The Most Talented Pirate Hunter - Chapter 29
“What’s going on?”
“There seems to be a fight.”
“Someone’s here causing trouble!”
The commotion quickly alerted the other members of the Giraffe Pirates. Armed and aggressive, they rushed out from various corners, eyes locking onto Hermes, who stood over the barely breathing bodies of two comrades, with another pirate lying unconscious and bleeding profusely from his side.
“Where did this kid come from?”
“Daring to provoke us? Even if it’s just a kid, we can’t let this slide.”
“Take him down quickly, we don’t have time to waste.”
Many of the pirates didn’t take Hermes seriously. One with some authority gave orders and then turned to leave.
Hermes said nothing, attacking like a tiger among wolves.
“Ahhh!”
The first pirate to meet him screamed as blood sprayed like a fountain. He was killed in an instant.
“Damn it, this kid’s got some skill.”
“He’s tough.”
“Shoot him!”
“Too slow.”
At such close range, guns were almost useless against Hermes. He weaved left and right, each strike of his finger hitting its mark with lethal precision.
“What’s happening out here? Why is it so noisy?”
Emerging from his room with a scowl, Ent was clearly displeased. He didn’t even get a chance to scold anyone before a panicked pirate rushed in.
“Captain, we’re under attack!”
“Attack?”
Ent’s first thought was of Kuzan, and his face turned pale.
“Is it the Navy?”
“No, it’s a kid.”
“Phew!”
Ent’s anxiety spiked for a moment, almost making him wet himself.
What a rush.
Relieved that it wasn’t the Navy, Ent’s relief turned to fury.
Already irritated at being disturbed, now he was downright angry.
Without a word, Ent grabbed his two steel blades and headed outside. He was determined to find out who had the nerve to mess with him in his current foul mood.
Whoever it was, they were dead.
“Bastard, who are you?”
“Do you know where you are?”
“We’re the Giraffe Pirates!”
The fight outside was nearing madness.
Hermes, like a grim reaper, harvested lives despite being outnumbered. It was a perfect opportunity for him to hone his Observation Haki and Iron Body.
Ignoring their threats, Hermes remained silent.
His lack of response only heightened the pirates’ fear.
As their comrades fell around them, panic set in.
“A white shirt, black pants, black hair, about eighteen or nineteen… Damn, could this be the bounty hunter Hermes Jormungandr who killed Explosive Rabbit?”
A perceptive pirate voiced his suspicion.
“Kid, state your name if you dare.”
“Hermes Jormungandr.”
With each name uttered, another pirate fell. Hermes finally spoke, ensuring his enemies knew who was killing them. This was his small act of humanity.
“Damn it, it really is the guy who killed Explosive Rabbit.”
Fear gripped some pirates.
Having fought the Violent Family, they knew the power of Explosive Wolf and Explosive Rabbit. Only their captain and first mate could match them.
This kid had taken down Explosive Rabbit alone, which meant he could likely take down their first mate, too.
But the first mate wasn’t here; he had gone to the royal palace.
Last night, the first prince had sent someone to invite their captain. But not wanting to get involved in the power struggle for the throne, the captain had sent the first mate to decline the invitation.
“Kid, just because you killed Explosive Rabbit doesn’t mean you can mess with the Giraffe Pirates!”
Some pirates were furious at Hermes’ arrogance.
Marching into their territory and killing their comrades without hesitation was a slap to their face. In the world of pirates, respect was paramount. This could not stand.
But the reality was Hermes was too strong.
“Shoot him, shoot him.”
“Kill him.”
“Ah!!! Save me!”
Numbers were not an advantage. Hermes continued to cut through them like a hot knife through butter.
At some point, he grabbed an iron club from a pirate, swinging it with devastating effect. A single blow could maim or kill.
Bang!!!
A powerful clash echoed, and Hermes’ expression shifted. Raising his iron club to block, he was pushed back by a strong kick, unable to maintain his stance and crashing into several pirates.
Cries of pain erupted around him.
Picking himself up, Hermes shook his hand, his eyes meeting those of a tall, thin man with a small mustache.
No doubt about it.
This man was the captain of the Giraffe Pirates, Giraffe Ent, with a bounty of 58 million Berries.
“Where did this kid come from?”
Ent’s mood worsened.
Seeing his fallen men, he frowned at Hermes, clearly displeased.
“Captain, this is the kid who killed Explosive Rabbit. The bounty hunter Hermes Jormungandr.”
One pirate gasped in relief at Ent’s arrival, confident that their captain would finish Hermes off.
“Jormungandr?”
Before Ent could say more, Hermes attacked.
With the main target present, it was time to get serious.
Charging forward, Hermes swung his iron club at Ent with precision and speed.
“Looking to die?”
Ent understood; this kid was here to cause trouble.
His steel blades met Hermes’ club with equal force. Hermes felt his hand go numb, stepping back a pace.
Ent was equally surprised. Few could withstand his blade.
Hermes scoffed and thrust his club again. Ent quickly trapped it between his blades, but Hermes pulled back and attacked again. The two exchanged blows rapidly.
Despite the intense exchange, Ent began to sweat. But he fought with increasing ferocity, countering with his dual blades. Hermes, though not a master of the club, used it effectively with his natural instincts.
The fight grew more intense, neither willing to yield.
Heavy breaths filled the air.
Seizing an opportunity, Hermes thrust his club past Ent’s blades, striking a critical point. Ent grunted in pain, Hermes drawing first blood.
Furious, Ent attacked with renewed anger.
Bang!!!
In another clash, both weapons were knocked from their hands.
Hermes attacked with Finger Pistol, Ent blocking with his hoof-like hand. Both retreated, Ent glaring at Hermes, noting his unscathed fingers. Normally, his hoof could shatter bones.
“This ends now.”
Ent’s body expanded, transforming into a hybrid giraffe form. This Devil Fruit would later be consumed by CP9’s Kaku.
With the Navy’s Six Powers, it became formidable enough to defeat Zoro nearly.
Seeing Ent’s transformation, Hermes also grew to ten meters, casting a massive shadow over Ent.
The pirates watched in awe.
Even Ent was momentarily stunned.
The sheer size of Hermes was overwhelming.
“Finger Pistol.”
Hermes, now ten meters tall, raised his hand and struck at Ent. A hit would leave more than just a hole; it would be a gaping wound.
Ent dodged, avoiding the blow.
But before he could counter, Hermes’ next attack came. His tree-trunk-sized leg swept with immense power.
“Damn it.”
Ent’s fur bristled, raising his arms to block. The impact sent him flying, crashing through walls and disappearing into the dust.
“Captain.”
“Shoot, shoot.”
The pirates weren’t fools, launching attacks to cover Ent.
“King Iron Body.”
Hermes didn’t shrink back but used Iron Body to block. It was another opportunity to train.
Despite its initial weakness, mastering Iron Body would make him nearly invincible.
Damn.
But it hurt.
After withstanding the barrage, Hermes shrank, darting through the crowd to continue his lethal work.
Screams echoed one after another.
“Stop.”
Dust swirled as Ent charged out, enraged. He couldn’t stand watching his men slaughtered before him.
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