Creed's Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) sensed Doflamingo's killing intent, and he chose to strike first without hesitation.
But there was another reason too—above Doflamingo's head floated a purple treasure chest!
In that instant, Creed also probed Doflamingo's stats and saw he was an SSS-level powerhouse:
[Name]: Donquixote Doflamingo
[Attributes]: Strength: SS+, Agility: SS+, Endurance (Defense): SS, Spirit (boosted by Conqueror's Haki): SS
[Abilities]: SSS Armament Haki, SS+ Conqueror's Haki, SS Swordsmanship, SS+ Observation Haki, SSS- Physical Techniques, SS Navy Rokushiki…
[Devil Fruit / Special Ability]: String-String Fruit (Awakened, Initial Stage) – SSS
[Overall Power]: SSS
Creed's heart raced. An SSS-level opponent carrying a treasure chest had walked right into his path—he didn't even need to hunt for one!
His extraction mission required defeating two such powerhouses, so even if Doflamingo hadn't come for him, Creed would have found an excuse to fight anyway.
Ain, warned in advance, quickly retreated with Xiao Zi the moment Creed's aura erupted. Though strong, she knew fighting at a Shichibukai's level would only get in the way.
But two figures immediately closed in on her, aiming to cut her off.
Creed and Doflamingo clashed head-on!
Like the sound of a blade unsheathed, Creed's sword aura burst forth, fierce and unstoppable, scattering the clouds above.
"Not bad… you're worthy to be my opponent."
Doflamingo, for once, dropped his mocking tone and acknowledged Creed as someone on his level.
"Fuffuffuffu! But no matter how strong you are, today you'll leave that Operation Fruit with me, Creed!"
Doflamingo's laughter echoed as his aura clashed against Creed's.
"Boom!"
Their Haki collided like thunder, shaking the harbor. The blast of force hurled nearby ships adrift, and those closest cracked apart under the pressure.
Two SSS-level titans—just their presence alone tore the port apart!
Some pirates had thought to stay and watch, but as soon as the shockwave hit, they scrambled away, terrified.
"Five-Color Strings!"
Doflamingo clawed forward, releasing five shining white strings sharp enough to rend granite like paper.
"Rinne Slash: Thunderclap!"
Creed's blade flashed with lightning, cleaving upward to block.
"Clang!"
The collision shook the dock, carving a deep crater beneath their feet as though the ground itself had turned to tofu.
"Our strength and endurance are about even… both SS. But that awakened String-String Fruit is the real problem."
Creed analyzed calmly, already forming a strategy.
"Overheat Kick!"
Eight nearly invisible threads shot from Doflamingo's leg like whips.
"Lightning Flash!"
Electricity crackled over Creed's body as his speed surged, narrowly dodging. It was a new move he'd developed by refining his control of lightning.
Doflamingo's agility was only SS+, while Creed's was SSS. That was his edge.
"Rinne Slash: Human Path!"
Creed blurred into a storm of mist-like sword strikes, countless slashes raining down.
"So fast!"
Doflamingo's eyes widened, barely reacting in time.
"Spider's Web!"
He wove a massive net of threads, catching Creed's body—but not the countless razor-thin sword auras that slipped through.
"Clang, clang, clang!"
"Psshh!"
Blood trickled from a cut on Doflamingo's cheek despite his hardened Armament Haki and makeshift thread shield.
He licked the blood, grinning madly. "Fuffuffuffu! Excellent!"
But Creed didn't waste time talking.
"Rinne Slash: Hungry Ghost Path!"
A swarm of spectral demons roared into being around him, their chilling aura pouring into his blade until it gleamed with inky black light.
He swung.
"Super Whip Strikes!"
Doflamingo snapped his arms forward, two massive thread pillars surging forth like dragons to clash with Creed's strike.
"BOOM!!!"
The harbor exploded in chaos, a third of it collapsing, debris flying as small ships capsized in the waves.
From the smoke, Doflamingo emerged—his pink feather coat shredded, blood leaking from a wound across his torso.
He had lost the exchange and taken damage.
"You… I underestimated you. At such a young age, to already possess the power of a top-grade swordsman!"
His eyes burned with fury.
Creed, however, did not press forward. He had sensed something strange.
The air and ground around Doflamingo twisted, warping into threads.
"The String-String Fruit's awakened ability… so he's finally using it."
Creed's gaze sharpened.
(End of Chapter)
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