Chapter 354: It Can't Wait Any Longer
Chapter 354: It Can't Wait Any Longer
Kuro thought Ju Geng's Observation Haki seemed unremarkable at first glance, but in reality, it was quite impressive.
Donald wasn't bad either—his Armament Haki was also at a high level.
Considering his recent joining, while he still fell short of Lida's raw talent when Kuro first met her in the East Blue, overall, he was far superior to Klah at his debut.
Ding!
Donald's spear missed entirely, but his foot pivoted instantly. His long spear arced upward mid-motion, its tip crashing precisely against the incoming arrow. The steel arrowhead and spearpoint collided with a metallic clang, deflecting the projectile. The arrow spun through the air before plunging tip-first into the earth.
"You dodged my attack by predicting it. Your Observation Haki is strong."
Donald's eyes flickered with surprise. Rotating his palm, he twirled his spear into a flourish and lunged forward with a burst of speed toward Ju Geng.
"At close range, archers are helpless!"
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Facing Donald's rapid advance, Ju Geng calmly loosed three arrows in succession, each aimed at a different angle to corner him. Though staggered, the arrows flew so swiftly that their timing felt nearly simultaneous.
These trajectories sealed off all potential escape routes—no matter which direction Donald chose, he'd be struck. This was why Flying Slash techniques, without overwhelming power, were easily outclassed by firearms and bows. If portable "Pacifista"-type pistols ever became widespread, many would probably declare, "Officer, the times have changed."
"You're underestimating me!"
Donald spun his long spear, creating a swirling black shield around him. Three sharp clinks echoed as the arrows deflected. By the time the last arrow fell, Donald had already closed the distance.
Seeing Ju Geng make no move to draw another arrow, Donald shook his head inwardly.
Typical of a non-combatant. Her Observation Haki might be good, but her battlefield experience is pitiful. Once an enemy closes in, she panics.
Better she be defeated by an ally than killed by an enemy.
Let me, Donald, teach you a lesson!
Planting his feet, Donald thrust forward with the shaft of his spear—not aiming to pierce, but to strike. This would be enough.
"If you don't take this seriously, you'll regret it."
Above, Kuro finished his last octopus ball, wiped his mouth, and lit a cigar with a chuckle.
Just as Donald prepared to land his blow, Ju Geng suddenly stepped forward, narrowing the distance.
Her hand clamped firmly on the spear shaft. As Donald tried to apply pressure, her figure blurred like a ghost, darting forward.
Her foot hooked behind Donald's leg. Her other hand seized his collar. The same hand that gripped the spear slid forward, delivering a precise strike to his neck!
Crack!
"What?!"
Before Donald could react, his balance collapsed. A surge of force from his own unstable stance sent him flying backward.
Clang!
Mid-air, Donald slammed his spear into the ground. The tip pierced the earth, dragging a trail of residual energy to halt his retreat.
Hovering in place, he glared upward at Ju Geng, his expression darkening.
A patch of blackness spread slowly across his neck.
"Judo?"
Exhaling sharply, Donald barely dodged a sudden glint of cold light flashing toward his face. Ju Geng had already nocked another arrow.
His pupils constricted. Slamming his cross-spear upward, he deflected the incoming arrow.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
But as soon as he parried one, a barrage of arrows streaked like meteors. Ju Geng's hands moved faster than the eye, her rapidfire creating afterimages.
No chance to close in! The sheer volume was overwhelming!
Gritting his teeth, Donald furiously swung his spear to deflect the storm.
The training ground transformed into a battlefield—arrows rained down like a storm, while Donald spun his spear into an impenetrable vortex. Arrows shattered or veered wildly, embedding into the surroundings.
Yet arrows had limits.
When Ju Geng's quivers emptied, Donald seized his opening. Deflecting the final arrow, he prepared to charge—only to freeze as Ju Geng lowered her Great Bow and bowed.
"Thank you for the lesson."
Donald stood rooted, gripping his spear, his face flushed with frustration. Should he advance? Should he retreat?
Was that all?
Aren't you supposed to be stronger?
Keep going!
Are you using me as a target now?
"Big Sister Ju Geng, you were incredible!" Lida bounded over, beaming. "You shot so fast! Your archery skills surpass every Navy shooter back at the base!"
Ju Geng shook her head gently. "It's nothing special. I trained this way just to avoid startling prey when hunting."
Her arrows flew silently, without the telltale twang of bowstrings. Their near-silent flight made them deadly to the inattentive.
"Not bad", Kuro nodded from above. He'd already gauged Donald's combat prowess through past sparring with Klah. Testing Ju Geng now gave him a clearer comparison.
Donald's individual combat strength couldn't rival the collective will of the Kas, but in one-on-one fights, ten Kas wouldn't last a minute against him. Plus, his obvious admiration for Kuro meant obedience—perfect for replacing Kas on patrols.
As for Ju Geng, when she wished to venture out, she could handle herself independently without needing escorts.
Acquiring these two was a clear gain.
Kuro exhaled a smoke ring, smiling. "With them, I can stay low in the West Blue. Let the world forget me. Less trouble that way."
He wasn't a Four Emperor-level figure nor an Admiral. His only public feat—the Top War—would fade from memory eventually. If Zeff could be forgotten, how much easier would it be for someone like him, a mere Commander not yet qualified for the Headquarters medal ceremony?
The medal ceremony?
Let it wait. There was no rush.
(End of Chapter)
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