336. Nine Tails Fox

Gatmu Island.

The villagers crumpled to the ground one by one, like dumplings tumbling out of a pot. Occasionally, a muffled thud echoed as hammers struck their bodies.

A swift black flash cut through, and an intimidating aura unique to Conqueror's Haki enveloped the area.

Catarina Devon's resolve wavered, akin to a small boat battling a stormy sea.

Evidently, she was singled out.

"Crescent Moon Hunter?"

Observing the girl growing paler, Atlas smirked and disdainfully shook his head.

"The technique is decent, but it's a shame you overlooked..."

Boom—! ! !

Before he could finish, he planted his feet, causing the ground to crack. The entire island quivered and trembled.

In an instant, Atlas's entire body darted away, leaving illusionary images lingering in the air.

"Strength is the foundation. The weak can simply flee. No need for schemes!"

Amidst the fierce grin, explosions resonated in the air, overwhelming the entire space. Cracks continued to spread, hinting at an encroaching darkness.

Under Catarina Devon's horrified stare, a whip blurred through the air and struck her face forcefully.

In the shock, her once beautiful face twisted slightly.

Bang—! ! !

Her face caved in as military boots connected with it. Atlas displayed no mercy.

Tremendous force was unleashed, and the features on her face appeared as though they might embed into her skull, while bright red blood splattered around.

The overwhelming speed and force left Catarina Devon utterly unable to react, and her graceful figure was sent flying backward without any chance to resist.

Her initial yellow dress slowly transformed, eventually returning to the inconspicuous attire of a gentleman. The distorted facial features also undulated, resembling the moon's reflection in water.

Buzz! ! !

In the air, Catarina Devon sensed a thunderous sensation in her head. She exerted herself, flailing her arms and legs in an attempt to regain control of her body.

This person... is Hakuryu?!

Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and though clarity started to return, it was followed by a profound sense of fear.

The Marine before her...

She's outmatched! ! !

Bang! ! !

Abruptly, a powerful tremor shook the ground, and a thick cloud of smoke instantly enveloped the area where Catarina Devon stood, obscuring visibility.

As the smoke gradually cleared, a massive black silhouette took form, exuding a wild and ferocious aura.

Smoker and the others couldn't help but stare, their eyes widening, and they instinctively exclaimed:

"This is... the Nine Tails Fox?!!"

Before Atlas, a colossal demonic beast advanced, its nine tails sprawling across the sky, creating a whirlwind of wind and waves.

The creature, predominantly red and white, boasted two distinctive canine ears standing erect. Its narrow, scarlet eyes and interwoven fangs emitted a pungent odor, accompanied by drool.

Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Nine Tailed Fox- Beast Form! ! !

"It's quite ugly... Wasn't the Nine Tails fox supposed to be a legendary creature with enchanting allure?" Smoker grumbled slowly, gazing at the fierce-looking Nine Tails fox.

Kyros and Enel nodded in agreement.

Indeed, this appearance was far from pleasing.

Being labeled a mythical beast species meant it was a creature never seen in the seas. It only existed in legends or within people's imaginations.

In their minds, the Nine Tails fox had always been a captivating concept.

But now, it could only be described as a case of the greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment.

"It's just an animal. Are you expecting it to have some profound insights?" Enel remarked coldly.

"It seems... reasonable?!"

Growl—! ! !

As if releasing pent-up frustration, the fierce beast raised its head to the sky and let out a mighty roar, creating an abyss that seemed ready to swallow the sun.

A piercing scream, akin to a demon's cry, resonated, causing the hairs on Smoker and the other three to stand on end. It felt as if electric currents surged from the soles of their feet to the top of the sky, creating an eerie sensation.

"Ha! While the ability leans more towards support, a mythical beast species remains formidable, boasting excellent durability."

Caught off guard, Atlas received a forceful kick. Even in her transformed beast form, she maintained strength and vitality.

Despite lacking Haki reinforcement, the sheer power was enough to distort his features.

Becoming a faceless man!

"Hakuryu!"

The colossal Nine Tails beast opened and closed its mouth, generating gusts of pungent wind. Its narrow eyes squinted, attempting to conceal the intense scarlet hue within.

"I have no desire for further conflicts with you. If you let me go, I assure you, I'll never set foot in your jurisdiction again!"

"Otherwise..."

Catarina Devon shifted her gaze to the villagers behind Atlas, a cruel glint in her eyes.

"You can't ensure the safety of these defenseless lives!"

A threat! It was a blatant intimidation!

Even though the situation had deviated slightly from the plan, and the visitor's strength exceeded her expectations.

However—

'Don't you Marines pride yourselves on righteousness?'

The corners of her mouth curled upwards slowly. At this moment, Catarina Devon felt a bit triumphant, believing she had seized the opponent's lifeline.

Once the clash begins, these Marines won't stand a chance in protecting the villagers! !

However—

Atlas raised his eyelids and cast a glance at his enemy. White mist billowed, and his form surged abruptly. Armament Haki enveloped him as he instantly entered the Bushintai mode! !

Boom!!!

The sound of air exploding echoed, flames surged, and Atlas' figure vanished from the spot.

Just for a moment, a robust and imposing figure halted right in front of the Nine Tails demon fox.

"Marine..."

Catarina Devon's heart sank, but before she could comprehend, her vision blurred, and a chilling gaze was directed at her! !

"You are not worthy of negotiating terms with me!!"

Boom!!

The flames billowed, adhering to the leg like molten lava from hell. Muscles writhed, delivering another leg whip! !

Boom!!!

A force several times more potent than before struck directly on the Nine Tails fox's forehead.

Click!!!

The crisp sound of bones cracking reverberated in all directions, and the massive body toppled backward before Catarina Devon could utter a cry of pain.

Taking advantage of the situation, Atlas seized the opportunity, hoisted his fist the size of a cooking pot, and landed a powerful blow on the Nine Tails fox's chin.

Boom!!!

With a single punch, the once majestic Nine Tails monster soared backward and crashed into the island's forest!!

Despite its formidable appearance, this form proved to be nothing more than a mobile target for Atlas.

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