Chapter 412 Fear
Brett looked at Fire Fist Ace. The youth was only seventeen this year. His face still bore obvious childishness.
But currently his face also bore obvious determination and indomitable courage.
He knew he'd done something foolish. So now using everything to make amends—even risking his life, he hoped his companions could be saved.
Besides this, what gave him such strong fighting spirit was another reason—he truly wanted to fight Brett. Brett could clearly hear this from Ace's heart.
Probably because he'd been called a man rivaling Whitebeard. And that Whitebeard had stood alongside Roger back then. So by equivalent exchange, he was also a man on Roger's level.
And Ace—who'd hated his biological father since childhood—had always aimed to surpass Roger. So in the original story he'd wanted to defeat Kaido, challenge Whitebeard. So naturally, he'd now challenge Brett too.
Hearing Brett agree to his challenge invitation, obvious joy surfaced on Ace's face. As if fearing Brett would regret it, he quickly said, "Then it's decided!"
"Ace..."
Deuce gritted his teeth.
As longtime sailing companions, he naturally knew what his captain wanted to do now.
Ace turned back, winking at his companions.
He said nothing. But had already said everything.
Said he'd let them leave safely—would definitely keep the promise.
I'll defeat this guy even if it kills me!
Ace clenched his fists, assuming a fighting stance. Flames already drifted upward from his body.
"Wait—"
However, Brett waved his hand. "Finally found time to kill. Just you alone probably won't be enough, right?"
Ace froze. Then an ominous premonition gradually rose from his heart's depths. He couldn't help asking instinctively, "What do you want to do?"
"All of you come at me together."
Brett smiled. "Since you're pirates, shouldn't have issues with ganging up, right?"
"No need!"
Almost the next instant, Ace directly refused loudly. "Just me alone is enough!"
"Doesn't matter."
Brett shrugged. "Whether you want them to attack or not—I don't care. Anyway, I'll attack everyone indiscriminately."
Ace gritted his teeth.
This bastard! Truly unreasonable!
"Let us participate, Ace!"
At this time, Deuce said seriously. "When you're betting everything in battle, how can we stand aside!"
"Just like all past times—let's continue fighting side by side!"
No longer giving Ace chance to speak, Brett clapped. "Hyouzou, you all step back. Leave the battlefield."
"Yes, Brett-sama."
Hyouzou also had no questions. Leading subordinates, they boarded floating sea beasts, just floating aside to quietly observe.
The Entry-Exit Management Bureau headquarters rooftop now had only Brett and the Spade Pirates.
"Then—"
Brett twisted his neck. "About time to start."
He beckoned toward Ace and the others. "Come attack. First let me see your techniques."
"Damn it!"
Ace cursed unwillingly, then turned to his companions, shouting loudly. "If so, then attack together!"
Regardless—now only by defeating this guy ahead could they escape alive.
"Deuce, you command. I'll restrain this guy from the front!"
Flames rose from Ace's body. He'd already transformed into a blazingly burning torch, making surrounding temperatures rapidly rise.
"Oh!!"
Companions responded loudly.
"Then—here I come!"
Flames erupted from Ace's body. His person flew directly into midair. Then he vigorously raised his right fist.
"Fire Fist!!"
His fist expanded into a massive flame fist, crashing down toward Brett like a meteor.
BOOM!
Massive explosion and rolling flames instantly swallowed Brett completely.
"Excellent!!"
Deuce excitedly waved his fist. "Direct hit! This guy couldn't dodge at all!"
"Bunch of idiots."
In the sky to the side, Hyouzou stood atop a sea beast's head, watching the just-landed blazingly burning Ace and his cheering companions. He couldn't help sneering.
"Wrong! Wrong!!"
Super pirate enthusiast Skull shouted loudly then. "This man is a mythical zoan ability user. Absolutely won't be defeated so easily. Not over yet—everyone stay alert!"
As if confirming his words, smoke gradually dispersed, revealing Brett still standing in place.
"Hey, hey—any attacks should come at me."
Brett's body was clean. He retracted the Haki covering the floor beneath his feet, simultaneously warning Ace somewhat. "But don't attack the building below. After all, headquarters used for many years—have some sentiment."
Completely unharmed?
Ace took a deep breath. This guy's ability?
"Then try this!"
"Firefly—Fire Daruma!!"
Ace pushed both hands toward Brett. Then from his palms released countless green sparks, like fireflies surrounding from all directions, directly enveloping Brett.
"Oh?"
Brett was wrapped by starry lights. He couldn't help smiling. "Truly beautiful."
WHOOSH!!
The instant sparks touched his body, his entire person ignited.
This time Brett became a fire pillar.
"Somewhat warm."
Brett evaluated these flames, then unhurriedly used Haki to reinforce his clothes.
Body didn't matter. But clothes would burn.
"This guy!! Flames completely ineffective on him!!"
A pirate cried out.
Indeed because of his ability—possessing strong flame resistance?
Deuce thought this. Similar ability to Kaido—should also have flame manipulation power, right?
"Don't just stand there! Attack together!"
Deuce roared.
Since this guy arrogantly stood letting them attack—absolutely couldn't miss this opportunity.
Spade Pirates members scattered, pulling out firearms aimed at Brett.
In a blink came firecracker-like crackling sounds. Bullets propelled by gunpowder shot forth, instantly striking Brett's skin harshly.
Then—
Shattered.
"Take this! Deep Sea Emperor!"
Under ranged attack cover, pirates wielding blades, swords, and axes shouted, charging forward. Rushing before Brett, they leaped up, swinging weapons, slashing toward Brett's body parts.
Then—CRACK.
Weapons instantly broke. Pirates bounced away, rolling on the ground like mosquitoes.
The pirates' attacks finally had one use—letting Ace transform into flames streaking across the sky, then falling toward Brett's head.
"Fire Fist!!"
Zero-distance Fire Fist directly smashed Brett's head.
In the massive explosion, Ace bounced backward, landing. The blast wave blew pirates rolling more difficultly on the ground.
"Ah, that's it?"
Such a voice came from the smoke. "Any more interesting techniques?"
Deuce's eyes widened.
This, this—
What was this guy?
Not asking who he was. Asking what he was.
Inquiring about monsters.
Deuce felt cold hands and feet.
This feeling—perhaps called fear.
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