The expression on Black Maria's face changed slightly, confirming Shin's perception of the situation.
Black Maria was the least aggressive among Kaido's senior officers. She enjoyed pushing around the weak but was thankful for any opportunity to avoid direct combat. Her high rank in the Beasts Pirates was due to more than just strength—she held a special status as one of Kaido's concubines.
This connection to Kaido granted her a certain amount of influence within the crew. Although Kaido wasn't the type to be easily swayed by "pillow talk," Black Maria still held a unique position. This time, while the entire crew was on an expedition, she was one of the few left behind to guard their base.
The recent fierce skirmish between Yamato and Ace didn't draw her assistance—partly because she was Yamato's stepmother. Yamato had no love for the Beasts Pirates and less for her father's concubine. If Black Maria dared to step outside, Ace might take her down, and Yamato would likely applaud.
This explains why Ace never encountered Black Maria in the original events. It wouldn't make sense for Kaido to leave his stronghold entirely unguarded, even though Wano was naturally fortified, and Kaido didn't anticipate the other Emperors would attack his territory directly. The Beasts Pirates had plenty of resources to protect. Wano might seem impoverished for its citizens, but the territory itself was rich, holding unique treasures like iron ore, Seastone, and even Devil Fruits.
Black Maria primarily stayed back to keep an eye on Yamato. Yet, she hadn't expected someone like Shin to infiltrate their stronghold.
"Heh, beautiful lady, do you think you can stop me alone?" Shin smirked, seemingly dismissing the strange-looking subordinates accompanying Black Maria. His body took on a faint metallic sheen.
Black Maria's face darkened. She was still a respected figure within the crew, though her rank might have relied on factors other than combat skills. Yet, to be so underestimated by Shin kindled her temper. She readied herself, then shouted, "Get him! Don't let him through!"
Her subordinates charged forward, but to Shin, they were mere distractions. Black Maria was actually masking her true attack, hoping to hit him with a toxic gas.
"Hmm, some kind of neurotoxin, right? Using poison against a medical ninja? You're out of your league," Shin scoffed, making hand seals.
"Demonic Illusion—Hell Viewing Jutsu!" Shin cast the entry-level genjutsu, a jutsu intended to show targets their worst fears. It was simple yet effective on untrained minds, causing Black Maria's troops to scream in terror, their contorted faces scrambling away from imaginary horrors.
Black Maria was briefly affected, but her Observation Haki helped her break free. Enraged that Shin had turned her toxin back on her forces, she cast off her kimono and lifted her polearm, a flaming wheel-like demon with a man's face on the side.
"Let's see you handle this!"
With a mighty swing, Black Maria struck Shin, sending him sprawling. She laughed, "Oh, darling, you shouldn't let your guard down."
As he stood, Shin's expression was both embarrassed and annoyed. Her sudden attack had caught him off guard.
Though Black Maria spoke in a mocking tone, she wasted no time. Her spider body suddenly opened its mouth and shot a torrent of flames at him.
"Maria's Fire!" she roared.
Though Shin didn't fully understand why this ancient tarantula species could breathe fire, he was prepared. Opening his mouth wide, he created a powerful suction, absorbing the flames into himself. His body became enshrouded in intense heat, and he hurtled towards Black Maria like a fireball.
"Stop!" she cried, forming a web of thick spider silk to block his approach. Yet the flames enhanced his attack, and the web burned away, leaving her defenses wide open.
With a powerful strike, Shin's flaming fist collided with Black Maria's spider form, igniting her lower body and sending her sprawling back in agony.
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Mass Release: [4/5]
For every power stones milestone: 50,100, 200, 300,400,500 I will release a bonus chapter.
I will also release a bonus chapter for every two reviews until it reaches ten reviews.
Review status: [6/10]