As the old saying goes, if you know yourself and the enemy, you will win every battle. Although Luffy did not care much for such tactical details, the rest of the crew understood that gathering information was essential. The Straw Hats had naturally grasped information regarding Catarina Devon, including an analysis of her Nine-Tails Fox fruit abilities. Consequently, Nami was well-prepared when facing her, ensuring she did not fall easily into illusions. This realization bolstered Nami's confidence, though she remained cautious; she knew her opponent was extremely powerful, so she aimed to delay the fight until her partners could win their own battles and provide support.
The other crew members shared this sentiment. Those confident in defeating their opponents increased their offensive output, striving to finish their fights quickly to assist others.
Jango, for instance, faced his fated opponent: the "Devil Sheriff," Lafitte. Lafitte held a cane similar to Brook's and possessed a pair of white wings on his back. While he appeared to be a gentleman, he was a dangerous individual who favored violence. Furthermore, Lafitte possessed mastery over hypnosis. This was the reason he was Jango's fated enemy; the battle would determine who truly held the title of the strongest hypnotist on the sea.
Jango walked toward Lafitte step by step, his movements seemingly chaotic yet rhythmic. Each footstep resonated like a strike against the hearts of those nearby. Suddenly, the surrounding combatants aimed their weapons at Lafitte. Lafitte clapped his hands, impressed: "It's so powerful, worthy of the hypnotist of the Straw Hat crew. You can hypnotize these ant-like fighters in just a few steps; you are qualified to be my opponent!"
Jango removed his hat, saluting like a gentleman: "Hello, Mr. Lafitte, the Devil Sheriff. I have wanted to meet you for a long time."
"See me? Why?"
"Your hypnosis technique is very strong. During the Summit War, you were the one in the power room controlling the Gate of Justice, right? At that time, I thought, I must meet such a master and defeat him, otherwise, I can never become the strongest hypnotist on the sea!" Jango said, though his expression remained flat, devoid of overt fighting spirit.
Lafitte lowered his eyes, right hand spinning his cane, and did not stare at Jango. Jango began to move forward again, his footsteps creating a loud, rhythmic noise. Lafitte sighed helplessly, covering his ears and flapping his wings to create noise, attempting to disturb the melody of Jango's technique. However, Jango snapped his fingers. The combatants he had already influenced turned their weapons toward Lafitte, rushing forward in a desperate, suicidal charge.
"Hey, hey, you are going too far!" Lafitte's mouth twitched. He used his wings to lift himself into the sky, dodging bullets and blades alike.
Lafitte was deeply afraid of Jango. He understood the requirements of hypnosis, and while he was confident in his own skills, he knew that facing a Devil Fruit user like Jango placed him at a natural disadvantage. He did not dare to look at, listen to, or act against Jango carelessly. As an extremely cautious person, Lafitte refused to take risks, but this caution led to his current passivity.
Jango, too, was anxious. Hypnosis was a discipline where impatience was the greatest taboo, especially against another master like Lafitte, who could counter if one acted too hastily. Jango remained cautious, all while watching the struggles of Nami, Franky, and Chopper from the periphery, hoping his partners would pull through.
On another battlefield, Robin used her "Two Fleur," "Four Fleur," and "Tres Fleur" techniques to dazzle and eliminate the minor combatants of the Big Mom Pirates. Despite her efforts, the sheer number of soldiers was overwhelming. The Vinsmoke family members were also working hard to clear the field, but the Big Mom Pirates were not easily defeated. Similarly, Bepo, Kaku, Shachi, and Penguin were struggling against the sheer volume of Blackbeard's subordinate forces.
Although Big Mom had brought the strength of her entire country and Blackbeard had contributed significant combat power, the Straw Hats—despite their small numbers—maintained a slight advantage in the battle flow. Elites simply proved more effective than common soldiers.
"Everyone is working hard. I have to hurry up and knock these enemies down," Robin said, summoning a giant leg with her "Cien Fleur" technique to sweep away a large number of enemies with a massive Tempest Kick. Perospero pointed his lollipop at her and released a wave of candy arrows, but Robin dodged them with ease, having awakened her Observation Haki. Although Perospero was the eldest son, he was not as strong as Katakuri; his level was roughly comparable to a standard Marine Vice-Admiral. Robin felt confident; it was time to test her strength against him.