In an instant, an invisible aura swept through the entire ruins of the royal city.
The lifeless bodies, affected by the ability of 'Resurrection Devil Fruit', "Resu Resu no Mi", rose up once again!
Their expressionless faces bore a hollow emptiness as they retrieved their weapons from the battlefield and moved towards Saitama like lifeless puppets.
Suddenly, he became trapped amidst a horde of lifeless corpses.
They lunged towards him, converging upon his location, with the sole intent of burying him beneath their macabre figures.
It was a scene all too familiar, reminiscent of those commonly portrayed in horror movies.
"Hahaha... Do you enjoy being ripped apart and eaten?
You... The Justi... No!
Maybe I should dub you the Torn Treasure or maybe the 'Bald Treasure'!
Haaahaha..."
Standing at a distance, the CP0 member had a pained expression on his face, struggling to control a large number of dead bodies all at once.
"Ever since my childhood, I have lived among the dead, dwelling in solitude amidst the somber realms of cemeteries.
It is this unique bond that grants me the ability to unleash the full power of my Resurrection Devil Fruit, surpassing even other wielders of Devil Fruits!
While my abilities possess boundaries that must not be crossed, this occasion shall stand as an exception.
I am prepared to go to any lengths, regardless of the consequences! to ensure your utter destruction!" he exclaimed, his gaze fixed upon the unfolding scene.
An ever-increasing wave of the living dead surged forward.
They piled up, forming a mountainous presence.
Yet...
"Could've just said you were lonely, you know!" Suddenly, an emotionless voice echoed from behind.
The words sent shivers down his body, he turned around gradually, only to discover Saitama standing there with an apathetic expression on his face.
He gazed back in disbelief at the growing mound of lifeless bodies that kept accumulating.
"But... But... You were... And now... The dead..." he stammered, struggling to comprehend the situation before him.
"Bastard!"
Filled with fear and desperation, he leapt into the air, seemingly defying gravity as if he were flying through the sky. His hysterical screams echoed through the air.
In a final act of desperation, he unleashed a devastating attack, aimed from a distance in the hopes of killing Saitama. "I don't know what trick you're using or how you managed to evade my army! But it doesn't matter! Don't think you're the only powerful one in this world! I am the most stro..."
Before he could finish his boastful proclamation, a thunderous slap from Saitama landed squarely on the back of his neck, causing his head to violently explode.
"I don't really care!" Saitama declared.
He then glanced back at the disfigured creatures, then unleashed a powerful punch that reverberated through the ground.
In an instant, the ground shattered, erupting uncontrollably like a volcanic explosion caused by the tremendous force of his punch!
The walking dead felt a gust of wind approaching them.
In an instant, their bodies shattered into countless pieces, and blood and flesh rained down upon the ground.
Death claimed them swiftly and completely, leaving behind only scattered remains.
The once bustling city had transformed into a lifeless wasteland.
Saitama retracted his fist and turned away, leaving the desolate scene behind.
Life is full of hardships and encounters with despicable individuals who disregard the value of others' lives.
However, this time, it appeared that his efforts to save them had been in vain.
The cloak of justice fluttered in the midst of the dead city.
"My apologies, everyone." he murmured.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the afternoon, Tashigi and Princess Vivi arrived at the outskirts of the capital.
Devastation and destruction stretched before their eyes, with lifeless bodies strewn along the roads.
Overwhelmed by the horrifying scene, The princess was overcome by a surge of emotions, causing her to panic and cry before losing consciousness.
With urgency, Tashigi swiftly reached out, grasping the princess and attempting to rouse her from unconsciousness.
In that moment, Saitama, seemingly indifferent to the princess' condition, approached them and said,
"Hey Tashigi! I fought someone with strange abilities. He could fly and unleash shockwave kicks..." He gestured with his hands, trying to convey the techniques.
Saitama's face showed seriousness and curiosity as he looked at Tashigi. "Have you seen anything like this before?"
"It must be Moonwalk and Tempest Kick... They are part of the 'Rokushiki' techniques," Tashigi responded, cradling the princess in her arms.
Pausing briefly to contemplate the question, her voice then filled with surprise.
"But these techniques can only be mastered by the highest ranks of the Navy!
Vice Admirals, Admirals, and the intelligence agencies of the World Government!
It's quite surprising that a few pirates have managed to learn them somehow!"
"Ah... I see," Saitama nodded.
Tashigi looked up, her eyes filled with confusion and worry as she surveyed the devastated city.
"Saitama-san, what should we do now? And as for Princess Vivi... how can we help her!"
Before Saitama could utter a word, a sudden shadow cast over the sky, catching their attention.
"It's true that we've lost the Royal City, but... the kingdom still stands!" he declared.
A wounded falcon gracefully descended from above, landing softly on the ground before undergoing a miraculous transformation into a human form.
"This nation mourns the loss of its king..." Pell, the Falcon, knelt down before Princess Vivi, his eyes brimming with sorrowful tears.
"In these dire times, we yearn for a new queen, a beacon of stability and inspiration. Someone who can rally the people, rekindling the spirit of Alabasta..."
As Vivi regained consciousness and opened her eyes, she found Pell close to her, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
She tightly clutched Pell's hands, her voice choked with sorrow and relief.
"Uncle Pell... you're alive!"
Her sobs filled the air as she looked around, witnessing the devastation that surrounded them. Through her tearful gaze, she managed to utter, "What happened here? How did everything come to this?"
Pell clenched his teeth, his face etched with pain, as he wiped away his tears.
"I'm sorry, Princess... I have failed you!" His voice quivered with intense emotion as he continued, "I couldn't save the king..."
He took a deep breath, wiping the tear stains from his cheeks.
"I was destined to share the same fate...
Last night, an imposter...
A monstrous being disguised as your father, infiltrated the castle and mercilessly slaughtered all the guards. Igaram..."
He paused, his voice heavy with grief, "Igaram sacrificed his own life to ensure my escape!
My only hope then was to reach the World Government and plead for their help.
But..."
Pell remained silent, keeping his thoughts to himself, refraining from revealing what he intended to say.
Vivi, still reeling from the impact of Pell's words, didn't press for more information at that moment.
Tashigi, who had been observing the situation, felt a strong curiosity about the hidden truth. Her voice carried a hint of intrigue as she addressed Pell, "Is there something else you would like to share?"
"No, that's all I know," he replied.
After some time, reinforcements arrived in the city, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Saitama turned to Pell, who had just received medical attention from Tashigi but remained steadfast in guarding Vivi's tent.
"Know anything about the person behind this?" he asked.
Pell hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "...I don't know."
Saitama nodded understandingly and then walked away. "Ok."
After Saitama left, Vivi called out to Pell, "Uncle Pell, please come inside."
"Yes, Princess!" Pell responded, entering the tent.
Vivi's fatigued face brightened as she mustered her strength and said, "You don't have to guard me anymore. Saitama-san and Tashigi-sama are good people. If there's anything troubling you, you can trust them."
Pell's eyes filled with resentment as he clenched his teeth and confessed, "To be honest...
I have deep distrust towards them.
The Marines are mere playthings of the World Government."
Vivi let out a sigh and shook her head. "If they were truly bad people, they wouldn't have taken care of your wounds or made this arduous journey to confront Crocodile.
In these trying times, we must place our trust in our friends."
After much persistence, Vivi manages to convince him to speak, although he remains unwilling to approach Saitama and disclose what he knows.
"If they are truly good people, then we shouldn't involve them in this matter," Pell stated, his expression tense.
"The one responsible for the king's death is an operative from a secret faction within the World Government!
I don't know their motives, but it must be something significant for a Rear Admiral to be involved.
If they are indeed righteous heroes, knowing the truth would only put their lives in danger." Pell took a deep breath and reached for a glass of water, his hands trembling slightly.
Just as Pell finished speaking, a bald man emerged from the shadows, catching their attention.
"Hmm! Thanks!" he said with a nonchalant tone.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey everyone,
I hope you all had a great time reading this chapter!
I'm really excited to hear your thoughts and get your feedback. Don't forget to drop a comment and let me know what you think!
Instagram:
- One Punch Of Justice
- Otaku Tnn
Twitter:
- Otaku_Tnn
Looking forward to catching you in the next chapter!
Thanks for your support.