Using the power provided by the rotation, the water currents turned into sharp water blades, while he became a dangerous “spinning top.”
Previously, Borsalino intervened to save Strawberry, so Mandrell wanted to try and see if Borsalino could ignore casualties among his subordinates. His battle required a large amount of water, so to conserve stamina, he used Rain Dance to change the weather.
However, just water alone was not enough to deal with Borsalino; he wasn’t like Crocodile, losing his elemental ability when drenched in water.
The rain generated by Rain Dance came from moisture in the air, and although it contained Pyrobloin particles that Devil Fruit users feared, it wasn’t enough. Unless the opponent was immersed in seawater, he wouldn’t lose his strength.
But Mega Gyarados was different. After Mega Evolution, its Ability immediately changed to Mold Breaker, which could partially nullify the opponent’s abilities.
In other words, facing Mandrell’s attacks, if Borsalino tried to evade using his Logia-type’s passive, he might very well end up in trouble. Evidence of this was the blood on his shoulder from being cut.
For some reason, that water blade prevented his body from turning into light, leaving him with a bloody wound.
It wasn’t Haki, but something strange. If the opponent’s attack truly has a means to nullify elemental transformation, why didn’t he use it every time? Currently, it seems to be a random attack.
A minor wound spurred Borsalino to reassess the situation, but after that, he began preemptively dodging Mandrell’s water blades, not wanting to gamble on the hit rate of the opponent’s technique.
But as Mandrell rotated, his water blade’s range gradually expanded, eventually encompassing other Marines.
“This guy…Well, he’s a pirate after all…”
A typical Marine leader wouldn’t stand by as their subordinates were slaughtered, unless absolutely necessary. Sakazuki would not do so either, and it should be said that he would be even less likely to stand by and watch such an act.
He might send out a portion of the Marines to be sacrificed as part of a combat mission. That is something that is inevitable in war. Soldiers can die in battle, but they cannot die in such a manner.
Borsalino naturally would not stand by either. He is not afraid of anyone when it comes to large-scale attacks.
The Marines never stand by and watch their subordinates be slaughtered. The most unfortunate incident was when Zephyr was unable to protect his trainees due to his strength.
A barrage of lasers shot out in all directions, disrupting Mandrell’s water blades attacking nearby Marines. However, Mandrell still achieved his goal. His attacks seemed erratic but had a hidden purpose.
His target wasn’t a specific person but the island beneath his feet. Before coming here, he had studied Foolshout Island carefully.
Despite its desert-like appearance with giant cacti everywhere, it had many villagers living on it, indicating that they have a stable water source.
This was Foolshout Island’s peculiarity. Although no major rivers were visible, there were underground rivers below the island. Mandrell’s attacks aimed to create a path to this underground river, his planned escape route.
When covering up a retreat, he always prepares an unexpected escape route. This was why Jack didn’t hesitate; Mandrell’s survival skills and brains were well-known within the Beasts Pirates.
The heavy rain not only boosted his power but also concealed the ground’s condition.
Due to their attacks, the rain-soaked ground was full of holes, obscuring what had happened. As Mandrell’s AOE attacks ended, Borsalino appeared in front of him.
Apart from the initial cut on his arm, Borsalino wasn’t harmed.
“I heard you people boast about your strength using numbers, so you’re actually the strongest, huh?”
Looking at the No.1 on Mandrell’s shoulder, Borsalino “praised” him, his words tinged with a mocking tone.
“So, does that mean you are stronger than Zeraora? You must have even more terrifying skills then, right?”
“Haha, Marine intelligence isn’t bad, but who told you I’m the strongest? No numbers doesn’t mean weak; it might mean he doesn’t need the numbers.”
“Such a confusing method. How about we go back to the base and chat leisurely, or do you want to experience the feeling of being kicked by light?”
As soon as he finished speaking, Borsalino’s legs shimmered with a dazzling light as he kicked towards Mandrell, but this strike was blocked by his crossed arms.
“As expected of the Marine’s monster Vice Admiral. However, it’s a pity; my mission is already complete. I’ll inform Lord Zeraora that you’re eager to catch up.”
Saying this, he used the force from Borsalino’s kick to plummet downwards. By now, Jack and others should have retreated. Then, he should leave too.
Mandrell, who had fallen to the ground, didn’t reappear. Only upon landing did Borsalino notice a large hole in the ground, and from it he could hear the sound of rushing water.
“An underground river? Quite a cunning fellow…”
Borsalino gave up on pursuing Mandrell. He merely attacked the ground below once with Yasakani Sacred Jewel.
Even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t be able to find out where the person who fell into the water might have fled to. That’s why, despite the Marine’s curiosity about Mandrell, they haven’t taken any action yet.
Based on the calculations, the likelihood of successfully capturing Queen at sea is higher than capturing Mandrell. If there’s an opportunity, he’ll naturally take action. However, since the other party has already fled, even if it was due to his carelessness, he wouldn’t deliberately pursue them.
He and Mandrell weren’t mortal enemies. In fact, he had a feeling that if they weren’t on opposing sides, they might have gotten along quite well.
“Vice Admiral Borsalino! Rear Admiral Strawberry is in critical condition!”
As he was pondering above the entrance to the underground river, a Marine nearby reported.
Although he had intercepted Jack’s follow-up attacks, he had already taken a punch from Jinbe and Jack’s powerful trunk attack. At this moment, his erect hair was visibly askew.
In fact, it wasn’t just his hair but his head itself. According to the original timeline where his hair was tied in bandages, it was clear he has a peculiarly shaped head.
“I’ll take him back to the warship for treatment first. You all hurry back with the other injured.”
Saying this, Borsalino transformed into light and carried Strawberry away, leaving the island. Shortly after, the thunderclouds above the island dispersed.
However, some people’s doubts didn’t disappear.
“Mom, was that really just thunder earlier?”
Puzzled, Koala looked out the window and asked her mother whom she had been separated from for a long time.
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