183. Rob Lucci

Moria, who seemed victorious initially, suddenly wore a terrified expression. When Atlas sheathed the sword, in his now swollen body, numerous gaps appeared, densely packed and reaching deep into the bone. Blood splattered out in large amounts.

Innumerable black shadows scattered away from the wound!

"Puchi~"

Moria resembled a collapsing doll, steadily shrinking, with a growing sense of fear etched on his face. Despite his efforts to contain it, the wounds on his body multiplied, and the shadows within him were desperately trying to escape!

Boom!

Finally, Moria regained his original height of six meters, only to collapse afterward. His once pale skin now bore a blue-black hue from the substantial blood loss.

'Failed once more...'

On the ground, Moria lay, gazing at the darkening sky with vacant eyes, a sense of loneliness filling his heart.

"Huh? Why does this guy appear to have gotten a bit taller?"

Atlas advanced. Could it be that the Shadō Asugarudo (Shadow Asgard ) had a counterproductive effect?

Forget it, perhaps it was Moria's unexpected second growth spurt. Even Atlas didn't comprehend it. Moria was already fairly young when he clashed with Kaido, yet he somehow managed to grow so tall later. Quite a surprising revelation!

Clang!

Kaminari is unsheathed once more!

The blade was aimed at Moria. Atlas, uninterested in small talk, was prepared to end this with a single strike. After all, Moria wasn't a Shichibukai yet, making him susceptible to Atlas's actions.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, a black shadow leaped from the side, shielding Moria.

Atlas squinted slightly, pausing to scrutinize the young man who had unexpectedly appeared in front of him.

His face is fair, devoid of a beard, with long, curly hair cascading over his shoulders, and a stern expression. His fearless gaze meets Atlas directly. Dressed in a black suit with a cape draped over his back, he rolls up the sleeves.

"CP department?"

Atlas was mildly surprised. The young man before him seemed familiar, and his cold demeanor easily brought to mind CP, the clandestine service agency under the World Government.

"Belonging to CP9, Agent Rob Lucci. You can't kill him!"

Rob Lucci's current appearance is still quite youthful, yet the chill emanating from his expression is enough to make people overlook his age, and indeed, that is the case.

Atlas had indeed come across information about Rob Lucci a few years ago. This guy had massacred 500 Kingdom soldiers during an agent training mission and subsequently joined CP9.

The CP department comprises ten divisions, labeled from 0 to 9, each handling distinct tasks. CP0 is tasked with safeguarding the safety of Celestial Dragons, whereas CP9 is dedicated to pure agent missions, with assassination and undercover espionage as their primary responsibilities.

Similar to the Marine's recruit training camp, the CP department also undergoes assessment and distribution, but it is notably more severe than the Marines.

Each year, the World Government selects gifted children globally, subjecting them to rigorous training from an early age while instilling loyalty to the government. Charlotte Linlin nearly became one of them, were it not for the mysterious disappearance of Mother Carmel. Perhaps there is no longer the Sanko Big Mom, but rather CP's ace agent, Charlotte Linlin!

Post-training, they undergo task assessments, and Rob Lucci, being the most talented of his generation, was naturally assigned the most challenging task. Surprisingly, he effortlessly resolved it with his own strength, brutally murdering 500 individuals afterward. A soldier entering CP9, believing weakness to be the original sin.

Lucci now holds the elusive title of 'the strongest individual in CP9 in 800 years'.

"Who do you think you are? You dare to give me orders?"

Without uttering a word, Atlas wouldn't tolerate the CP genius. He stepped forward and delivered a direct front kick to Rob Lucci's chest!

Boom!

Caught off guard, Rob Lucci was sent flying backward in an instant, blood slowly trickling down the corner of his mouth. Yet, he remained silent, offering no retort.

Indeed, Atlas, as the Candidate Admiral of the Naval Headquarters, has far surpassed him in the actual power of the position, even though they are not in the same department.

"Moria has accepted the World Government's invitation and is set to become the next Shichibukai. You Marines are not authorized to execute him!"

Rob Lucci's expression remained unchanged. His mission this time was to invite Moria to fill the vacancy of Shichibukai. The fundamental balance of power must be upheld on the sea. This is the Five Elders' most resolute bottom line.

"You mean..."

"You came to invite him, but it seems he hasn't responded to you yet?"

Atlas looked playfully.

'Not good!'

Rob Lucci's expression shifted, and he opened his mouth to shout!

Pity...

Too late!

A cold light flashed, as if a slash across the entire space descended upon the half-dead Moria. Wind pressure swept by, and airwaves surged.

A large head soared into the sky, and the gruesome blood splattered. Moria still wore a look of disbelief on his face.

It can be said that from the time he set sail and grew up, from being a West Blue hero to facing off with Kaido, he never imagined he would meet such a quiet end. Not in a dramatic battle, but in the middle of nowhere – the notorious Calm Belt.

"You..."

Seeing this, Rob Lucci's initially indifferent expression changed slightly.

This guy... is serious!

"What's wrong? I'm a righteous Marine. Is there an issue with Marines eliminating pirates?"

Atlas said casually in defiance.

He is provoking.

As long as Rob Lucci dared to attack him, he would have a reason to eliminate the strongest person in CP9 for 800 years on the spot. He believes that even if their commander came, he would have nothing to say.

"..."

Rob Lucci remained silent, his clenched fists refusing to release. Despite being a Rokuogan Grandmaster, unrivaled within CP9, he acknowledged the formidable status of the youngest Marine candidate before him. The weight of an Admiral is undoubtedly beyond his reach, even though they both serve the World Government.

'Really...Weakness is the original sin!'

Rob Lucci slowly loosened his fist, and blood began to flow back into the joints that had turned white. Yet, his face remained cold, leaving Atlas to wonder if this guy had facial paralysis.

"I will report it truthfully."

After saying this, Rob Lucci turned around and left. There was no point in further entanglement. As a CP agent, any clash of wills was external to him, with the mission being the sole priority.

"Hey~ I thought you would take action against me. What a pity..."

Atlas sighed with regret, but as Lucci turned around, it sent shivers down his spine.

'This guy...Is he trying to seize the opportunity to attack me?!'

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Bonus chapters for reaching 100 power stones.

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