Screech—!
The blade known as Cat Claw sliced through the iron gate, then thrust straight toward Maud's throat.
Maud took two steps back at just the right moment, effortlessly avoiding the deadly attack.
The iron gate severed by Cat Claw crashed to the ground. The noise immediately drew the attention of everyone inside the mansion.
A middle-aged couple led more than a dozen servants out of the mansion and stared in astonishment at Kuro, whose hands were equipped with deadly weapons.
What was going on?
Even without hearing the noise, Kuro could feel the astonished gazes coming from behind him.
He ignored them and stared coldly at Maud.
"Thanks to you, that group behind us won't live to see tomorrow."
"Is that so?"
Maud chuckled softly.
His indifferent attitude made the killing intent in Kuro's eyes burn even stronger.
Silent Step!
Kuro's body swayed slightly, then abruptly vanished without a sound.
"He's using it."
Red light flickered in Maud's eyes. With the aid of Observation Haki, he could clearly see Kuro's movements.
"Behind me?"
Maud suddenly turned around and lashed out with a kick.
Just as his foot shot out, Kuro's figure appeared.
Boom—!
The kick struck Kuro directly in the abdomen.
Kuro took the blow head-on. His body folded like a shrimp as he flew backward, landing on the ground and rolling several times before coming to a stop.
"This man... Pwah!"
Kuro was shaken to the core. When he raised his upper body, he couldn't help spitting a large mouthful of thick blood onto the ground.
To keep Maud from taking advantage of the moment to attack, Kuro endured the pain and quickly got back to his feet.
However,
Maud had neither drawn his blade nor used excessive force, much less pursued him while he had the advantage.