Chapter 1178: Witness the Strength of Awakening
Chapter 1178: Witness the Strength of Awakening
Almost as Kuro's eyes flickered with Killing Intent, Charlotte·Big Mom sensed it—her massive frame thrust Napoleon forward. In an instant, thundercloud Homies Hera arrived at the blade's tip, while flame Homies Prometheus encircled the sword's midsection. Amidst Napoleon's guttural growl, a surge of white flame erupted through the weapon.
"Cry Light Cannon!!"
Chirp!!
Like a bird's cry, the colossal blade emitted a sound as a wisp of lightning energy shot forth, exploding directly on Kuro and kicking up a cloud of smoke and dust.
"Got him!"
Prometheus shouted excitedly, "Our combination is invincible! Hera, be my girlfriend!"
The long-haired thundercloud personification Hera pouted her crimson lips and huffed, "No way."
"Not yet—don’t let your guard down here!"
Charlotte·Big Mom’s voice darkened as she stared at the smoky position, gritting her teeth. "Kuro, you little brat… I have to admit, you’ve got the qualifications to be an Admiral."
Huuu—
The wind blew, dispersing the smoke to reveal the scene inside. Kuro still stood atop Kaido, gripping the Yokai Blade with not a single casualty around him. Even those behind him—every one of them lifted their heads, staring at Charlotte·Big Mom and Luffy’s crew without injury. Floating within the smoke was a faint image resembling a tortoise shell. Coiled atop it was a serpent, its snake-like eyes glaring at the crowd, making many feel their bodies stiffen and their breathing falter.
Mystic Art: Black Tortoise!!
"You still haven’t learned your lesson after all those cuts, Big Mom", Kuro said coolly. "Come to think of it, you’re a pirate, right? I’ve never seen pirates with such solid alliances."
"Mamamama! This was just a test! I’ve always seen Kaido as my little brother!" Charlotte·Big Mom laughed. "But you’re right—I’m a pirate. For pirates, teaming up with anyone is perfectly normal. Now then, Kuro… hand Kaido over to me, and I’ll fight Luffy’s crew with you. But if you don’t… I’ll join Luffy and take you all down. How does that sound?"
"Did someone finally crack your skull? I’m an Admiral— I threaten pirates, not the other way around! You’re disrespecting me like this… makes it hard for me to do my job!" Kuro bared his teeth, his expression turning increasingly gruesome.
Charlotte·Big Mom retorted sharply, addressing Eustass Kid and Law nearby: "Hey! Red-haired kid and Doctor! Want to team up with me?!"
"Sure", Eustass Kid sneered. "Pirate business should be settled by pirates. Kuro, I haven’t forgotten the arm you cut off either!"
Law adjusted his hat brim, "Same here. Eliminating the biggest threat comes first."
They’d declared war on the Four Emperors, but that didn’t mean they were mortal enemies. Pirates were all about self-interest. With a massive threat before them now, dealing with it first was logical. Otherwise, the Navy would end up the benefactor of their infighting.
"Not thrilled, but the Navy is the real threat", Marco shrugged. "Let’s focus on them first."
"Perospero", Perospero chuckled with his signature quirk. "Marco, I’m glad you’ve made the right choice."
Yamato interjected: "Luffy defeated Kaido and saved Wano Country—I’ll protect him! Count me in for this alliance!"
"Count you in?" Kuro frowned. "Isn’t the guy I’m standing on your dad?"
"I’ve severed ties with Kaido. Now that he’s lost, Wano will open its borders. I’m setting sail to see the Grand Line for myself!" Yamato declared.
Kuro stared at Yamato, replying flatly, "How noble of you… but it doesn’t matter. You can do as you please— if you can handle this premise."
He lifted his head, scanning the group with calm yet unyielding authority. "Can you lot—broken and battered as you are—really take me down?"
If they were at full strength, Kuro wouldn’t have dared say such a thing. At peak condition, even Charlotte·Big Mom alone would be a nightmare. Add in the others, and it’d be impossible.
But they weren’t at full strength.
Eustass Kid and Law were formidable, and their Ability Awakening states were indeed tricky. But that was before enduring Charlotte·Big Mom’s relentless assault. Now they were bloodied and bruised, just like the woman herself, who’d been battered by their Awakenings.
It was absurd—their combat power, physique, and raw strength couldn’t compare to Charlotte·Big Mom, a prodigy who’d bested giants at five years old.
But the Grand Line thrived on Abilities.
And Abilities allowed chaos.
Luckily, Kuro was one of those who thrived in that chaos.
If here… if now… is there a chance?
If they’re all eliminated… the world will have peace!
Huuuh—
Kuro exhaled a heavy breath of turbid energy, closing his eyes.
In that instant, the air grew heavy, as if an invisible pressure settled over everyone, stifling their breath.
"Kuro…" Lida instinctively stepped back, sensing danger. Every instinct screamed that distancing himself from Kuro was the right move.
"Lida, stay back."
As Lida retreated, Kuro’s voice rang out. The oppressive atmosphere thickened further.
"What are you doing, you little brat?!" Charlotte·Big Mom was the first to sense the shift, barking furiously.
"I’ve always held back—this move was meant to be my secret ace. I like keeping secrets—it steadies my heart. But sometimes… you have to play your hand. I hate dealing with you all ganging up on me, forcing me into a desperate scramble. I despise that chaos—so very much—so I’ve decided…"
Kuro’s eyes snapped open, glowing crimson. "Let me show you…"
Boooom!!!
The earth—no, the entire space—shuddered violently. Not an explosion, but the ground and surrounding ruins trembling uncontrollably, as if unmoored from reality. From Kuro as the epicenter, the tremors spread outward, fracturing the land into floating shards.
Charlotte·Big Mom felt her massive frame grow weightless. Despite her size, her movements were usually nimble—but this wasn’t agility. She was unanchored, drifting upward without gravity’s pull.
"The power of Awakening!" Kuro’s voice echoed through the chaos.
(End of Chapter)
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