"This… is truly horrifying!"
"Can we even watch this without paying a price?"
"Silence isn't an option here, is it?"
Impel Down, Level Six — Infinite Hell.
The prisoners, all feared throughout the world by the Marines and the World Government, squatted in their cells, eyes fixed on the surreal scene outside, exchanging uneasy glances.
These Level Six captives were no strangers to danger or chaos. Their very imprisonment spoke volumes of their strength.
They were top-tier criminals, capable of shaking the world with either sheer power or cunning intelligence. Their experience was unmatched, yet even they had never seen anything like this.
"This… is just too…"
One prisoner chuckled wryly, pausing to choose his words carefully, before finally stating:
"Too grotesque!"
"Indeed… grotesque is the perfect word."
The other inmates nodded in agreement.
Outside, the young pirate known as the Arrogant Emperor—Shirogai—merely snapped his fingers with a casual smile.
"God's Hand: Dustless."
It wasn't an offensive attack. It was pure defense.
Shirogai had absorbed and isolated all of the terrifying attacks within a nearly invisible, transparent barrier.
He leaned back on an ice chair, eyes closed, fully relaxed, letting renowned monsters with world-shaking reputations attack him freely.
Occasionally, he would yawn, open his eyes, and taunt:
"Try harder, everyone. Don't bore me to sleep."
"Bastard! How dare you!"
Bullet, the Devil Child and a Marine-designated "Monster," seethed with rage. He had lost countless men to capture this powerhouse.
Bullet's body had expanded, merging with every scrap of material around him, growing to near-giant proportions.
Boom!
"Ura! Ura! Ura!"
His fists, wrapped in Haki, rained down in a relentless flurry, yet not a single blow came close to Shirogai.
"Shatter! Shatter! Shatter!"
The prisoners watched in terror as Bullet's immense power failed to even scratch him.
"Truly terrifying…"
They cowered in their cells, watching Bullet's ferocity deepen, his faintly smiling face now consumed by pure rage.
"Why… why can't I break this damned barrier?!"
Bullet clenched his Haki-infused fists, smashing downward with all his might.
Haaah!
Bang!
Ripples ran through the transparent air surrounding Shirogai, as every strike vanished into the invisible defense.
"Damn it!"
No matter how much power he unleashed, it all struck nothing.
"What kind of ability is this?!"
The Arrogant Emperor remained calm, eyes closed, teasing Bullet with his effortless invulnerability.
"If you don't want to die, step aside!"
Suddenly, a figure who had retreated to observe from afar returned. His voice was cold, and a massive gun was aimed at Shirogai:
"Multiply · 100x Gun!"
"What?! A mere gunshot…"
Bullet sneered, watching, only to see the projectile begin to enlarge before his eyes.
"What? It's growing?!"
The massive Bullet slammed into Shirogai's position with a tremendous roar.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The explosions shook the area, fire and smoke consuming everything—but when it cleared, Shirogai stood completely unharmed.
He had absorbed the destructive energy effortlessly.
"Phew…"
The figure lowered his gun, a trace of disdain in his gaze.
"What Arrogant Emperor? I've never heard of him."
This ability to enlarge bullets belonged to Byrnndi World, the World Destroyer, who possessed the More-MoreFruit.
"Oh? A bullet that multiplies? Rare, indeed."
Bullet, ignoring the explosion behind him, sneered:
"Do you really think a mere bullet can defeat the New Emperor?"
"Are you an idiot?"
World frowned, astonished at the unharmed Shirogai.
"Wasn't he already dealt with?"
World unleashed a volley of bullets:
"Multiply · 100x Gun · Barrage!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The explosions pounded the area repeatedly, yet Shirogai emerged completely untouched. The air itself seemed to absorb the impact.
"He's completely unharmed?!"
World's face twisted in disbelief, questioning if the Marines' guns were somehow fake.
Whoosh!
A blood-red figure descended from the shadows, landing gracefully in front of Shirogai.
"Is this the defensive power that earns you the title of Fifth Emperor?"
He flicked his cloak, revealing a charming smile as he studied Shirogai.
"And why can't I see your thoughts?"
This elderly prisoner, dressed in rose and blood-red, with long white braids and red eyebrows, was none other than the legendary Red Earl, Baronic Redfield. Once a world-class powerhouse rivaling the likes of Roger and Whitebeard.
Decades in prison had not diminished his masterful Observation Haki; it had grown even more formidable. One glance and he could perceive the thoughts of anyone nearby. His Armament Haki was also terrifyingly strong.
"Heh heh, Redfield, the Solitary Red."
Shirogai smiled faintly at the aged pirate.
"Decades in prison must have left you tired and bored."
With a snap of his fingers, he extended a hand toward the legendary pirate.
"Care to make this overly boring world a bit more interesting with me?"
"Interesting, you say?"
Redfield's piercing gaze met Shirogai's smile.
"Kid, do you think words like that can sway an old man?"
"Of course not."
Shirogai's smile widened.
"I never make empty promises."
Redfield's expression softened into a wry chuckle, memories stirring:
"Your confidence… reminds me of some old acquaintances. I've heard too many young fools talk about 'changing the world'."
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