Lucifer: The Swamp Fruit

SHING!

A terrifying sword gleam shot towards him. Wilder sensed the rapidly approaching danger. The eyes within his black cloak snapped open. There wasn't enough time to dodge. Instinctively, he clenched his fist, coated it with Armament Haki, and punched out hard!

BOOM!

The sword gleam rocketed skyward, spun a few times in the air, and then vanished without a trace! With just one punch! That terrifyingly sharp sword gleam was shattered as if it were rotten wood.

Momonga's pupils flickered slightly, his expression grave. A serious expression also appeared on Apoo's face. The two of them tacitly paused their battle, turned, and fixed their gazes on Wilder, who stood on the large boulder.

Wilder lowered his hand. His black cloak concealed his body and face. He didn't speak for a moment, leaving them to wonder what he was thinking. A gentle breeze swept through the area, causing the hems of their clothes to sway slightly. The atmosphere grew heavy and delicate.

The three formed a triangle, yet there was no mutual checkmate. Instead, two of them had their gazes locked onto the figure standing on the boulder.

"Do you not intend to leave, sir?" After a long pause, Momonga was the first to break the silence, his eyes fixed squarely on Wilder.

"This matter of the sword strike can't just be let go like that, you know..." a low voice issued from beneath the black cloak, carrying a hint of an unreadable smile.

Hearing this, Momonga turned to glance at Apoo to his left, his heart uneasy. He'd been played! At this thought, Momonga's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent. Meeting his gaze, Apoo grinned, feigning ignorance.

That last sword strike had originally been aimed at him, but he had used a specially maneuvered soundwave to redirect it. And the best direction, of course, was towards that "ferocious beast" watching the fight. So, this move was premeditated on his part. On one hand, he wanted to draw Wilder in; on the other, he didn't want to be backstabbed later.

Wilder, of course, could see through Apoo's little trick but chose not to expose it. His gaze, hidden within the black cloak, shifted between the two.

"Well then, I believe you two can continue. I'd like to watch this fight. I trust neither of you will mind?" Although Wilder didn't want to reveal himself, he also wasn't about to be struck by a random sword blow for no reason and then slink away. This, however, gave him an ample excuse to stay and watch a good show. He had always enjoyed battles between the strong. Watching such fights provided considerable help to his own insight and combat experience, which was one reason Wilder was so keen to stay. As for any other reasons, it was simple: because… he wanted to watch. Just because he wanted to, no other reason needed.

"Sir, it would be best if you left. This is a Marine operation to apprehend a major criminal. Please do not interfere," Momonga said firmly, not yielding an inch. Otherwise… I have the right to arrest you as well. Momonga didn't voice this last part. This man gave him a strong impression, so unless absolutely necessary, he didn't want to needlessly make such an enemy, especially in the current situation. Of course! If the other party truly refused to leave... A sharp glint flashed in Momonga's eyes.

Wilder remained unmoved. He was curious to see what Momonga would do if he didn't leave. Fight? Clearly, he wasn't afraid. Maintaining a low profile as much as possible didn't mean being completely passive. This was a mindset and confidence built on strength. In the past, Wilder would have ensured everything was foolproof, avoiding any unnecessary trouble. But times were different now. If it's a fight they want… then let them fight!

"Hey, hey! Don't do that! How about we beat him up together?!" Apoo persisted, not giving up, and shot a glance at Momonga as he spoke.

Momonga's eyebrow twitched, his face ashen, but he didn't immediately make a move. Click... Only, his already sheathed longsword was drawn out a fraction more, his expression turning stern.

"How about this: since you are unwilling to leave, sir, I won't insist. I only hope you refrain from any actions that could be misunderstood later. My subordinates will be arriving shortly," Momonga said after some thought, taking a step back.

Apoo, to his left, paled upon hearing this. He looked up at Wilder on the boulder, saw him give a slight nod, and immediately felt the urge to flee.

"Then… surrender, Apoo!" Momonga finished speaking, spun around, and swung his sword at Apoo!

SHING! BWOOM!

Sword gleam and soundwave collided. The shockwaves and energy from the attacks formed a hemispherical dome expanding outwards.

"Hey, hey! Wait! Wait! Since that guy isn't agreeing, why don't we just take him down first, okay?!" Apoo leaped, narrowly dodging Momonga's sword slash, and hurriedly said.

"Just what are you scheming, you bastard? This kind of decision doesn't seem like you!" Momonga frowned, but his body leaped forward to attack again!

However, Apoo's words did cause a slight ripple in Momonga's heart. That fellow on the rock… remained a threat. He couldn't bring himself to believe the other party would just docilely watch until he and the pirate Apoo were exhausted, at which point he would likely strike. If the situation reversed as Apoo suggested, and they dealt with the other party first, then… Apoo would be no cause for concern. This was Momonga's confidence. However, there was no reason Apoo wouldn't have thought of this. So, what was the true purpose behind Apoo's suggestion?!

Momonga, caught in the middle, couldn't figure it out. But Wilder, listening from the side, understood after a moment's thought and chuckled. Apoo's "purpose" wasn't really a purpose; he was gambling. If Momonga agreed to his method and dragged Wilder into the fray, it would mean Momonga had offended Wilder. In Apoo's mind, Wilder was at least no saint and likely an enemy of the Marines, thus effectively putting him in Apoo's camp. Yes, Apoo himself had also offended Wilder, but once Momonga's subordinates arrived, under duress, Wilder might not refuse to team up with Apoo, because it would become a confrontation between Marine justice and "evil." At that point… how things would develop would be anyone's guess. In short, it was a gamble, a desperate measure. Apoo knew it would be very difficult to shake off Momonga. If there was a chance, it was probably this one.

Having figured out the crux of the matter, Wilder's eyes within his black cloak glinted with a dangerous light, but his body remained motionless, pretending he hadn't heard anything.

BOOM! Another clash. Momonga and Apoo separated, then once again charged towards each other!

"Now!" Suddenly! Apoo's voice rang out. His body spun, and the soundwave attack emanating from his hands unexpectedly changed direction, rushing towards the motionless Wilder on the boulder! Simultaneously, Momonga also leaped, landing behind Wilder, his sharp longsword slashing down, danger arriving with it!

Evidently, the two had reached a temporary agreement during their recent exchange!