174. Click
Swish!
The threads were tangled up, nearly ripping through the air, and the Goshikito snatched Atlas's chest with a strong grip!
However...
Doflamingo's envisioned image of blood splatter didn't unfold. The normally self-sufficient and potent Goshikito was halted by Atlas's Armament Haki.
Buzz!!
Boom!
Afterward, the threads, stretched to their limits, couldn't hold on any longer. They snapped and scattered in front of Atlas.
How is that possible...
The other Donquixote officers appeared bewildered. Even if Hakuryu was the Marine's Candidate Admiral, he wouldn't act so unreasonably!
"The fruit's power has been honed, but it's a shame..." Atlas observed the slowly vanishing Armament Haki on his chest with a mocking expression.
"Haki is too feeble!!!"
Doflamingo felt a sense of horror. The Goshikito he just unleashed could be considered his most potent single attack at this point. Surprisingly, it failed to penetrate the opponent's Armament Haki.
Bang!
Without allowing the opponent a moment to contemplate, Atlas immediately pushed off with his feet and charged forward, barreling toward Doflamingo like a humanoid tyrannosaurus.
The force grew increasingly fierce, and the punch's gusts were already stinging his face. Without a moment to spare, Doflamingo swiftly took to the air using the transparent silk thread hanging down from Birdcage.
Kamisori Tomahoku (Razor Tomahawk)
Atlas wouldn't let him have his way so effortlessly. With his remarkably keen Observation Haki, he had almost predicted Doflamingo's upcoming countermove. He swiftly slid upward, delivering a tomahawk dunk to the opponent's head!
Bang!
In that brief moment of contact, Doflamingo experienced an even more intense force than before surging through him. The bones in his body were nearly shattered, and the excruciating pain overwhelmed whatever sanity remained in him.
Puff!
Doflamingo coughed up a mouthful of old blood, and his entire body was forcefully slammed into the ground. A "大"-shaped figure was firmly imprinted on him. He had never experienced a moment so prolonged and torturous, with every inch of his body throbbing with pain.
"Doffy..."
The remaining Donquixote Family members exclaimed in shock. As the leaders of the North Blue's underworld, they had never witnessed Doflamingo in such a miserable condition. Even in their initial encounters during their youth, they had never sensed such despair.
But even so, they remained powerless. If they recklessly intervened, Doflamingo would likely end up diverting his attention to deal with them in the end. This level of battle was beyond their capacity to engage in. The recent fate of Pika served as a stark warning.
"Haha... Is this the best you've got!!?"
Atlas gazed at Doflamingo, firmly lodged in the ground, with a hint of disappointment.
The present Doflamingo is still relatively young, and his strength is far from being as 'formidable' as it would become more than ten years later, not to mention the awakening of his Devil Fruit.
It can be argued that Doflamingo has nearly pushed the String-String Fruit to its limits at this stage. It won't be long before the fruit's abilities are awakened.
However...
He doesn't have that opportunity anymore!!!
Atlas altered his body form and leisurely advanced toward the fallen Doflamingo with measured steps.
"Young Master...."
The Donquixote Family members at the rear observed Doflamingo, seemingly indifferent to the approaching Atlas, with a degree of apprehension. If not for the violent heaving of his chest, still displaying the signs of Dove's lingering life, they might have assumed their young master was already deceased.
"If you aim to harm the Young master, you'll have to step over our lifeless bodies first!!"
Seeing that Doflamingo didn't rise, they finally couldn't resist stepping forward, creating a human barricade to shield Doflamingo behind them. Their eyes flickered as they faced the approaching Atlas.
"Since you're so eager to meet your end..."
"Then I'll gladly assist you!!"
Atlas remained unaffected. He wouldn't allow the march of death to pause for even a moment due to their sentimental emotions.
"Fufufufu....."
Doflamingo's distinctive laughter echoed, and his initially humbled body rose once more. The chest, heaving violently with unrestrained laughter, unveiled not just anger but also... frustration!
Crush!
A crushing without any suspense!
This was Doflamingo's current sentiment in the face of Atlas. His anger surged, seeking an outlet. A dreadful aura gradually emanated from his body, and the murderous intent soared into the sky, accompanied by wildly dancing lightning.
Who exactly is Doflamingo?
He is the descendant of God! Even the Naval Headquarters lacks the authority to pass judgment on him, and the World Government must fear him. He's the one fated to bring down those fools in Mariejois!
Boom!!
It felt like the built-up momentum was unleashed entirely in that moment, and a terrifying determination surged towards Atlas, causing the entire space to tremble intensely!
At this very moment, only the surviving members of the Donquixote Family and Rosinante managed to endure. Everyone else, including Law in hiding and the remaining Barrels Pirates who couldn't evacuate in time, were frothing at the mouth, unconscious and overwhelmed.
Conqueror's... Haki!!!
Doflamingo, who had mastered Conqueror's Haki as early as the age of 7, fully showcased the talent that had only emerged in a few individuals before everyone's eyes.
"It appeared again..."
The squad of elite officers, who initially stood in Doflamingo's way, had already scattered. They gazed at Doflamingo with delighted expressions as he was enveloped in black and red lightning. They pledged their allegiance to Doflamingo, driven by the vision of his potential to ascend as a 'king'!
Even the Marine's Candidate Admiral is not immune to such an enthralling will, isn't that so?
"Huh?"
Lao G instinctively glanced at Atlas, whose expression remained indifferent. Suddenly, his face froze, and his hands and feet turned as cold as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
In his line of sight, as Atlas advanced step by step, a similarly ominous aura to that of Doflamingo gradually took shape.
No! It should be noted... even stronger!!!
Atlas' expression stayed unaltered, and his Conqueror's Haki, almost stirring up a storm, exerted overwhelming pressure on the haughty Doflamingo!
Buzz...!!
Conqueror's Haki, initially brimming with arrogance, seemed to have encountered a natural foe in this moment, retracting into Doflamingo's body like a receding tide.
"Have you... had your fill of trouble?"
Boom!
Atlas lifted his head, grinned, and charged towards him, under the horrified stares of the pirates!
With the terrifying explosive flames and a speed that seemed to tear apart the space, the assembled Donquixote cadres suddenly found themselves sprawled on their backs!
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~
Right as the sole of Atlas's foot touched Doflamingo's neck, the phone in his pocket rang at the most inconvenient moment...
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari