Chapter 131: Yes, I Am Klah
Chapter 131: Yes, I Am Klah
As pirates, naturally, they understood their enemies. Among the Navy's elite admirals and vice admirals with well-known reputations, even these pirates from the East, West, South, North, and Grand Line had heard of their names. Garp, Sengoku, Kaku, and the Navy's Three Admirals—the highest-ranking officers—were the most infamous. Even the title "Admiral Candidate" was familiar to some in the crowd. Lower-ranking but equally renowned vice admirals like Togeko, Storbery, Borsalino, Aokiji, and Doflamingo were also widely recognized.
Then there were the veteran vice admirals who relentlessly hunted pirates—Dalmatian, Stress, Bastille, Gumier, Minorin, and others. Even among the younger generation of notable Navy officers, figures like Smoker and Tina, the elite duo, were well-known.
But no one had ever heard of Klah. His existence was buried too deep. If someone claimed there was a junior Navy officer in the East Blue capable of challenging the World's Greatest Swordsman title, they'd be ridiculed and reprimanded.
This was the World Government's secret scheme. But now, faced with undeniable reality, no one could doubt it anymore. The man's swordsmanship was undeniably formidable.
He mastered both Armament Haki and Observation Haki. The former was visible to all, but the latter—Jewelry Bonney knew its depth best. Her own Observation Haki was no trifling matter, though its range was limited. Yet she couldn’t anticipate Kuro's movements at all!
This man was terrifying!
"Earlier, Lucius Kro mentioned someone named Kuro", Hawkins frowned. "Did I mishear? The pronunciation is similar—Klah, you said?"
"Klah."
Killer rarely spoke, but he twisted his curved scythe restlessly, eager for a fight. Though he knew he’d lose, as a swordsman, he still yearned for a challenge.
"Hmm?"
Kuro tilted his head, ready to correct his name—then paused.
Right! The last trace of his weakness had vanished! These pirates couldn’t be captured—they’d promote him if he did. But playing with them? They’d escape eventually, and likely omit his name to save face. Still… what if someone blabbed? What if his name spread in the New World?
But now, he wasn’t Kuro anymore. He was Klah! Let the New World gossip about Klah’s exploits. What did he care?
"Right. I am Klah!" Kuro roared, gripping his blade. "The one Dracule Mihawk hailed as a contender for his throne—Klah!"
Lida stared at him, Klah’s figure fading to a ghostly gray. "I want to resign", Klah rasped.
"You’re already famous. It’s too late", Lida shrugged, biting into fruit.
Kuro’s grin widened. "This isn’t about names anymore. What do we do about this Klah?"
Silence fell. Fighting seemed impossible. Fleeing, unthinkable. Would they perish here?
"Go on", Kuro smirked, eyes narrowing. "What will you do?"
The tables had turned. Earlier, Law had mused who among the pirates would fell this man. Now, the nine Super Novas were the prey, cornered by one swordsman.
Kuro’s eyes gleamed with cruel delight. Why not escalate? His gaze swept the pirates, a malicious smile curling his lips.
"Too many rats. Time to thin the herd."
He reversed his grip on [Huazhou], sliding the blade into its scabbard. As the steel kissed its sheath, a suffocating Killing Intent erupted.
"This is—"
The Nine Super Novas staggered back, drenched in cold sweat.
"What kind of joke is this Killing Intent?!" Jewelry Bonney bellowed.
The pressure mounted, thickening the air.
"Crushing Pressure."
Kuro’s voice was a whisper before the storm.
Boom!
The Killing Intent erupted like a mental shockwave, crashing outward. Except for the Super Novas and a few pirates, only Lida and Klah stood firm. The rest collapsed, eyes rolled back.
Kuro’s tone darkened. "Capone Bege, your power relies on your subordinates, doesn’t it? What now?"
"Not good", Bege muttered, sweating.
The Killing Intent had struck—most of his internal minions were unconscious. Without them, no firepower to retaliate.
In a flash, Kuro vanished.
Snick!
"Ahhh!"
Eustass Kid clutched his severed left elbow, howling as blood sprayed. Kuro reappeared at the Super Novas’ center, slashing in a kneeling iaijutsu stance.
"Iaijutsu."
A golden slash exploded outward, cleaving the air.
"Room!"
Law’s eyes widened. He swung his Yokai Blade Ghost Cry, slicing through the slash, yet the shockwave hurled him backward.
X Drake hardened his arms with Armament Haki, blocking the slash, but the force sent him crashing into a building, kicking up dust.
"Arrrgh!"
Kid’s bleeding stump surged with metal parts, morphing into a mechanical arm that smashed toward the golden slash. Killer spun his scythe, joining the fray.
Crack!
The slash shattered Kid’s arm, sending him and Killer skidding across the ground. Others dodged or braced, but none escaped unscathed.
The golden ring dissipated after tearing through twenty meters.
Kuro stood, surveying the fallen. "Now, Trafalgar Law, how will you heal Eustass Kid?"
Kid’s severed arm was ash. No mending that.
Kuro approached Bege’s unconscious body, retrieving a pack of cigars and a lighter. Lighting one, he grimaced.
"Hmph. Cheap smoke."
He kicked Bege’s body aside.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
