"Oh, you can still get up. Someone who's awakened the Zoan fruit turns really buggy."
In the middle of the split, a tall figure stood unsteadily. It looked quite similar to a cheetah but a bit smaller, with some human-like characteristics added.
"You Marines are always poking around, if I recall correctly..."
"The Chris Kingdom shouldn't be part of the World Government! Nya~"
Pizarro is feeling quite frustrated now. He's been sailing the seas for many years, and he's got a bunch of plans. Even if he feels like taking over a country on a whim, he usually picks one that's not part of the World Government. Especially since he just angered Big Mom, it's not a good idea to mess with the world government again.
"What a coincidence, now it is."
Atlas extended his hands, wearing a half-smile expression on his face.
"Decide for yourself: surrender willingly, or... I'll thrash you to death!!"
"....."
His eyes were red with anger, a fierce expression crossed his face, and Pizarro showed his teeth as he let out a roar.
"Are you joking? I'm a pirate, darn it!!"
"Tsk!! A show of a cornered animal!"
Uh-huh!
Atlas reappeared behind Pizarro in his human-beast form, his legs enveloped in Armament Haki, delivering another sweeping attack.
"I won't fall for the same trick twice!"
Sensing the rushing wind behind him, Pizarro grinned and swiftly crouched, dropping onto all fours just in time to evade the incoming kick!
"Ah!"
Atlas chuckled, halted his attack suddenly, pivoted on his heels, and positioned himself above Pizarro. The veins on his calves bulged, and he forcefully slashed down!
Boom--! !
A tomahawk slam struck the ground forcefully, a fierce roar echoed, the terrain quaked, and the entire island appeared to be shaking intensely.
"Hold on! Someone, lend me a hand!"
"Ahhh! Is this an earthquake?"
"Quick, find cover in the corner. It's likely from the showdown between the Marine boss and that smelly pirate!"
Of course, the Marines' significant movements since arriving on the island didn't go unnoticed. Several remaining civilians discreetly cracked open their windows to sneak a peek. Bolder individuals even made their way to the second ring area to watch the action alongside the Marines.
Oi, Oi, Oi! What incredible strength is this!
Pizarro was drenched in cold sweat. How could this guy be so strong? Luckily, he managed to roll out in the nick of time during that critical moment. Otherwise, he couldn't fathom the consequences if that kick had landed on him.
"Mr. Vice Admiral, please take it easy. We don't want to accidentally sink the island!"
Kyros, from a distance, shouted a warning with an expression of helplessness.
"I apologize, I'll make sure to control my strength better next time!"
Humiliation!
Complete and utter humiliation!!
Pizarro was furious at this moment. After sailing the seas for so many years, he hadn't let even the Emperor of the Sea belittle him. He was a man destined to stand at the top!
"Jerk! Meet your end!"
Pizarro, inheriting the speed of a cheetah, moved like a flawless assassin. His velocity surpassed Soru, and in the blink of an eye, he materialized in front of Atlas.
Swish!
The most powerful tool for those with Zoan fruit is their own body. Their teeth and claws are like magical weapons to overcome their adversaries.
Lifting his elbow, he coated the sharp claws in Armament Haki, creating bursts of shrieks through the air. The strength and speed were just perfect!
Atlas made no unnecessary movements. His eyes glowed red, his head turned slightly, and the fearsome claws just narrowly missed him, not even grazing the jumpsuit he was wearing.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Pizarro was clearly unwilling to relent. He raised his claws with incredible speed, creating waves of afterimages. Each strike was aimed directly at Atlas's face!
"It's time to bring this charade to an end!"
Clang!
Atlas' gaze sharpened as he touched Kaminari on his waist with his palm. Unsheathing his long sword, a brilliant silver light flashed. Black and red lightning crackled, as if it could cut through space. Soaring into the sky!
Raikiri!
The sword's light swept across Pizarro's arms, creating an illusionary glimpse. Suddenly, two blood lines appeared on his arms!
Snap!
In response, the arm broke, revealing a smooth cut surface exposed to the air. The nerves appeared unresponsive, and for a moment, the blood seemed to pause.
Ah--! ! !
Pizarro wailed in pain. Even with the awakened Zoan Devil Fruit ability, regenerating severed limbs was impossible for him. At best, he wouldn't succumb to excessive blood loss.
Uh-huh!
The blade whirled once more, and a slash infused with Armament Haki leapt out, targeting Pizarro's neck! !
Pfft——! !
There was another sound of the blade piercing flesh. Pizarro's haki was like a mere ornament, shattered almost instantly. Both arms were broken at the roots, and bright red blood spurted out.
"It's just a futile struggle!"
Atlas snorted coldly. He could have beheaded him in a single stroke, and forcing Pizarro to raise his arms for defense would only delay the inevitable.
"Oops, look who's here... pirates have arrived!!!"
Before the civilians secretly watching from a distance could cheer, a panting Marine ran over, shouting at the top of his lungs.
"A new pirate?"
Atlas narrowed his eyes slightly. The Marine who came to report was the man stationed at the warship in the port. The expression on his face made it evident that the arriving pirates were not to be taken lightly.
Instinctively expanding the scope of his haki, he quickly spotted the Big Mom pirates swiftly approaching Broccoli Island. The familiar essence of life instantly registered in his perception.
This is... Katakuri! ! ?
As individuals who have clashed in the past, Atlas is naturally quite familiar with Katakuri's presence, but...
What is this guy doing on Broccoli Island?
Evidently, the information Sengoku provided wasn't related to the Big Mom Pirates. Did Pizarro switch sides to join Big Mom? Even if that's the case, the reinforcements seem unusually quick, don't they?
——Initially wailing in pain, Pizarro felt a surge of joy upon seeing this.
Opportunity! !
Whether the incoming pirates are foes or allies, they all represent chances for him to break free. After all, Marines have never been known for making sense when dealing with pirates. Perhaps he can capitalize on the chaos and seize the chance to escape. When...
Thinking of this, Pizarro involuntarily cast a hateful glance in Atlas's direction.
Slash!
The long blade surged forward, slashing across Pizarro's neck as he still harbored secret delight. Various expressions of disbelief and uncertainty lingered on his face.
Clearly, he didn't anticipate the Marine in front of him acting so efficiently.
"I almost forgot, there's a guy like you."
Atlas muttered.
Unfortunately, Pizarro would never hear those words, and even if he did, he'd likely erupt in anger.
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