Chapter 825: Do You Look Down On Me?
Chapter 825: Do You Look Down On Me?
One Line Sky was a technique similar to Kuro's Dharmata—an high-speed slash. One Line Sky was single-target, while Dharmata used multiple lines. But the former could confront strong enemies, whereas the latter was merely for clearing minions.
That wasn't the point though.
Mcauley Warner had mastered it!
A streak of light like flowing radiance shot straight into Kuro's Body, piercing through completely.
Mcauley Warner appeared behind Kuro, maintaining a half-crouched Iaijutsu stance. With a crisp 'click', he sheathed his sword.
A confident smile curved his lips.
His ability could mimic living beings, even humans. The techniques and physical qualities of his mimicked targets would reflect onto himself.
But the condition required the target to be near him. That's why earlier when blocking Kuro's slash, he used his own bracer. This wasn't ordinary steel—it was Old's Steel from the North Blue, a famous alloy of extraordinary hardness.
And this powerful man was right before his eyes, ripe for mimicry!
Mcauley Warner chuckled faintly, "Didn't expect this, huh? Getting cut by your own technique must hurt."
"Too slow. You haven't grasped its essence."
Hardly had his words faded when a voice sounded beside him. Warner's pupils constricted. Instinctively turning his head, he saw the figure he'd slashed earlier ripple like water, fading under sunlight.
An afterimage!
At his flank, Kuro stood unharmed, watching him with interest. "Don't know how much of me you've got. Let's see more."
"Don't underestimate me!"
Warner drew his sword again. This time, his draw speed was far greater, carving a wisp-straight line across Kuro's neck.
"Crescent Moon Slash!!"
Clang!
Autumn Water rose, blade blocking the lightning-fast strike. No matter how hard Warner pushed, his face contorted with bulging blue veins, he couldn't force the blade an inch further.
"Hey, can he do this move too!" Lida's eyes widened, his voice tinged with rage. "Don't insult Kuro's techniques! That slow? You're not worthy! Kuro's lightning fast!"
"Oh? My Crescent Moon Slash." Kuro looked down at Warner with interest. The man wasn't tall, so he had to tilt his head slightly.
"Any more?"
"Slash Wave!!"
Instinctively, Warner stopped pressing and twisted his blade downward. A slash-wisp erupted from the steel, but before fully forming, Kuro angled Autumn Water sideways, forcing Warner's blade down and dissipating the attack.
"You call this Slash Wave?" Kuro raised an eyebrow. "That slash couldn't split the sea. I'd say cutting a river would strain you!"
Bang!
He suddenly kicked Warner in the gut, sending him skidding several meters away.
"Still got more? Old Man's Afterimage Slash? You mimicked me—you should dodge this kick with an afterimage, appear behind me for a slash! Can't even do that?"
"I... I..."
Warner staggered up, clutching his midsection, lips trembling.
He honestly couldn't.
Mimicry had limits.
He could vaguely sense some techniques, but couldn't execute them.
"What about Old Man's Hundred Shadows Slash? Swallow Return? The swallow-slicing technique? You can't even handle a mere swallow! What about my Mystical Arts? Even the simplest mythical beasts' Mystical Arts? I won't expect you to master Four Divine Beasts, but not knowing others—don't tell me you look down on Old Man?"
Lida and Klah both smirked at this.
Swallow Return?
Klah hadn't understood before, but with growing strength, he now recognized its might. It wasn't just multiplying swords like Zoro—it was carving Zoro's level of containment with a single blade. A slash that could touch the divine.
Even Lida, who'd experienced the Instant Hell Kill and had enough strength for its unarmed version, wouldn't claim to simulate tripled fists. Even with speed, attacks had intervals. But Swallow Return had none.
"Unforgivable! So what if I can't do it!" Warner roared. "Were you born knowing them? Once I grow stronger, I'll master all your techniques!"
Actually, Kuro was born knowing them.
Kuro spun Autumn Water in a flourish, resheathing it.
"Next life, maybe."
Whoosh!
Kuro became a wisp of afterimage, vanishing. A black line flashed before Warner—a thunderous stroke that left his vision blank.
The line passed. Kuro reappeared, sliding the exposed Black Blade home.
Rising slowly without glancing back, he said, "Now that's One Line Sky."
Puh!!
Warner's body shuddered. His head shot skyward, fountain-like blood gushing.
"Raise rifles, take aim!"
The moment Kuro beheaded Warner, Humphrey seized the opening—Kuro's moment of rising. With a wave, he barked, "Head, heart! Fire!!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!!
A barrage of bullets rained toward Kuro. Kuro frowned slightly—each bullet targeted his forehead or heart.
"Whoa, sharpshooters got some precision."
Kuro turned to Humphrey, "Your command-style gunplay's impressive. Devil Fruit user?"
Command Devil Fruit—commands men. Wherever he aims, whatever the distance, his orders hit. That's the ability's quirk.
Humphrey had waited, watching for this opening. Though he'd never heard of the Heavenly King pirate, this man's strength was undeniable. This wasn't a perfect opening, but he couldn't wait longer.
Three were already dead!
"Useless? Command: Armed Shooting!"
Gritting his teeth, Humphrey raised his arm and slashed downward. Pirates behind him roared, rifles rising again.
"Hm? This is..."
Kuro stared at the bullets. His pupils contracted. Instinctively twisting aside—
Bang! Bang! Bang!!
Bullets tore into the earth, leaving deep craters.
These were Haki-infused bullets!
"Though we're in the New World, even musketeers using Haki? That's extreme."
Kuro glanced over. The pirates' life auras dimmed after firing.
They shouldn't have Haki—but under this ability, they were forcing vitality into armed form?
That ability...
Kuro drew Autumn Water, facing Humphrey. "You're a bit terrifying."
(End of Chapter)
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