Ain stared in awe as Creed suddenly transformed into a streak of yellow light, shooting thousands of meters away, then manifested an eerie blue ribcage and massive arm of Susanoo that smashed into the sea.
That yellow flash—it had to be Admiral Kizaru's Flash-Flash Fruit! But how had Creed learned it, and even achieved elementalization? Wasn't that only possible for Devil Fruit users?
In that moment, she realized she could no longer see through him. To her, Creed had become almost godlike, capable of anything.
"Boom!"
The ocean erupted into waves tens of meters high. Creed leapt from the foam, dashed twice with Raishin (Thunder Flash), and landed back on the small boat. Raising his palm, he pressed down into the air. The raging waves suddenly collapsed and stilled, suppressed mid-surge.
It was a masterful application of Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki). At the Marineford War, the three Admirals once combined their Haki to block Whitebeard's shockwave. Now, Creed's strength had reached SSS, and his Armament had risen to SSS+, letting him touch that same level of mastery.
"Huuh…"
Exhaling, Creed frowned in dissatisfaction. His Susanoo training wasn't progressing fast enough. Despite his efforts, he couldn't advance past the initial form.
The system had made it clear: to unlock the first stage of Susanoo, all four attributes needed to be SSS.
"My only shortfall is Endurance. Still stuck at SS. Kizaru's endurance was the same, so I couldn't extract it… but Akainu? With how much of a tank he is, it's bound to be SSS."
He pivoted, his leg glowing gold.
"Whoosh!"
"Boom!"
A beam of light blasted from his kick, vaporizing a distant reef into rubble.
Not only had he extracted Kizaru's fruit, but also his SSS-ranked kicking techniques. Combined with the Flash-Flash Fruit, the result was devastating. No wonder Kizaru favored light-speed kicks.
Checking his stats, Creed saw:
[Host]: Creed
[Attributes]: Strength: SSS | Agility: SSS | Endurance: SS | Spirit (Haoshoku boost): SSS
[Abilities]: Armament Haki SSS+ | Conqueror's Haki SSS+ | Swordsmanship SSS+ | Observation Haki SSS+ | Kick Techniques SSS | Martial Arts SSS | Power of Giants SS | Rokushiki SSS
[Innate Talent]: Dragon God Mode (Extracting… 15%, 10 months remaining)
[Devil Fruits/Special Abilities]: Ope Ope no Mi (Operation Fruit), Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, Lightning Control, Flash-Flash Fruit
[Standby Abilities]: Fist Techniques SS | Marksmanship SS
[Overall Strength]: SSS+
[Rinne Sword Path]: Animal, Asura, Human, Hell, Hungry Ghost, Deva, Extreme Evil Blade (45%)
"Unlocking SSSS abilities requires defeating four SSS opponents carrying chests. I've beaten three. Just one more. In the New World, that won't take long."
The Four Emperors' lieutenants alone were prime candidates. The thought of extracting SSSS-level power was too great a temptation.
…
The Red Line loomed like an ancient dragon. At its highest peak stood the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, home of the Celestial Dragons.
Amid its springlike beauty, Doflamingo sneered. "Fuffuffuffu… my glorious homeland. And yet, this time, I return in chains."
Once, he had slaughtered his own father and delivered the head to regain his title as a Celestial Dragon, only to be denied. Rage simmered within him even now. But even without seastone cuffs, he wouldn't dare act violently here—for inside this palace dwelled five beings far stronger than him.
"This way, Lord Doflamingo. The Gorosei await you," said a nervous attendant, ushering him inside.
In the audience chamber, a booming voice greeted him:
"Donquixote heir… it has been a long time. For you to catch the attention of Saint Charloss himself, this must be important."
It came from an elder in a black suit, curly white hair, a full white beard, and a scarred left cheek. The First Elder.
"Our time is precious. Speak plainly, Doflamingo. Tell us everything about the Operation Fruit. If we find the slightest falsehood, both you and your family will be erased from existence," said the Second Elder, robed in deep blue, long white hair flowing.
Beside them sat three more: one in crimson suit with blond hair, one bald with a green suit and mustache, and one bald in white robes with a sword resting at his side—the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Elders.
"Fuffuffuffu… don't worry, I'll tell you everything. That man not only defeated me with ease, but he's developed the fruit's power to incredible heights. I'm certain he can even perform… the Immortal Surgery."
The Gorosei inhaled sharply, eyes blazing. Even the First and Second Elders rose from their seats, gazes locked on Doflamingo.
They understood the weight of this revelation. And they knew exactly what Lord Im truly desired.
(End of Chapter)
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