Chapter 41 - CHAPTER 41 - Sudden Change, Blade Unveiled

"Wait." Balm stepped forward at the right moment, blocking the attack. This damn Warlord again. Just endure him for one more night. "Isn't this exactly what you wanted, Balm?" Rosen frowned. At first, he had assumed that Maris was acting under Balm's orders. After all, judging by the people around them, Maris was Balm's esteemed guest—personally welcomed by him. Now, pulling a stunt like this seemed nothing more than an excuse to strike. That was Rosen's assumption, at least. As for any potential damage to the event, that depended on how determined Balm was to kill him. If his hatred was strong enough, any losses would be acceptable. "The real show is about to begin," Luca smirked within the crowd. A shadowy figure suddenly approached him. "Is it done?" Luca glanced at the upper floors, toward the room where Anlin was being treated. The figure whispered something into his ear. Luca's expression shifted slightly, his brows furrowing. "Crocodile, if I wanted to kill you, I'd do it openly. "I don't need underhanded tricks. "As for what's happening now, it's simply a matter between your subordinate and Lord Maris." Balm's voice was cold. Indeed, he wanted Crocodile dead. But he wanted to do it publicly. He wanted the whole world to see the price of crossing him. He wanted to sever Crocodile's head in front of everyone as a tribute to his fallen brother. Balm was cautious and disliked unnecessary risks. But he had no interest in scheming from the shadows. To him, dealing with an enemy required decisive, brutal action. If he had to hide while killing his foe, what would that say about him? A coward? "I don't care about your grudge. "But I am taking this woman. "Anyone who dares stop me will regret it." Maris had little understanding of the personal feud between Balm and Crocodile. But he had no patience left. He signaled to a dark-skinned, muscular bodyguard, preparing for confrontation. Rosen frowned. Was this truly a coincidence? If Balm had already decided to kill him, why hide anything? Regardless, Rosen's course of action was clear. No one was taking Robin away. That would be tantamount to rubbing his face into the dirt. A Warlord of the Sea abandoning his subordinate for money? That would shatter the crew's trust. Some leaders might not care. But Rosen did. His only truly capable subordinates were Daz Bones and Robin. "Bones." Rosen's voice carried weight. He was not going to negotiate. The moment his name was called, Daz Bones transformed, his body turning into blades. Rosen's body stirred as well, sand beginning to swirl around him. Robin looked at him, her emotions complicated. If he had abandoned her, she wouldn't have been surprised. In her mind, she had lost value the moment she failed to translate the Poneglyphs for him. Five hundred million Berries. It was an enormous sum. Yet he had refused—without hesitation. Why? "Crocodile, do you really think I won't kill you?" Balm's killing intent had been simmering beneath the surface. Now, as Crocodile defied him outright, his fury erupted. But the angrier Balm became, the more reckless Rosen felt like being. If this was just a coincidence, why not take advantage of it? Why not kill Balm here and now? Moris had already stated he wouldn't interfere. This could be the perfect opportunity. If things went south, escaping with two people was still an option. With a Logia fruit, unlimited sand, and double speed, Rosen had no fear of being surrounded. "If you want to kill me, you'll have to prove you can. "Sandstorm!" Rosen moved first. His body exploded into a cloud of sand, dispersing in all directions. His arm, fully transformed, slammed onto the ground, draining the moisture from the stone floor. With one swift motion, he summoned a swirling mass of sand, forming a growing tornado. "Wait." Balm's voice dropped slightly. If they fought here, the battle could spread to the brewing district behind the estate. Even if he managed to kill Crocodile, the damage could be severe. Fury burned in his veins. But for now, he had no choice but to endure. "Lord Maris, let her go. "Whatever grievance you have, we'll settle it through negotiation." Balm's words made Rosen hesitate slightly. Robin was still in their hands. If they decided to use her as leverage, things could get complicated. Daz Bones remained tense, locked onto Maris' bodyguard, prepared to strike. "Balm, what are you saying? "My demand isn't unreasonable! "She's just a traitor!" Maris was displeased. But if Balm insisted, he had to reconsider. "I promise you will get the outcome you want. "But let her go for now." Balm's tone left no room for argument. Maris frowned. After studying Balm's expression for a moment, he finally released Robin's wrist. If even Balm wasn't backing him on this, pushing forward alone wasn't worth the risk. "Fine. "But you better keep your word." Robin rubbed her wrist and stepped toward Rosen. Then— A panicked voice rang out from the eighth floor. "Lord Balm! "Bad news! "Lord Anlin has been assassinated! "And the estate's sample wine is missing!" The words sent a shockwave through the crowd. Trouble had arrived. "Crocodile! "You've gone too far!" Balm roared, his rage exploding. He didn't need to think. The only one with a motive to kill Anlin here was Crocodile. There was no doubt in his mind. Boom! Balm's patience snapped. He stomped the ground, shattering it beneath him. His muscles tensed, and his voice bellowed like a hurricane. The sample wines were gone. There was no more need to hold back. As long as the battle didn't reach the brewery, it didn't matter. Crocodile was going to die a miserable death tonight. "Multiple Sandstorms: Enclosure!" Rosen didn't have time to think, though a part of him suspected Luca was behind this. It was too convenient. If Rosen and Balm clashed first, Luca could sit back and reap the benefits. Whoever orchestrated this knew how to play the game. Whoosh! Balm's entire body became shrouded in a dark, mist-like aura. It wasn't Haki—it was his Devil Fruit power. A thin, ominous haze wrapped around him like armor. His leg muscles tensed. Then, like a tank, he launched himself at Rosen with terrifying force. "Luca! "Well played! "Now hurry up and act!" Rosen unleashed multiple sandstorms, his voice booming through the hall. Luca, who had been planning to spectate, felt his heart sink. Damn it. Sure, he had considered making a move. He had even sent people out. But this wasn't his doing. Yet now, with Rosen's accusation, he had no choice but to respond. That damn Warlord. Not only was he taking on Balm, but he was dragging Luca down with him. Rosen had no intention of letting Luca remain neutral. If there was going to be a battle tonight... Then he would kill Balm. (End of Chapter)