When the Mafia Boss saw where Kai was heading, he immediately understood his intention and tried to stop him.
The Boss appeared behind Kai once again and slashed at him with his sword.
Just like before, the blade passed through Kai without causing any harm.
Seeing that his attack had failed, the Boss snarled:
"Damn Logia user…"
But instead of panicking, he smirked.
Because he knew—
Kai had already stepped into his trap.
Realizing that the attack hadn't hurt him, Kai leaped through the window into the courtyard below. His body transformed into mist midair, allowing him to float down and land safely. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he returned to human form.
A moment later, the Mafia Boss jumped down after him and landed heavily on the courtyard floor.
When the Boss stood up, he looked around.
Corpses.
The bodies of all his men lay scattered across the courtyard.
Kai felt the Boss's gaze sweep over the dead. He smirked and said coldly:
"Look carefully. You'll be joining them soon."
The Boss laughed dismissively.
"I don't care how they died. They were tools—just like the slaves. Once I capture you and sell you to another mafia, I'll simply buy new men. New slaves."
Kai didn't respond.
He picked up the sword lying on the ground.
"This is the blade I used to kill your men," Kai said quietly.
"And with it… I'll kill you."
He activated his Devil Fruit power.
"Kira Kira no Mi — Hidden Mist Technique."
Dense mist poured out from Kai's body and began to surround the Boss.
Unlike before—when the mist had engulfed the entire mansion—this time it was far more limited. Kai knew his stamina was running low.
The Boss noticed how the mist blocked his vision and dulled his hearing. Unlike his subordinates, who had panicked, he remained calm. He stood still, waiting for Kai to attack.
Then—
A flash of steel.
Pain exploded in his arm as blood spilled from a fresh wound.
Another flash.
A deep cut appeared on his right leg.
The Boss realized that if he stayed inside the mist any longer, he would die.
He turned and ran.
Kai sensed the Boss trying to escape and smiled. He followed closely, striking again and again, carving more wounds into him.
Suddenly, the Boss stopped.
A wall stood in front of him.
When he turned around, he saw Kai slowly approaching through the mist.
Kai felt the Boss press his back against the wall and said:
"What's wrong? Nowhere left to run. I told you—today is your last day."
Instead of fear, the Boss smiled.
"You think you've won? You're wrong."
He raised his sword and unleashed a series of attacks.
Air blades tore through the mist.
Kai didn't dodge. He knew they couldn't harm him.
And he was right.
The attacks passed through his body, dispersing the mist—and revealing Kai's position.
The Boss shouted:
"NOW!"
Kai's mist screamed a warning.
Danger.
Before he could move, Kai felt something strike his back.
A bullet.
He transformed into mist instantly, believing he had avoided it—
But the moment the bullet touched his mist-formed body, everything went dark.
Pain.
Silence.
His Devil Fruit power vanished.
The mist dissipated.
Kai couldn't feel anything.
The Boss stepped forward, grinning.
"What's wrong?" he mocked.
"Where's that mist you were so proud of?"
Then he laughed.
"Did you enjoy that shot? A Kairoseki bullet."
Fear surged through Kai.
He knew what Kairoseki meant.
He tried to summon mist—but nothing happened.
As if his power no longer existed.
Only a faint trace responded.
Using that tiny remnant, Kai searched for the shooter.
The mist revealed a figure.
And when the image formed in his mind—
Kai froze.
Shock and disbelief crushed his chest.
He whispered hoarsely:
"K… Ken?
Is that… you?"