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Chapter 157 - Chapter 157: Mock Town

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Boom! Boom! Boom! The sky roared with thunder as an unimaginable downpour cascaded like a god pouring vast waters into the sea. 

The soaring ocean current had vanished, and the massive volume of seawater, now losing its momentum, crashed back onto the surface, triggering yet another colossal tsunami. 

Mist, ripples, and towering waves intertwined across the vast seascape. Arashi hovered in midair, gazing into the distance. 

Through the hazy mist, he spotted a seven-colored rainbow arching across the sky. 

The scene before him was nothing short of breathtaking—an awe-inspiring spectacle unlike anything he had ever witnessed.

The turbulent and violently surging ocean made it impossible to see ahead. Amid the storm, visibility was pushed to its absolute limit. 

Spreading his Observation Haki, Arashi instantly extended his perception over a hundred kilometers. 

Soon, he saw the Blackbeard Pirates struggling to survive amidst the sudden tempest.

"Hurry! Save the captain!"

"Teach, you're not dead, are you?!"

"He's losing too much blood! Can he even survive?!"

On a drifting wooden log, Van Augur and the others looked grim. 

The raging currents revealed the unconscious Marshall D. Teach in the distance, blood still gushing from his wounds. 

By some stroke of luck, the ocean was carrying him toward them.

"Pull him aboard and check his condition!" Doc Q shouted. "I believe in that guy. He's not that easy to kill!"

Burgess remained unconscious while Lafitte hesitated for a brief moment. 

Van Augur quickly slung his sniper rifle onto his back, then leaped off the log and swam toward Teach's drifting figure. 

Moments later, with the help of the ocean's current, he hauled the bloodied Blackbeard onto the log, where the other two immediately assisted in pulling him up.

"He's still alive?! Damn, he's tough!" Doc Q swiftly examined him and sighed in amazement.

"Would you rather he was dead?" Van Augur retorted, his face darkened. Lafitte bounced on his feet, observing with wide-eyed disbelief.

"For someone to have wounded Teach this badly… That man is a monster!"

The mere mention of that man sent a flicker of fear through Van Augur's eyes before he barked, "Enough talk! Focus on saving Teach and Lafitte, and start rowing now! If that guy catches up…"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the weight of his words was understood. 

The tension in their eyes reflected their fear—none wanted to face Arashi again. 

That overwhelming power, a force beyond their control, made them realize how vast this world was.

Doc Q worked hastily to stop Teach's bleeding while Van Augur and Lafitte rowed frantically, steering the log further away with the ocean's current. 

On the other end of the makeshift raft, Burgess lay motionless, his head wrapped in thick bandages. 

The mood was heavy. Ever since they set sail, they had never been through such devastation. 

This was, without a doubt, the closest they had ever come to annihilation.

Gradually, the log drifted beyond the storm's reach, entering calmer waters. Sunlight poured down, shining on their exhausted bodies.

"We made it…" Lafitte collapsed in relief. "Teach has a strong life force—he's pulled through as well," Doc Q said, wiping the sweat off his forehead before pulling a few apples from his bag.

"Here, eat one. It'll help replenish your energy." But neither of them dared to touch the apples. 

Moments later, Marshall D. Teach's eyes shot open, and he let out an agonized scream.

"AAARGH!!"

"IT HURTS LIKE HELL!!"

He suddenly sat up, startling everyone around him. "Don't move too much. This log can't handle your thrashing," Doc Q muttered wearily.

Teach froze, scanning his surroundings. Upon seeing his crewmates, his face twisted into a grin.

"Zehahahaha! I survived! I, Marshall D. Teach, lived through that man's hands! Hell yeah, I wasn't meant to die yet!"

His words carried unfiltered joy and relief. The others didn't argue—they, too, felt the same overwhelming sense of surviving the impossible.

"We need to leave this place," Teach said cautiously. "Find somewhere safe to recover."

"We've already put enough distance between us," Lafitte grumbled. "Our arms are about to fall off!"

"Better our arms than our lives! This is no time for complaints!" Teach snapped, his tone suddenly grave.

A strange sensation gnawed at him—a feeling that he and his crew were still being watched. 

Everyone on the log paddled harder, pushing themselves forward. Only after a long while did Teach finally feel the unseen pressure lift. 

Sweat dripped down his face as he muttered, "Just how terrifying is that guy…?"

A cold glint flickered in his eyes as he glanced at his bandaged wounds. Despite the sharp pain, his lips curled into a cruel grin.

"The next time we meet… I won't let you go so easily, Arashi!!!"

He knew he wasn't strong enough yet. Neither he nor his crew had the power to stand against that man. 

But as long as he followed his plan, step by step, he would become stronger. When the time came, he would repay the pain he suffered today—many times over.

No one knew how long they drifted at sea before spotting an island in the distance.

"We'll rest there," Teach said with a smirk.

Van Augur and the others nodded, their eyes flashing with a chilling intent. Ahead of them was a small town, its streets bustling with people. 

It looked like the perfect place to replenish everything they had lost in the previous battle.

Arashi had been watching the Blackbeard Pirates escape from the range of his Observation Haki. 

He had not pursued them. First, the raging storm and turbulent currents made conditions less than ideal. 

Second, he had already gauged Blackbeard's strength.

Third, this crew had the potential to stir up chaos in the world—something that could be useful.

Retracting his gaze, Arashi turned around. Suddenly, a pair of wings unfurled behind him—black as night, resembling fins yet distinctly feathered. 

With a single flap, the air around him twisted and distorted.

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, Arashi vanished. When he reappeared, he was standing atop the golden scepter of the Sandora.

Crocodile's eyes narrowed as he observed the man before him, those black wings slowly retracting. 

A Devil Fruit ability? A Zoan-type, perhaps? 

Just what had this man been through all these years? But knowing when not to pry, Crocodile simply asked in a deep voice,

"Was there anything noteworthy about the Blackbeard Pirates?"

"Enough to warrant you testing them yourself?"

There was no doubt—it had been a test. Otherwise, the Blackbeard Pirates wouldn't have had the slightest chance of escaping.

Even in those treacherous storm conditions, this man had countless ways to kill them without being hindered.

"The Yami Yami no Mi… It's quite interesting," Arashi said with a faint smile.

"Interesting?" Crocodile scoffed. "That's one of the most terrifying Devil Fruits in existence."

Arashi leaped off the scepter, offering no further explanation. Instead, he pointed toward an island shrouded in rain and mist.

"Head for Mock Town."

Fisher Tiger nodded. Ever since he boarded the ship, he had proven the best helmsman. Of course, for a Fish-Man, this was second nature. 

Every Fish-Man was an outstanding navigator. Crocodile narrowed his eyes slightly, reassessing the strength of his superior standing before him. 

There was no doubt that he had grown even stronger than before. The faintly revealed black wings hinted at another Devil Fruit ability. 

The sheer presence of his physical form alone was more imposing than ever. But just how strong was he? Was he now powerful enough to roam the world unchecked?

Kuina stood nearby, swinging her sword over and over again. Her expression was serious and focused. 

In his disciple's eyes, Arashi saw a strong fighting spirit. "What is it? Did you encounter someone or something just now?" 

With Tashigi's help, he changed into a fresh set of clothes and asked with a smile. 

"Yeah!" Kuina paused for a moment, then nodded. 

"Among people your age, there aren't many who could be your match," Arashi said, shaking his head slowly.

"Through all the battles and life-or-death struggles you've endured, you've left the rest far behind."

However, Kuina remained serious. "This opponent is different." "Oh?" Arashi raised an eyebrow, smiling with curiosity. 

"Whether they are stronger or weaker than me, I will give my all!" Kuina declared firmly. 

"It seems this person is very important to you!" Arashi chuckled. 

His disciple nodded, and with a swift swing of her long sword, a fierce gust of wind cut a rift across the sea's surface. 

Tashigi watched in awe, her body trembling with excitement. She had never seen such a powerful female swordsman before.

The warship soon arrived at Mogu Town. As it docked, Arashi's gaze sharpened slightly. 

Then, a smile spread across his face. "What did you see?" Crocodile asked. 

Smoker also looked puzzled. They all knew their commander's ability—thanks to the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. 

He could perceive distant events, similar to Observation Haki. "A little brat," Arashi said softly. 

He leaped down from the ship's bow, scanning his surroundings at the port. Without a doubt, most of the people on this island were pirates. 

Their faces turned wary and tense when they saw the Marine warship and the uniforms.

Crocodile and the others followed closely, standing beside and behind him. Their presence was imposing. 

"That kid from back then." 

"Without realizing it, he's grown to this level." There was a hint of nostalgia and joy in Arashi's voice. 

He stepped forward, heading into the town. Crocodile and the others exchanged questioning glances. 

Mock Town. 

In a secluded alley, a tall figure slowly pulled back his hood in front of a courtyard gate, revealing short golden hair and clown-like face paint.

"Shhh!" He bent slightly, lighting the cigarette in his mouth. After taking a slow drag, he exhaled a plume of smoke. 

Then, the man's lips curled into a chilling grin as he walked toward the tightly shut door. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" 

Without hesitation, he raised his fist and pounded on the door. Inside the courtyard, Doflamingo's face darkened. 

"Who's knocking?" Diamante's expression changed slightly as he glanced at the door, thinking for a moment before speaking. 

"I heard that years ago, that little punk named Bellamy begged to join us but was defeated."

"Maybe it's him coming to plead for help!" Doflamingo's eyes turned cold. 

"A useless guy like that isn't qualified to carry the Donquixote Family name. Pirates without real strength should just disappear." 

He stood up slowly, his voice carrying a chilling indifference. "Let me take care of him myself." 

Diamante and Trebol exchanged glances before getting up to follow. But at that moment, the courtyard door suddenly burst open with a loud crash. 

A tall figure stepped inside, wearing a cold, menacing smile. His eerie aura was strikingly similar to their young master's, making him a truly intimidating presence.

Doflamingo paused mid-step, his gaze narrowing at the newcomer. "Corazon!" Trebol exclaimed in shock. "It's you?" 

Rosinante stepped forward, smiling faintly. "Who else would it be? All these years, you lot have only been adding to your sins." 

"Oh? I suppose you're worried about old enemies coming for revenge," Doflamingo said darkly, staring at his younger brother. 

"I don't have time for a family reunion right now, dear brother."

Rosinante sneered. "That's unfortunate because you'll have to make time today." 

Doflamingo fell silent, then after a moment, he spoke. "If you came all this way to find me, state your demand." 

"Just like that man—you vanished for nearly ten years." His sharp gaze locked onto Rosinante as if trying to see right through him. 

"It's a simple matter. I want to know where you stand now." Rosinante's eyes were sharp, his voice heavy.

"My stance? Why don't you be clearer?" Doflamingo smirked slightly as if he had already figured it out. 

"These past years, the things you've done completely go against everything that man stood for. Who are you now, Doflamingo?" Rosinante demanded loudly.

"My identity? It's hard to believe that you're still so naive after all this time, Rosinante." 

"What a waste of over ten years." Doflamingo shook his head, laughing coldly. 

His gaze turned icy, and his voice carried a bone-chilling sharpness. "Marine, pirate—what difference does identity make? It's all about who wins."

He paused briefly before sneering again. "That man has been gone for over ten years." 

"Did you come here today just to ask me that? To question if I'm still his subordinate?" 

Rosinante's face was serious, his gaze unwavering. "Of course!"

"Fuffuffuffu!" Doflamingo laughed mockingly. "How ridiculous! If he were standing in front of me, I'd give him an answer!" 

"But you, Rosinante, who do you think you are? Just my foolish little brother! You're nothing more than someone who should have died over a decade ago!"

The mocking words made Rosinante's expression grow even colder. He silently listened until the end, then took a long cigarette drag before exhaling.

"I understand now."

"Then today, I'll use my own strength to pry open your mouth and get my answer!"

As his words fell, he raised his right hand, plucked the cigarette from his lips, and flicked it forcefully. The ember spun through the air, shooting toward Doflamingo.

"Childish tricks!" Doflamingo sneered. But the next moment, a glint of light flashed across his sunglasses.

There were no footsteps, no sound—everything seemed to freeze. The world had suddenly lost its voice. 

However, Rosinante instantly closed the distance and swung his leg down at Doflamingo's head in the blink of an eye.

In the empty air, it was as if lightning had erupted, a violent surge of Conqueror's Haki radiating in all directions. 

The flowers and grass in the courtyard trembled as Trebol and Diamante's expressions changed dramatically. 

Doflamingo's gaze sharpened, and a rare serious look appeared. He lifted his right leg to the counter, meeting the descending kick head-on.

"Boom!"

When their feet clashed, a shockwave rippled outward, shaking everything around them.

"Crack!"

The ground beneath Doflamingo's feet shattered. And then, sound returned.

The roaring wind and the startled cries of the two men behind him rang in his ears.

"Rosinante!"

Doflamingo lifted his head, staring at his brother with a solemn expression. 

Where their feet met, lightning crackled, and an overwhelming force continued to radiate outward.

"A clash… of Conqueror's Haki!"

Diamante shrieked, his eyes filled with shock. 

Especially when he saw Rosinante before him, whose presence now bore an uncanny resemblance to their Young Master, his heart trembled.

When had this man become so powerful?

"Zzzzt!"

Electric sparks danced, tracing lines around the two fighters. Their eyes locked, each seeing the cold determination in the other.

"You've surprised me, Rosinante!"

"Then let's see how much you've improved since the day we parted!"

Doflamingo smirked.

He suddenly twisted his body, channeling power from his waist, pulling back his right leg, and stomping down hard. 

At the same time, his left leg swung up in a vicious arc toward Rosinante.

But to everyone's astonishment, Rosinante mirrored his movements perfectly.

"Boom!"

The next second, their kicks collided once more.

Lightning arced wildly, and Conqueror's Haki spread outward, filling the space with an overwhelming dread.

"Interesting!"

Doflamingo sneered as he suddenly pulled back, flicking his fingers toward the air.

"Five-Color String!"

Razor-sharp threads slashed through the air toward Rosinante.

But Rosinante reacted swiftly. With a single step, he vanished, dodging the attack. 

Then, his foot tapped mid-air, and instantly, he appeared behind Doflamingo.

"Oh?"

Doflamingo's pupils contracted.

He instantly recognized Moonwalk and Shave, two techniques from the Marine's Six Powers.

At the same time, five deep slashes appeared in the ground before him.

"Snap!"

The sound of fingers snapping echoed. Suddenly, all the noise vanished.

Doflamingo's eyes widened in shock. It was as if everything around him had frozen—like all vibrations in the air had ceased to exist.

Vibrations create sound. And yet, at this moment, everything had fallen silent. Unseen, unheard—Rosinante had closed the distance completely.

True silence. Not even the keenest Observation Haki could sense it.

"Fist of Silence!"

Rosinante's lips moved, forming words that could not be heard. He threw a powerful punch toward Doflamingo.

Doflamingo turned sharply, crossing his arms to block.

"Boom!"

The force of the blow sent Doflamingo skidding backward, his feet dragging against the ground.

And then—sound returned. Doflamingo's eyes were filled with shock.

"Surprised?" Rosinante smirked. "Or is it just hard to believe?"

"There's no such thing as a useless Devil Fruit—only useless, foolish people."

"When developed to its fullest potential, the Silent-Silent Fruit holds the power to destroy worlds!"

"Sound is produced by vibrations. But the true power of my fruit is to halt those vibrations completely—reducing everything to absolute stillness!"

Doflamingo's pupils shrank. His arms—he couldn't move them!

As Rosinante said, all vibration had been stripped from his limbs. His blood had stopped flowing, his muscles frozen.

As long as a person is alive, their body is in constant motion. Blood circulates, the heart beats, and cells regenerate. 

Even if the human ear cannot perceive these sounds, they are always present. But Rosinante's ability erased them.

In that instant, Doflamingo realized just how terrifying this power truly was. A thought flashed through his mind—the strongest man in the world.

"A power completely opposite to Whitebeard's! Rosinante!!" Doflamingo's expression twisted in disbelief.

Vibration could cause tsunamis, earthquakes, and air shocks—an overwhelmingly destructive force.

But a power that silenced all vibration… was just as terrifying. He couldn't believe that Rosinante had pushed such an 'insignificant' fruit to this level!

"Everything I touch… will fall into silence." Rosinante took a step forward. His footsteps echoed crisply in the air.

"So, you've reached this level as well." Doflamingo sighed. "The awakening of a Devil Fruit!"

Rosinante chuckled. "Awakening? Perhaps. I only know that I have finally grasped the true power of silence!"

His gaze turned cold. With a single bound, he launched himself forward. "You—will be the first to experience it!"

Doflamingo leaped back to evade the strike. But in the next moment, his eyes widened.

"Bwoom!"

As Rosinante landed, his right fist glowed with a strange aura, rapidly expanding into a spherical field of silence.

Then, he swung.

"Hummmm!"

The air itself froze. An unseen force washed over Doflamingo's body, locking him in place.

His blood, his organs—everything within him ceased movement, losing all vibration.

The next second, Rosinante lunged.

"Thud!"

Doflamingo hit the ground hard.

Rosinante straddled his chest, wrapping his legs around his neck, pressing a hand over the only thing still beating—his heart.

"You've lost!"

"Doffy!!!"

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