Chapter 1123: Too Many Devil Fruit Users!
Chapter 1123: Too Many Devil Fruit Users!
Well, well – this was definitely coming for him.
Kuro chuckled bitterly, "Wait, where do you get the gall to call me a coward? On what basis? These people here are nothing but wretched participants?"
"You're underestimating us, old man. We're not just any wretched participants."
As Kuro spoke, a sudden voice rippled through the air nearby. The space around him shimmered like water disturbed by a stone.
Kuro's pupils contracted. Instinctively, he slashed his sword in one lightning-fast motion. His blade speed was incredible, but even so – it proved useless.
The moment his blade cut through the air, the ripples seemed to gain viscosity. They directly adhered to Autumn Water, and the space itself appeared to come alive like a gaping mouth. Before Kuro's wide eyes, it began devouring his sword inch by inch!
The blade was gone!
"Hehehe, a swordsman without his sword should see his strength drop significantly."
The air shimmered again, coalescing into an elderly figure directly in front of Kuro. Dressed impeccably in a tailcoat, the man placed his right hand over his left chest and bowed politely. "Greetings, Admiral. I am Maros – the Sealed Man who consumed the Seal Seal Fruit. Capable of creating a sealed, independent space separated from reality."
"Hmm?"
Kuro raised an eyebrow, instinctively looking outward. Through the banquet hall's windows, the outside scenery remained visible.
Approaching the window, he suddenly threw a punch. His fist contacted the glass, sending ripples outward, yet not a single inch of progress was made.
Everything felt... unreal.
"As you suspected", Maros smiled. "This space already exists independently. Anything you do here is meaningless."
This pronouncement instantly darkened Kuro's expression.
Another ability like the Underworld technique.
And this one seemed even stronger.
"Kuro!"
Outside, Lida and the others entered through the broken wall, making their way to the banquet hall. Observing the shattered doors and the empty interior, they hesitated.
They had rushed in upon seeing a wisp-like slash tear through the wall. Kuro had attacked – they had to investigate. But now, no one was here.
Not only were there no people, but no objects remained either. The room was bare, devoid of furniture.
"The aura is here!"
Lida's eyes glowed with red light as she scanned the banquet hall, urgency in her voice. "But where is Kuro?!"
She could sense Kuro's aura nearby. But where was his physical form?
The next instant, a blade materialized from thin air, clattering to the ground. Lida focused – it was unmistakably Autumn Water.
"Devil Fruit user." Klah adjusted his glasses, stating flatly, "Looks like a trap."
"Seal the area!"
Doflamingo barked orders to the Navy personnel following them. "Surround the castle! No one enters or leaves!"
"Understood!!"
The Navy members scattered, securing all exits of the castle.
A thousand soldiers – more than sufficient.
"Ah, my space is completely independent. Any material existing within can come and go as I please." Maros smiled smugly inside the sealed space. "Your subordinates are loyal indeed. They've already taken position outside. But even if they sense your aura... They can't enter."
"Quite impressive", Kuro turned to Edmund. "How many Devil Fruit users do you have?"
Edmund smiled, "Ah, I'm simply too wealthy. Holding the wealth of an entire nation, I've no interest in anything... except Devil Fruits. I attend every underground auction. Many unidentifiable Devil Fruits have been collected by me. And I've found the perfect users. You Navy helped greatly – Impel Down's prisoners were perfect candidates, weren't they, Maros?"
"True praise, Lord." Maros bowed respectfully. "You've granted me new power. I shall serve with all my might."
Edmund smiled warmly. "Then let the rest introduce themselves. Let our Golden Lion Admiral experience their talents."
Seven individuals stood beside Edmund.
The mountainous fleshman Sa consumed the Reflection Devil Fruit – reflecting all attacks.
The dwarf-like Kyla possessed the Peel Peel Fruit – the Skinning Man capable of removing surfaces from any substance.
"I am Tawish."
A muscular man with massive arms stepped forward from Edmund's side. "I consumed the Switch Switch Fruit – the Exchange Man. Capable of swapping objects or even the internal essence of living beings. Like this –"
He picked up a golden candelabrum and an ornate plate from the table. His eyes widened as he roared, "Exchange!"
The two items shimmered strangely but appeared unchanged.
Yet when Tawish threw them forcefully, a crisp ringing sounded as the golden candelabrum shattered like porcelain, while the ceramic plate landed undamaged with a dull thud.
"Their internal essences swapped", Tawish smirked proudly. "That candelabrum's core is fragile porcelain, while the plate's essence is now solid gold. This is my ability – my strength. Even souls can be exchanged!"
Whoosh!
The next instant, a wisp-like afterimage approached. Kuro appeared before Tawish, his palm transformed into a blade radiating Haki. Without hesitation, he slashed toward Tawish's neck.
"Ramming Attack!!"
But as Kuro raised his arm, a thunderous shout echoed. Frowning, Kuro countered with his other fist, punching sideways.
Boom!!
The impact made Kuro's eyes widen in disbelief. His body slid sideways as if struck by immense force, flying several meters.
In the original position stood a young man maintaining a charging stance, a gruesome smile on his face.
Kuro steadied himself, glaring at the newcomer.
No Haki blocked that?
He was already using the Third Stage – External Release Haki. It should have provided protection.
"Haki isn't omnipotent", the young man said, wiping his nose with his index finger, a bright grin emerging. "I'm George – the Ramming Man who ate the Ram Ram Fruit. Capable of ramming any existence away!"
"Oh, truly impressive." Kuro shook his hand nonchalantly.
Haki wasn't everything – Kuro understood that well.
Abilities like the Barrier Fruit could block even the strongest Haki.
Abilities were miracles.
But these miracle-wielding Devil Fruit users...
Seemed to be multiplying. (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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