Chapter 38 - CHAPTER 38 - Lightning-Fast Slash

"One against two? Looks like Bordeaux Winery is trying to eliminate the Warlord's subordinate first. That bald guy's defensive ability is impressive, but in my opinion, one versus two—he's definitely going to lose." A spectator in the audience made his judgment. "Haha, no kidding! Anyone with eyes can see that. Krit's bounty is way higher than this former West Blue bounty hunter's. And it's a two-on-one fight—he's doomed. The only question is whether he'll survive the match." A pirate from Bordeaux Winery sneered. Daring to offend Bordeaux Winery? Even if he was a subordinate of a Warlord, they would kill him just to set an example. They were curious—if he really died, would Crocodile be furious? After all, training a subordinate this strong must have taken a lot of effort. "You don't seem worried," Rear Admiral Harry remarked. Ever since his investigation clarified certain matters, his attitude toward this Warlord had softened—despite having been beaten up just that morning. "This is his first time using a sword. "I think it'll be interesting. "And he'll be fine." Rosen had observed for a while and made his assessment. Even against two opponents, Bones' defense was nearly impenetrable. Killing him was almost impossible. At worst, he'd take some injuries. "When this is over, have someone take the children away. "I assume you've figured out where the intel leak came from." Harry's change in attitude made it clear. "Yes. "I was reckless earlier. "As long as I'm alive, I'll make sure those children are taken care of." Harry made his promise. "People only truly understand each other after a fight. "But as for Captain Luca—you'd better keep an eye on him." Now that Rosen understood the situation, he found Harry relatively trustworthy. At least, Harry had been adamant about taking the children to safety—so much so that he had been willing to draw his sword against a Warlord. Some matters were best left to professionals. Before, Rosen had refused to hand over the children because he wasn't sure if they'd be safe. But now that the misunderstanding was resolved, there was no reason to keep treating Harry as an enemy. Still, calling him a "good man" was a stretch. Harry likely had his own thoughts about Captain Luca. But that wasn't Rosen's concern. As long as the children were properly protected, the rest was none of his business. "Die! Supergravity Hammer!" Nate leaped high, raising his iron hammer and bringing it crashing down. "Blade Guard!" Bones held a narrow blade horizontally in front of him—blocking Krit's incoming strike. As for the hammer, while powerful, it was far less threatening than Krit. Boom! The heavy hammer smashed into Bones' fully fortified defense, sending sparks flying. The massive recoil sent Nate flying backward. The Iron Man of the Dice-Dice Fruit wasn't just for show. If an attack couldn't match the force required to cut steel, it wouldn't even scratch Bones. Clang! But right after, Krit's massive sword came down, delivering an immense impact. Though Bones held his ground, the force cracked the arena floor beneath him. "Venomous Stinger Barrage!" Krit laughed wildly as he unleashed a flurry of rapid thrusts. Countless blade shadows rained down on Bones, sending sparks flying from his metal-hard body. But he remained unfazed. Instead, he suddenly swung his leg—a swift horizontal slash. His leg transformed into a massive blade, resembling a nodachi, and swept toward Krit's midsection. Krit quickly pulled back, using his greatsword to block. Clang! The metallic clash rang through the arena, and he staggered back several steps. "Haha! As tough as expected! "What an incredible ability! "But too bad—you're not the only one with a Devil Fruit." A faint golden glow spread across Krit's sword. He was a Paramecia-type user—the Sharp-Sharp Fruit. His ability granted him unparalleled cutting power. With his fruit's enhancement, even a dull blade could instantly become a lethal, razor-sharp weapon. "Tiger Fang Thrust!" Krit dashed forward at lightning speed. At the same time, Nate swung his hammer from the side, aiming for a crushing blow. "That's Krit's ability! "The Sharp Edge of Doom! "His attacks can cut through steel like butter! "The Iron Man is dead!" Someone in the audience cheered excitedly. Some even snuck glances at the Warlord. Those from Bordeaux Winery hoped to see frustration, disappointment—or even fury—on his face. But Rosen remained utterly composed. Because he saw Bones sheathing his blade—assuming a drawing stance. So this was the "progress" Bones had spoken of? Was he about to unveil something new? "The boss is getting stronger. "If I don't grow stronger too... "One day, I won't be worthy of following him anymore. "I realized this when we set out for the New World. "So tonight, the only option is for you both to die." Bones muttered softly to himself. His hand fused with the sword—like liquid metal intertwining. "Final words? "We don't care to hear them! "Just die already!" Krit cackled. He always got a rush before drawing blood. "Lightning-Fast Slash!" Bones swung his blade. A full-circle arc of light flashed across the two attackers. The movement was so fast it was nearly invisible—like a streak of lightning. His sword vanished in that instant. The two attackers froze in place—motionless—mid-strike. They were still a good ten meters away from Bones. "What the hell?! "Why aren't they moving? "Come on, finish him off! "Why are you stopping at the last moment?!" A spectator shouted impatiently. Since the start, this three-way battle had been the most thrilling part of the match. The rest of the competitors had already been whittled down. Two had been eliminated, and the remaining two were evenly matched. A decisive outcome would take time. But this two-on-one battle? Now this was a spectacle! "Oh? Not bad." Moris paused mid-drink. But after a brief moment of surprise, he resumed chugging. "Damn it. "He lost." Balm's expression darkened. Few in the crowd had seen what happened in that instant. But he was one of them. "What just happened?" Robin was curious. Why had the two attackers suddenly stopped moving? She hadn't seen anything. "He won. "They were both hit. "They're dead." Rosen spoke calmly. To him, an enemy's death was nothing surprising. If they came to kill, they had to be prepared to be killed. Just as he finished speaking— Two sharp, wet slicing sounds echoed. Blood sprayed. A thin yet lethal slash had carved across both men's chests, cutting deep into their vital organs. The wounds spanned their torsos. Had their bodies been weaker, they might have been cleaved in two. Thud. Both men collapsed. Bones raised his hand. A 13-meter-long, razor-thin blade shimmered into view. To call it a "longsword" was an understatement. It was as thin as a sheet of paper. Under the dim lights, it was nearly invisible. A 13-meter blade—razor-sharp, impossibly thin—had swept across them at blinding speed. Its lightweight structure allowed for extraordinary velocity. And since it was an extension of his Dice-Dice Fruit body, he wielded it with perfect control—effortlessly manipulating its absurd length. By the time the two realized they'd been cut... Their lives had already been severed. (End of Chapter)