Chapter 6: Slayer
Okto observed Bruch's relentless onslaught and gritted his teeth before addressing the few pirates who were still struggling.
"Hide, this man is beyond your ability to resist. Allow me to handle it. Once I eliminate him, we can confront the warship. "
Indeed, Okto remained focused on the warship, unaware that his fate was already sealed. Regardless of whether Bruch was repelled or slain, his survival was improbable today; the warship represents the navy's most formidable strength.
Okto seized the black mace, quickly advancing and delivering a forceful strike aimed at Bruch.
Bruch coldly regarded the mace hurtling toward him. Utilizing his dynamic vision and Blood Shadow Step, he effortlessly evaded the imminent threat.
With a resounding crash, a large hole was created in the deck of the pirate ship.
Bruch deftly lunged forward, thrusting the black cutter directly at Okto's chest. The blade emitted a sharp sound, yet it was momentarily halted by the white fang armor Okto had conjured with his powers, before shattering upon impact.
Seizing the opportunity, Bruch pursued, modifying his footwork on the deck, and launched a series of slashes that forced Okto into a defensive stance.
The sounds of clashes resonated as the black cutter and mace collided.
Meanwhile, the members of the Ghost Fang Pirates, concealed behind, witnessed their leader's predicament and yelled:
"Boss Okto is being overpowered! "
"How is that possible? Boss Okto is a formidable figure! "
"Hang in there, Boss! "
At that moment, a towering figure over three meters tall, applying pressure to the wound inflicted by Bruch's black cutter, growled ferociously, "Hmph, Boss Okto hasn't yet unleashed his full strength; this navy will fall. "
His assertion seemed to gain traction as Okto quickly retreated before exclaiming, "Navy, prepare to perish! "
"Tooth through the waves! "
The white tooth armor enveloping Okto consolidated around his right arm, transforming it into a formidable mace. A dark flash illuminated the mace formed on his arm as he pivoted his body, resembling a human drill, and charged towards Bruch.
Realizing the impending danger, Bruch lacked the time to dodge and could only hastily unleash a crimson slash. Upon contact with the drill, the slash disintegrated into fragments, proving ineffective.
"Is this armament haki? " Bruch thought, startled. Before he could evade, the drill struck him squarely in the chest.
"Ah! "
Bruch retreated forcefully, creating a significant hole in the deck before collapsing into the cabin.
Octor transformed the teeth on his right arm back into armor, then approached the hole produced by Bruch and observed him as he attempted to rise.
"Navy, are you prepared to face death? "
Okto flexed his aching fists and continued, "This is the power I've gained in the New World. "
Bruch examined the wound on his chest, which was severely bloodied, with several sternum bones possibly fractured.
Unsteadily, he got to his feet, gazing up at Okto above him. "Ghost Fang Okto, with your strength, how is your bounty only over 80 million? The Navy's intelligence department is truly lacking. "
He gradually stood upright, cracking his neck. "However, I have yet to reveal my true strength. "
His eyes brightened, reflecting light in his purple pupils as streams of red mist emanated from him.
A pair of massive blood-red wings formed behind him, and the wound on his chest quickly healed.
He suddenly appeared much larger, his nearly two-meter height soaring to about four meters, transforming him into a bloodthirsty demon.
The smaller Black cutter he held was also enveloped in a blood-red glow, growing to approximately three meters in length.
With sharp ears and blood-red skin, he possessed an elf-like appearance, his purple-red eyes glinting with a mesmerizing light as he regarded Okto.
"Although it hasn't been long since I could transform into this form, my control over it is still developing. But you can withstand it, right? "
Okto gazed at Bruch's drastically altered appearance; even an uninformed observer could recognize he was a formidable opponent.
"Are you a Devil Fruit user? "
Upon finishing his question, he launched forward with a powerful kick.
...
A colossal blood-red humanoid figure erupted from the vast hole in the deck.
The immense wings fluttered in the air, swiftly bypassing the frozen Okto.
"Ah! This is remarkable. Should I inquire whether he is indeed a pirate from the New World? This energy has significantly amplified my abilities. "
Bruch muttered to himself before reverting to his normal form. Aside from his tattered clothing, his body was unscathed.
In contrast, Okto's halted body exploded in blood, scattering fragments of flesh and blood-red organs across the area.
"Blood Explosion. "
Upon striking his adversary, the blood poison was introduced into the body, culminating in a violent explosion.
The state he currently possesses is a unique form that did not exist in his previous life. It remains unclear whether this form emerged as a result of time travel and the completion of his blood soul.
Within the Thirteen Clans, there are slight references to Cain having utilized this form, which is believed to be derived from the power of Lucifer, the King of Hell. Consequently, this form exhibits similarities to that of a fallen angel.
He has designated this form as the Blood Angel. It can only be sustained for a limited time and is energy-intensive, typically lasting no more than a minute.
Bruch, rubbing his throbbing head, surveyed the concealed members of the Ghost Fang Pirates and unleashed a powerful strike with his sword.
The crimson crescent-shaped slash cleaved the pirate ship in half, instilling horror among the pirates.
"Please, no! "
"Do not kill me! "
"Ah! I surrender; I wish to enter Impel City! "
Amidst these cries, bursts of red mist erupted from Bruch's shoulders, and sprouted two blood-red wings, taking flight.
He raised his arm and wielded the black cutter, executing successive slashes that descended upon the pirates who had fallen into the water, eliciting further screams.
The sea became stained crimson.
After surveying his work, Bruch flapped his wings and returned to the naval deck.
With two decisive stomps, Bruch landed on the deck.
He retrieved a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply.
Hiss~
With a soft pop, his wings transformed into blood mist and retracted into his body.
He extended his right hand into a fist.
"Truly, mastering haki brings a gratifying sense of strength! "