Chapter 29

After looking at the refreshed items this time, Abel was somewhat taken aback.

It wasn't surprising that the limited time discount for the beginning of the month could refresh purple quality items.

But what was truly surprising was that there was also a purple item among the regular goods!

The price was just too tempting.

Without thinking, Abel bought the skill "Aurora Slash" and used it right away. It was a must-buy!

The original price was 2800 trading points, but it was now selling for just 200 trading points. Only a fool wouldn't buy it.

Then he was in a dilemma.

Was it necessary to buy this "Asura Mark"?

He only had two skills now. If he bought it and it didn't serve its purpose, it would just have to sit idle in the inventory.

While he wouldn't lose out, if he bought it, he'd be back to square one financially, so he was somewhat hesitant.

"Screw it, let's go for it!"

After a long consideration, Abel decided to take a gamble.

After all, such a rare purple item wouldn't come around often, and if he didn't buy it, who knew when the next opportunity would be.

So he went ahead and made the purchase.

His trading points instantly dropped from four digits to a mere 70.

A sense of urgency immediately filled his heart.

He quickly tried to use the "Asura Mark," but the truth proved that his luck was neither good nor bad.

The "Asura Mark" was unusable.

However, on the "Magic Card Modification," it was possible to enhance the newly acquired "Aurora Slash."

The enhanced "Aurora Slash" instantly became "Asura Aurora Slash"!

Skill: "Asura Aurora Slash" (Orange)

Level:

Consumption: Mental power, physical strength

Requirement: Sword class weapon

Effect: Unleashes a cross-shaped, massive aurora sword aura for long-range slashing of enemies, with certain penetration effect. It can be charged. During the charging period, it continuously and rapidly consumes one's mental power and physical strength, greatly increasing the size and travel distance of the sword aura after it's unleashed.

This was Abel's first encounter with an orange quality skill.

One word: powerful!

The over a thousand trading points were definitely not wasted, worth every bit.

Otherwise, even if he were to spend five thousand on a usual day, he might not have been able to buy it.

Most importantly, he finally had a reliable means of attack.

Feeling a little eager to try it out, Abel immediately closed the system store, gave a quick greeting to Baby-5, and left the junkyard.

Having spent some time together, he and Law had initially integrated into the Donquixote family and had gained a certain level of trust. As long as they didn't plan to escape, they could go anywhere they wanted.

So, Abel smoothly made it to the uninhabited forest on the outskirts of the island.

He slowly grabbed the long sword at his waist, and with a swift motion, drew it out.

The next moment, the Asura Aurora Slash was activated!

A roughly two-meter-long arc slash, like intertwined beautiful crescents, exploded forth!

Trees crashed to the ground one after another.

The destroyed cut surfaces were incredibly smooth, seemingly still carrying some aurora hues.

Only after flying about fifteen meters did the sword aura gradually fade away.

For such a power, Abel was very satisfied.

After all, the skill level was just LV1, and he was only able to exhibit such power due to the skill's effect. If he himself were strong enough, the destruction would certainly have been far greater.

"But the consumption is indeed a bit much. With my current physical strength, I can probably only consecutively slash three times."

"Let's rest a bit, then test the power after charging."

After a while, when his strength was restored, Abel once again took the same stance as before. However, this time, he didn't release the slash immediately, he prepared but didn't unleash it.

Beautiful, colorful auroras began to envelop him, ethereal and mysterious.

But after charging only for a few seconds, his mental and physical strength were quickly exhausted, forcing him to unleash the slash!

With a hum.

A massive aurora slash, twice as big as before, directly tore the ground and dashed into the sea.

And this time, it flew for more than thirty meters before disappearing.

With a thump.

After releasing this slash, Abel collapsed to the ground, exhausted and a bit feeble, his complexion pale.

However, his eyes were bright, and he soon burst into exhilarated laughter.

Although he was still far from being able to fully exploit the power of this skill, he could foresee that as he grew stronger day by day, he would be able to split mountains with a single sword strike!

"Train, I must start training as soon as possible!"

Abel pulled out a pack of "N95 Filter Mouth Cigarettes," delightfully lighting one up for himself.

The slight mental fatigue Abel felt earlier was quickly relieved, bringing some respite.

Using this as a recovery item was laughable.

But lighting one up at the right moment was quite satisfying.

So, after smoking one cigarette, he lit another.

After puffing through three cigarettes, he shook his head slightly, stood up, and prepared to head back.

As for the scene of his training, he had no intention of cleaning it up.

Considering he used these skills in daily battles, concealing them was unrealistic unless he could abstain from using them.

So, it might be better to reveal them at the right moment, to increase his bargaining chips.

After all, the sooner he became an executive, the sooner he could profit from the resources of the family.

Then suddenly, a message came through: "Our three smuggling ships have been hijacked in Kuraigana."

Inside the room, all the members of the Donquixote Family had gathered, waiting for Doflamingo's orders.

"I'll take the men and wipe them out!" Diamante was the first to speak up.

Others echoed similar sentiments. Having been publicly humiliated, if they didn't retaliate, wouldn't their family become the laughing stock of everyone?

"Getting rid of them is a given. No one can rob my goods and kill my men and walk away unscathed."

"But merely killing them isn't enough!"

"I want to use this retaliation to boost the reputation of our Donquixote Family again. Let those scoundrels who only dare to play tricks behind the scenes shudder at the mention of our 'Donquixote Family', and refrain from opposing us."

"So this time, I'll take charge personally."

"Korazon and Jora, stay here to guard the home. Everyone else, prepare for battle. Don't let anyone escape."

Soon, Doflamingo's orders were relayed.

As for his own younger brother, Mingo was relatively partial, always handing him the safer tasks.

Jora, who needed to take care of baby Dellinger, was also left behind.

With these two guarding the home, Mingo could rest assured.

As for the others, they got into action immediately.

"Let's go, Abel! There's a big operation!" Abel was working up a sweat on the training field when he saw Baby-5 rush over.

"A big operation?" Abel was confused.

Baby-5 immediately explained, "Someone hijacked our smuggling ship. Young Master was furious about it, and decided to retaliate."

Challenging the Donquixote Family so blatantly indeed required courage.

"You mean we're also going?" Abel questioned, "Aren't these kinds of tasks usually reserved for the veterans, not us greenhorns?"

Buffalo nearby lifted his neck and boasted, "This is a real battle opportunity specially reserved for us by Young Master! A guy who just blindly trains all day like you wouldn't understand."

So they were just training killing machines, what was there to be proud of? Abel thought to himself.

However, if he wanted to become a true powerhouse, battles were inevitable.

Real combat was a valid means to enhance one's own strength.

Moreover, the Donquixote Family was moving out in full force, which reduced the risk. It was a good time to gain experience.

Therefore, Abel was not only willing, but also a little eager.

"Why isn't Law here?" Abel asked.

Baby-5 raised her hand, "I saw him! Law was taken away by Corazon."

Abel nodded, "Then we won't look for him, let's go."

Kuraigana was not far from the port town of Spider Miles. However, Doflamingo, who attached great importance to his appearance, still led everyone aboard his flamboyant ship, the Flamingo.

The whole ship was pale pink, and the bow of the ship resembled a bird's head with a slender neck, even wearing sunglasses similar to Doflamingo's own.

Its flashy appearance was incredibly eye-catching, yet it perfectly matched Doflamingo's personal style.

The interior decor also followed the aesthetic preferences of this former Celestial Dragon, being flamboyantly luxurious.

But it had to be said, Mingo knew how to enjoy life, and he was very rich!

The ship had all necessary supplies, even the food was better than usual.

Moreover, Mingo brought along the housemaids, making every day feel like a party!

So, travelling on such a ship was truly a delight.

Even Abel couldn't help but consider indulging himself for a couple of days.

Luckily, he quickly remembered he was still a child.

Thus, he successfully eliminated the distractions, focusing on his training and meals every day.

Ah, women were just distractions that would slow a man's sword-drawing speed!

"Abel, come play hide and seek with us?" a voice called out.

"No, go away!" he retorted.

Buffalo ran off crying, but soon enough, Baby-5 returned, gleaming with joy.

"Abel, Abel, let's play hide and seek together?"

"No."

"If you can find me, I'll write off all the money you owe me."

Damn it!

Was this the power of a rich loli's financial attack?

I won't surrender!

"What did you call me?"

"Master~"

Ah!

That felt good.

Forget this useless sword, there's no need to practice!

Two days later, in a mansion on Kuraigana Island.

The entire Skunk Pirates, who had provoked the Donquixote Family, had gathered here.

The original owner of the mansion

Had already been used as fertilizer, buried in the back garden.

The flowers there would probably bloom very beautifully next year.

"Are all the traps checked?"

"Stay alert, everyone!"

"Judging by the time, the Donquixote Family should arrive any day now. This is a great opportunity for us, the Skunk Pirates, to make our name!"

"But boss, we're up against the infamous Donquixote Family. Can we really win?"

One of the crew members looked nervous, seemingly scared.

The port was so far away that even if they wanted to escape by boat, it would be too late. He couldn't understand where their captain got the courage to stand against the enemy, let alone wait for their retaliation so arrogantly.

Smack!

Captain Mephisto was a sneaky looking fellow, but when angry, he was especially fearsome. He slapped the talking crew member, sending him flying.

"Heh, as long as the Donquixote Family dares to come, this island will be their grave!"

Mephisto appeared very confident.

His confidence didn't stem from his hundred or so dispensable crew members.

But rather from the other three pirate groups hidden on the neighboring island!

Stealing the Donquixote Family's smuggling ship was just the first step in their plan.

Their real aim was to divide the Donquixote Family's power and territory!

Of course, he couldn't reveal these plans just yet.

If the others found out they were just bait to lure the Donquixote Family into an attack, they would surely panic.

Just then, a crew member barged in, yelling, "They're here! The Donquixote Family's ship has just docked!"

Captain Mephisto was immediately energized, "Launch the signal flare at once, notify everyone to defend. It seems today is our chance to make a name for ourselves!"

The clueless crew member quickly did as told, while Mephisto discreetly slipped away from the crowd, pulling out a small Den Den Mushi.

"It's me, the prey has arrived."

"Excellent, we'll take action immediately. Remember to stall for some time. As long as we destroy their ship first, we will be invincible."

"Don't worry, today we'll completely wipe out the Donquixote Family!"

Chapter 36 - Siege (Read more! Read more!)

"Strange, there's not a single ship in sight. Could those bastards have run away?"

Diamante frowned slightly.

The man next to him, tall and clad in golden armor, with a cross-shaped visor helmet on his head, spoke up, "Thinking they can cross the Donquixote Family and get away with it?"

Contrary to his muscular build, his voice was extraordinarily high and piercing, a stark contrast.

"Pff"

Buffalo hastily covered his mouth, but he was still frightened into cold sweat by Pica's deadly stare.

Seca hated it when people mocked his voice the most.

Buffalo was nearly beaten to death for this mistake once.

But that voice was just too hilarious!

Abel tightly pinched his own thigh, trying to use the pain to resist the onslaught of Seca's vocal onslaught, barely preventing himself from laughing out loud.

"Something is off. The people around here have all disappeared. And they didn't even plan an ambush here? Huh?"

At that moment, Donquixote Doflamingo suddenly looked up, seeing several signal flares being fired from the distant mountain. It seemed they were not afraid to expose their position at all.

The veins at Doflamingo's temples bulged instantly. He was extremely displeased with this disrespectful attitude, feeling as if the other party didn't take him seriously.

"Good, it seems our 'friends' have already chosen their graveyard and are inviting us over for a visit."

"Master, be careful, it could be a trap."

Doflamingo calmed down a bit, turning his head and said:

"Trebol, Diamante, you two stay here and watch the ship. I want to see what sort of scheming tricks these guys can pull."

"Hehehe, leave it to us, Doffy."

With two top executives staying on the ship, Doflamingo naturally felt reassured.

So he immediately led his men towards the place where the signal flares had been launched.

On their way, they didn't encounter any resistance at all, which only angered Doflamingo even more!

"When we break in later, leave no one alive, exterminate them all!"

"Yes, Master."

"Then let's begin."

The moment they stepped into the mansion, they received a warm welcome.

Countless gun barrels protruded from behind the windows, firing frantically at them.

Immediately, Pica merged into the surrounding walls, utilizing the power of his stone fruit to assimilate them, subsequently forming two massive arms to protect Doflamingo and his crew.

At the same time, the reckless Senoir, dressed in a black suit, dove straight into the ground, beginning his stealthy swim towards the enemy.

Machvise, on the other hand, instantly lightened his weight, floating into the air, ready to strike from above.

"Go ahead, attack freely."

Finally given the command, Baby-5 and Buffalo, not to be outdone, demonstrated their combo technique. They swiftly soared into the sky, unleashing a fierce counterattack.

Abel didn't rush to join in. It wasn't the right time yet, and he had no interest in being under fire.

"Ton-Ton: Ten Thousand Ton Vise!"

Soon, Machvise, who had floated onto the roof of the mansion, placed his specially made sturdy shield under his belly, suddenly increasing his weight to a thousand tons, and began his free fall!

What happens when a thousand-ton object falls from the sky?

The pirates inside thought the building was collapsing. The entire structure was instantly smashed through by Machvise!

An unknown number of unlucky ones were caught in the ensuing calamity.

At the same time, Senoir had reached his position. Emerging from the ground with a leap, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and a gun in his hand, he started firing at the chaotic crowd!

Add to this the continuous bombardment from Baby-5 outside, who had control of the air, and the Skunk Pirate Crew's dense gunfire suddenly went silent!

Seeing this, Doflamingo outside signaled to the side.

Gladius, understanding his meaning, stepped out from Seca's protection, quickly reached the door, and pressed his right hand against it.

"Burst!"

With a boom!

The door, which had been stacked with various items, was blasted to smithereens.

Gladius, a user of the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, could cause his body to expand and explode, or make inorganic objects he touched inflate and explode.

It could be said that, except for Abel and Law who joined later, the vast majority of the Donquixote Family were devil fruit users, which was unbelievably extraordinary!

You see, in a place like the North Sea, a devil fruit user with substantial strength is entirely qualified to form their own large pirate crew.

That's the difference!