MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTER CXLIV - The honor of the Powath chief

Jorge wiped the blood from his eyes and tried, as best he could, to concentrate. "Come on, he kept repeating to himself, you can do it !" Since his fight against Hopper, in the catacombs of the Midnight palace, he had never managed to summon his hybrid form. He had probably been able to reach it thanks to the adrenaline of that moment when he had almost lost his life, so that it was impossible for him to summon it with a clear head. However, his hybrid form was essential for him to compete with Pagliacci : while keeping the strength of a bear, he could keep his human morphology and thus to agiler and faster.

- Cavallo corsa ! cried the colossus while rushing on his opponent.

Jorge's Shave allowed him to dodge the enemy's assault by leaping to the side, but Pagliacci had planned his move. Before Jorge could even get back to his stance, he lunged at him again and slammed him into the marble wall of the theater. Jorge got up as best he could, rubbing his cracked ribs. His clothes were stained with blood.

- How does that damn gorilla-horse do it ? he grumbled. The Shave is so...

- ... so fast that it allows you to disappear momentarily, indeed, Pagliacci sighed, approaching his opponent. Unfortunately for you, boy, my haki is strong enough to follow your every move.

"Haki" ? Like Haru, this colossus had the ability to anticipate the actions of his opponents.

- But it also allows me to be as strong as steel ! added Pagliacci by raising his two arms above his head. Gorilla gong !

- Iron body !

Jorge had been quick enough to react and prepare his defenses, but it wasn't enough : Pagliacci's super-powered arms, covered in the darkest of armament haki, crushed him to the ground. As he was screaming in pain, his opponent grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up to bring his face into the light.

- You have a beautiful face. I do not like it. The public loves the ugliness and ridiculousness of my freaks. But do not worry : I will fix you. You will be my masterpiece.

...

The Supra Nostra artists were amazed : they who were known for their spectacular talents and their strength, enough to be recognized by the Circus officers themselves, could not defeat the miserable beasts of the Freak Show. Far from just being ridiculous, their quirks were actually formidable : Wilson's naturally thick skin was making him as tough as a giant crustacean, Koo-Koo's feathers were protecting her from enemy attacks, and the conjoined twins Chang and Eng were fighting with exceptional coordination.

Rosa remained in the shadows, armed with a dagger in case she had to defend herself, Hataro in her arms. Trembling like a leaf, the poor child seemed terrified by the chaotic melee that was taking place on the stage. But while she was busy reassuring him, some clowns spotted her and rushed at her.

- Back off ! she shouted at them, pointing her dagger at their hilarious faces. I won't hesitate !

- Ah ! sneered one of them. The star wants to fight. But Master Pagliacci was very clear : we have to keep you alive, but we are authorized to use force if necessary. You'll still be able to sing with a mask on when we'll have destroy your pretty face !

And as they were throwing themselves on her, Hataro sobbing in fear, Annie grabbed all three of them by the neck. The bearded woman, although charming and very feminine, also had the strength of an ox. With a supple movement of her shoulders, she pulled them back before swinging her long braided beard in their faces. Then, she grabbed it with both hands and, like a whip, swung it to hit the fleeing henchmen.

- Annie ?! I didn't know you were so strong ! We owe you our lives !

- Don't worry, sweeties ! I owe a lot to Lonny. It is my duty to... Ouch !