One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Bullet: My Body Is the Strongest, My Heart Unyielding, I Will Never Back Down!

Before Douglas Bullet's figure could even hit the ground, Sengoku in his golden Buddha form unleashed a full-powered shockwave, sending it hurtling through the air and colliding directly with Bullet. Realizing there was no way to dodge, Bullet's battle-hardened instincts kicked in. His eyes sharpened as he enveloped his entire body in a thick layer of Armament Haki, transforming himself into a human fortress of dark iron.

The shockwave crashed into Bullet, sending him smashing into the earth below. Shards of rock and debris erupted around him, scattering like shrapnel. Despite the searing pain, Bullet braced himself, pushing off the ground and propelling his battered form upward. Just as he regained his footing, a bright beam of light shot toward him, detonating the spot he'd just vacated in a fiery explosion. The attack came from none other than Borsalino.

Landing in a crouch, Bullet supported himself with one hand on the ground while wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with the other. His chest heaved as he caught his breath, the earlier impact having taken its toll.

Before he could counterattack, a voice boomed from above. "Dog Biting Red Lotus!!!"

Sakazuki descended from the sky, one arm transformed into molten magma shaped like the snarling head of a vicious dog. The intense heat radiated in waves as the Admiral aimed his attack straight at Bullet.

Bullet's eyes glinted with rage, and his already massive frame seemed to expand even more. Without hesitation, he clenched his fist, layered in Armament Haki, and met Sakazuki's attack head-on. The fiery dog's head shattered under the impact, revealing Sakazuki's clenched fist, which collided directly with Bullet's own.

The force of Bullet's punch drove his feet into the cracked ground, anchoring him as he absorbed the blow. Sakazuki, unable to brace himself in mid-air, was forced back as Bullet shouted, "Out of my way!" With a twist of his waist and a burst of energy, Bullet hurled Sakazuki to the side with a powerful punch.

"So Byrnndi World was taken down, huh? You were using me as bait all along? I couldn't figure out why you lot were pulling your punches and missing your chances. Turns out, this whole thing was a ruse," Bullet said, his voice low and dangerous.

His tone dripped with fury, but it wasn't because World had been captured, it was the realization that the Marines had been holding back, treating him as an afterthought. To Bullet, that was an insult worse than defeat.

"Now there's nothing left to hold back for, right? Let's see what you've really got!" Bullet roared, his battle aura flaring violently.

The ground beneath him cracked and shattered as he lunged forward, charging at Sengoku's golden form like a human tank.

"Oni-Take Fist!" Bullet bellowed, slamming his fist into Sengoku's midsection.

The massive Golden Buddha skidded backward from the impact, while Borsalino appeared next to Bullet, his leg raised high.

"Light-Speed Kick!" Borsalino whispered, bringing his leg down at blinding speed.

Bullet didn't flinch. He folded his arms over his head just as Borsalino's kick made contact, absorbing the blow. The force sent him sliding back, his feet carving deep trenches into the ground, but he held his ground.

"Rabbit Strike!" Gion appeared next, transformed by her Zoan powers. Her hands, shaped into powerful claws, pressed against Bullet's chest before releasing a burst of energy.

The force made Bullet stagger, blood trickling from his mouth, but he remained unyielding. Before Gion could react, Bullet's foot shot upward, catching her square in the chest and sending her flying backward.

Airborne, Gion coughed up blood, her chest throbbing with pain. Thankfully, as a user of a Zoan-type Mythical Beast, her durability was higher than it appeared. Just as she stabilized herself mid-air, a pair of strong arms caught her.

"Bullet really has no idea how to treat a lady, does he? Are you okay, Gion? Want me to take a look at that injury?" Claudius's teasing voice met her ears.

Gion's eyes narrowed, even as she struggled to catch her breath. "He's not the only one. Didn't you stab me once? And don't treat me like some damsel, I'm fine."

As if I'd let you of all people check me over, she thought. Typical men, trying to take advantage even in a situation like this.

"Strong-willed women never seem to attract the right kind of men. You'll scare them off," Claudius quipped as he gently set her down.

"And any man who's scared off by me isn't worth my time," Gion shot back, pulling away from his arms as she regained her footing.

Claudius's grin widened, but he let her go, focusing his gaze on Bullet, who was now locked in combat with Sakazuki again.

"That guy dared to lay a hand on our Marine treasure, huh? He should know by now that only I have that privilege," Claudius joked as he prepared to launch himself into the fight.

Before Gion could comprehend his strange comment about "Marine's treasure," Claudius had already become a blur, transforming into a gust of wind that surged forward.

"Breath of the Storm!" Claudius's figure appeared between Sakazuki and Bullet. As the two fighters separated momentarily, Claudius delivered a swift punch to Bullet's chest.

It looked like a light hit, but Bullet felt as if an invisible force had slammed into him with tremendous power. His feet left the ground as he was thrown backward.

"Frozen Time Capsule!" Kuzan's voice rang out, and an icy beam shot through the air, encasing Bullet in a thick layer of ice as he landed.

But the ice only held for a moment. With a roar, Bullet shattered it, sending shards flying in all directions. Before he could regain his balance, a flash of golden light appeared before him, and a crushing impact hit the bridge of his nose.

Bullet's body was sent reeling again, this time courtesy of Borsalino, who landed softly on the ground, brushing off his sleeves and adjusting his sunglasses with an infuriatingly casual air.

Despite Bullet's formidable power, the assembled warriors were relentless, their combined might pushing him to his limits. The injuries piled up, his breathing became labored, and the gleam in his eyes grew ever more frenzied. Even cornered, Bullet's resolve did not waver.

Claudius watched with a newfound respect. As much as he despised Bullet's arrogance, the man's sheer tenacity and indomitable will were worthy of admiration.

"My body is the strongest. Where my heart stands, I will never back down!" Bullet roared, launching another punch that sent Sakazuki sprawling.

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