Another negative hollow shot out swiftly, but Atlas could effortlessly evade it with his quick reflexes. However, Atlas chose not to dodge and allowed the pale ghost to pass right through him.
"Hm, I..."
Atlas's expression shifted, and he sensed that something was on the verge of being revealed. However, the influence of the Sheep Talisman quickly dissipated, and he restrained the impulse, as if it were merely an illusion.
Indeed...
Both the Hollow-Hollow Fruit and the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, under the Paramecia category, are a kind of cheats. While they can be considered standard abilities, the Hobby-Hobby Fruit appears to be more buggy. In reality, even without the influence of the Sheep Talisman, Atlas can withstand the effects of Negative Hollow for a while using the Conqueror's Haki. This way, he can maintain composure and avoid any awkward situations in front of others.
Not far away, the usually silent Perona wore an unusual expression in her eyes. Ever since acquiring this ability, no one has been able to escape her ghost attacks, not even Moria, who had recently taken her under his wing.
"Join me at the Marines, kid."
Atlas extended the invitation once more. It had been a while since Perona was under Moria's guidance, and their relationship wasn't particularly close. Naturally, she harbored no resentment towards Atlas due to Moria's demise. Currently, she was just a reserved young girl.
"....."
It may be that she was somewhat overwhelmed. The present Perona isn't as lively as the future Ghost Princess, but she still gave a subtle nod.
"Alright, let's head straight there. Our target: Naval Headquarters!!!"
As soon as he uttered those words, Thriller Bark, which had been steadily moving through the Calm Belt, swiftly ascended from the water, creating a vast expanse of glistening white waves. This sudden emergence prompted Baby-5, who had just reverted to her usual state, to express her astonishment repeatedly. Even Perona couldn't help but gaze at it with a surprised look.
This man is truly unique...
...
Naval Headquarters, Marineford.
The Thriller Bark under Atlas's control didn't anchor at the port; instead, it hovered directly above Marineford. A nearly blinding shadow enveloped the heads of the on-duty Marines, eliciting surprised screams from everyone.
"Hey! What on earth is that!?"
"Is this an ship or an island? I've never seen a vessel this enormous before!"
"Is Shiki the Golden Lion heading to Naval Headquarters again?"
"Idiot, he was executed by Vice Admiral Hakuryu a while back, and the flag on the mast belongs to our Marine!"
Fortunately, Atlas had the foresight and had two young girls quickly craft a Marine flag. Otherwise, the sudden appearance of a ship of unknown origin descending upon Marineford out of thin air would likely have triggered another massive panic. Old man Sengoku would probably have complained about him once again.
Not only did the on-duty Marines react, but even the CP9 agent, leading a ship adorned with the World Government logo, squinted his eyes slightly, a trace of fear evident in his expression.
'This level of power is like a natural disaster...'
After bringing the Thriller Bark to a hover, Atlas and Baby-5 emerged at the port. Soon, the on-duty colonel trotted over, and they recognized him.
The man standing before them is the most promising rising star in the Marines at Naval Headquarters, Vice Admiral Hakuryu—the absolute top figure in the Marine hierarchy!
"Your Excellency, Vice Admiral, do you have any orders?"
The on-duty colonel hurried over and saluted Atlas with a serious expression. Naturally, the responsibilities of the Marines on duty also encompassed receiving high-ranking officers.
"...the CP department?"
Atlas, who was about to wave his hand in refusal, suddenly narrowed his eyes and shifted his gaze to the World Government ship anchored at the port. And there was the CP agent who appeared to be slightly hostile towards him?
This guy...
Atlas left a few individuals behind and took a step forward. Of course, it wasn't because he disliked this guy and wanted to teach him a lesson. Mainly, it was because he recalled something.
This guy... goes by the name Who's-Who, right?
So his current visit to Naval Headquarters is probably to transport some Devil Fruits captured by the Marines to the holy land of Mariejois, and the Rubber-Rubber Fruit should be among them.
Atlas hesitated since he had previously inquired with Sengoku about the Rubber-Rubber Fruit. However, he couldn't find it in the storage, and the World Government regularly dispatches CP agents to the headquarters for inventory management, including Devil Fruits.
Atlas hesitated since he had previously inquired with Sengoku about the Rubber-Rubber Fruit. However, he couldn't find it in the storage, and the World Government regularly dispatches CP agents to the headquarters for inventory management, including Devil Fruits.
However, Who's-Who was the first individual connected to it that Atlas had come across.
"CP agent?"
Atlas scrutinized the man who had switched sides from the World Government. The individual's attire was distinct from Lucci's, featuring a stylish red suit, long pink hair, earrings, and black gloves adorning his hands. He casually bit a lit cigarette.
"CP9 agent, Who's-Who, the most powerful prodigy in CP9!"
Sensing Atlas's intense presence, Who's-Who earnestly stated his name, underlining his status as a genius.
"The strongest genius? Tsk! I recently defeated one..."
Atlas smirked. In reality, there was a silent competition between the CP department and the Marine department. Who's-Who and Rob Lucci were initially measured against him, but he progressed rapidly, leaving them far behind before they could catch up.
"....."
Who's-Who's pupils contracted, and it was evident he had considered the other genius Atlas mentioned. Despite Who's-Who asserting himself as a CP9 genius alongside Lucci, deep down, he acknowledged that his talent wasn't on par with Lucci's.
"This is what the World Government desires; you can't enter!"
Confused, Atlas lifted his legs to proceed towards the cabin behind Who's-Who. However, Who's-Who promptly halted him.
Yet...
Atlas paid no heed, and Who's-Who hesitated to obstruct him. After all, interfering might lead to sharing Lucci's fate.
Atlas marched directly into the cabin. Inside, various items were neatly organized—Devil Fruits and Meito categorized as valuable strategic resources in the pirate world.
Soon, a wooden box captured Atlas's interest.
Upon opening it, a Devil Fruit materialized before Atlas.
Unlike other fruits with peculiar shapes, this one appeared ordinary with a round form. It had the distinctive spiral pattern and purple peel that made it Fruits stand out.
And this - is the Rubber-Rubber Fruit that Atlas has been searching for!!
Whether it's considered a god fruit or not doesn't matter. What's crucial is that this is undeniably the Devil Fruit most fitting for Luffy!!!
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari