78. Heat-Heat Fruit

Bakuhatsu Haku (Explosion Sweep)

Atlas initiated the encounter by greeting Oven with the Dragon Talisman. A thick pillar of explosive flames surged toward Oven at the ship's bow. The tremendous force of the explosion instantaneously shattered the pirate ship into debris.

Oven, on the other hand, leaped off the bow of the ship with a gloomy expression. With his speed, he couldn't be harmed so easily.

"You've managed to anger me, Marine!"

Netsu Nami (Heat Wave) 

Oven promptly activated his Devil Fruit power. In his view, the Marine in front of him was provoking the Big Mom Pirates. Among pirates, the pirate flag symbolized their reputation, and Atlas's actions were undoubtedly a direct affront to their honor.

In the distance, Atlas sensed a surge of scorching heat emanating from Oven's body, yet it paled in comparison to Atlas's own physical resilience. It felt as though there were dense ants biting him.

"Trash! Are you tickling me?"

Bakuhatsu Chōsoku Soru (Explosion Superspeed Shaving)

Atlas erupted in a fierce laughter, causing a massive crater to materialize beneath him. His movements seemed to defy the constraints of space, and in the blink of an eye, he materialized behind Irving!

Danger!

Having activated the heightened perception warnings of his Ultimate ability, enhancing his Observation haki to his limit, however, his physical agility couldn't match the swiftness of his thoughts. Helplessly frozen in place, he could only brace himself for the impending impact of Atlas' fist!

Boom! Without any flashy effects or ornate displays of Haki, an immense force surged through Oven's body. He was sent hurtling into the distance, resembling a ragdoll caught in the powerful impact.

Oven felt like he had been struck by his mother, who was suffering from schizophrenia. The overwhelming force nearly caused his body to unravel.

"Tsk! Not too shabby!"

Atlas shook his arm, expressing some emotion. With each additional spell he ignited, he sensed an amplification in their power. It felt as though there was a symbiotic effect, where the absorption of the spells not only granted him potent physical abilities but also diminished his physical strength.

In terms of sheer explosive strength, his current power can stand toe-to-toe with the three Vice Admiral monsters. It can be asserted that he is rapidly boosting his strength and physique at a terrifying rate with each passing moment, resembling an upgraded version of Charlotte Linlin!

"What kind of monstrous being are you!?"

In the distance, Oven slowly rose from the ground, using his dusty arms to wipe away the blood from the corners of his mouth. His eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. The recent moment nearly brought him face to face with death. Such terrifying speed and power seemed beyond the realm of human capability.

Netsu Punch (Heat Punch)

Oven felt a twinge of regret. He should have heeded Katakuri's warning earlier and turned back. However, there's no remedy for regret. Now, he can only grit his teeth and confront the monster before him. Perhaps there's still a chance for survival.

"Heat dares to challenge Explosion? Bakuhatsu Ken (Explosion Fist)!"

Atlas applied pressure beneath his feet, channeling the explosive power of the Dragon Talisman into his massive fist. The two forces collided with a violent impact!

Boom!

In reality, Charlotte Oven's Devil Fruit ability has been finely honed. His body has also inherited some of the prowess from Big Mom's Steel Balloon, bringing his Devil Fruit ability to a state that approaches awakening.

Nevertheless, his Heat-Heat Fruit leans towards manipulating temperature, whereas Atlas's Dragon Talisman is more inclined towards explosive power. The instantaneous attack potency of the latter is evidently inferior.

"How are you holding up, pirate? Can you sense the disparity?"

Atlas gazed at Owen, whose right arm contorted into an unusual position, and spoke calmly.

"Marine! Crossing paths with the Big Mom Pirates guarantees trouble! Mom won't let you off the hook!"

Oven issued a somewhat menacing threat.

"Mom? Are you a mama's boy?"

Atlas paid no heed, taking a step forward. He opened his large hand and delivered a resounding slap across Oven's face. The once distinctive hairstyle instantly disintegrated, and the entire head seemed almost concave. Beneath it, the right cheek swelled prominently, and a few teeth scattered to the ground, mingling with the blood spurting from the corner of the mouth.

"you..."

Oven struggled to rise, utterly perplexed by the actions of the man before him. He uttered incomprehensible words, and out of nowhere, he swiftly rose and delivered a forceful slap.

In truth, Oven is facing a stroke of bad luck this time. He is inherently inclined towards Devil Fruit abilities, despite possessing greater physical prowess than other offspring of Big Mom. Nonetheless, he still favors employing fruits in physical confrontations.

Nevertheless, even though Atlas' Dragon Talisman primarily entails explosive abilities, it fundamentally involves fire. Consequently, Oven's Devil Fruit ability was nearly half annihilated, and his physique and strength were also overpowered by Atlas, pressed forcefully against the ground and ground into submission.

"Tell me, what is your primary motive for coming to Dressrosa this time?"

Observing that Owen had been 'instructed' sufficiently, he inquired casually. After all, isn't it customary to extract information through interrogation from prisoners?

"Marine, if you can, just kill me!"

Oven asserted firmly that, given his unwavering loyalty to the family, it was impossible for him to disclose any information about Big Mom.

"Oh, okay!"

Upon hearing this, Atlas promptly drew the Sandai Kiketsu from his waist. A gleaming blade materialized and swiftly traced across Oven's neck with precision. A spray of blood erupted suddenly!

Subconsciously, Oven employed his intact left arm to shield the wound on his neck. His eyes widened, expressing profound reluctance, and myriad thoughts raced through his mind.

'Damn it, I just blurted out a few harsh words subconsciously. You Marine scoundrel, why did you take it seriously? Moreover, Marines usually send Devil Fruit users to Impel Down. Why isn't this guy following the usual procedure?'

Unfortunately, Oven would never get the opportunity to voice these thoughts. Atlas couldn't detain him in Impel Down, understanding that the Big Mom Pirates would undoubtedly secure Oven's release through dealings with the World Government.

Just like the group of politicians who secretly make deals with Kaido, who occupies Wanokuni, the Five Elders only prioritize their self-serving interests.

As for the revival of Devil Fruits, Atlas remains indifferent. The corruption of the world is never solely caused by Devil Fruits, and there are countless Devil Fruits in the sea, with this Heat-Heat fruit being no exception.

"No one alive?"

At this moment, Gion, who had come all the way from King's Heights, appeared next to Atlas, gazing at Oven's tragic form, and asked.

"Ah~ There's no one left alive. Such remnants should go to hell and repent!"

Atlas waved his hand and said calmly.

"It's truly like Sakazuki's style, Canos!" Gion said in a half-joking manner.

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki and me are different! Rear Admiral Gion, you should handle the follow-up matters, while I'll continue to enjoy Dressrosa's festivities."

Gion was momentarily stunned, as if he had been fooled once again. He hadn't had a good rest since arriving at Dressrosa.

damn it!

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Bonus chapter for reaching 400k views.

So readers, my holidays are over and my university is starting, so the update-timing will vary every day. Though I will try to update one chapter of my fantasy novel frequently, I can't guarantee it. My exams are also coming up, so I will try my best. Wish me luck, I really need it.

Read 20 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari