First Confrontation

"What happened?!"

"Commander-in-Chief!"

Soon after, dozens of Marine officers arrived, and their numbers continued to grow.

Kong's previous attack made a thunderous noise that could be heard up to a hundred meters away. The Marine officers didn't dare to be negligent and hurriedly investigated the cause of the noise.

Mary Geoise is the center of the World Government and the residence of the Tenryuubito, guarded by Marine officers 24 hours a day as a normal procedure.

To enhance security, former Fleet Admiral Kong was deliberately stationed in Mary Geoise as a deterrent in case something bad happened. After all, the world is not short of crazy and fearless people.

Most major figures wouldn't dare set foot in Mary Geoise unless permitted. For instance, the kings from various World Government-affiliated countries during the Reverie conference held every four years.

Whether it was the notorious pirate Rock D. Xebec, considered the strongest pirate in history, or the Yonko (Four Emperors) of this era, none of them dared to enter Mary Geoise.

But that doesn't mean Mary Geoise has never been infiltrated by intruders. There have been several precedents. The most famous example is a Fishman named Fisher Tiger, who infiltrated and freed the Tenryuubito's slaves.

"Intruder!!!"

When the Marine officers saw Eiji, they pointed their guns at him.

The handsome young man didn't look like a Tenryuubito or a slave. They quickly concluded that he was an intruder.

"There's no choice, I have to use force to capture you," Kong said in a deep voice.

Someone daring enough to secretly approach Mary Geoise wouldn't submit just because of words.

"Are you sure you want to start a fight? Mary Geoise will become a battlefield, you know? Who knows how many Tenryuubito will die in the battle. Let me go, and everything will be fine."

Eiji glanced around, now surrounded by hundreds of Marine officers. This number didn't include the snipers hiding in various spots. Unfortunately, the Six Eyes found them all.

"Ga Ga Ga Ga... It's useless, your threats are futile. As long as I defeat you quickly before you cause any damage, nothing will happen."

As if hearing the funniest joke, Kong laughed heartily until tears streamed down his face.

Even though he was retired and his strength had declined due to old age, his power was still top-notch globally.

Moreover, even if he lost to the other party, there were many powerful individuals in Mary Geoise. Examples include the Holy Knights and the Gorosei.

Considering this, Kong deemed it an empty threat.

"You're very confident in your strength, huh... Try if you can."

Still expressionless, Eiji didn't intend to be the first to strike.

Since the situation was like this, it was better to compare his strength with Kong to see how strong he was compared to the powerhouses in the One Piece world.

He could always escape using the [Limitless Technique]. This was the source of his confidence in causing trouble in Mary Geoise despite knowing the Gorosei were in Pangaea Castle.

"Everyone, fire!"

*BANG* *BANG* *BANG*

The Marine officers had been waiting for Kong's order. Then, they pulled the trigger, and bullets shot toward the target.

Facing the rain of bullets, Eiji just stood still, doing nothing.

Then a shocking scene occurred. Hundreds of bullets stopped in mid-air as if they had hit an invisible wall.

"Devil Fruit user? But why are the seastone bullets also affected? No wonder he's so arrogant."

Kong rubbed his chin while guessing what kind of Devil Fruit the other party had eaten.

Due to his limited knowledge, he misunderstood and concluded that Infinity was part of the Devil Fruit's power.

"Don't disappoint me, Kong."

With that sentence, Eiji seemed to vanish as he moved.

"You're too young to sneak attack me, kid!"

The naked eye couldn't see Eiji's movements, but under the perception of Kenbunshoku Haki, Kong could not only see but also respond to the incoming attack.

His entire body was covered in Busoshoku Haki, making his defense impenetrable.

*BAM*

The sound of the collision was loud, producing shockwaves that spread in all directions. The weaker Marine officers were blown back by the gust of wind.

"This is the first time someone has withstood my punch."

Standing in front of Kong, Eiji was surprised to see him standing firm without budging an inch.

It should be noted that he had used his full power in that punch. The destructive force behind the punch could even topple a skyscraper. After all, the physical enhancement gifted from the Heavenly Restriction couldn't be underestimated.

Despite this, Kong managed to withstand the punch without injury with Busoshoku Haki. Only the ground beneath his feet cracked like a spider web, spreading out for several dozen meters.

"Your physical strength is quite good, kid. Just three levels lower than Garp. Based on pure physical strength, you're stronger than the three current Admirals. How about joining the Marines? I can give you the position of Vice Admiral. Not a bad offer, right? If you agree, your crime of infiltrating Mary Geoise will be pardoned."

Kong extended an olive branch even in the midst of battle.

Honestly, he was very surprised by the power of the punch. If not for his advanced Busoshoku Haki, he feared he would have been blown away and sustained serious injuries.

In this world, most people preferred to eat a Devil Fruit for instant power rather than honing their physical strength.

Look at the three Admirals now; they are Devil Fruit users, and their power is too dependent on it.

It's very rare to find a Devil Fruit user who trains their body to this level.

If possible, Kong wanted the other party to join the Marines. After all, the other party hadn't committed an unforgivable crime yet.

"Becoming the Tenryuubito's dog? I must be crazy to agree."

Eiji withdrew his hand and spoke in disgust.

"😐"

Not only did Kong scowl, but the Marine officers who heard it also had grim expressions.

Serving in Mary Geoise, they had certainly seen the ugly side of the Tenryuubito. Those words pierced their consciences.

Most of them joined the Marines for justice, but reality slapped them in the face that the Marines were just a tool in the World Government's hands to protect the authority of power.

"What a pity, then you can only be sentenced and imprisoned in Impel Down."

The smile on Kong's face faded.

"Want to send me to Impel Down? If I want to escape, no one in this world can stop me."

"Let's see if your arrogance remains after I beat you."

Facing Eiji's arrogance, Kong emitted Haoshoku Haki focused solely on him.

"!!!"

Suddenly, Eiji felt an overwhelming force assault his mind mercilessly as if trying to tear him to pieces.