88. Cloud Man

"Hey, youngster! Looks like this is all part of your Marine strategy, huh? Hahahaha! Sengoku truly lives up to his title as the Resourceful General!"

Yermak appeared slightly irritated, yet simultaneously helpless. He couldn't help but emit subdued laughter. It was as if he were a mouse being toyed with by a cat, and a grim smile suddenly crept onto his face.

"I regret to inform you, Mr. Yermak, that there's a bounty of 700 million Berries on your head – mere trash of the sea! You possess too much knowledge, leaving me no choice but to request your demise!"

Atlas gazed at the pirate before him, dressed like a debilitated gentleman, and spoke with an emotionless stare. You should be aware that the present bounty is not as substantial as it was over a decade ago when Luffy ventured abroad. The increase over these ten years is merely a reflection of Bailey's depreciation and inflation.

Hence, Yermak's bounty of 700 million Berries remains highly significant, and his prowess should not be underestimated.

"Hmph, hahaha! Such an impudent little brat!"

Even though Yermak has only glimpsed the tip of the Atlas iceberg, his pride as a formidable pirate won't permit him to surrender without a fight!

Raiun ga furu (Thundercloud descend)

Yermak let out a fierce laugh, and a multitude of dark clouds swiftly amassed in the sky. Thunder intermittently flashed, signaling the brewing storm within them.

Out of nowhere, a thunderbolt descended from the sky, striking Atlas directly on the head!

Boom!

The immense power of the thunder instantly overwhelmed Atlas!

However, Yermak didn't display a surprised expression. He was well aware that the man before him couldn't perish under such an assault.

"Huh? This feels quite pleasant. It's been a while since I've felt this good!"

The thunder dissipated, leaving Atlas unharmed. His body was entirely enveloped in the potent Armament Haki, but the upper body garments had turned to ashes due to the intense heat, exposing his armor-like muscles.

Atlas subtly twisted his neck, and his robust bones emitted a sudden crackling sound. What surprised him was that, under the recent thunderous onslaught, his body had made some progress, albeit minuscule enough to be easily overlooked.

"It's my turn!"

Atlas flexed his muscles, unleashing an explosive force beneath his feet. The sea surface, struck by this power, momentarily sank, and in the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Yermak with a terrifying speed.

Tekkai Kudaku (Iron body Shatter)

His arm abruptly swelled, and a terrifying surge of power enveloped him, causing the skin exposed to the air to ignite fierce, burning sparks!

Kumo Kabe (Cloud Wall)

Almost simultaneously, a colossal wall of clouds, painted with Armement haki, erected in front of Yermak!

Duang!

It possessed an unusual texture, a blend of softness within its hardness, but lacking the crispness of gold and iron like the collision of Armament Haki. It felt as though its robust flexibility had nearly neutralized a third of Atlas's strength, while the rest was absorbed by the power of Armament Haki.

"Haha! I'm a Cloud Man who consumed the Logia Cloud-Cloud Fruit. My Cloud Shield combines the softness of clouds with the hardness of Armament Haki. Breaking through it is an impossibility for you!"

Yermak spoke with a somewhat proud smile. In his view, though the Marine before him posed a minor challenge, the opponent was far from invincible. Hence, he promptly embraced the cherished traditions of the pirate realm, eagerly elucidating his abilities and maneuvers.

"Yeah?"

Atlas remained noncommittal, but he suddenly exerted more force on his hand. Simultaneously, he activated the explosive power of the Dragon Talisman, causing fierce flames to erupt on his fist!

boom!

"Phew~ It feels good!"

Atlas observed Yermak being propelled backward and released a long exhale.

Yermak, standing at a distance, steadied himself, gazing at the ragged gentleman's attire. An indescribable fire welled up within him.

"Hey, hey, hey! You've thoroughly angered me, Marine!"

After his words, dense clouds and mist abruptly surged on the sea. The thick clouds resembled a white continent, elevating Yermak's body and gradually ascending into the sky. Concurrently, numerous clouds and mist sought to envelop Atlas.

Atlas sensed as if colossal palms were clasping his body, the grip tightening with each passing moment!

Boom!

Explosive flames erupted, instantly creating a massive hole in the clouds restraining Atlas. However, under the control of the Yermak Fruit ability, it swiftly replenished, almost at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Observing this, Atlas employed Moonwalk and utilized "Kamisori (Razor)" to swiftly free himself from the entanglement of clouds and mist.

Tobu Shigan Bakuhatsu Gatoringu (Flying Finger Pistol Explosion Gatling!)

A fierce gleam flashed in Atlas's eyes, and his index finger released a barrage of artillery fire, propelling armed explosive bullets that relentlessly struck Yermak!

Yermak responded decisively, swiftly enveloping his arms in an abundant mass of clouds. The hue of his weaponry solidified, and his two enormous black fists violently collided with the erupting flames.

Bang bang bang!

Continuous explosions resounded, and a white shockwave rapidly erupted with Yermak at its center.

Atlas capitalized on the momentum and maneuvered into the air mass. Simultaneously, the shape of his body underwent a drastic transformation. His form rapidly diminished to a height of two meters. The Armament Haki on his body grew darker and more intense. Dazzling patterns emerged on his chest and back, with two tear-shaped marks appearing on his chest, extending to the sides of his neck.

Seimei Kikan Kami-e Bushintai (Life Return Paper Arts Martial God Body)

Unlike the Valkyrie Body, the Kami-e Armament Body enhances Atlas's reactions, making them faster and more sensitive. The Valkyrie Body bestows upon Atlas the strength of a giant, aligning seamlessly with the divine power of the Ox Talisman!

Kumo Hebi (Cloud Snake)

Even before Atlas rushed upward, Yermak's keen observation haki had already captured Atlas' figure, prompting him to take the initiative and launch the attack.

A multitude of colossal pythons, formed from clouds and mist, surged forward. The snake bodies were faintly coated with a layer of Armament Haki, evidently attempting to deceive Atlas.

'Do you truly believe that my Observation Haki is merely for show?'

Atlas's eyes narrowed slightly as two intense red lights emanated from them. The potent aura of Haki transformed into its ultimate form!

Uh-huh! Uh-huh! Uh-huh!

Blessed by the Kami-e Armament Body, Atlas elegantly dodged all the cloud pythons with almost flawless posture. Since his last encounter with Katakuri, while the breadth of his Observation Haki hadn't expanded, the precision of his perception had significantly improved.

Bakuhatsu Tomahōku (Explosion Tomahawk)

Almost instantly, Atlas traversed the clouds and mist, hovering condescendingly over Yermak's head. He then elevated his right leg high, his body resembling a taut bow, and unleashed a powerful kick, carrying the explosive flames with formidable force!

Boom!

Despite Yermak swiftly erecting a cloud wall, he was still forcefully knocked down from the air by this terrifying strength!

Peng!

A muffled crash resounded, and Yermak didn't plunge into the sea. This was due to the layer of clouds he had conjured using his Devil Fruit ability to restrain Atlas.

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