219. Retreat
"There's still a way..."
"Indeed, the New World isn't a place where just anyone can be the boss!"
Atlas glanced at Big Mom, who was swiftly recovering from injuries, and squinted slightly. The Haki surrounding his body intensified, his bones and muscles rapidly grew, strange patterns etched onto his skin, and two crimson lines appeared on his forehead.
Suddenly, the transformation into the Bushintai was finished!
Atlas has mastery over two fully evolved forms. One combines Seimei Kikan, Rabbit Talisman, and Armament Haki's Kami-e, enhancing his speed and combat instincts significantly.
The second form is the Bushintai transformation, merging Seimei Kikan, Ox Talisman, and Armament Haki. This form swiftly enhances Atlas's skeletal muscles, granting him formidable strength. It's his preferred form, and each strike packs such power that even the Emperor of the Sea would feel stunned, his arms going numb.
"Zeus!"
Big Mom lifted her hand and called out to the recovered Zeus.
"Yes, Mama!"
Zeus comprehended the command and swiftly circled around Atlas, heading towards Big Mom, who stood above Aegir.
Originally, Poseidon was meant to be a product of Atlas's power. However, he utilized the chicken talisman's power to bring coherence and solidity to it. Despite this, Poseidon remains an inanimate object at its core, lacking its own consciousness. All its actions are directed by Atlas's control.
Big Mom, however, took a different approach. She split a portion of her soul, granting Poseidon its own consciousness.
Homies is quite fascinating. Despite its ability to seamlessly merge into the sea at its own discretion, its size remains constant, as per Atlas's initial design.
Being a creature of power, Homies shares the inherent trait of being repelled by the sea. Unlike Zeus and Prometheus, it lacks the ability to command its own elements.
Indeed, any formidable individual who reaches the awakened stage in their Devil Fruit abilities no longer views the sea as a formidable barrier!
"Ikoku (Mighty Nation)!"
Big Mom leaped onto the rapidly moving Zeus, brandishing Napoleon in hand, unleashing a mighty shockwave of sword energy that soared into the sky!
Atlas neither dodged nor evaded, responding with a matching slash, the Haki-infused blade cutting through the air. The dense shockwave split instantly, smoothly and effortlessly!
.....
Pleasure District.
As the world's largest red-light district, it's a place where numerous visitors come and go daily, filled with entertainment and kabuki performances everywhere.
Even though it is primarily led by women, nobody dares to infringe upon it and claim it as their own forbidden territory!
It all began with a woman named Stussy, hailed as the Queen of the Pleasure District and the Emperor of the Underworld.
The fact that she can command a group of women in the shadowy underworld and earn the friendship of Big Mom, the Emperor of the Sea, speaks volumes about her strength.
At this moment, in the opulent villa.
An elegant and beautiful woman with short blond hair, blue eyes, and lipstick sat in the chair behind the desk.
As the head of the entire Pleasure District, there was no need for her to personally greet guests, unless a truly significant figure arrived.
So, when she had idle moments, she would sit in the villa, sipping tea and rejuvenating her body and mind.
This is the secret to why she has been able to preserve her youthful appearance all this time.
Of course, the mastery of the Ultimate Seimei Kikan technique also plays a crucial role!
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~!
Suddenly, a long-silent phone bug concealed in her attire emitted a sound.
"Um--!"
Stussy swiftly retrieved the den den mushi. A red light gleamed in her eyes as her gaze swept across the villa's surroundings. Simultaneously, she produced a white anti-eavesdropping den den mushi, placing it nearby.
Her actions flowed smoothly, akin to clouds and running water.
After ensuring there were no lurking threats, she picked up the phone and answered the call.
"Why is the response so sluggish this time?"
A deep voice resonated from the microphone.
"If you have matters to discuss, spit it out quickly. We wouldn't want unnecessary exposure over time," Stussy deliberately lowered her voice.
"Big Mom is currently in a skirmish with Marine's Baiji. Akainu is en route to provide backup. If Hakuryu manages to lure Akainu into the conflict, Big Mom will be in peril!"
"I've heard that you maintain intelligence connections with Big Mom. The Five Elders are adamant about preventing any disruption to the delicate sea balance."
"So..."
"You understand your role, don't you?"
'Hakuryu?'
That Marine rising star certainly knows how to create a spectacle; he's indeed a spirited young man. After clashing with Kaido, he's now provoking Linlin again...
"Hey, Stussy, are you getting my message?"
The man on the other end of the phone didn't hear Stussy's response, prompting him to speak in an irritated tone.
"Huh? My apologies. I was lost in thought for a moment~"
Stussy apologized slightly, "I see!"
.....
On the other end, the intense collision persisted, with long blades clashing and the thunderous roar of fire echoing.
"Hahaba (Blade of Destructions)!"
"Ittōryu Iai!"
Another golden collision ensued, and invisible shockwaves rippled once more. A potent vibration spread, making it challenging for Big Mom to maintain her grip on Napoleon.
"Ha ha..."
Big Mom halted on Zeus, unable to suppress a few sharp breaths.
Six days had elapsed since the war began. Though common for top-tier fighters, engaging in a life-and-death struggle had undoubtedly taken a toll on their physical endurance.
Moreover, she had employed the fruit's ability to heal her injuries on multiple occasions. This tactic, however, came with its own set of costs.
"What's the matter, old woman?"
"Thats not working?"
Atlas mocked without restraint.
By this point, the clothing on his body had vanished, and the extensive scars were healing at a noticeable pace, leaving no trace behind.
"Mama! It's time for us to evacuate!"
At that moment, Katakuri emerged abruptly from the sea below, forcefully interrupting Big Mom, who was on the verge of getting angry.
"Mama Mama! Do you even know what you're saying, Katakuri!"
Big Mom suddenly turned her head, expressing strong dissatisfaction as she stared at Katakuri beside her.
"I just received intel. Akainu is en route to support. If both of them corner you, Mama, it'll be too much for you to handle!"
Katakuri gazed at Big Mom without fear, but he didn't disclose the information source in the presence of Atlas.
"What nonsense! I am the Pirate Emperor!!"
Big Mom fumed in anger.
But deep down, she knew Katakuri was correct. Even she couldn't withstand the joint assault of two formidable powerhouses.
Despite Big Mom's violent and irritable demeanor, it didn't mean she was foolish. The woman who managed to establish a dominant pirate group after departing from the Rocks ship couldn't be underestimated.
"..."
Katakuri remained silent, gazing steadily at the frenzied woman before him.
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