On the Chanter, Smoothie anxiously dialed Big Mom's number, her expression slightly unpleasant.
Even though the mission failed due to uncontrollable circumstances, considering Big Mom's personality, punishment is bound to happen.
"Mama Mama! Smoothie, why are you giving me a ring? Did you manage to nab that rascal Pizarro?"
The call went through, and Big Mom's distinct laughter echoed from the other end of the line.
Gulp!
Swallowing nervously, Smoothie spoke with a slightly uneasy voice, "Mama, we've got a situation here."
"Um--!?"
The prolonged pause made Smoothie feel uneasy. She understood that this was a signal that her mother was about to become angry.
"Mama, we encountered Hakuryu. That guy showed up on Broccoli Island for some reason."
Without giving Big Mom a chance to react, Smoothie swiftly explained the current situation.
"Hakuryu?"
"That's Canos Atlas, the Marine who battled Kaido a few days ago."
"Atlas? Mama Mama! I recall now; it's this kid. Such an annoying memory."
Big Mom on the other end of the phone gritted her teeth, veins popping out on her forehead, evidently recalling something very unpleasant.
"I'll deal with him. I'll surely settle the score with him this time! Mama Mama!"
Big Mom vividly remembers that Atlas killed Owen and often came to Totto Land to cause trouble.
She is...
Extremely revengeful!!!
....
Broccoli Island, Harbor.
The trident spun at high speed, slamming into Atlas's face with terrifying force. Numerous roars echoed, and the air around violently churned.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Atlas calmly observed the approaching trident, his eyes glowing red. He skillfully shifted his body sideways, narrowly evading the trident's blade.
His Observation Haki is at top! He can use Future Vision!
Truly...
Atlas's Observation Haki has reached a level comparable to his own.
Katakuri had already observed in their previous battle that Atlas's level of Observation Haki wasn't far from attaining the ability to foresee the future.
Nevertheless,
He still didn't anticipate that this "not far away" would actually be just a few years ahead.
However, Katakuri was mistaken. In reality, shortly after being targeted by Big Mom, Atlas had successfully glimpsed the future with the aid of the sheep talisman.
And this is something Marco is more aware of.
Even though they both serve as the deputies of the Sanko, they haven't reached a point where they discuss everything. Every encounter between them results in either a clash or conflict.
"You're too slow, Katakuri!"
Atlas couldn't help but tap his eyebrows, chuckling softly.
"Even though your strength has increased significantly, but..."
"My progress is far greater than you think!"
Swish!
As soon as he finished speaking, Atlas' figure surged forward, leaving a sizable crater behind. The flames in his hand soared into the sky, and the formidable explosive power pulsed faintly.
Almost instantly, a massive fist suddenly surged in front of Katakuri.
"Let me show you how vast the gap is between us!"
Now, Atlas's utilization of the Dragon Talisman isn't solely about spraying explosive flames. It can also produce unexpected effects through the reaction of a moment's explosive power.
Similar to Akainu's development of the Magma-Magma Fruit, it wasn't just an enhancement of high-temperature magma; he simulated his body into a volcano. He utilized the explosive power generated during a volcanic eruption to defeat his enemies!
Confronted with this fierce punch, even Katakuri, who had mentally prepared himself, showed a slight change in expression.
He made a swift decision and directly activated the ability awakened by the fruit. The surrounding buildings and land swiftly transformed into white glutinous balls!
A thick black protective wall suddenly materialized in front of him.
Boom——!
A massive explosion resounded, and the airwaves became tumultuous. The fist, carrying immense explosive power, struck the protective wall forcefully, and the colossal blasting flames clung to it like a persistent ailment.
Swiftly engulfing the entire protective wall!
The seemingly indestructible barrier crumbled swiftly, and a massive arm burst out instantly!
"This level of explosive power..."
Witnessing this scene, Katakuri's heart grew more solemn, but his mind remained surprisingly calm, and a scarlet hue flashed in his eyes.
Katakuri must admit that Atlas has become more challenging to handle than he was a few years ago, when he only surpassed Katakuri in terms of strength.
Unexpectedly, after a few years, both his physique and strength indicated that he could overpower him!
However.
There was no room for him to entertain any additional thoughts in that moment.
Atlas's fist came in an instant!
His chest abruptly caved in, and a fist full of destructive power pierced through Katakuri's body.
Atlas raised his eyebrows without the slightest hint of surprise, and cruelly smiled at Katakuri, "I foresaw your foresight!"
If Katakuri's observation can foresee events within a 3-second window, then Atlas, equipped with the Sheep Talisman, can predict for 5 seconds!
'Not good!'
An ominous premonition suddenly gripped Katakuri's heart, and he was even more urgently cautioned.
Pity.
It's too late!!
Boom!!
The explosion resounded, and the massive fire completely enveloped Katakuri, while Atlas retreated, silently observing the mushroom cloud unfurl.
The strike just now wasn't merely the explosion of the Dragon Talisman; it also involved the instantaneous blossoming of advanced Armament Haki and internal destructive techniques.
Even for Katakuri, it's enough to make him gulp down a bottle!
"Ahem..."
The smoke and dust cleared, unveiling Katakuri's somewhat embarrassed form. The scarf that once covered his chin was gone, revealing a large fanged mouth in front of Atlas.
The charred glutinous balls covering his body began to fall off, exposing the deeply indented fist marks on his chest.
"Puff!!"
His throat felt a pang of sweetness, and he couldn't help but spit out a sizable mouthful of blood. He didn't bother to conceal his bared fangs.
The glutinous balls inside his body intertwined, swiftly binding the shattered internal organs together.
One punch!
Just a single punch was enough to leave him unable to endure it!
He has now confirmed that the person in front of him was not the one he was evenly matched with four years ago.
Now, he is undoubtedly at the top of his game!
He could no longer hesitate; he had to endure until his mother arrived, or else he and Smoothie would face dire consequences together.
You may never leave this island again!
Thinking of this, a trace of anger crossed his face, and the assimilated glutinous balls around him surged wildly. Two enormous palms abruptly materialized on both sides of Atlas, adorned with Armament Haki.
Suddenly, he struck Atlas in the center!
Kaku Mochi (Square Mochi)
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari