"Alright, let's talk about handling the Capone family now!"
Tesoro, in a serious tone, broke the playful atmosphere among the group.
I'm pleased with Barb and Flint's performance. They've both consumed Devil Fruits. The decision to stay or go now tests their character.
Luckily, Tesoro wasn't let down by them.
"No worries, I'll handle the Capone family once you give me their details."
Out of nowhere, a peculiar voice interrupted their conversation.
Tesoro and Law wore pleased expressions, a realization hitting them.
The Vice Admiral has arrived!
"Who?!"
Barb and Flint, oblivious to Tesoro's thoughts, instantly became alert, scanning their surroundings to locate the source of the unexpected voice.
"Don't worry, Flint, Barb. It's... the boss has arrived," Tesoro reassured them quickly.
"Boss?" they both exclaimed simultaneously, even though Tesoro had mentioned having a mysterious superior before.
The boss had even provided the Devil Fruits they held, yet the legendary figure remained elusive.
They had almost forgotten about it.
But there was a lingering question—why hasn't the boss appeared yet?
Both of them glanced around, puzzled, but the boss was nowhere to be found.
"Alright, quit searching. Tesoro, provide me with the details and the location of their family headquarters," Atlas stated without offering any explanation, maintaining a transparent and invisible state.
Such an appearance undeniably added a touch of mystery and power in the eyes of Barb and Flint!
Until now, they hadn't detected his presence. Every word seemed to emanate from every corner of the room flawlessly.
At least, for now, they hadn't discovered any weaknesses!
This was quite frightening. In a battle, facing such an invisible adversary...
Hiss--!
The duo gasped and shuddered.
"Boss, my name is..."
"Flint!!"
"...Hey! You stole my line again!"
"Who told you to be so slow! Boss, my name is Barb..."
Barb lifted his head triumphantly, appearing proud of winning the banter.
"Hateful!!"
"Boss, the information about the Capone family is ready..."
Ignoring the banter from these two lively characters, Tesoro addressed the air in front of him.
Having called on Atlas for assistance, he was naturally well-prepared.
During these days, he focused solely on this task. He had already gathered comprehensive information about the Capone family.
It's not an exaggeration to say that he knows precisely which underwear Capone Bege is wearing today.
But it's important to note that knowledge only goes so far.
As for something like assassination, that's a line he doesn't dare to cross.
While a substantial amount of money might persuade some Capone family members to betray their interests, assassinating the family's leader is a task that money alone cannot accomplish.
Similar to the renowned pirates in the New World, the bounty set by the Sea Emperor remains remarkably high.
However, no one is foolish enough to believe they can claim that astronomically high reward.
Crash-!!
On the gold-rimmed desk, a dense stack of intelligence documents suddenly shifted autonomously, as if an unseen hand were flipping through them recklessly.
"Castle-Castle Fruit? Interesting. Did he consume it so swiftly?" Atlas inquired, examining the details about Capone Bege and feeling a bit perplexed.
Among the Supernovas of the Great Pirate age, Capone Bege was undeniably a latecomer. After establishing dominance on land, he embarked on sea adventures, joining the ranks of the Supernovas at the age of 40.
The ability of the Castle-Castle Fruit bears some resemblance to spatial storage. Much like the Door-Door Fruit, it involves the enigma of space.
According to the theories in Atlas's fantasy novels from his previous life, space is king, time is revered, fate is fixed, and cause and effect reign supreme!
These principles also apply well to the pirate world. Any Devil Fruit ability even remotely connected to these concepts is exceptionally powerful!
"I've gone through all the intelligence. The Capone family will vanish from North Blue today. Just get ready to devour them."
With these words, Atlas left the office quietly.
A considerable amount of time passed. As if sensing Atlas's departure, Barb and Flint exchanged glances.
"The big boss is gone, right?"
"Big Boss? What kind of name is that?"
Law, standing nearby, couldn't help but roll his eyes at the unconventional names of the two.
"Isn't the boss's boss the big boss?"
"Yeah, yeah!"
The two sang in unison, leaving Law utterly speechless.
Does that even make sense?
....
Cige Island, at the port location.
Cig Island, at the port location.
A sailboat adorned with the Capone family crest rested quietly in its spot, its black hull seamlessly merging with the deep night.
The ship wasn't bustling with activity, and most of the individuals aboard appeared to be assistants. There were few armed combatants visible, holding guns in hand.
Capone Bege, dressed in a striped suit and a black top hat, biting down on a thick cigar, stood still at the gangway, captivated by the gentle sea breeze.
It's reminiscent of...
A courageous warrior with a solitary heart!
"Father, the ship is ready and can set sail at any time!"
Suddenly, a head with a black hat emerged from the side of the tall ship, delivering a report to Bege.
Hearing this, Bege took a deep breath, and the thick cigar burned rapidly until it turned into ashes.
A massive cloud of smoke suddenly spewed out, transforming into a white plume resembling a sword that shot directly towards the faces of the people on the boat!
Startled--!!
The man in the black hat instinctively pulled back, watching the smoke slowly dissipate in front of him. Cold sweat suddenly broke out on his forehead.
"I heard you accepted money from the Soviet Chamber of Commerce?" Bege inquired coldly, glaring at the man in the black hat.
He is not a direct descendant of Bege; he can only be seen as another branch positioned beside him, meant to follow in his footsteps.
There is more than one such person around Bege.
Bege has always been aware, using the other branches to soothe their hearts. When he gradually consolidates all the power, that will be the moment he fully reveals his fangs.
But what he didn't anticipate was that this guy dared to accept money from the Soviet Chamber of Commerce!
At this moment, the man in the black hat was considered dead to Bege!
Snapped--!
A crisp snap of fingers.
Suddenly, a large hole emerged in Bege's chest and abdomen. A small man, dressed similarly to Bege, appeared in the hole, wielding a spear and pointing it upward!
Boom--!
The trigger was pulled, and a bullet, initially the size of an ant, swiftly expanded, traversing the dark night and penetrating the head of the man in the black hat.
Bang—!
The man in the black hat collapsed, vanishing from Bege's sight.
"This is the cost of betrayal..."
Swish!!!
Before Bege could finish speaking, an invisible slash suddenly sliced through his body.
Just like cutting tofu with a knife, Bege was instantly cleaved in half. The smooth cut surface bled, and his expression appeared frozen in the pride of the previous second!
Bang, bang, bang!!!
As Bege succumbs, a large group of gang members clad in black suits suddenly materialize beside the lifeless body.
Of course, most of them were lifeless bodies, severed into several pieces.
'Ho is Bege guy still opting for 'caliber is justice'?'
Atlas, remaining unseen not far away, looked intrigued.
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari