One Piece: Legend of the Star Sea

But the moment Captain Morgan saw that Alex had weapons in hand, and more and more of his men were getting knocked down, his expression grew even darker.

"What the hell are you all doing?! Have you forgotten my orders?! I want that damn brat dragged before me so I can tear him apart with this giant axe of mine!"

He raised the massive axe embedded in his right arm and bellowed at the surrounding marines.

"Colonel, he's too strong! We can't stop him!"

One marine stepped forward, trembling as he saluted. He had already taken several brutal punches from Alex and was barely able to stay standing. Just speaking now was pushing his limits.

Morgan scowled. "I don't need subordinates who only know how to admire the enemy's strength but don't have the guts to fight back! Under my supreme authority, everyone is weak and powerless!"

And with that, Morgan swung his massive axe and cleaved the saluting marine in half on the spot.

The rest of the marines, who were attacking Alex just moments ago, turned pale watching the brutal execution. But even though they were seething with fear and anger, none dared to speak up. They could only grit their teeth and continue fighting.

"If you're really as powerful as you say," Alex said, dodging a few marines and pointing his blade at Morgan, "then come out here and face me yourself! Shouting from the back like some coward won't change a damn thing!"

Alex knew full well that his vision was starting to blur—he likely didn't have much energy left. That's why he needed to end this quickly. If he could take Morgan down, the rest of the marines might back off.

This was the logic behind his challenge: knock out the head, and the body collapses.

"You? A no-name brat with no status or rank dares challenge me? I'm a distinguished Navy colonel! I am Axe-Hand Morgan!"

Morgan glared at Alex and slowly began walking toward him.

"All of you, back off!" he shouted. "I'll handle this kid myself. I'll make sure he understands that under my rule—under my authority—no one dares resist me!"

Yes! Got him!

Alex's heart lit up. If he hadn't taunted Morgan into a one-on-one, he would've had to charge into a full squad of marines plus Morgan at the same time—which, in his current state, would've ended badly.

The marines that had surrounded him moments ago slowly retreated, leaving a wide-open space in the plaza for the two to fight.

Damn, these marines are surprisingly cautious, Alex thought as he glanced toward Zoro's post.

The fact they still had marines watching over Zoro showed they weren't taking any chances.

Blood already covered Alex's back, soaking into his shirt—his injuries looked terrifying.

He didn't waste time talking. With a sharp shake of his head to clear the dizziness, he charged straight at Morgan.

Gripping two military sabers—one in each hand—Alex launched into a flurry of chaotic slashes aimed at Morgan.

But not a single strike connected.

Watching from his post, Zoro couldn't take it anymore.

"You call that swordsmanship?!"

I never said I was a swordsman, Alex thought, frustrated. But it's still better than fighting barehanded against a guy with a freakin' axe for an arm!

Just as Alex was about to fire back with a sarcastic reply, he saw the glint of Morgan's giant axe slicing down toward him.

He raised both sabers to block—CLANG!

Both of Alex's blades shattered instantly under the brute force of Morgan's swing.

Zoro closed his eyes in pure disbelief.

"You let the enemy break your swords head-on?! You're a disgrace to all swordsmen!"

Disgrace your sister! I never said I was a swordsman! Why are you so worked up?!

Tossing aside the two broken blades, Alex leapt backward to avoid the next axe swing. As he came down, he stomped hard on Morgan's axe arm and launched a brutal kick directly into Morgan's chin.

OWWW!

Alex recoiled in pain. It felt like he'd just kicked a steel pillar. Turns out Morgan's jaw was made of metal.

"You're dead, brat!!"

Morgan roared and raised his axe again, swinging down at Alex—who was still mid-air and hadn't landed yet.

"You're the one who's going down first!"

Alex twisted in mid-air, ignoring the screaming pain in his body. Just before Morgan's axe could connect, he lashed out with another fierce kick—this time striking Morgan squarely on the nose.

CRACK!

Morgan stumbled backward uncontrollably. As he reeled back with his head tilted toward the sky, a bright red arc of blood sprayed from his nose, glinting vividly in the sunlight.

Why the hell hasn't Luffy shown up yet?

Alex gasped for air, his chest rising and falling rapidly. After this intense battle, exhaustion was creeping in fast.

His back throbbed with pain, and as he stared at the bleeding Morgan, the sharp, pulsing agony slowly started to blur his consciousness…

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