335. Pretender

Gatmu Island.

The Ryu-Sen anchored at the shore.

Its colossal size resembled an additional landmass adjoining Gatmu Island, akin to a colossal war fortress.

Boom--! ! !

The gangway descended, creating a stir in the water, and a few towering figures leisurely approached the vehicle, disembarking from the ship in the blink of an eye.

Boom! !

A muffled thud resonated as a pair of glossy black military boots touched down on the grass. A white cloak danced in the breeze, framing a face with a bold contour and a determined gaze that surveyed the horizon against the sunlight.

"Brother Atlas, behold Gatmu Island."

Smoker and his companions, who were closely following, spoke up.

"The rest will stay put. Let's proceed and assess the situation first."

Gatmu Village.

Several youths near the village entrance squinted, observing a white figure gradually becoming clearer in the distance. Their expressions suddenly shifted.

"Go inform Miss Euphemia...oh, my bad, I mean Mr. Village Chief."

"The Marines are getting close to our village. I'll hold them off for a bit."

The leader's eyes took on a tinge of determination as he instructed the man beside him, dressed provocatively in red with a mohawk hairstyle.

"Yes! Boss Buck!"

After the young man acknowledged with a nod, he hurriedly made his way to the village center.

"As for you, gather the villagers and ensure Marine doesn't harm Miss Euphemia!"

Buck commanded with a sense of order, displaying no hint of unfamiliarity.

Originally, they were merely casual troublemakers who frequented the village.

Once upon a time, Buck had an intense infatuation with Euphemia, the village chief's daughter. He would visit the chief's house daily, expressing his courtesy to her.

In a small village, even if one isn't the best character, there's a limit to how troublesome they can be. At most, they were just a bit idle.

Euphemia vanished during that period, leaving the brothers in a prolonged state of sadness. Despite scouring the island thoroughly, there was no trace of her.

However, upon Euphemia's return, a noticeable shift occurred in them. They began fervently patrolling the village entrance.

No, it wasn't an abrupt change in their demeanor.

But... the entire village! ! !

Dong Dong Dong Dong——! ! !

A violent earthquake reverberated from the ground. Amidst the dust, the glint of metal caught the sunlight, vividly visible. The crowd resembled an enormous swarm of indefinable organisms, charging with great force toward the village entrance.

Gatmu Village isn't large, and within a short span, dozens of villagers gathered, arming themselves and rushing to the village entrance.

By this time, Atlas and the others had reached the entrance, only to be confronted by the villagers.

"Where are the Marines?!"

Among those blocking the way, an elderly man, hunched over and leaning on a cane, squinted and asked in a deep voice.

"...Aren't they right in front of you, Village Chief?"

Buck appeared somewhat helpless.

It seemed the village chief's eyesight was deteriorating.

"...."

Smoker and Kyros exchanged glances, starting to question themselves.

Did they... end up in the wrong place?

On the contrary, Atlas wore a smile, observing the glaring villagers with interest.

"Brother Atlas, this wasn't the situation when they contacted me earlier. What's going on...?"

Smoker's emotions had never been as complex as they were in that moment.

"Nine Tails fox."

In Japan, the Nine Tails fox demon Tamamo-no-Mae is merely a fragment of the ancient Oriental Nine Tails fox.

However, each tail possesses distinct abilities. When it moves, each tail can manipulate wind and thunder, cause earthquakes, fires, and floods. It can also summon the undead and possesses the ability to enchant.

It's an exceptionally formidable monster.

Certainly, even if the Mythical Zoan-type Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Nine Tailed Fox Devil Fruit were rooted in this legend, it wouldn't possess such seemingly godlike abilities.

As per the information available to the Marines, the Devil Fruit not only grants the power to transform and conceal its presence but also bestows the formidable ability of enchantment.

Just considering the demonstrated abilities, it's already a fusion of the Clone-Clone Fruit and the Love-Love Fruit.

Not to mention the robust vitality inherited from the phantom beast lineage.

"Are you the leader of these folks?" the village chief turned slightly and asked in a deep voice.

"Our village doesn't welcome the Marines, and we request you to depart from this island!!"

"...Village Chief, you've mistaken the person."

Buck scratched his head, casting a wild-eyed glance and turning the village chief's body.

"That guy is a Marine!"

"Oh, I admit I made a mistake. You're the leader of this Marine group, right?"

The village elder's eyes showed a hint of confusion, but he persisted in delivering his message.

Dong Dong Dong——! !

The wooden crutch struck the ground heavily, producing a dull thud.

"Marines are not welcome in our village. Please leave this island immediately!"

"That's right, we don't want you Marines here. You've already said it's fine, and yet you come back, trying to profit from us!"

"We've seen through your Marine disguise. What sets you apart from those pirates!!"

"Leave Gatmu Island!! Stay out of our sight!!"

With the village chief leading the charge, the villagers brandished their weapons, displaying their defiance to Atlas and his group.

His words carried a deliberate provocation.

He aimed to infuriate Atlas and the others.

'Get angry! ! Faced with such foolish individuals, is it even worth saving them? Wouldn't it be better to let them handle things on their own?'

In the rear of the crowd, a girl with bright eyes, white teeth, and arched eyebrows did her best to minimize her presence. Her eyes gleamed with a pink light, and she continued to mutter in a low voice.

However, reality unfolded differently from what she anticipated.

Atlas raised the corners of his mouth, displaying a hint of mockery.

"You scoundrel!! What's so funny?"

"Leave our village!! Filthy Marine, utterly disgusting!!"

Atlas's laughter acted like a spark igniting a powder keg. The already agitated villagers suddenly escalated, hurling curses at the Marines before them, their words growing increasingly venomous.

"It's quite evident. Are you this impatient?"

"Catarina ...Devon?"

Upon uttering those words, the once bright and sunny sky abruptly darkened. A terrifying aura erupted from Atlas's being, causing unseen gusts to uproot weeds on the ground.

Suddenly, sand and rocks whirled through the air, as if the apocalypse had arrived! !

Buzz!!!

The faces of the villagers, still in the midst of cursing, suddenly froze. Their eyes turned white, bodies stiffened, and they tumbled backward.

A girl in a goose-yellow dress materialized suddenly, her face stiff and pale.

Standing out from the crowd...

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