Slap! Slap! Slap!
The crisp sound of slaps echoed in the silent forest. A young man with fair skin and a pair of large earlobes lay on the ground. His face swelled rapidly with each rhythmic slap, and he continued to mutter incomprehensible words under his breath.
"Hey! If you're not dead, just get up!"
His hands felt a bit sore from the slaps. Atlas stood up and impatiently gave Enel, who was on the ground, a kick. He didn't anticipate Enel being that fragile; he passed out after just one kick.
'His physique is seriously frail...'
"Hm.."
Enel finally rose from the ground, looking bewildered. He touched the bump on his face, feeling puzzled, and then took a step back, fixing his gaze on Atlas.
What just... happened?
"Are you able to touch me?"
Enel's face showed no signs of pain or anger, only confusion filling his heart. It seemed that after his experiment, no attack could harm him!
"That's Armament Haki, a power that can land blows on Logia users..."
"Oh, by the way, the power you possess should be the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, a Logia-type ability."
Being his future subordinate, Atlas would gladly help Enel resolve any uncertainties without hesitation.
Upon hearing Atlas's explanation, Enel didn't express gratitude but instead surged forward once more. His entire body enveloped in thunder and lightning, as if the God of Thunder had descended to the world. Simultaneously, he activated Observation Haki, attempting to predict Atlas's attack trajectory in advance. This was a trick he had attempted multiple times.
It must be emphasized that the Rumble-Rumble Fruit is undoubtedly the most potent member among the Logia Devil Fruits. Even Enel, who has recently acquired the ability, can wield tremendous power.
"1 Million Volt Vari" (1 Million Electrical Discharge)
This is the initial ability Enel has developed after obtaining the Thunder Fruit, and currently, it's his only skill. Thunderous roars and flashes of lightning emanate continuously from his body, producing intense bursts of light and sound.
Bang!
Atlas casually slid his hands into his pockets, lifting his right leg, coated in Armament Haki, and delivered a kick straight to Enel's elongated face!
Even though Enel's Observation Haki has awakened, his body remains too feeble. Even if he 'sees' Atlas's attack path, his body fails to react, and Atlas's mastery of Observation Haki surpasses his own. Consequently, he could only endure this kick helplessly.
"How about it? Ready for another round?"
Calmly, Atlas inquired, observing Enel with the demeanor of a playful child, despite Enel being several years older than him.
"..."
Enel fell silent abruptly. He could now sense the significant disparity between himself and the man standing before him—a vast gap that not even a God's fruit could bridge.
"What's your purpose?"
Enel couldn't fathom that the objective of such a formidable individual was merely to invite him to the Blue Sea.
"I mentioned it earlier; my target is you," Atlas frowned. Was it possible that he didn't make it clear enough with his kick? Regardless, he patiently explained, "In the Blue Sea, we, the Marines, are the most significant power. Our primary duty is to uphold justice and combat criminals and pirates."
"Among us, powers like yours are called Devil Fruits. Once consumed, the sea rejects you. Devil Fruits are categorized into three types: Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia."
"Of course, there are more intricate divisions. I can explain them to you later. I mentioned earlier that you are a Logia Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, so..."
"Justice...?"
Enel wore a mocking expression on his face, as if reminiscing about his wretched childhood. Does something like that truly exist?
"I can accompany you to the Blue Sea and become your subordinate, but there's still one thing I need to take care of."
Enel is now quite self-aware, understanding that he is currently in a situation where the man before him holds the upper hand. It's impossible for him to escape this individual's control. Regardless, he intends to go to the Blue Sea to explore and perhaps acquire some common knowledge from him. After all, when he becomes stronger, he can leave at any time if he chooses to.
Indeed, in Enel's perspective, his recent acquisition of the fruit power has resulted in his strength not matching up to Atlas's at the moment.
"Revenge?"
Atlas had some understanding of Enel's past, and he could infer the basic storyline from the resentful look in Enel's eyes. It seemed to be a tale of unwarranted scolding and humiliation, similar to Naruto's story, but the choices made by the two were quite distinct.
Upon hearing this, Enel abruptly lifted his head, tears streaming down his face. It was evident that he harbored deep resentment towards the inhabitants of Birka. "Yes, I want to destroy this island!!!"
"But... can you really carry out such an act?"
Atlas displays no mercy. Enel might undoubtedly achieve it in a few years, but currently, he is so feeble that he can hardly utilize even some fundamental abilities of the Thunder Fruit, let alone destroy an entire island.
"....."
"Alright... do you want me to assist you in seeking retribution against the people on this island?"
Observing Enel's astonished expression, Atlas inquired in a somewhat playful tone.
He's not a saintly figure, and he won't engage in the act of persuading Enel to let go of his hatred. People can never fully understand the hells others have endured. Atlas doesn't know the specific trials Enel has faced, so he doesn't feel entitled to criticize his actions; instead, he refrains from passing judgment.
"You'll assist me?"
Enel was somewhat incredulous, "Aren't you a just Marine?"
Atlas chuckled, "Justice is rarely merciful, isn't it?"
"Considering they bullied you because of the wings on your back, how about making everyone on this island lose their wings? I believe that's a more profound punishment than taking their lives."
Hearing this, Enel's eyes lit up. Indeed, there's no punishment more agonizing than depriving them of something they hold dear.
"Then... I'll consider that as your agreement!"
Snapped!
As soon as he finished speaking, Atlas snapped his fingers loudly.
"Ah!" × 250
The screams echoed one after another, suddenly filling the air over Birka. The heart-wrenching agony was palpable, even for Enel in the distance.
An unparalleled satisfaction surged into his heart, and Enel sensed that twenty years of resentment were gushing out like a tide. However, he now had a clearer realization of just how formidable Atlas was.
This approach... is indeed quite peculiar.
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