After ending the call, Vice Admiral Mole walked back toward Jacob Bovan with a neutral expression.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku gave his approval, didn't he?" Jacob asked, as if he'd known the outcome all along.
Mole nodded. "Once we're ready to depart, you can board our warship and travel with us directly to Marineford."
"That's about what I expected. Thanks for arranging it. I'll find you before you leave."
Having gotten what he came for, Jacob turned to leave. But just then, a voice rang out from behind.
"Wait! You there, stop!"
A young man stood with his finger pointed squarely at Jacob's back, shouting in challenge.
Vice Admiral Mole's expression shifted immediately. At the same time, the village chief stepped forward, speaking with excitement. "This is the most talented youth in our entire town! A child favored by the heavens!"
Mole nearly cursed aloud. Couldn't they see how dangerous this man was? Had they not felt the suffocating pressure just moments ago? He hadn't even confirmed Jacob's full intentions yet, and now this brat was provoking him? If Jacob lost his temper, none of them not even himself could stop the bloodshed that would follow.
But the boy, clearly unaware of how far out of his depth he was, straightened his back proudly at the praise and called out arrogantly, "Yeah, you! I'm talking to you! Do you think just anyone can join Marine Headquarters? I haven't even made demands like that, and you think you're above the system?!"
Vice Admiral Mole's mind began racing. Weighing the risks, he chose not to stop the confrontation. Perhaps this would give him a clearer read on Jacob's power.
He forced a smile. "If he refuses to accept it, sir, perhaps a demonstration of strength would help him understand."
Jacob chuckled at that.
Both the Vice Admiral and this brainless youth were so absurd, he couldn't help but laugh aloud.
"Well then, since the Admiral says so, I'd be happy to oblige."
"I do believe your strength will prevail. Just, please, go easy on him don't take the boy's life."
"Don't worry, I know my limits," Jacob said with a smile that seemed harmless on the surface but gave off an ominous chill. He beckoned the boy. "What's your name? Actually, never mind. I won't remember it anyway."
"You bastard! Don't mock me! And you better go all out don't come up with excuses when I beat you! Remember my name: I'm Kajis!"
With that, Kajis lunged forward, grayish scales rippling across his skin and a cruel grin twisting his face.
Mole narrowed his eyes. "Kajis is a Devil Fruit user?"
Captain Carl, nearby, flipped through a thick dossier. "Kajis grew up on Island 824. Four years ago, he found a Zoan-type Devil Fruit by the sea the Serpent-Serpent Fruit, Gray Snake form. He reportedly broke a boulder with a single punch and has gained quite a reputation since."
Mole nodded. "Even without awakening the fruit, the enhanced physical strength and recovery of Zoan-types could let him test a few of Jacob's moves. Maybe he'll reveal more of his real strength. That would benefit the Navy."
"Serpent Fist Phantom Strike!"
Kajis charged at Jacob, fists flying in a rapid flurry of strikes.
Jacob merely smiled, fingers curved loosely over the hilt of his sword, evading blow after blow with ease. His figure danced effortlessly through the barrage, never once letting Kajis land a hit.
"Dammit! Is dodging all you know how to do? Face me head-on if you've got any guts!"
"Head-on? Hahaha. Kid, your punches are softer than steamed buns. Did you skip breakfast? Phantom strike? What's phantom about it? Your footwork is so clumsy it's a miracle you haven't tripped over yourself."
Jacob's teasing came fast and sharp, each word like a dagger to Kajis' pride. His taunts were merciless, and Kajis, humiliated and enraged, lost all composure.
"You arrogant bastard! I'll show you what real power looks like! Gray Serpent Venom!"
Kajis puffed his cheeks and expelled a thick purple-black mist of poison. The toxic cloud spread rapidly, devouring the grass and soil in its path.
Just as it was about to touch Jacob's skin, he gave a strange smile. "Blazing Sonata: Final Movement."
In a flash of blinding steel, the sword hummed through the air, tracing arcs of fire as it struck.
Jacob's blade sliced cleanly, severing Kajis' limbs before he could even register what had happened. The poison was dispersed by a rising gale of sword energy, flames dancing through the storm like a burning symphony.
Kajis' eyes widened in sheer terror. In that instant, he didn't even think of dodging. As his limbs fell away, he saw death racing toward him an overwhelming force seared with a fire that felt like it could scorch his very soul.
Without even looking back, Jacob sheathed his blade and walked away, leaving only a cool remark behind him.
"I let him live, you know."
Only after Jacob's silhouette had vanished did Kajis finally register the pain. Screaming, he passed out on the spot.
Ding!
"Vice Admiral Mole was astonished by the host's ruthlessness. Rating: A. Reward: Level 2 Armament Haki."
Everything had happened so quickly that the spectators could barely comprehend what they'd witnessed.
"Is... is it over?" Captain Carl stammered in disbelief.
"It's... it's over..." Mole replied, tongue nearly tied in a knot.
"Get the medic! Save Kajis!"
As for the village chief, he'd fainted the moment Jacob drew his blade.
Jacob wasn't the least bit concerned about the chaos he'd caused. Right now, he felt as if he'd entered a strange and marvelous state of clarity. To maintain that sensation, he cleared his mind and strolled aimlessly around the island.
A kingfisher chirped gently. A breeze rustled through the trees.
Before he knew it, he found himself near the merchant ships.
With every use of his Flameblade and every swing of his sword, Jacob felt his understanding of swordsmanship deepening. The new surge in his Armament Haki had brought him to the cusp of a breakthrough.
He calmed his mind, reaching back slowly.
As his fingers touched the hilt of the Flameblade, he drew it reflexively, channeling both his sword intent and Armament Haki into the weapon.
Fire burst to life along the blade. Though he couldn't yet manifest its Prometheus form, the soul-fire tied to its will was etched deep into his spirit it could not be extinguished.
He slashed once.
The sword aura surged forward, slamming into the distant merchant ship.
The vessel, built of ordinary materials, had no chance. The moment the slash hit, the entire ship turned to ash, erased from the sea without a trace.