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"I didn't prepare any backup. I don't need any," Shin said calmly.
"Don't forget, if I make a move against you, do you really think the other powers on the sea will just sit back and watch?"
At Shin's words, the Five Elders fell silent. They had considered this possibility, and the conclusion wasn't a good one. If the other major powers united against them, their rule could be shaken. It wasn't an impossible scenario.
Even the Celestial Dragons' authority could be threatened. Dragon, after all, was always looking for an opportunity.
"Alright, enough with the pointless chatter. Let's get this over with. If you five won't make a move, then I will."
With that, Shin kicked out, aiming for Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, who was the most injured among them. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn was fine, and Saint Topman Warcury was tough enough to take a hit.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's expression turned vicious. 'If you're going to kick me, I'll take your leg, even if it costs me.'
He swung his sword with brutal determination, willing to trade a blow to cripple Shin.
A good idea, but the outcome was less than ideal. He had completely underestimated the speed and power of Shin's kick.
The heavy impact sent Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro flying, crashing into a distant building and disappearing into the rubble.
In Shin's hand was a new sword—Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's blade, the Shodai Kitetsu.
"So it really does have a backlash against its wielder. Anyone without sufficient strength would have no right to wield this blade."
Shin gave the Shodai Kitetsu a few test swings. It felt good in his hand. Excellent. This sword was his now.
Once something fell into Shin's hands, it was never given back, especially something he found as satisfactory as the Shodai Kitetsu. If it had been an average blade, he might have tossed it back.
"GIVE ME BACK MY SWORD!" Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro roared, his body covered in blood, his expression contorted with rage.
For a swordsman, his blade was his life. To lose it was to lose his honor.
"Give it back? Don't be ridiculous. It's mine now," Shin said calmly.
"Tempest Kick!"
Just then, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter launched a sneak attack, a blade of air shooting towards Shin.
"You must have a death wish. I wasn't even looking for you, and you just served yourself up on a platter."
Shin spun and slashed. The air blade was instantly destroyed, and the sword light continued on, severing Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's arm.
"Pathetic." Shin glanced at the pale-faced man.
"His strength is beyond imagination! ATTACK TOGETHER, OR WE'LL ALL DIE! HURRY!" Saint Shepherd Ju Peter screamed, seeing Shin turn his attention back to him.
This was no time for old grudges. They had their differences, but standing together was their only hope.
"Let's attack together. Hopefully, CP0 will get here soon. We need to make as much noise as possible," Saint Marcus Mars said.
He then shot a blast of compressed air at Shin, an ability similar to Sengoku's shockwave.
'A Devil Fruit ability?'
Shin cut through the air cannon with a single slash, then appeared behind Saint Shepherd Ju Peter like a ghost, his sword aimed at the man's back.
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter sensed the extreme danger and tried to dodge, but it was too late.
Shin's sword pierced his heart. His face, twisted in agony, was a tragic sight.
Blood poured from the wound, and with a pained cry, he fell to his knees, his face turning deathly pale.
"Still alive? You have a strong life force. Is your heart on the other side of your chest?"
Shin remarked, looking at the screaming man.
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter didn't speak. He could feel his life force draining away. His once-golden hair began to bleach into a withered white.
'Draining life force? No wonder they call it a cursed blade.'
Shin looked at the man's transformation, then glanced at the Shodai Kitetsu in his hand.
It was an incredibly malevolent cursed sword, one of the Supreme Grade Blades, and among the strongest of them. Its power lay in its sinister ability to absorb the life force of those it killed. If a wielder couldn't master it, it would even drain their own life force.
"I'm coming to save you!" Saint Jaygarcia Saturn moved so fast he left afterimages, rushing towards Shin.
"Your speed is impressive," Shin noted, then raised his hand.
"Universal Push."
The charging Elder was suddenly hit by a powerful repulsive force and sent flying like a cannonball, his internal organs severely damaged.
"You're still not good enough."
Shin glanced at the flying Elder, then looked down. Saint Shepherd Ju Peter had managed to crawl away, but he was in a terrible state. His heart had been pierced, and much of his life force had been drained. His hair was now half-white.
Thanks to the incredible vitality of the people in this world, he hadn't died yet. But it was only a matter of time.
"You're in this state, yet you continue to struggle? Is there any point? Fine, let me just send you on your way."
"Universal Pull."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, who had just managed to crawl away, was helplessly yanked back by an unseen gravitational force. Shin swung his sword.
With a clean, decisive swing, he took Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's head.
The fight had barely begun, and Shin hadn't even gotten serious, yet one of the Five Elders was already dead.
"That's one down. Now it's your turn." Shin smiled faintly, kicking the corpse aside and turning his gaze to the remaining Elders.
Their expressions were grim. A chill of self-preservation ran down their spines—seeing one of their own fall so easily was a grim reminder of their own mortality.
"Of course, you can try to run. Assuming you can escape from me. But I don't think you have what it takes."
Shin said, walking towards them.
With each step he took, the Five Elders took a step back. They were truly afraid now, terrified of Shin.
"This look of mice before a cat... you're a real disappointment."
Shin watched them, shaking his head. He was genuinely disappointed. They had no courage at all.
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