"You scoundrel, that hurts a lot!!"
The dust settled bit by bit, revealing Pizarro's form as he stared fiercely at Atlas and the Marines in the sky.
"Has the devil fruit's awakened?"
Atlas squinted his eyes and observed Pizarro. Despite the bleeding on his face, the indentations on his body were gradually healing.
Clearly, this guy has fully awakened his devil fruit power. His vitality and healing skills are off the charts. If not, getting kicked that hard would've broken at least two ribs. But Pizarro's face showed no sign of damage. His body seemed completely unaffected, almost inhuman!
"I heard you went head-to-head with Kaido of the Beasts for three whole days and nights without a clear winner. Now, I want to see how strong you really are, Nya~"
After those two kicks, Pizarro realized that he couldn't outrun the speed of the Marine in front of him. His only option was to face the challenge head-on, back against the wall.
"Hahaha!"
Atlas remained silent, responding only with a scornful glance.
Roar!
Suddenly, a beast's roar echoed, and Pizarro's appearance underwent a rapid transformation. His cheetah skin coat swiftly opened, and the hair on his sturdy limbs grew untamed. Patterns resembling those on the coat emerged on his body. His face underwent a dramatic change as he landed on all fours, developing fangs. A staggered growth!
Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Cheetah!!!
"What in the world is that? Is this guy's devil fruit power?"
"It's just a regular Zoan ability. The Vice Admiral is a beast who can take on monsters like Kaido!"
"Yes, I suppose the fight will end soon. Mr. Atlas is now worthy of being the Marine's top combat force!"
The retreating Marines displayed no signs of concern for Atlas.
As Atlas's close aides, they observed this young prodigy systematically defeating one formidable pirate after another. Whether in the new era or the old one, pirates like Pizarro just couldn't measure up.
Swish!
Ignoring the Marines' remarks, Pizarro, now fully transformed into a beast, ascended into the sky. He lunged at Atlas with a speed several times faster than before, his movement accompanied by a sharp, chilling gleam. His razor-sharp teeth were even coated with a layer of dark Armament Haki!
Those with Zoan abilities have three forms. Among them, the human-beast form is the most practical for combat. However, when it comes to physical prowess and various measurable factors, the beast form outperforms the human-beast form completely!
Clang!!!
The sharp fangs sank fiercely into Atlas's shoulder, releasing the formidable bite force of a carnivorous beast. It led to intense friction, with sparks flying in all directions!
"Um!?"
Before he could rejoice, Pizarro's fierce grin suddenly froze. His fangs were halted by Atlas's Haki, not even breaking through his skin!
"My Armament Haki is..."
"stronger than you!!"
Grinning, glancing to the side where the cheetah hung on his shoulder, Atlas moved with lightning speed! He seized Pizarro's throat like a vice, and his five black and red fingers dug deep into the flesh!
Then, under Pizarro's horrified gaze, he forced him to the ground!
Bang!
Pizarro's body once again met the earth in a forceful collision. The tremendous impact kicked up clouds of dust, even causing the broccoli trees on the edge of the coast to shake violently!
Atlas positioned one knee against Cheetah's lower abdomen, maintaining his grip on the opponent's neck. His arm muscles bulged, and with a sudden surge of strength, he lifted Pizarro's head and slammed it into the ground.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Violent concussions echoed continuously, and Pizarro felt as if the world was spinning. Despite timely protection with haki on the back of his head, the relentless blows still left him disoriented and dizzy!
Gap...
Is it that big?!?!
Bang, bang, bang!!!
Standing up and casually brushing off the dust on his hands, Atlas gazed at the still dazed Pizarro, curling his lips in disdain.
"Do you really think I won't kick your butt just because you've turned your head into a cheetah?"
....
New World.
The night sea is always deep and enchanting, with snow-white waves crashing freely. The gentle sea breeze lovingly caresses the waves as they surge forward without hesitation.
The colossal Queen Mama Chanter sang softly over the sea, swiftly heading towards its designated destination.
On the Chanter.
Leaning against the cabin, Katakuri maintained the stance of not allowing strangers to enter. His arms were folded as he silently organized the information about Pizarro before their departure.
This time, he emerged under Big Mom's orders to head to Broccoli Island and capture the arrogant Pizarro, intending to bring him to Totto Land. The entourage was limited, consisting mainly of him, the top creation of the Charlotte family, and Smoothie, who wasn't very experienced.
Among the three Emperors of the New World, Big Mom's intelligence capabilities are undoubtedly the most formidable. Paired with Katakuri's cautious and composed nature, they had already gathered extensive information on Pizarro.
Despite Pizarro's impressive abilities, he wasn't meticulous in recruiting pirates under his command. His unfavorable character meant that even when invited by Kaido, he outright rejected the offer.
"Brother Katakuri, how much longer until we reach Broccoli Island?"
Suddenly, a tall, long-legged, white-haired beauty approached, gently interrupting Katakuri's contemplation.
"The voyage from Totto Land to Broccoli Island will take roughly two days, and we should arrive by tomorrow morning."
This duration is based on the ship's speed. If Big Mom utilizes the fruit's ability to take a direct aerial route, which is faster, we might reach in less than a day.
"Hmph, that Pizarro guy dares to provoke Mom. If it weren't for that, Mama wouldn't have needed Katakuri-san to personally handle it."
"....."
Katakuri didn't argue. This time, Big Mom was genuinely furious. For someone who values reputation, nothing stings more than rejection accompanied by verbal disrespect.
"Alright, Smoothie, head back and take some rest. Prepare yourself for the upcoming battle."
After dismissing Smoothie, Katakuri leaned against the cabin and settled into sleep.
Katakuri is known among his family as the man whose back never touches the ground, not even while sleeping, because, for him, that would signify defeat. It's a principle that Katakuri, the family's greatest masterpiece, strictly abides by.
Certainly, resting against the cabin doesn't count as being on the ground. So, for decades, he has been sleeping while standing up, at most leaning against a wall!
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