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As the unwelcome intruder on the shore raised his massive weapon, about to end the young scout's life, a thunderous roar ripped through the air.
Startled, the brute looked up, but before he could identify the source, his vision was engulfed in a blinding golden light.
The light exploded against the giant, sending him flying hundreds of meters with a pained howl.
As the brilliance faded, Noir materialized, his hands in his pockets, one long leg casually extended as if he'd merely taken a step.
He smirked, his voice dripping with arrogance. "What were you saying again?"
The young scout, pulled back from the brink of death, looked up at Noir, his voice filled with relief.
"Savior!"
"This guy ignored our warnings and trespassed on The Island! He attacked our brothers!"
The scout was covered in grievous wounds, yet he reported with unwavering clarity, a spark of pride igniting within Noir.
Noir helped him up, his voice gentle. "I understand. I'll take care of it from here."
"Yes, sir!"
The giant struggled to his feet, his eyes wide with a newfound fear as he stared at Noir. He muttered under his breath, "That power… that speed… It's not something a kid should have."
Noir's smile turned cold, and his imposing figure vanished once more.
The giant's heart leaped into his throat. He tried to turn, to counter, but another blindingly fast kick slammed into him, sending him sprawling again.
He was nothing but brute force, a dime-a-dozen thug. Noir could cut down a hundred of him without breaking a sweat.
Where did this nobody get the nerve to fight him?
Realizing he was outmatched, the giant bellowed to his men, "Don't just stand there! Attack!"
The black-clad, masked figures surged forward, brandishing their weapons and encircling Noir.
Noir didn't even bother to react. He simply snapped his fingers in the air.
The shadows beneath his feet stirred, slithering across the ground with uncanny speed, connecting with the shadows of his attackers.
The once aggressive mob froze, rooted to the spot as if paralyzed.
Noir drew Devil Blade, leisurely dragging the cursed blade towards the terrified giant.
Before Noir even reached him, the men behind him collapsed, their shadows severed, their screams filling the air.
The giant gulped, staring at Noir's deceptively gentle expression. He didn't dare utter another word of trash talk.
The backdrop of his men's agonizing cries and their bodies dissolving into ashes was a stark deterrent.
Noir tapped the giant's chin with the hilt of his sword. "Who are you?"
The giant's teeth chattered. "I'm… I'm a pirate…"
Noir's eyes narrowed. He casually raised his sword, resting the blade on the giant's neck. "Do you think I'm an idiot?"
"If you were a pirate in the New World, you'd know who I am."
The New World wasn't the Paradise of the Grand Line's first half. It was chaotic, yes, but it had its own order.
To thrive in the New World, one needed connections to the Four Emperors. And any Emperor would know of Noir's battles with Marine Admirals.
Even those without ties to the Emperors, if they were bold enough to enter the perilous New World, wouldn't be so reckless… unless they had a death wish, or were utter fools.
The giant trembled, stammering out a desperate plea. "I… I really don't know! Someone just hired me to cause trouble for you!"
Noir raised an eyebrow. "Who wants to cause trouble for me?"
The giant stammered, "I don't know! It was an anonymous commission…"
Noir's eyes narrowed. "What's in it for you? Money?"
The giant nodded frantically. "I'm a bounty hunter! Someone posted a bounty for your head in the Underworld!"
The Underworld?
Noir frowned. He knew what that term signified.
It wasn't a literal other world, but rather a network for illicit dealings, a vast marketplace for illegal transactions, hence the name "Underworld."
When it came to the Underworld, Noir's first thought was of another Shichibukai.
Donquixote Doflamingo, whose underworld alias was "Joker," was considered the biggest player and broker in that shadowy realm.
Since the Underworld dealt with more dangerous individuals, it made sense for someone seeking Noir's head to post a bounty there.
After all, with Noir's new status as a Shichibukai, the World Government had officially stopped targeting him. Killing him openly was now virtually impossible.
Noir stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Who would want him dead? And who had access to the Underworld's network? It had to be someone with considerable power and influence.
Could it be Doflamingo? It didn't make sense… Noir had never even met the man, let alone offended him.
The only possible connection was that Noir had destroyed some slave trading operations in Sabaody, a few of which were owned by the Donquixote Family.
But that seemed like a flimsy motive. Besides, if Doflamingo were involved, he would have handled it more subtly, especially since the Underworld was his domain…
Noir looked at the giant, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
This guy was clearly a low-level grunt. He knew nothing of value.
Perhaps a more direct approach was needed. He should pay Doflamingo a visit in Dressrosa and ask him directly.
The giant, seeing Noir lost in thought, cautiously asked, "C-can I go now, Shichibukai-sama?"
Noir waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, get out of here."
The giant scrambled to his feet, practically tripping over himself in his haste to escape.
Just as he leaped onto his ship, about to set sail, the sky suddenly darkened.
Like the Wrath of a God, countless bolts of lightning rained down, obliterating the ship and everyone on board.
Noir watched the ship turn to ashes without a flicker of emotion. "Clean and Efficient," he murmured.
Bolts of lightning crackled on the ground, coalescing into Enel. He grumbled, "Why do I have to deal with this trash?"
Noir yawned lazily. "Because I'm too lazy to do it myself…"
Before they could continue their conversation, an Air Door silently opened behind them.
The first person out, however, was flung out.
Oh… It was a battered and unconscious Wyper…
Noir's expression froze. 'Uh oh, I forgot I snuck out!'
As if on cue, the Air Door opened fully, revealing two figures with furious expressions.
Robin and Kalifa, their hair disheveled, cracked their knuckles, their voices echoing like vengeful spirits.
"Noir, you skipped out on work again!"
"Do you have any idea how much work you left behind?!"
...
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