Just as the murderous intent filled the air, both Reborn and Geno widened their eyes...
Bang!
In an instant, gunshots echoed, and a bullet was shot straight towards Geno like a flash of light. Sun Flame and Color of Arms Haki covered the bullet, leaving clear traces in the air as it traveled. The bullet was aimed precisely at Geno's chest, a straightforward and bold attack, but its speed made it nearly impossible to dodge.
Geno believed that even a skilled martial artist like Tengu would have a hard time evading such a bullet.
However, that attack wouldn't work on him. He raised his hand and pointed at the approaching bullet. Intense cold erupted from his finger, freezing the air in front of him in an instant. When the bullet made contact with his finger, it stopped mid-air.
Cold-Cold Fruit, the Devil Fruit that granted Geno the power of ice, excelled in freezing, even surpassing the natural abilities of Ice-Ice Fruit.
With the bullet stopped mid-air, Geno rushed at breakneck speed, creating several afterimages in his track, and appeared right in front of Reborn instantly. Since his opponent attacked him with a straightforward attack, he decided to return the favour!
"Icy Claw!"
He thrust his wrist forward like a sword, leaving visible frosty trails in the air. It would be difficult even for someone with exceptional physical strength to withstand this type of attack head-on.
Reborn could sense that his blood might even freeze if he were hit by this attack.
Realizing this, he lightly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the attack. The moment Geno rushed towards him, he had already predicted his response!
"It seems that your Color of Observation Haki is pretty decent as you can respond to even such a quick attack." Geno couldn't help but say when his attack missed.
"Although my Color of Observation Haki is decent, what happened just now wasn't due to Color of Observation Haki. I simply have analysed you inside out, from attack patterns to habits, Devil Fruit abilities, and close combat techniques, was laid bare in his eyes. In a sense, I'm even better than Alaudi!" Reborn smiled faintly, his expression serious but brimming with confidence, "But to be honest, your Devil Fruit ability is pretty annoying. It may be hard to defeat you within 15 minutes. In that case, let me show you an interesting trick…"
Dying Will Flame burst from Reborn's entire body, and the Sun Flame enhanced every cell in his body, granting him exceptional vitality.
While it might not be on the same level as Giotto's Ultimate Dying Will Mode, Reborn's current state was similar to Knuckle's Maximum Break, boosting his physical abilities and rapid regeneration during combat.
As the Sun Arcobaleno, Reborn's mastery of Dying Will Flame was not to be underestimated. What's more, as the world's best hitman, his determination had never lagged behind anyone else's.
"Hmm, that's awfully similar to Vongola Primo's power, but do you think that alone is enough defeat me?" Geno furrowed his brow beneath his mask. He could certainly sense that Reborn had shown a considerably powerful ability. However, he believed that it wasn't enough to defeat him. After all, he was just below the Five Elders in terms of strength in World Government. In this world, apart from the Five Elders, no one was strong enough to defeat him.
Alaudi couldn't do it, and neither could Vongola Primo. This so-called world's best hitman before him would be no different.
Reborn then slowly raised his pistol, but to everyone's surprise, he didn't aim it at Geno. Instead, he pointed it at himself!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Before anyone could react, several shots were fired, hitting his own hands, legs, and spine. However, instead of injuring him like normal bullet did, those bullets turned into bright light and seeped into his body. Shortly after, the Dying Will Flame on his body became even more intense.
Those bullets were actually various enhancing bullets, namely Jump Bullet, Megaton Punch Bullet, Heatproof Skin Bullet, etc. Those who were shot with those bullets would gain enhanced physical strength. Using multiple enhancement bullets in succession would undoubtedly put a significant strain on Reborn's body, but the side effects would only take effect after the battle.
What mattered now was to deal with the enemy!
"Strengthening yourself? Heh, do you think that alone can defeat me? Don't be ridiculous, what awaits you is only…"
"Only... what?"
Even Geno couldn't predict Reborn's movement as Reborn's movement was like a teleportation. Reborn appeared right in front of him, and pressed the muzzle of his gun against Geno's forehead.
Bang!
"Tekkai!"
Geno immediately used Tekkai, and despite that, he was still sent flying. His blue demon mask shattered, revealing his face. His complexion was pale, and he was clearly angry. He was pushed back dozens of meters before managing to regain his footing. Blood streamed from the wound caused by Reborn's gunshot, making him appear even more menacing.
It was fortunate that he had used Tekkai at the last moment; otherwise, he might have died already. However, what made Geno extremely wary of Reborn right now was mainly his incredible speed.
Geno couldn't sense his movement with Color of Observation Haki, and his eyes couldn't keep up with Reborn's movements. Reborn just appeared right in front of him before he could react!
How did he manage to do that? Was it because of the enhancing bullets from earlier? But he became too fast no matter how he looked at it!