Out at sea, inside the cabin of a merchant ship, Creed sat in meditation while Falkor slept soundly nearby.
After escaping Big Mom, he had encountered a convoy under attack by pirates. With a casual display of strength, he drove the pirates away, instantly becoming a VIP aboard. Traveling the same route, he stayed with them for a while, using the time to cultivate.
At last, he opened his eyes, ending his session, and drew Rinne from his storage.
Clang!
Having fused six sword intents and created Jigoku no Ichi (Ultimate Evil Sword) and Shizen no Ichi (Ultimate Good Sword), the blade itself had changed. Within its dark surface shimmered faint illusions of six realms, vivid and alive.
This was the stage of nurturing sword intent within the blade. When fully harmonized, he would unleash the pinnacle sword art—Supreme Rinne.
To test his progress, Creed raised his left arm, pulled up his sleeve, and struck himself with Rinne—using six or seven tenths of his strength.
He didn't coat his arm with Armament Haki at all.
Rinne, infused with sword intent, could easily cleave ten warships in half.
Yet—
Clang!
The strike rang like metal against stone. Only a faint red line appeared on his arm, healing instantly.
"Iron Skin truly is formidable. Worthy of SSSS- level," Creed muttered.
With Armament layered on top, even that faint scratch would vanish.
He checked his status panel:
[Host]: Creed
[Attributes]: Strength: SSS+, Agility: SSS+, Endurance (Defense): SSS+, Spirit (with Haoshoku boost): SSS+
[Abilities]: SSSS- Kenbunshoku Haki, SSSS- Iron Skin, SSS+ Busoshoku Haki, SSS+ Haoshoku Haki, SSS+ Swordsmanship, SSS Taijutsu, SSS+ Rokushiki, SSS+ Giant's Strength…
[Talents]: Dragon God Mode (Extracting, 15% progress, 8 months remaining)
[Devil Fruits/Other Powers]: Ope Ope no Mi (nearly awakened), Lightning Manipulation, Pika Pika no Mi
[Reserve Skills]: SS Martial Arts, SS Marksmanship
[Rinnegan]: Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, Susanoo (Second Form), Yasaka Magatama
[Rinne Sword Arts]: Animal, Demon, Hell, Human, Asura, Deva; Jigoku no Ichi (Ultimate Evil Sword) 66%, Shizen no Ichi (Ultimate Good Sword) 66%, Supreme Rinne (0.0%)
[Overall Strength]: SSS+ ?
"All four attributes at SSS+, with two SSSS- abilities. If even two stats reach SSSS, I'll stand as Yonko level."
He noticed the question mark. "System, what's this?"
"Though the host hasn't reached SSSS level, your strength is first among SSS+. The question mark marks the distinction."
"I see," Creed nodded.
With seven abilities at SSS+ or higher, the title fit.
"Once the storm dies down, I'll seek the other Emperors and harvest their powers," he thought, eyes gleaming. Abilities like Iron Skin and Giant's Strength boosted his base stats. Training alone could take decades. But with the Extraction System, he could leap directly.
"Kaido's immortality… Whitebeard and Shanks's supreme Haoshoku… the Gorosei's secrets… even Imu's power…" His heart pounded.
"But first, I'll return from Impel Down."
…
Impel Down.
The iron fortress loomed. Creed couldn't help but reflect. Once, he had arrived here as a proud temporary warden. Now, he returned as a Marine traitor—captured, he'd be executed on the spot.
Using ROOM teleportation, he infiltrated easily to Level 6, unseen.
But the veterans inside sensed him.
"Kyahaha! A new deputy warden? Looks weak. Marines really are pathetic. Better release me to guard this place instead!"
A grating voice rang out. Creed recognized it—Shiryu of the Rain.
Disguised with false whiskers, Creed wasn't recognized. He ignored him, unleashing SSS+ Haoshoku. The crushing aura dropped Shiryu to one knee instantly.
"It's you!" Shiryu broke into a sweat. Terror twisted his face, old scars of defeat flaring in memory.
Suddenly, he lunged to the bars. "Creed! Free me, and I'll serve you! Whatever you command!"
Creed didn't bother replying, striding deeper into Level 6.
"Little friend, you've returned," came a voice from the depths.
(End of Chapter)
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