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Chapter 1367: Don't Be Too Arrogant, Old Man
Chapter 1367: Don't Be Too Arrogant, Old Man
Imu possessed eyes that could pierce through the world's essence. If Kuro had merely heard him boast, he would have dismissed it as nonsense.
But when they clashed, it turned out to be true—forcing Kuro to reconsider.
Abilities, sword techniques, Haki, even Killing Intent—anything circulating the Grand Line could be unraveled by him one by one.
Not rendered useless, just neutralized.
With minimal strength and experience, Imu dismantled them effortlessly.
So Kuro decided to play a different game.
His suspicions proved correct.
The Shinmeiryu Style wasn't from this world. To counter it, you'd need prior experience.
"An intriguing technique I've never seen before. No, it's not even from this world. Untraceable, just like you yourself. You always manage to surprise me with unexpected accidents."
Imu glanced at the claw-scarred area, then fixed his gaze on Kuro, narrowing his eyes. "However, this technique won't defeat me."
Whoosh!
Imu vanished. Kuro's eyes widened as Autumn Water flared with golden light. "Shinmeiryu Style: Mystic Art—Black Tortoise!"
Crack!
The tortoise-shell shield barely materialized when a sudden wisp of sword blade pierced through his defense, aiming straight for Kuro's chest.
Kuro dropped his body swiftly. As he landed, Imu closed in like a shadow, his blade descending rapidly.
Clang!
Kuro raised Autumn Water to block, catching the Rapier's edge. With a twist of tremendous force, he kicked upward into Imu's chest. The kick missed—Imu had already retreated backward, evading the strike.
"But your 'light' isn't strong. Even with techniques I can't adapt to, you're still like an insect. A firefly's fleeting glory can never rival the moon's radiance."
Imu said coolly, "For eight hundred years, ambition-seekers have risen one after another, all craving to rule the world. You're no different from them."
Kuro stretched his limbs, glancing at his Crimson Armor unscathed by the Rapier's slash. "You're no different from those outside either."
Omniscient, omnipotent, all-seeing—but still just a man.
Though he could neutralize most strengths, there were limits.
Otherwise, beings like Kaido wouldn't have run rampant, defying the World Government. Over eight centuries, Imu's appearances must have been limited—whether from indifference or reluctance to reveal the truth, it proved one thing: his power wasn't absolute.
Those he sought to eliminate were mostly from the D's Family or those who knew about the three ancient weapons.
Pluton's knowledge once resided with the old fishman, later passing to Franky before his death.
Poseidon, the King of the Sea—Shirahoshi—remained at large, location unknown. Kuro himself didn't care.
As for Uranus, Kuro knew fragments of news. It should be in Elbaf's hands, though its form remained unclear.
Imu knew this too, yet the Grand Line remained unchanged.
Either he couldn't act, or his strength simply wasn't that overwhelming.
Not weak, but troublesome.
Just a world-monitoring overseer.
"Shinmeiryu Style: Mystic Art—"
Kuro's two fingers traced the blade, golden light enveloping it before erupting into a monstrous bird engulfing him. With a shriek, the bird spread its wings, soaring toward Imu.
"Vermilion Bird!"
"Another unfamiliar slash? No, it's mixed with something else."
Imu's pupils darkened. Choosing retreat over confrontation, he stepped back.
The Vermilion Bird tore through surrounding structures, its intense slashes shredding flowers, plants, and walls. As the monstrous bird neared Imu, a human figure suddenly emerged from its core, lunging at him.
Smack!
Kuro seized Imu's arm with one hand, clamping down with a malevolent grin.
The Vermilion Bird descended, unleashing countless slashes, drowning Imu in a storm of blades.
The relentless slashes shook Imu's body, yet not a single cut breached his robes.
"Your damn clothes are fused with you, huh!"
Kuro snarled, muscles straining as his eyes bulged. With a violent heave, he hurled Imu backward. In the same instant, Kuro surged forward, Autumn Water cleaving downward.
Clang!
Imu blocked Autumn Water midair with his Rapier, preparing a counterattack. But Kuro pressed forward, headbutting Imu with tremendous force.
Bang!
With crushing momentum, Kuro drove Imu through the wall, crashing down together.
"You're not invincible either!" Kuro hovered above, smirking.
"I never claimed to be."
From the ruins, Imu rose slowly, still gripping his blade. His clothes were now soiled, eyes locked on Kuro. "Even I know prolonged combat would lead to defeat. But if I fall... what then?"
"Lucius Kro, do you truly understand? This world is vast beyond imagination, teeming with hidden crises. Ambition-seekers like you are countless. Have you considered this—defeating me won't let you rule the world."
Imu continued, "The world will descend into chaos. Those who defy you will never submit, waging wars against you. If the World Government can be defeated, so can you. The Grand Line will plunge into greater chaos than ever before."
"These rebellious ambition-seekers can't all be killed. They can only be contained. Only through my eyes can I see the world's truth, eliminating disturbances before they grow, preserving peace and guarding against external threats. The world isn't just the Grand Line. The Moon Clan's threat has never left."
He extended his hand. "My five subordinates were killed by your allies. I offer you one chance—submit to me. I'll even grant you that Throne. Obey my commands, and I'll let you live as long as I have. This world holds many ways to extend life, beyond the Surgery Fruit."
"What's that got to do with me?" Kuro replied bluntly.
Imu shook his head, about to speak, when Kuro cut in.
"You're about to say others gave the same answer, right?"
Imu hesitated. "Isn't it true? Chasing tiny ideals, seeking to destroy everything—how are you different from them?"
"The difference?"
Kuro landed, gazing upward with a sigh. "If Luffy were here, he'd probably say 'I'll do what I want.' But I'm not like that. What you said is simple enough."
He faced Imu. "A stagnant world is worse than a vibrant one. Don't think living long grants you the right to dictate everything."
Autumn Water pointed at Imu. "Die quietly, cut down by an old man. That's your fate. Don't be too arrogant, old man."
(End of Chapter)
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