could analyze further—
"Don't get distracted in the middle of battle."
Mio's voice whispered in her ear.
Momosagi's eyes widened in horror as she spun around to defend—
Swish.
A flash of silver light.
Slash.
A deep wound carved across her back. Blood burst from the gash as she was sent flying across the sand.
Her body hit the ground hard, rolling several times before stopping.
"I hope you won't die," Mio said calmly, raising Raikiri again. "You're a beautiful woman. It'd be a shame."
Despite his words, he showed no mercy.
He swung his sword again.
Whoosh!
A black slash roared through the air, ripping apart the sand as it surged toward the fallen vice admiral.
Momosagi, feeling the overwhelming danger, gritted her teeth and forced her body to respond through the pain.
But before she could counter—
Boom!
A figure suddenly appeared between her and the attack. With a single punch, the black slash was shattered.
Momosagi gasped. "You…"
Mio paused as well, surprised. Then he let out a low whistle, lowering his sword slightly.
"A real monster showed up, huh?" Mio muttered, grinning as he turned away.
Facing the shoreline, he shouted, "Everyone, let's go! Hahaha! Looks like you're lucky this time, Momosagi!"