158 Direct Confrontation #158

As Daz Bones lunged forward, the undersides of his fingers transforming into deadly blades, I could see the determination in his eyes. He used the nearest wall as a platform, launching himself at me with impressive speed, ready to slash me.

Beside him, Bentham, known as Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, let out a boisterous laugh, finding the situation amusing. He did a graceful ballet twirl, showcasing his flamboyant nature, before leaping toward me as well. "Things have gotten interesting, haven't they?" he remarked with a mischievous grin.

I couldn't help but smirk at their enthusiasm. "You guys really know how to make an entrance," I quipped, my eyes focused on their every move.

Meanwhile, Zala, Daz Bones' partner, assessed the situation and knew she couldn't match our speed and agility. She turned to Galdino, also known as Mr. 3, with a hint of command in her voice. "Be a dear and make a way for me, will you," she requested, her tone a mix of annoyance and confidence.

Galdino, with his characteristic glasses and slightly standoffish demeanor, huffed at the request. "Don't order me around!" he retorted, adjusting his glasses. However, despite his protest, he knew he had no choice but to assist his partner.

Activating his devil fruit powers, he created a walkway of hardened wax that stretched across the sand. Zala wasted no time, transforming her body as spikes sprouted all over her, and she curled into a ball, using the walkway to roll swiftly toward me.

Amidst the chaos of the battle, I couldn't afford to let any threat go unnoticed. My attention shifted to Miss Goldenweek, Galdino's partner, who looked like a child, yawning as if the battle bored her. In her small hands, she brandished paper and a watercolor palette, a seemingly innocent combination that held a hidden danger.

I grimaced, well aware of the true extent of Miss Goldenweek's abilities. Her strange power allowed her to control the moods and emotions of others through color, making her a formidable adversary. I knew I couldn't take her lightly.

With my mind made up, I leaped into the air, nimble and agile as I dodged the incoming attacks. Daz Bones' blade diced the wall behind me, but I paid no attention as the diced pieces were crushed by Zala and Bentham's follow-up assault.

As the Baroque Works agents closed in, I activated my devil fruit powers, summoning a barrage of fiery embers that rained down on the area. The embers immediately burned away the papers Miss Goldenweek had intended to use, disrupting her plans.

One ember, particularly strong, landed on her wooden palette, turning it to charcoal. Miss Goldenweek turned to me, her childlike demeanor replaced by a glare of frustration. I grinned at her, knowing I had thrown a wrench into her strategy. "Sorry, kiddo... gotta take out the real threats first," I quipped, acknowledging her abilities but prioritizing the immediate danger posed by the others.

My observation haki kicked in just in time, giving me the premonition to step in the air using Geppo. Mikita, also known as Miss Valentine, came crashing down from above with immense speed and force, her Devil Fruit ability allowing her to control her weight and change it at will.

Her impact created a small crater where I had stood moments before, a testament to the strength of her attack. I was confident in my ability to win, but I knew I had to stay focused.

Amidst the flurry of battle, I looked at Mikita. Her distinctive yellow dress adorned with lemon patterns and her hat resembling half an orange was a peculiar sight. I couldn't help but chuckle at the citrus-themed fashion choice.

With a grin, I couldn't resist teasing her about it. "I get that you have a thing for citrus, but lemon-decorated underwear is a bit too much, don't you think?" I quipped, having inadvertently caught a glimpse under her dress while evading her attack.

Mikita's face flushed bright red at my words, embarrassment evident on her features. In retaliation, she pointed an accusing finger at me, stammering, "So y-you're not a thieve but also p-pervert!"

I could accept being labeled a thief since I had to empty her pockets after I knocked her out to make it look like I was messing around with the Baroque Works agents to cover my connection with Gem. Still, being called a pervert by an exhibitionist was a bit too much.

My laughter bubbled up, refusing to be contained. "I'm not the one flashing my panties in the middle of the battle!" I retorted, still finding her reaction highly amusing. "Maybe try shorts, you goddamned exhibitionist woman!"

As the banter continued, my focus remained sharp. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, even in the midst of lighthearted teasing. The battle was far from over, and I needed to be ready for any surprises that the Baroque Works agents might throw my way.

Out of nowhere, Gem, one of the figures I hadn't expected to see, suddenly appeared and swung a punch at my face. I swiftly ducked under the explosive attack, the force of the punch creating a gust of wind that ruffled my hair.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, I remained calm and focused, my observation haki guiding my actions. As Gem's fist swung toward me, I effortlessly sidestepped and countered, landing a solid blow to his gut. The gem was sent flying toward Daz Bones, but the Frontier Agent evaded the collision with ease, continuing his relentless charge toward me. His determination was evident in his cold eyes, and I braced myself for his next move.

Bentham and Zala were right behind Daz Bones, ready to back him up in the fight. The tension in the air was palpable as we all prepared for the inevitable clash.

As I readied myself to dodge their attacks, my observation haki alerted me to the vibrations from beneath the ground. I knew it could only mean one thing—Dorothy, also known as Miss Merry Christmas, was burrowing her way toward me.

With a wry smile, I stood my ground, waiting for the right moment. Just as Dorothy emerged from the ground, her mole-like claws reaching for my ankles, I quickly reacted and snatched her up by the head, using her as an impromptu shield.

"Did I suddenly switch animes to Naruto?" I muttered under my breath, finding the situation slightly comical, but the intensity of the battle demanded my full attention.

Daz Bones closed in, and the undersides of his hands transformed into deadly blades. He wasted no time in executing his attack, shouting, "Sparkling Daizy!"

I knew I had to act fast. With Dorothy in my grasp, I used her as a barrier against Daz Bones' attack. Naturally, I didn't want or need to use her as a human shield, but that was my first instinct for some reason.

As Daz Bones continued his relentless assault, his blades intent on cutting me down, I quickly assessed the situation. It was evident that he had no qualms about sacrificing his own colleague, Dorothy, to land a fatal blow on me. I couldn't let that happen.

With a deep sigh, I swiftly acted, tossing Dorothy into the air to protect her from the impending attack. She yelped in surprise as she soared through the air, momentarily safe from harm.

Turning my attention back to Daz Bones, I met his attack head-on, catching his deadly hands in my own. Blood leaked from my hand as the blades sliced through my skin, but it was nothing to write home about, not to me, at least.

Daz Bones' cutting power surged through his blades, causing them to travel behind me and disintegrate a wall some distance away. The impact was powerful, but I remained unscathed, save for a few scratches on my arm. I stared blankly at Daz Bones, feeling slightly irritated.

"That wasn't very nice," I calmly stated, looking him directly in the eye. "You know she risked her life just to let you land a blow?"

Daz Bones seemed unfazed by my words, his expression stoic and unyielding. He remained silent, the intensity in his gaze not wavering. "Miss Merry Christmas and I are both professionals... if her life is the price I need to pay to finish the job, then so be it..."

"Then you better be prepared to put your life on the line as well..." I said, tightening my grip over Daz Bones' hands and cocked my head back. "It's only fair..."

...

(Author's note: I am motivated by praise and interactions! So if you like my stories and you'd like me to keep writing, then make sure to share your thoughts about the story with me via comments or reviews, and power stones - can't forget about those.)

Want more chapters? Then consider subscribing to my patr ēon. You can read ahead for as little as $1 and it helps me a lot!

-> (patr ēon..com / wicked132)