Boom!
Bartolomeo's fists pounded relentlessly into Rheinhand's skull, each strike echoing through the ground as it cracked open beneath them, a crater spreading spiderweb-like fissures outward.
"Pft!"
"I thought you'd be tough! Turns out you're just trash!"
Bartolomeo shook the blood off his hand and snorted in disdain, his expression indifferent — as if he'd just crushed an insect beneath his heel.
In the distance, Sound Sniper Van Augur narrowed his eyes as he observed Bartolomeo's clean, precise strikes. His gaze sharpened.
"Observation Haki...?" he murmured. He had clearly seen Bartolomeo's blows land with perfect accuracy — right where Rheinhand had tried to dodge.
He hadn't expected this rookie pirate to have already awakened both types of Haki — a power that most only learned in the New World.It seemed clear now: Bartolomeo must have received guidance from Souta Kiryuu himself back in the East Blue.
Dual Haki awakening, coupled with a powerful Devil Fruit ability — Bartolomeo had the makings of this year's rookie king.If he managed to cause a few major incidents, it wasn't impossible for his bounty to surpass even that of Captain Kid.
Van Augur even began to think that the current 200-million bounty man, Eustass Kid, might not be able to defeat Bartolomeo, whose bounty stood at 120 million.After all, possessing dual Haki was the mark of a true powerhouse.
"Fate has begun," muttered Doc Q softly, his frail smile creeping across his face. He, too, was now certain — Bartolomeo was indeed connected to Souta Kiryuu.That Haki… it had to have been taught by him.The green-haired fool was truly a lucky man.
"You dare raise your hand against the Airborne Fleet!?"
Seeing Rheinhand beaten down within moments, the recruitment squad of the Sky Pirates could hardly believe their eyes.They never imagined some hot-headed rookie would actually defy the legendary name of Shiki the Golden Lion.
"Lord Kiryuu dared to challenge the World Government itself — why the hell would I be afraid of some 'Golden Lion'?!"
Bartolomeo's mouth curled into a razor-sharp grin, his shark-like teeth gleaming under the sunlight as he stared down the Sky Fleet. His laughter dripped with bloodlust.The nickname Man-Eater Bartolomeo wasn't given for nothing — his fanged smile alone could make a man's blood run cold.
"Lord Shiki won't forgive you for this!"
The Sky Fleet officers, pale with fear, tossed one last threat before scattering in panic — abandoning even their fallen captain Rheinhand.
"Ahahahaha! Boys, kill them all!"
"Raging Bull Crash!"
Bartolomeo crossed his arms, conjuring a massive transparent barrier in front of him and charging forward like a raging beast.The shield slammed into the fleeing pirates, launching several of them screaming into the sky.
"Cocky as always, Bart!"
"Sound Cannon!"
Aiderago, seeing Bartolomeo engage, could only join in.Opening his mouth, he unleashed a golden blast of sonic energy — a roaring beam of light and sound that tore through the air, blasting several fleeing crewmates into flaming wreckage.
"Wahahaha! Nothing feels better than going wild like this!"
Burgess charged in next, punching through debris and throwing enemies aside like ragdolls. Having teamed up with Bartolomeo, he naturally stood against the Sky Fleet as well.
Bang! ×3
Three sharp gunshots echoed — three of the fleeing sky pirates dropped instantly, while another, who had been fleeing from Burgess, crumpled lifelessly.
"Ah!"
Two more cries rang out from another direction — two pirates clutched their throats, faces turning violet as poison consumed them. Their eyes bulged with horror before they went limp, collapsing lifelessly on the spot.
"Who's there!?"
Burgess roared, spinning around.Whoever dared to attack Shiki's men like this clearly had guts — maybe even the intention of joining Souta Kiryuu's crew.
A metallic click echoed — the sound of a rifle bolt.Everyone turned to a nearby rooftop, where smoke still curled from the barrel of an enormous sniper rifle.
"It's Sound Sniper Van Augur — bounty 64 million!"
"He actually shot members of the Sky Fleet? Is he trying to join Kiryuu's forces too!?"
Murmurs rippled through the onlookers. Many recognized the infamous marksman who'd roamed the Grand Line for years.
"And that sickly old man on the dying horse — that's the Grim Reaper, Doc Q, bounty 72 million! He poisoned them!"
"Are they insane? Aren't they afraid of Shiki's wrath!?"
"They actually believe Bartolomeo and Aiderago's talk about meeting Kiryuu? Do they seriously think those two can find his crew!?"
The crowd buzzed with disbelief. Everyone knew what defying the Golden Lion meant — a death sentence.
"Ahahaha! You two have guts, I'll give you that!"
Bartolomeo grinned as he spotted the pair, his eyes glinting with amusement. But joining him wasn't that easy. If they wanted to prove themselves worthy of Kiryuu's attention, they'd have to show their strength — and loyalty.
Bang! ×2
Two more shots cracked through the air.Two figures in the crowd fell to the ground instantly.
"Captain Bart, I suggest we leave this place," Van Augur said calmly, lowering his rifle Senriku. "Those two were intelligence agents — World Government spies."
At his words, the pirates standing nearby stepped back in alarm. If spies had infiltrated their midst, their own information could already be compromised.
"Spies, huh?"
Bartolomeo sneered. "So they wanted to tail me — to find Lord Kiryuu's base? Not a chance!"
He jabbed a finger toward Van Augur and Doc Q, his grin widening.
"You two — if you've got the guts, board my ship, the Dragon Lord! Let's see if you're as brave as you look!"
Rubbing his golden nose ring thoughtfully, Bartolomeo gestured to his crew. "We're done here. Time to set sail!"
If these two truly wished to join Kiryuu — or if they simply didn't fear death — they'd board his ship.And if he discovered they were lying, he'd tear them apart himself.
Following Bartolomeo's call, Aiderago quickly readied his ship as well. They needed to reach the island where Souta Kiryuu's crew was rumored to gather — as fast as possible.
"Fate's guidance…"
Doc Q's frail lips curled into a weak smile as he gently spurred his dying horse forward, following close behind.
"This time… it must be the right destiny," Van Augur muttered as he dashed from rooftop to rooftop, heading toward the port.
Seeing them depart, several ambitious pirates rushed for the docks, desperate to board as well — hoping to join Kiryuu's legendary ranks.Even the remaining spies followed in pursuit.
As two pirate ships departed from the harbor, more vessels followed behind, forming a small fleet cutting across the waves.
"Ahahaha! You lot actually dared to get on board! I hope none of you are traitors — or I'll make sure you beg for death before I'm done with you!"
Bartolomeo's laughter echoed across the deck as the sea breeze whipped past.Aside from Burgess, now even Doc Q and Van Augur had joined them.
Anyone brave enough to strike against the Golden Lion's men clearly had the courage he respected.If their strength held up — Bartolomeo thought — maybe, just maybe, he'd take them to meet Lord Souta Kiryuu himself.