A sharp blade flashed through the air… but struck nothing solid.
The gunman's bullet also flew out at a precise angle, trailing smoke…
At that instant, time seemed to slow down for everyone present.
Even the Celestial Dragons watching from a distance began to freeze, their expressions gradually turning blank.
They simply could not understand, and for a moment could not even comprehend… how could a commoner… a low‑born filth… dare to raise a hand against them, the supreme rulers of the world?!
Saint Charlos was turning his head back around. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a terrifying, ferocious face looming closer — like a predatory lion opening its jaws wide, radiating a murderous intent that boiled over.
"We're done for!"
The swordsman and the gunman were filled with dread.
They never expected that even caught in a pincer attack, this man could still evade them without disrupting his offensive momentum.
At such close quarters and tight angles, the space around the target had clearly been sealed off…
The gunman had exceptional eyesight. He captured every detail: Oboro blurred into an afterimage, first flicking the flat of the sword away with a single finger; then, just as the bullet was about to reach him, he bent his knees and waist, only to snap upright again instantly. It was a perfect, flawless evasion!
BANG!
Another gunshot rang out.
But this time… it was Saint Charlos who pulled the trigger.
In that split second, the Celestial Dragon's mind went completely blank. Beneath his bubble helmet, his foolish face hadn't even had time to register shock or fear.
CRACK!
Following the report came the sound of shattering.
Bright red blood blossomed in the dim light of the hall. Oboro's hands moved like crossing tiger claws, instantly smashing the Celestial Dragon's bubble helmet into countless fragments.
As his arms whipped through the air, Saint Charlos' skull crumbled like fragile tofu… and exploded.
"…"
Silence.
A deathly silence.
The swordsman and gunman beside him turned pale as ghosts, feeling as if they had fallen into an ice cellar.
Their brains had simply stopped working.
Not far away stood four figures who had been watching the whole time.
The high‑ranking officers of the Donquixote Family: Trebol, Diamante, Lao G, and Gladius.
From the very moment they sensed Oboro's lethal intent toward the Celestial Dragons, the four had moved in unison…
They absolutely could not allow any harm to come to them. This place was the Family's property, their auction house.
Even if the killer had nothing to do with them… allowing a Celestial Dragon to die here would have uncontrollable consequences for Doflamingo.
At first, they never imagined anyone would dare attack a Celestial Dragon… Yet, it had just happened right before their eyes!
THUD.
Saint Charlos' corpse fell backward to the ground.
"AAAAHHHHHH!!!"
Then, a piercing scream shattered the frozen silence, waking everyone from their stupor.
It was Shalria.
The arrogant, disdainful expressions of the remaining Celestial Dragons finally crumbled into pure terror and shock.
For perhaps the first time in their lives, these self‑proclaimed gods of the world truly understood… what it meant to face death.
And as if killing one wasn't enough, while everyone else stood stunned, Oboro had already shaken off the swordsman and gunman.
He charged straight toward the other Celestial Dragons huddled together. Killing one makes no difference. Since I've already done it… why not wipe them all out?
To Shalria and the others, Oboro's face — covered in paint and rushing rapidly closer — looked exactly like a demon from hell.
"Die… all of you!"
Oboro bared a cold, merciless smile.
He was almost upon them when suddenly, a strange cry echoed in his ears, and a heavy, powerful shadow smashed down toward him.
Oboro instantly raised his arms to block.
BOOM!
With a thunderous impact, he was sent flying backward by the immense force of the blow while still in mid‑air.
He crashed deep into the spectator stands in the distance, destroying dozens of seats upon impact.
Even the hard stone floor cracked under the pressure.
Standing protectively in front of the Celestial Dragons was Lao G, his entire body coated in Armament Haki, striking a formidable pose.
Before Oboro could even stand up from the wreckage, a twisted, serpent‑like long sword came slicing through the air, stabbing precisely toward where he had landed.
Oboro rolled quickly away, using agile footwork to leap toward an open space.
But Diamante's attacks were relentless and terrifying. Empowered by his Devil Fruit, his sword could unleash long‑range slashes at any angle, covering every inch of the hall…
Even when Oboro managed to create distance, he had no time to breathe or rest — only to keep dodging frantically.
"You won't get away!"
Diamante gritted his teeth, his eyes dark and sinister.
As he stared at Oboro's figure, his voice trembled slightly.
He was terrified.
Despite having weathered storms and built the Family alongside Doflamingo, despite being a true powerhouse of the sea… he could not remain calm.
Everyone understood clearly… what kind of cataclysmic storm was about to follow.
Oboro could not be allowed to leave. He absolutely must not escape!
"This is such a pain!"
Oboro was astonished by the speed of Diamante's strikes.
Even when he dodged the blade and put enough distance between them, the sharp tip of the sword would appear coming at him from all directions the moment he looked up.
The attacks were fluid, covering an incredible range, with trajectories impossible to predict.
And above all… the blade itself was imbued with Armament Haki.
Truly worthy of being a top executive of the Donquixote Family. Their combat ability was extraordinary.
At the very least, their mastery of their Devil Fruit powers was incredibly seasoned and skilled.
Oboro's eyes darted rapidly. He caught sight of Gladius rushing toward the exits and entrances, intending to seal off every path of retreat immediately to prevent his escape.
Meanwhile, Lao G stood guard beside the Celestial Dragons, ensuring no further casualties occurred.
On the other side, Trebol secreted a massive amount of sticky mucus and swung a heavy chain straight toward Oboro's position.
If that mucus touched him, his mobility would be reduced drastically… turning him into fish on a chopping block.
None of them had discussed a plan beforehand, nor had they the time to. Everything happened far too suddenly, far too fast.
Yet, acting purely on instinct and perfect coordination, they had reacted and positioned themselves exactly as the situation demanded.
One of Oboro's arms hung limp at his side. Earlier, Lao G had landed a powerful kick that shattered the bones in his hand… That old man wasn't just for show; he was genuinely skilled.
His strength was not to be underestimated.
"As I thought… there's no chance now."
Oboro leaped high, dodging another wave of sword strikes and flying mucus, landing gracefully with both feet resting atop the back of a chair.
He had originally planned to take advantage of the psychological shock and chaos to kill at least one or two more Celestial Dragons.
But their reaction speed was simply too fast.
"This is only the beginning… The hunt and slaughter of you people… is far from over."
"We… will meet again."
Oboro looked toward the group of Celestial Dragons hiding behind Lao G and smiled faintly.
At that moment, one of the surviving nobles had already pulled out a Den Den Mushi to contact the World Government.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!!"
Dozens of guests who had come for the auction suddenly surged toward the exits like madmen — including the swordsman and gunman who had tried to stop him earlier.
They had to leave now!
They could not bear the consequences of the Celestial Dragons' wrath.
If they didn't run immediately, it would be too late!
Without a doubt… they would all die!
Total, indiscriminate annihilation!
Someone screamed at Gladius, who was blocking the main gate.
"Today… no one leaves."
Gladius replied coldly.
Meanwhile, Diamante bent down, placing one hand flat against the ground.
Instantly, the entire floor of the viewing stands rippled and undulated like flowing water, waves rolling across the surface.
Many people lost their balance and fell instantly.
It was the power of the Hira Hira no Mi – Flutter‑Flutter Fruit.
At the same time, Gladius activated his own ability — the Pamu Pamu no Mi – Pop‑Pop Fruit.
Pressing his white‑gloved hand onto the ground, a massive spherical bulge erupted in the central aisle, followed instantly by a deafening explosion.
Fire, smoke, and debris filled the air.
The blast threw back the crowds gathered there, scattering broken limbs and chunks of flesh everywhere.
Gladius was carefully controlling the power output — after all, the Celestial Dragons were still nearby.
In an instant, the entire battlefield descended into total chaos.
"Give my regards to Joker."
Oboro made a casual gesture toward Diamante and Trebol.
Behind him, in the empty air, a doorway leading to another dimension appeared and swung open.
"It's him!"
Seeing this ability, the members of the Donquixote Family finally recognized Oboro's true identity.
This power… wasn't it exactly the signature skill of the thief who stole the Devil Fruit and killed Dellinger?
The mysterious man!
He hadn't left Sabaody at all.
They… had been completely fooled by such a simple disguise and diversion.
The door frame closed and vanished into the void.
Once again… he had escaped safely and unscathed.
____________________
For more advance chapters visit my patreon
patreon.com/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - +20 Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - +40 Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - +80 Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"