chapter 18
"That guy... that's Trafalgar Law!"
On the second-floor balcony of the main building, a figure fixed his gaze on Rhodes and his group as they entered. His eyes scanned the group before locking onto Law.
"That spotted hat... it hasn't changed one bit."
As if sensing the attention, Law raised his head and looked toward the second floor. He saw the dark blue coat, the shifting mask, and the unmistakable aura.
"Gladius... you're as calm as ever."
A faint, stiff smile crossed Law's face as he recognized the man before him. Gladius had once taught him, but he was also one of the accomplices responsible for Corazon's death. The swirl of emotions—rage at the Don Quixote family, the bittersweet anticipation of avenging Corazon, and so much more—left Law unsure of how to react.
"You! The traitor who betrayed the family!" Gladius roared, his voice dripping with fury. "Instead of hiding in some dark corner, you dare to appear here and even destroy the family's flag?!"
His forehead veins bulged as he spoke, his anger barely contained.
"Don't worry, Law. I won't kill you outright," he continued, jumping from the second floor. "I'll break every bone in your body and personally deliver you to the young master!"
Mid-leap, Gladius activated the gears on his arm. Several black projectiles launched and sped toward Law, closing the distance in an instant.
"Explosive projectiles!"
The projectiles expanded rapidly before erupting into a violent explosion that engulfed Rhodes, Law, and Nailu.
---
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Gunshots echoed through the smoke. Several bullets shot out, heading straight for Gladius. They struck his chest but failed to pierce.
"Too weak," Gladius muttered, sidestepping another volley.
"ROOM—"
Law's quiet command summoned a blue sphere of energy that enveloped the battlefield. In a flash, Rhodes swapped places with a stray bullet and appeared behind Gladius, his fist ready to strike.
Boom!
Another explosion rocked the area, but Rhodes reappeared beside Law a moment later, unharmed.
"This guy's reflexes are sharp," Rhodes admitted, his tone cautious.
From within the dissipating smoke, Gladius's voice rang out again. "I'll admit, you have some skill. But it won't change your fate."
As the smoke cleared, Gladius emerged. His helmet had expanded to its limit, hair styled in sharp spikes.
"Explosive helmet!"
A deafening blast followed. Shards of his helmet shot out like bullets, tearing through walls and knocking down his own allies. The sheer force of the explosion was staggering.
---
Rhodes swung his sword, deflecting the flying debris with a flurry of precise movements. "These explosions... they're like supercharged grenades," he muttered, scanning the shattered courtyard.
"Hey, Rhodes," Law called out, irritation lacing his voice. "You promised to leave this guy to me. Don't get greedy."
Rhodes sighed, sheathing his sword. "Sorry. It's been a while since I faced someone this strong."
Stepping aside, he let Law confront Gladius directly.
"You brats!" Gladius roared, his anger mounting. "None of you take me seriously!"
He slammed his hand into the ground, causing it to bulge ominously. "Mine bomb!"
The ground beneath Rhodes and his companions swelled dangerously.
"ROOM—"
Law activated his ability, instantly teleporting himself and his allies to safety. The explosion that followed annihilated several of Gladius's subordinates instead.
"Scurrying like rats won't save you," Gladius sneered, his confidence unwavering. "This is my domain! You can't escape!"
---
"Enough of this," Rhodes grumbled, brushing off dust. His voice carried a mixture of irritation and excitement.
But Law stepped forward, his gaze locked onto Gladius. "This fight is mine."
He clenched his weapon tightly, his body tensed for action. After their brief exchange, Law had pieced together Gladius's strategy. His attacks relied on explosive area control and relentless pressure.
As long as Law could disrupt his rhythm, victory was within reach.
"ROOM—"
The blue sphere expanded once more, engulfing the battlefield.
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