Khaladore's eyes narrowed with a mix of annoyance and curiosity as he watched the dumb boy's form gradually disappear into the distance. His expression remained veiled, hiding the disdain he felt towards Usopp's feeble attempt to disrupt his plans.

The sight of the boy running away in embarrassment just barely lessened his annoyance. The boy's antics would have been amusing were they not treading on dangerous territory. For a fleeting moment, the thought of ripping the boy's innards right then and there crossed Khaladore's mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

Turning his attention away from the retreating figure, Khaladore approached the two guards who had been amused by Usopp's plight. They laughed among themselves, unaware of how much their mere existence grated on his nerves.

"Young Usopp seems to have quite the talent for entertaining, wouldn't you agree?" Khaladore remarked casually, his voice laced with concealed sarcasm.

The guards laughed heartily, one of them replying, "Oh, yeah! That boy always has a way of brightening our day with his antics. Quite a character, that one."

Khaladore nodded, his smile masking his true thoughts. "Indeed, quite a character. His enthusiasm is admirable, even if misguided."

"Eh, that's teenagers for ya. Nothing a good smack on the back of the head wouldn't fix, right?" The guards continued their banter, enjoying Khaladore's company, oblivious to the hidden agenda he harbored.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Khaladore gracefully excused himself, citing a pressing matter that required his attention. As he made his way through the mansion's corridors, he encountered several maids and servants going about their duties. They paused in their tasks, offering respectful greetings as he passed by, their voices filled with warmth and deference.

"Good afternoon, Khaladore-San!" a maid said, curtsying with a respectful smile.

Khaladore nodded to her with a smile.

"Hello, sir," a young servant boy greeted with a nod of his head.

Each interaction was met with a polite response from Khaladore, his tone gentle and his demeanor gracious. "Good day to you," he replied with a slight incline of his head. "Carry on with your work."

The stark contrast between the composed, polite exterior he presented and the storm of anger and turmoil brewing within him was evident. It was a testament to his ability to maintain a facade of calm amidst the chaos that threatened to consume him.

Anger began to bubble beneath Khaladore's calm facade as Usopp's audacity echoed in his mind. The boy had dared to call him by his real name, a name long buried in secrecy and hidden from prying eyes. Veins bulged in his neck, a subtle manifestation of his seething fury. But on the outside, Khaladore remained the picture of perfect composure.

As he walked through the mansion's corridors, his mind churned with questions and suspicions. Usopp had mentioned a poster featuring him, and the thought of how the boy had obtained it gnawed at Khaladore's thoughts.

'Had someone purposefully provided it to him? Had the Navy uncovered my deception, despite my deligence? No, I've kept constant surveillance on their communications.'

His instincts told him it was more likely a mere coincidence, a drifting poster from the sea. But leaving things to chance was never the way he operated. Khaladore knew he needed to find it soon and ensure it did not fall into the wrong hands.

A brief brush against the communication snail in his pocket served as a jarring reminder of another concern. Jango had been unresponsive to his calls for nearly a week now. The frustration seeped into Khaladore's thoughts, fueling his suspicions.

Did that treacherous clown think he could seize control and expose his carefully laid plans? The possibility of someone, particularly Jango, attempting to undermine him suddenly seemed all the more plausible.

Keeping his emotions tightly in check, Khaladore resolved to address these concerns swiftly and decisively. His grip on power and control could not afford any loose ends or potential threats. The village, the mansion, and his own ambitions required the delicate balance of secrecy and manipulation to succeed.

With each step he took, Khaladore's determination solidified, his mind sharpened like a blade ready to cut through any obstacles. The anger that simmered beneath his calm demeanor fueled his resolve, propelling him forward with an unyielding purpose. As the shadows of the mansion stretched before him, Khaladore's concealed fury and calculated intent swirled together, shaping his path towards dominance and influence.

Khaladore finally reached his destination. He took a brief second to compose himself, ensuring that not a single hair was out of place. As calm as he appeared, he knew that every detail mattered. With a steady hand, he opened the door and stepped inside.

In the presence of Kaya, Khaladore's demeanor shifted subtly. He made a small bow, a gesture of respect and courtesy, before standing up with a soft smile on his face.

"Good morning, Kaya-sama," he greeted the young lady of the mansion in a gentle tone.

In the end, it mattered not. Both the boy and whoever was helping him will be dealt with. Throughout his long years as a pirate, he had dealt with much worse.

And defeat was not something Captain Kuro suffered.


The moon's pale glow cast an eerie radiance upon the mansion, its sinister silhouette blending with the shadows that danced along the walls. Within the confines of his private quarters, Khaladore, known to the world as Captain Kuro, sat with unwavering composure. His mind, a well-honed instrument of malevolence, plotted with precision and poise.

Seated behind an ornate desk, Kuro's eyes glinted with a predatory focus as they lingered upon the meticulously drawn map before him. The soft flicker of candlelight accentuated the sharp angles of his face, highlighting the depths of darkness that lurked within his soul.

His fingers caressed the map's delicate surface, tracing the pathways of the nearby Navy base movements. 'None of their ships had passed within a 200-mile radius of this island. So, it is unlikely to be their work, rogue elements aside.'

The silence that enveloped the room was broken only by the whispers of his thoughts, a symphony of sinister machinations. 'It seems that Jango might actually have grown a bit of ambition while I was away.'

Amidst his meticulous planning, a vexing intrusion infiltrated Kuro's consciousness—the matter of the poster. The audacity of Usopp stumbling upon his hidden identity gnawed at his patience. Was it an inconsequential twist of fate, or had someone orchestrated this revelation, puppeteering the strings of destiny?

In the end, it became apparent that the answer lay within the boy himself, and Kuro had a penchant for extracting secrets from unsuspecting prey.

A sense of unholy delight coursed through Kuro's veins as he made his decision. It was time to pay Usopp a personal visit, to embrace him with an expression of "gratitude" for his unwitting role in Kuro's grand scheme. The thought of the boy's trembling vulnerability, his futile resistance against an unyielding force, sent shivers of sadistic pleasure down Kuro's spine.

Rising from his seat, Kuro moved with a fluidity that belied his sinister intent. Every step he took exuded an aura of unhinged calmness, an unsettling grace amidst the chaos of his inner turmoil.

Continuing his measured stride, Kuro approached the concealed compartment nestled beneath the false floor of his personal closet. With practiced ease, he unlocked the hidden latch, revealing a bag that held the embodiment of his malevolence. As he gingerly opened it, a sinister glimmer reflected in his eyes.

The bag yielded his personalized weapons, meticulously crafted instruments of destruction. Black fur gloves, adorned with long swords extending from each finger, beckoned to him like a siren's call. Kuro's gloved fingers slid into the cold, deadly embrace of the weapons, securing them with a sense of purpose that only a predator could possess.

Amidst the sound of blades unsheathing, Kuro's mind churned with a devilish concoction of schemes. How best to dispose of Usopp in a manner that would seem natural to the unsuspecting villagers? It was a puzzle he relished solving, his devious intellect weaving a tapestry of potential scenarios.

A sinister smile curled upon his lips as he contemplated his options. Perhaps he could drown him in the river, a tragic accident that could be attributed to Usopp's carelessness.

Or an encounter with dangerous wildlife, their predatory instincts concealing the truth in a shroud of plausible deniability. Each possibility tantalized him, the prospect of manipulating fate to fit his nefarious desires. 'With these blades, I could easily mimic the swipe of a bear's claws….'

No, it was too barbaric. And he wouldn't debase himself by mimicking an animal.

But one idea, in particular, ignited a spark within Kuro's twisted imagination. The drop on the western hill, shrouded by a dense forest, offered a perfect backdrop for his macabre theater. What better way to dispose of Usopp than to make it appear as though the boy had met his demise while innocently attempting to gather berries from the trees?

'Yes… it would be perfect.' He could even tie it to his original plan. Mayhaps the boy was attempting to gather some fruit for the lady of the mansion whom he fancied before falling. Of course, after hearing of her indirect involvement in his death, her health would deteriorate as a result of her grief and sorrow. Not a single soul would think of his involvement.

It was perfect.

The moon's pale glow continued to bathe the mansion, bearing witness to the malevolence that unfolded within its walls. And as Captain Kuro left his private quarters, his movements precise and calm, his mind brimming with wicked intentions, the shadows whispered their silent approval, heralding the arrival of a predator on the prowl.

Not wishing to draw the attention of the guards, Kuro carefully opened the window, his senses attuned to the surrounding environment. With calculated precision, he surveyed the area below, ensuring no prying eyes witnessed his departure. Confident in his discretion, he gracefully leaped into the night, landing with a near-silent grace.

His thoughts turned to the location where he might find the boy, Usopp, when a sudden instinctive warning tingled at the back of his mind. A small projectile soared through the air, hurtling towards him. In one fluid motion, Kuro's gloved hand rose, the deadly blade attached to his index finger intercepting the incoming object—an innocuous wine bottle cork. It would have posed no real threat, but his attention was captivated by the paper wrapped around it.

Unfurling the paper, Kuro's blood ran cold as his eyes beheld the unmistakable image—a wanted poster adorned with his own face. Before he could fully contemplate its implications, three more corks hurtled toward him, each wrapped in its own damning evidence. Wanted posters, bearing his likeness.

Kuro's gaze shifted swiftly, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of fury and recognition. There stood Usopp at the forest's entrance, his slingshot extended, the audacity in his stance undeniable. The boy sought to provoke him, to be seen, a clear challenge etched upon his face.

A terrifying smirk crept across Kuro's countenance, his visage darkening with an unsettling blend of anger and sadistic pleasure. The flames of rage surged through his veins, fueling the dark desires that lay dormant within himThe hunter had become the hunted, and the prey had willingly stepped into his trap. The anticipation of their impending confrontation sent shivers of delight down Kuro's spine, his mind swirling with visions of retribution and twisted satisfaction.

"Insolent brat…"Kuro whispered, his voice laced with a venomous intensity. The game had been set in motion, and the boy would soon realize the gravity of his folly. With each passing moment, Kuro's fury swelled, his thirst for vengeance growing insatiable.

As he began to traverse the distance that separated them, his steps exuded a predatory grace, his mind consumed with thoughts of the torment he would unleash upon Usopp.

The shadows danced in sinister delight, whispering their allegiance to their merciless master. The source of Kuro's frustration had volunteered to let him vent his anger, and Usopp would soon discover the depths of despair that awaited him at the hands of Captain Kuro.

"He saved me the trouble of looking for him."


"Here he comes," Usopp muttered as he saw Kuro's forming heading towards him. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm his nerves. "Remember what's on the line. Don't forget the plan."

Fully aware of the insurmountable gap between their strength, speed, and experience, Usopp swiftly turned on his heels, fleeing into the sanctuary of the dense forest. 'As long as I get to the beach, it'll be okay.'

Sakazuki-san's words ran through his mind.

"I'd rather not fight near the village. Bring him to the beach, and I'll take care of him." Sakazuki said as he explained his plan to Usopp.

"Y-you sure? Wouldn't it better to call for back up from the navy?" Usopp had tried to argue, the fourteen million bellies bounty a constant reminder of just how dangerous Kuro was, of how foolish Usopp was for rushing head first with no plan. "You sure you can take him alone?

"Dumbass, there is no way a marine would ever lose to a pirate." Sakazuki said, lightly smacking Usopp's head. Seeing how conflicted Usopp still was, he smirked and spoke with a confidence that shook the boy's core.

"Don't worry, kid. I'm the strongest."

Soon enough, he heard the rustling of leaves behind him. Kuro was catching up to him.

Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He knew that he had to maintain the distance between them while finding ways to annoy Kuro, disrupt his focus, and temper his pursuit. His fingers instinctively reached for his trusty slingshot, seeking out projectiles that could distract and annoy the captain.

With quick precision, Usopp loaded a small stone into the pocket of his slingshot and took aim at a tree branch above Kuro's head. He released the stone, and it soared through the air, striking the branch with a resounding thud. Leaves rustled, showering Kuro with a cascade of debris.

Startled, Kuro looked upward, his eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. The annoyance in his gaze burned brighter, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. Usopp seized this opportunity, swiftly moving in the opposite direction, putting more distance between them.

As Usopp sprinted through the forest, his hand rummaged briefly through his pouch, seeking the perfect ammunition. With a momentary pause, he found what he sought—a collection of rocks he had collected during his adventures. A mischievous grin spread across his face as a plan formed in his mind.

Twisting his body while maintaining his rapid pace, Usopp unleashed the rocks with pinpoint accuracy, aiming directly at Kuro's face. The projectiles whizzed through the air, aimed to blind their target and momentarily disorient him.

Kuro, a formidable adversary, reacted swiftly. With a deft sweep of his blades, he effortlessly deflected the rocks, slicing through them with an air of disdain. As the fragments scattered, he couldn't resist mocking Usopp's feeble attempt.

"Is this the best you can do, brat!?" Kuro taunted, his voice dripping with derision as he closed the distance between them. "You truly are a pitiful insect scurrying in the presence of a lion."

Usopp paid no attention to the taunting, undeterred by his failed attempt. He had been planning this moment carefully, and now it was time to unveil the true nature of his projectiles. As his latest barrage of rocks reached Kuro, they exploded upon impact, revealing their hidden payload.

"Bombs!?" Kuro's eyes widened in surprise.

In a split second, Kuro crossed his arms in a defensive guard, bracing himself for an explosion. However, to his astonishment, there was no fiery blast or shrapnel tearing through the air. Instead, the balls burst open, releasing their foul contents that splattered harmlessly on his body.

Then he smelled it.

The putrid smell of feces invaded Kuro's nostrils, causing his expression to twist in a mixture of revulsion and indignation.

The shock of the unexpected assault quickly gave way to a burning rage, fueling his determination to capture Usopp and make him pay for this humiliation.

"You little brat!" Kuro seethed, his voice filled with venom. "You dar-" Before he could finish his sentence, another feces ball landed squarely on his face.

Seizing the opportunity, Usopp swiftly turned and unleashed his next weapon. From a hidden pocket within his pouch, he produced a cluster of eggs, carefully preserved to emit a putrid stench. With a swift motion, he hurled them at Kuro with precision.

"Special Attack: Rotten Eggs Barrage!" Usopp exclaimed.

The eggs soared through the air, their trajectory aimed directly at Kuro's face. Before he could react, they burst upon impact, releasing a repugnant odor that engulfed him. The pungent smell of rotten eggs assaulted his senses, causing him to reel back in disgust.

The pirate captain's face contorted in a mix of anger and humiliation. His perfect facade had been tarnished, his aura of invincibility shattered by a simple barrage of rotten eggs. His clenched fists trembled with fury as he struggled to regain his composure.

Not wanting to be around when Kuro regained his bearings, Usopp swiftly turned and unleashed his greatest power. "Ultimate Usopp Dash!" He yelled. "Usopp Dash is a technique that allows the user to run at the speed of light! Only the strongest can use it! Oooooooooh!"

His legs pumped like pistons, propelling him through the dense foliage of the forest with remarkable agility. Usopp weaved between trees, leaping over fallen branches, and evading any obstacles in his path. The determination to outwit and outpace Kuro fueled his every movement.

As he dashed through the forest, a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration coursed through Usopp's veins. The success of his plan, albeit temporary, had given him a burst of confidence. He knew that he couldn't let his guard down, as Kuro's relentless pursuit would resume once the pirate regained his bearings.

Pushing his fatigue aside, Usopp mustered every ounce of energy and determination he had left. He had to create as much distance as possible between himself and Kuro, buying himself precious time to come up with another strategy or find a safe haven.

In the distance, Kuro's roar of anger echoed, driving Usopp to laugh manically. The forest blurred around him as he maintained his swift pace, the trees becoming a dizzying array of green and brown. His instincts guided him, helping him navigate the terrain with precision. He had spent countless hours exploring these woods, honing his agility and understanding of its layout.

Soon enough, the sound of waves reached Usopp's ears, indicating that he was drawing near to the beach. The crashing of the waves provided a glimmer of hope, a sign that safety was within reach.

A loud crash echoed behind him, causing Usopp to glance over his shoulder. His blood froze as he witnessed Kuro hot on his heels, closing the distance rapidly. Bloodshot eyes zeroed in on Usopp as the pirate captain's sword ripped through both trees and boulders in his path.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! SHIT!" Usopp's panicked thoughts echoed in his mind as he sprinted through the forest. His legs burned with exertion, his muscles protesting against the strain. But he couldn't afford to slow down or show any signs of weakness. His life depended on it.

Branches whipped past him, occasionally striking him as he maneuvered through the dense foliage.

He risked a glance over his shoulder, his eyes widening in terror as he saw Kuro gaining ground. The pirate captain's relentless pursuit sent shivers down Usopp's spine, his presence growing closer with each passing second.

His mind raced, searching for a way to outwit his pursuer. He couldn't go through the usual road at the pace, Kuro would cztch him before.

Suddenly, a flicker of inspiration ignited within Usopp's mind. He recalled a hidden path, a secret route he had discovered during one of his earlier adventures. It was risky, treacherous even, but it might just be his only chance to escape Kuro's clutches.

He just hoped Sakazuki-san could cross from the other side of the beach before Kuro caught up to him.

Without hesitation, Usopp veered sharply to the right, his agile body twisting through the underbrush. The path he chose was narrow and overgrown, barely visible to the untrained eye. It wound its way through a series of natural obstacles, challenging even the most seasoned of navigators.

Usopp's heart raced as he navigated the treacherous terrain, leaping over fallen logs and dodging low-hanging branches.

"I can't let him catch me! Stay away!" Usopp's voice cracked with terror, his plea echoing into the air. His legs burned with exhaustion, his body on the verge of collapse. But he knew he had no choice. Jumping from the cliff seemed like his only chance at survival.

As Usopp reached the edge, he glanced back, his eyes widening in horror as he saw Kuro's menacing figure closing in. The pirate captain's blades sliced through everything in his path, leaving destruction in their wake. His furious screams echoed through the air, carrying the weight of his deadly intent.

"I'm going to fucking kill you, you damned brat!" Kuro's enraged voice pierced the chaotic atmosphere, adding another layer of terror to Usopp's already overwhelmed senses. The sheer ferocity of Kuro's strikes left no doubt in Usopp's mind that his life hung by a thread.

Without further hesitation, Usopp made a split-second decision. With a terrified cry, he launched himself off the cliff, his body hurtling through the open air. Time seemed to slow as he descended his fate uncertain. He could only hope that the sandy beach below would provide a safe landing.

"The wind rushed past Usopp's face, whipping his hair and clothes as gravity pulled him closer to the ground. Fear mingled with a fleeting glimmer of hope as he closed his eyes, bracing himself for impact. Yet, just before his soles could meet the sand below, Usopp felt his neck nearly break as a hand grabbed him roughly from behind. With fear gripping his heart, he turned his head and his wide eyes met Kuro's bloodshot irises.

"No place to run now," Kuro said darkly, his grip tightening around Usopp's throat as the two plummeted downwards.

Pain exploded in Usopp's back as Kuro used him as a landing pad. His cries of agony were stifled by Kuro's blades digging into his flesh as the pirate pinned him down. Tears welled in his eyes, both from the lack of air in his lungs and the putrid stench of the pirate looming over him.

"You've pushed me too far, you insolent brat. But I won't kill you," Kuro's words came out ragged, his calm facade long gone as his body was tainted by filth. "Oh no, no, no, that would be too merciful. I've got a couple questions for you, and I will make sure to savor this."

Usopp could only stare in sheer terror as the blades on Kuro's free arm clasped together, pointing directly at his eye. He attempted to shield himself, but his limbs were firmly pinned beneath him. A gleam of sadistic joy reflected in Kuro's eyes at his futile attempts before he struck.

Kuro's blades blurred, and a piercing scream of pain echoed through the beach and Usopp could breathe again.

"Bullying people at your age, have some shame, would ya."

Usopp remained motionless as his eyes stared blankly above him. Kuro was nowhere to be seen. Instead, only a solitary leg extended above Usopp's body, where Kuro had been moments ago. His eyes followed the limb back to its owner, and he could barely hold back the tears that threatened to spill. "Sakazuki-san..."

"Rest easy, kid. I'll take it from here," the marine officer said with a smile as he retracted his leg. The smile turned into a mocking smirk as his gaze shifted from Usopp's collapsed form to the distance ahead.

Usopp followed his line of sight and saw a pile of rubble lying on the coastline, obscured by a cloud of dust. Seconds later, the dust cleared, revealing Captain Kuro emerging from the wreckage.

Kuro's legs shook momentarily before he stabilized himself. Blood and dirt seemed to leave no spot in his body free. His glasses, or whatever remained of them hanged broken on his face which was quickly developing a nasty boot-shaped bruise where Sakazuki kicked him. Yet even wounded, he still found the strength to glare at them. "a Marine…"

With a panicked yelp, Usopp scattered away and hid behind Sakazuki's leg. He grabbed the marine's arm and pointed it threateningly at the pirate. "T-T-This is the end of the line for you Captain Kuro!"

Kuro ignored the boy, his eyes zeroing on Sakazuki, or rather the distinct hat and white coat he wore. "So, it was the work of you dogs, after all."

The Red Dog stood in a relaxed stance with his hands in his pockets, his expression impassive as he looked down on the pirate. "Now now, dogs are amazing animals. They're loyal, smart, and very persistent. They also have one hell of a bite."

The pirate's glare intensified. "How did you find out? My cover was impeccable. I made sure to cover my tracks carefully."

Sakazuki's smirk widened. "The eyes of Justice see all."

Kuro's glare persisted for a second before he sighed; he fixed his broken glasses with the palm of his hand. "I guess it matters not. It was always a possibility. I will simply kill you all and try again." His gaze moved to Usopp. "You hear that, brat? The death of every single person on this island will be on your hands."

"You…!" Usopp grit his teeth, a retort on the tip of his tongue stopped as Sakazuki's hand came down on his head, gently prying him away.

"Get back as far you can, kid. I'd rather you don't get caught up in it." The marine stated, confidence oozing from his words. "I'm ending it in a second."

"O-oh!" Usopp nodded before doing as told. He ran as fast as his tired legs could take him all the while looking back at the marine. Throwing himself behind a boulder, he raised his thumb and yelled. "Safe!"

A chill went down his back as Captain Kuro's eyes passed before returning the marine. He scoffed. "You will end it in a second? Don't make me laugh. One lucky hit and you think yourself strong. Do you have any idea how many of you officers I've slaughtered? You're nothing but another fool who will die by my hands!"

Sakazuki removed his hand from his pockets and leveled the pirate with a cold stare. "Unfortunately, I have no ship to take you in. So, you will have to die here."

"Don't make me laugh!" Usopp heard Kuro roar before disappearing in front of his eyes. The pirate captain's form flickered in and out of existence in the darkness of the night as he closed the gap. To Usopp, Kuro seemed to teleport across the beach.

To Sakazuki, he was almost stationary.

Oh how easy it would be to just snap his neck, or rip him apart in a flash. But it wouldn't do.

It had to be flashy.

'Guess I'll let loose a bit.'

Usopp stared dumbly as rather than pay attention to his opponent, Sakazuki looked back at him and smiled. A clear message on his features.

Don't blink.

Sakazuki drew back his fist, the sheer force of his motion transforming the surrounding darkness into blinding daylight. Smoke and flames billowed from his shoulders, swirling and spiraling in a furious frenzy. The explosive energy surged outward, hurtling toward Usopp with an unstoppable force.

Usopp clenched his teeth and fought against the instinct to shield his eyes. The assault of heat and light assaulted his senses, threatening to overwhelm him. The searing waves of scorching air buffeted his body, testing his resolve.

The force of Akainu's power created a vacuum, sucking the oxygen out of the immediate vicinity. The world seemed to hold its breath, silenced by the overwhelming might of his attack. The deafening roar of the flames drowned out all other sounds. It was as if the very fabric of reality had been torn asunder, replaced by a realm of scorching heat and relentless destruction.

The intensity of power instilled a primal fear in those who bore witness to its wrath. It was a force that could level mountains, obliterate entire cities, and reduce even the mightiest of opponents to ash. The sheer destructive potential held within each fiery wave was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

An incarnation of destruction itself.

'Magma!?'

"A Devil fruit user!" Kuro's panicked voice answered Usopp's unasked inquiry.

With a swift twist of his body, Sakazuki unleashed his devastating technique. The torrent of molten rocks surged forward, coalescing into the form of a monstrous hound that devoured all in its path.

"Inugami Guren!"

In his panic, Kuro abandoned all thoughts of trickery and stealth and charged directly towards Sakazuki. Desperation etched into every line of his face, he faced the blazing torrent head-on. But it was a futile gesture, as the wrath of Sakazuki's attack proved too immense to be challenged.

Kuro, in his desperate charge, became an offering to the merciless hound. The heat scorched and the flames engulfed Kuro's body, reducing his flesh, bones, and blades to mere ashes. The pirate's lifeless form disintegrated even before passing between the jaws of the hellish hound.

Yet, the onslaught did not cease there. The magma hound surged ahead, tearing through the very Cliffside, reducing solid rocks to gas and sands to molten glass. It sailed through the air, over the water, and exploded on the distant horizon, ascending as a towering pillar of flames that seemed to challenge the heavens themselves.

The ground beneath their feet trembled as the flames reached their peak, erupting in a spectacular display of power. Molten lava surged forth, cascading like a fiery waterfall, as the very island seemed to tremble in reverence.

"I'm the strongest"

"Is this the power of the Marines?" Usopp whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos and destruction that surrounded him. His eyes remained fixed on the apocalyptic scene unfolding before him, unable to tear away from the devastation wrought by Sakazuki's might.

At that moment, the weight of the marines' power became palpable, a force that could reshape the very fabric of their world.

His gaze shifted back to Sakazuki, the embodiment of that power. The marine stood with an air of unwavering confidence, his back turned to Usopp as he surveyed the aftermath of his devastating attack. The billowing coat that adorned his frame seemed to ripple with a sense of authority and purpose.

Usopp's eyes fell upon the words emblazoned on the back of the marine's coat, words that seemed grander than any dream of freedom or adventure the life of pirates had ever offered.

Absolute Justice

For the first time since he could remember, Usopp bore witness to what an actual brave warrior of the sea looked like.

In that moment, the world around him may have been in ruins, but within Usopp's heart, a seed of admiration and purpose began to take root.