https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1044-The-True-Cruelty-of-the-Grand-Line/13540839/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1046-Fifth-Emperor-What-Even-Is-That-/13540843/
Chapter 1045: How Could He Grab It With Just One Hand?
Chapter 1045: How Could He Grab It With Just One Hand?
"What was that?! How did he do that?!"
On the ship, William, who had just fallen into the sea and was still catching his breath, shouted in shock.
Shockwave!
That was a shockwave!
Catastrophe-class ability—why would a young girl possess something like this?!
Is Blackbeard dead?!
"Focus on that girl first!" William steadied his breath, regaining composure as he addressed his crew. "No matter what, that move didn't deal real damage to us. This little brat's technique isn't fully refined yet. Eliminate this threat immediately!"
"That won't work."
A calm voice suddenly echoed beside them. The four crew members instantly tensed, spinning around to see Kuro standing casually among them with a smile.
Meanwhile, the Kuro standing earlier on the warship's deck now shimmered like ripples before disappearing entirely.
Swoosh!
The four instantly scattered. Sverre, dagger in hand, darted behind Kuro, aiming for his spine.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Elmira's dual pistols fired in tandem, sending bullets streaking toward Kuro.
Montblanc appeared on the other side, his fist surging with Haki in a devastating straight punch aimed at Kuro's head.
William at the front spun rapidly, rapier drawn, thrusting straight for Kuro's heart.
Kuro merely glanced at them. "Decent reaction."
He gripped his hilt, leaning forward mid-attack range. "Slash Wave."
A whisper of golden arcs erupted in a circular motion, deflecting Elmira's bullets while slamming into Sverre's dagger, Montblanc's fist, and William's rapier. All three staggered backward.
Sverre skidded back but immediately lunged again, leaping at Kuro's neck from behind.
"Decent speed", Kuro said without looking. "But playing speed games with me? Still too green."
As Sverre's dagger neared his back, Kuro suddenly spun, his arm snapping out to seize Sverre's wrists before hurling him sideways. Elmira, just raising his pistols, froze mid-motion as Sverre's body flew toward him.
That momentary hesitation proved fatal.
Kuro's figure flashed through the gap between their bodies, appearing directly before Elmira with a grin.
Bang!
A brutal kick slammed into Elmira's abdomen, sending him doubling backward, eyes bulging as he flew across the deck. Kuro casually grabbed Sverre's collar mid-fall, slamming him downward.
Crash! Crash!
Elmira smashed into the ship's steel-reinforced railing, leaving a crater. Sverre's head drove into the deck, creating a hole that left him buried to his waist like a comically inverted planting.
"Diamond Crush!!"
Montblanc leapt skyward, spinning downward in a Haki-empowered axe kick.
Kuro merely raised a single finger.
Thud!
Montblanc halted mid-air, staring in disbelief as Kuro's fingertip hovered inches from his leg, held at bay by an invisible Haki barrier.
External Release Haki—Montblanc knew this technique well. But the force behind this single finger blocking his full-power strike? Unbelievable!
Kuro smirked, suddenly sweeping his hand downward beneath Montblanc's legs. As Montblanc's body fell, Kuro's finger shot upward, tapping Montblanc's forehead.
Boom!
Montblanc's head snapped back like struck by cannon fire, his body crashing into the mainmast, leaving a deep indentation in the wood.
William's three most trusted officers fell like toy soldiers. This wasn't mere strength—it was a qualitative difference. Kuro wasn't just brute force. He was a swordsman, yes, but years spent studying unarmed combat with Lida had led him to integrate those techniques into his swordsmanship. His mastery was already formidable.
Compared to Kaido or Big Mom, who might simply flatten enemies with blunt force, Kuro preferred these elegant technical takedowns.
After flicking Montblanc aside, Kuro casually pinched the incoming rapier blade with two fingers.
"Don't rush", Kuro smiled at William, his voice turning teasing. "Let me teach you about the Grand Line's cruelty... my little hometown friend."
"I'm older than you!"
William gritted his teeth. Steam suddenly erupted from his blade, engulfing Kuro in superheated vapor. This wasn't just heat—it was a precursor to something more dangerous.
Explosion!
The steam ignited spontaneously without flame, erupting in a devastating blast. Luffy himself had suffered burns from this technique before!
Back in East Blue, he'd been so intimidated by Kuro's sword techniques that he fled without fighting. But now?
"Now watch!" William thrust his rapier forward, activating his ultimate move. "Flash Dueling!"
Through the flames, a hand emerged. A single hand casually waved aside the fire and steam before descending to grip the rapier blade. Kuro stood unharmed, smirking. "Nice idea. Using misdirection now?"
William's eyes widened. A palm—just a single palm—held his blade steady.
Last time, Kuro had used his sword to block. Now he was stopping it barehanded?!
What's changed?!
(End of Chapter)
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