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Chapter 197: The Battle Begins
Chapter 197: The Battle Begins
Kuro's new "Azure Dragon" move differed from before. Previously, the Azure Dragon drew moisture from the air to summon multiple water-based Jiaolong dragons. This time, he used an entire section of the Grand Line itself as his medium.
This technique had only existed in his imagination until now—he'd never dared to try it. Combining the 【Shinmeiryu Style】 with the 【Float-Float Fruit】 was an exhausting feat, and he hadn't a clue about its true power. But now, opportunity knocked.
He'd give this first strike to Marshall D. Teach.
"Roar!!!"
A massive ball of seawater erupted as Kuro swung his blade. It transformed into a colossal water Jiaolong that lunged forward with razor-sharp claws and fangs. Its sheer size cast a shadow over the battlefield, engulfing the area in darkness.
"Retreat!" Marshall D. Teach's pupils contracted. He barked orders to his allies, but a shockwave slammed into them before they could move—a cruel reward for their momentary distraction. The impact made them stagger, their movements sluggish.
Meanwhile, Garp's fist smashed through Pizarro and Bass' defenses. Smirking, he said, "Time to suffer!" With Sengoku, he hastily retreated from the Jiaolong's path.
"Dark Hole!"
Marshall D. Teach reacted swiftly. Slamming his palm onto the ground, he unleashed a wave of darkness. The Jiaolong's body collapsed downward, its water mass being absorbed by the abyss. But the dragon's size overwhelmed even his darkness.
Boom!!!
The Jiaolong's gaping maw swallowed Marshall D. Teach and his crew whole before crashing into San Juan Wolf, who'd been hiding behind the Headquarters. The impact sent the wolf tumbling backward, crushing buildings in its wake.
Crash!!!
The Jiaolong exploded into rain, drenching Marineford.
"Ugh, the water's impact didn't hurt much", muttered Dire Wolf as he shook off the water, his massive body rising again. He tilted his head, bewildered. "Huh? Was it just water?"
Marshall D. Teach's crew lay sprawled, soaked and bloodied. Shiryu, the only non-Devil Fruit user, fared better. Gripping Raikō, he spat out his waterlogged cigar as Kuro descended from above.
"What the hell?" Shiryu narrowed his eyes. "That much power... and it was just seawater?"
Kuro landed before them, sheathing Autumn Water with a crisp clink. As the blade settled, Marshall D. Teach's grin froze.
Shit!
A wound split his shoulder, blood gushing forth. Then another. And another. Innumerable cuts riddled his body, as if the air itself had turned to blades.
"Gaaaahhhhh, IT Hurts SO Bad!!!" Marshall D. Teach rolled on the ground, his blood painting the earth. His allies fared no better—each bore countless wounds.
San Juan Wolf bled like a fountain, yet his expression remained vacant. Pain only existed in his words.
Kuro frowned. His technique should've crippled the Dire Wolf. But the Sixth Level criminal was different—his monstrous vitality made even Mystic Art wounds seem trivial.
The crew's injuries told the tale: Marshall D. Teach's former allies suffered worst, while the hardened criminals stood resilient.
"This isn't right", Kuro mused. "It's just a bigger Azure Dragon. If I only used seawater for blunt force, it's just an Aoe attack. I should've gone further."
Injecting seawater into Mystic Art had drained him. His Float-Float Fruit control needed refining.
Laffitte alone escaped unscathed, having dodged the initial strike.
"Captain Teach!!" Laffitte dove toward his leader, but Kuro intercepted him. A slash carved through his back, sending him crashing down.
"Running won't save you", Kuro sneered. "You think you're safe just because you're from Anyang?"
"Toxic Q!!!" Marshall D. Teach roared.
Toxic Q stirred, weakly raising his head. Trembling hands fumbled for an apple. After biting it himself, he passed it to Marshall D. Teach.
"Slash Wave!!!"
Kuro unleashed a black-gold slash crackling with golden lightning.
Dire Wolf intercepted it with his arm. The strike carved bone-deep, spreading spiderweb cracks across his flesh.
"Ow", he muttered blankly.
"You're like a damn ghost!" Kuro spat.
Dire Wolf's "colossal battleship" title fit perfectly. Fighting him felt like attacking an island.
Protected by Dire Wolf, Marshall D. Teach devoured the apple. Rising shakily, he chuckled, "Blackbeard's Laugh... What power, Kuro! I'm really starting to like you."
Kuro knew the absurd vitality of this world. Killing someone required more than flashy moves—especially monstrous beings like these. His own body had grown tougher through cultivation, though he still lagged behind legends. Even Kaido's blows healed within days. Marshall D. Teach's twisted vitality radiated from his blood.
"Care about yourself, disgusting furball", Kuro retorted. Golden lightning crackled around Autumn Water. "You've messed with me twice. You're not getting away that easily."
"Oh? You have time to chase me?" Marshall D. Teach grinned, blood dripping his face. "Why not check the battlefield?"
As if on cue, a thunderous boom shook the rear. Kuro turned. Akainu, now a molten titan, clashed with Shanks. Massive lava fists crashed against the red-haired captain's sword.
(End of Chapter)
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