151. ‘Timely Helper’ Kizaru

The sky is vast and covered with dark clouds.

Shiki, the Golden Lion, holds the Oto and Kogarashi with calm eyes and an expressionless face, hanging quietly above, just like a proud lion.

We see Atlas looking a bit embarrassed. Two gaps on his body are moving slowly. Many small particles are tangled together and getting bigger. The injury that almost split Atlas into four pieces is healing right before our eyes. However, the bloodline remaining can truly say how severe the injury was.

'Nearly lost my life!'

Facing Shiki's life-threatening blow, he knew very well that if it hadn't been for the help of the horse talisman, he might have become Shiki's burial object here today.

"What an extraordinary physique..."

Shiki, suspended in mid-air, observed Atlas's situation with clarity. A grimace spread across his rigid face, and his voice carried a hint of bitterness, "Failed once more..."

The attack he unleashed just now can be considered his strongest. Besides, the potent Conqueror's infusion he used could effortlessly slice a person into four pieces. The lingering Conqueror's will is fused with the wound. Even that youngster Kaido would struggle with such a feat. The healing process alone is sufficient to illustrate the horror of the Marine right in front of me!

"Shihahaha! Youngster, reveal your name to me."

"Canos Atlas!"

Atlas spoke with a deep voice.

"Isn't there a 'D'? Shihahaha, you're truly an unprecedented monster. Your presence will undoubtedly shake the world!"

Shiki laughed wildly, blood still streaming from all over his body. Nevertheless, he gripped the two sabers tightly in his hands. His eyes slowly hollowed as he stared at the vanishing sky, murmuring, "Indeed, remnants of the old era like me shouldn't step forward to impede the progress of the new era..."

After uttering those words, his once upright posture slowly slumped, and the sword in his hand felt as heavy as a stone. His expression turned suddenly fierce, "If that's the case, then come and take off my head and make a name for yourself in the sea!!!"

"Shihahahaha!"

After a brief burst of laughter, Shiki suddenly collapsed in front of Atlas. Oto and Kogarashi in his hands could no longer be held, and they dropped to the left and right sides of Atlas.

"Hm?"

Unexpectedly, a small black shadow darted out from Shiki's body. Just as Atlas tried to get a better look, the black shadow swiftly caught a glimpse of sunlight through a gap in the clouds and instantly vanished into Atlas's body. The sight was as fleeting as the moon among the flowers and water in a mirror.

However, what Atlas failed to notice was that the pattern on the chicken talisman in his mind seemed... slightly more deeper?

Boom!

At the instant when Shiki collapsed.

The island beneath his feet shifted slowly, and the cracks around it continued to widen. Atlas realized that without the sustaining power of the Float-Float fruit, the island, which had been steadily breaking apart during their battle, could no longer endure.

Furthermore, it's not just the island beneath your feet; the other floating islands lifted into the air by Shiki's ability are also descending towards the sea below.

"Hey there! Vice Admiral Kizaru, you must have had your fill of the spectacle, huh?"

Atlas cast a slow and unhurried glance in one direction.

"Oh! What a formidable Haki. It's been noticed..."

A yellow flash emerged, and numerous light particles gradually gathered into a tall and... wretched man.

Still donned in a yellow and white striped suit, wearing a justice cloak with yellow cuffs, brown sunglasses, and a black fisherman's hat atop his head, he pursed his lips and offered a slow, deserving-of-a-beating compliment.

"I'm not blind."

Atlas rolled his eyes. Whether Shiki had detected Kizaru or not, Atlas's observation Haki had already sensed Kizaru observing the spectacle.

"It's truly frightening~ You managed to take down a pirate as formidable as Shiki the Golden Lion. It seems I'm truly getting old..."

Kizaru rushed non-stop upon receiving Sengoku's order. He had no other option. With Sakazuki and Aokiji occupied in the New World, he was the sole person responsible for the headquarters. Being the fastest reinforcement available, Kizaru had no choice but to comply, even if he harbored reluctance in his heart.

Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered that Atlas and Shiki were engaged in a back-and-forth battle. So, he opted to simply stand aside and observe, adopting a leisurely stance.

But he felt content with his decision. Reflecting on the formidable attack Shiki unleashed before his demise, Kizaru couldn't help but shudder at the thought.

"Alright, no more dilly-dallying. Let's tidy up the aftermath left by Shiki, Vice Admiral Kizaru!"

Atlas felt helpless. Having Kizaru around was a relief; otherwise, dealing with the aftermath of these islands would be quite a challenge for him alone. Having just concluded a battle with a legendary pirate and sustaining severe injuries from the old guy's attacks, he was currently quite drained.

"No problem, Brother Atlas~"

Kizaru also acknowledged that he was in the wrong. Although he had initially come to provide support, he ended up standing aside to enjoy the spectacle. Hence, he readily agreed, a rare display of compliance.

...

Boom!

A massive explosion echoed through the air, audible even to Smoker and others out at sea.

"That is..."

Everyone on the warship looked up and witnessed a figure strolling towards them. His towering frame seemed to obscure the sky, and explosions kept resounding behind him!

"Vice Admiral Atlas!!!"

As the figure drew nearer, Atlas's determined face gradually became visible, and excitement surged through everyone. The fact that Atlas emerged unharmed meant that... Shiki had been defeated!

All the Marines were instantly filled with excitement.

"That's Shiki, the Golden Lion, the man who broke the myth of Impel Down. I never expected him to be defeated by Atlas!"

"Vice Admiral Atlas's strength should be on par with an Admiral's, right?"

"Indeed, the justice of the Marines will always prevail!"

"Presumably, Vice Admiral Atlas will soon be promoted to the position of Alternate Admiral!"

"It's quite lively~ You've become quite popular, Brother Atlas."

Suddenly, an abundance of light particles materialized next to Smoker, gradually forming Kizaru's wretched face.

"Vi... Vice Admiral Kizaru!"

The sudden sound nearly caused Smoker's heart to skip a beat. Subconsciously, he turned his head and nearly bumped into Kizaru.

"Vice Admiral Kizaru, please stop teasing me. Your popularity in this department is much higher than mine!"

"Yeah?"

Kizaru rubbed his chin lightly, feigning a thoughtful expression.

Atlas didn't really fool Kizaru on this matter. After all, who doesn't know the two most handsome characters in this department - Tokikake and Kizaru.

Atlas gently descended onto the deck and casually tossed the Oto and Kogarashi in his hand towards Smoker.

"Keep it safe, that's my trophy."

"This is...?"

"Ah, it's Shiki's sword."

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Bonus chapter for reaching 50 power stones.

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