Chapter 112

It can be said that Sky Blade's analysis has simplified the process of awakening Conqueror's Haki. Originally an innate aptitude, Sky Blade uses the advanced technology of the angelic civilization to awaken it in a scientific way. Not only that, Leon provided the necessary data and integrated the "Navy Six Styles" from the Marines to enhance Sky Blade's capabilities in creating new skills.

This is why Leon decided to gather everyone for three months of intense training. With Sky Blade, a celestial computer, many complex things have become much simpler. Sky Blade has even analyzed magic and mirror spells that the Supreme Sorcerer once used. This means it can simplify many of Leon's ideas, absorb other systems, and create new techniques for Leon and his group to use.

Signing up for the Sky Blade battleship turned out to be an invaluable investment for Leon. Although the others may not fully understand its power, they know that these three months of training will significantly boost their strength.

Pietro and Sergei, who were initially hesitant, now felt eager to begin. Wanda's mention of the training was taken lightly at first, but in reality, both Pietro and Sergei had a deep obsession with gaining strength after enduring dark times. They wouldn't miss any opportunity to grow stronger.

In their family, competition is a natural byproduct of their shared journey. Despite their differences in personality, they've all risen from ordinary individuals to powerful beings. While Leon has played a role as a catalyst, they would not have persevered without their own inner strength and determination. 

The training they undergo is grueling, both physically and mentally, and most people wouldn't be able to endure it. But having survived it, they've developed a shared spirit of perseverance that drives them to compete and grow stronger together. They don't want to be weaker than their comrades, and they strive to be reliable partners on the battlefield, ensuring that no one has to sacrifice due to their weakness.

Pietro, eager to start, asked enthusiastically, "When will Sumarokov and Gennady be finished?"

"It's almost time. They're different from you; they haven't found any clues yet. They'll gather tomorrow or the day after, but we still need to wait for Natasha to finish."

"Isn't Natasha going to take another three months?" Pietro asked, sounding a little disappointed. Waiting three more months seemed like an eternity.

Natasha's red lips curled into a sly, heart-stirring smile. She said softly, "The agreement was for me to resist the extraordinary within three months. But who says we can't shorten that time?"

Pietro and Sergei both shuddered at Natasha's tone, despite her gentle expression. After all the time they'd spent together, they knew too well what her different expressions and tones meant.

How would she shorten the time? Of course, it meant a Great Purge.

New York was about to go through a terrible period of turmoil, and Pietro and Sergei could only pray for whoever was unlucky enough to get in the way.

"Go to bed." 

Without hesitation, Pietro and Sergei bolted, not wanting to get caught up in any extra work. Natasha's half-smiling expression as she watched them flee told Leon that these two wouldn't be getting off easily in the future.

When the two had escaped, Natasha shifted her focus to Leon and Wanda. Her bright, captivating eyes locked onto Leon's, emotions subtly flickering behind them. 

Leon sighed in defeat. "Sister, you're too good at this," he muttered, unable to resist her charms. He immediately gave in, adopting a playful stance. "Fine, I'm up for a bit of exercise."

"Then I'll join in too. Let's make a big deal out of it," Natasha replied with a smirk.

"Who's our first target?" Leon asked.

"Kingpin," Natasha said, drawing out the name.

Hell's Kitchen, the darkest and most crime-ridden corner of New York, was where their target resided. Gangs, addicts, and criminals crowded the dirty, smelly streets. Here, every minute someone could die, while others came to unleash their darkest desires. 

Yet, amidst this chaos stood a gleaming building—the Chrysler Building—a symbol of luxury and power. While the streets of Hell's Kitchen were filled with filth and violence, this tall, shining structure remained untouched.

This contrast between the grime and the luxury was the defining feature of Hell's Kitchen.

And despite the chaos around it, no one dared to challenge the building owner's reign over the area.

His building stood untouchable, and so did his empire. For now.

And the building belongs to Kingpin, the world-class crime boss and underground emperor of New York's underworld. If the New York Police Department and the government are the rulers of the day, then Kingpin reigns over the night.

But tonight, the underworld emperor was meeting with a figure of considerable status.

In Kingpin's grand and spacious office, the floor was covered in rich red carpet, and expensive artwork hung from the ceiling. The crystal chandelier illuminated the room, making it seem even more extravagant. The walls were lined with paintings, wine racks, and other luxurious decorations—a display of ultimate opulence.

Standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows was Kingpin himself, a two-meter-tall, bald, and heavily built man dressed in a pristine white suit. A ring glittered on his large, thick fingers as he sat in a chair, surveying the room. Across from him sat another large man, this one in a black suit—Obadiah Stane.

Both men were accompanied by their respective bodyguards, standing not far away, silently watching each other with expressions of cold caution.

While both men were similar in appearance—bald and heavyset—their statuses were worlds apart. Kingpin might be incredibly wealthy, but his identity was still tied to crime. In contrast, Obadiah Stane was an upper-class American billionaire, a position far above that of any gangster.

Normally, a man of Obadiah's status wouldn't be caught interacting with someone like Kingpin. But now, he had something urgent to discuss, which was why he found himself sitting across the table from the notorious crime lord.

On the glass table between them was a bottle of rare, expensive wine that Obadiah had brought as a gesture of goodwill. With a fake smile, he opened the bottle and poured a glass for both Kingpin and himself.