Rimuru and Ultima Goes To One Piece (Rimuru and Ultima x One Piece)

Chapter 45: Sanji's Stand - The Duel of Flames and Will

Kaelus sneered as he stood before the group, his towering form blocking their path. His dark armor gleamed menacingly in the dim light of the control tower, and his eyes were filled with a mixture of malice and confidence.

"So, you think you can just waltz in here and disrupt Lord Rimuru's reign?" Kaelus taunted, his voice laced with amusement. "You're foolish if you think you'll get past me."

Sanji, Brook, Nami, and Bepo braced themselves, each one preparing for battle. Kaelus launched forward with a speed that belied his massive frame, aiming a powerful punch toward Sanji. Sanji barely sidestepped in time, feeling the gust of Kaelus' blow as it sliced through the air beside him.

Brook unsheathed his sword and dashed to Kaelus' left, slashing with swift, precise strikes. "Yohoho! You'll find us quite difficult to stop!"

Kaelus deflected the strike effortlessly, smirking. "Skeletons and weaklings won't stand a chance against me."

Nami, standing at a safe distance, called out, "Don't underestimate us! We're not here to play games, either!" She raised her Clima-Tact, creating a powerful gust of wind to throw Kaelus off balance.

Kaelus braced himself against the wind, his grin unfaltering. "Pathetic attempts from pathetic fighters."

Just as he spoke, Bepo roared, charging in with claws extended. "Don't talk down to my captain's allies!" He leaped, slashing at Kaelus with his powerful claws, but Kaelus twisted aside, landing a brutal punch on Bepo that sent him skidding back.

Sanji's brow furrowed as he watched the exchange. "Guys, hold on a sec!"

The others paused, glancing back at him with questioning looks.

"Listen," Sanji continued, his gaze sharp and focused, "we're wasting time here. If we all try to take this guy down together, we're just gonna get in each other's way."

Nami frowned, worry flashing across her face. "What are you saying, Sanji?"

Sanji gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm saying... you three go on ahead. Take down that tower like we planned. I'll handle this guy."

Brook's eyes widened in surprise. "Sanji, you're gonna fight him alone?"

"Are you sure?" Bepo added, wiping the blood from his mouth. "This guy's no joke."

Sanji took a deep drag on his cigarette, exhaling slowly as he faced Kaelus. "Yeah, I'm sure. He's just another overconfident big shot." He glanced over his shoulder, his voice low and steady. "Go. I'll catch up once I've dealt with him."

Nami hesitated, clearly uneasy. "Sanji..."

"Trust me," he replied with a grin. "I've got this."

Kaelus chuckled darkly, crossing his arms. "So, the little cook thinks he can take me on alone. How brave... or perhaps, how foolish."

Sanji turned to face him fully, his cigarette still smoldering between his lips. "Guess you'll find out soon enough."

With a final nod, Nami, Brook, and Bepo reluctantly headed toward the tower, leaving Sanji and Kaelus alone in the vast hall. As soon as they were out of earshot, Kaelus' smirk widened.

"You've made a big mistake, pretty boy," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "You may be fast, but that's not enough to take me down."

Sanji raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. "If I were you, I'd be more worried about what's coming next."

In an instant, Sanji launched forward, his leg blazing with Diable Jambe. He aimed a swift, powerful kick at Kaelus' midsection, the heat from his flames illuminating the room. Kaelus managed to block, but the force of the kick pushed him back, and he could feel the heat searing even through his armor.