Maud had charged alone into the enemy formation, declaring the future of the Donquixote Family.
Those words sounded especially grating to Vergo.
With old and new grudges piling together, Vergo's fear of Maud was shattered.
Rip—
Vergo raised a hand and tore apart the clothes covering his upper body, revealing rock-like muscles.
Maud's insolent words made it difficult for him to conceal his anger. Veins as thick as fingers surfaced all over his body, trembling rhythmically as his strength surged.
Jack glared at the arrogant Maud with murderous intent.
The Donquixote Family's existence was tied to the deal Kaido valued most.
Not to mention that Kaido wanted Maud dead. To ensure the deal was not affected, Jack could not stand by and do nothing.
"Stop spouting nonsense, Bagard. Maud... you're nothing more than a clueless 'brat' who just entered the New World!"
Jack tightened his grip on his shottel swords and crossed them, forming the shape of ivory tusks.
Elephant Pierce!
Jack stomped hard against the ground.
Boom!
Under the force of his stomp, the ground cracked and rocks flew everywhere.
Using the force of the stomp, Jack's tall, muscular body charged straight at Maud like a speeding truck.
The shottel swords crossed before him, flashing with cold light.
"Too slow."
Seeing Jack charge at him with Elephant Pierce, Maud leaned his upper body forward. His left hand gripped Shusui's sheath, while his right hand grasped Shusui's hilt.
Shadow Stream: Utter Darkness.
Maud drew his sword. He and his blade transformed into a pitch-black, arc-shaped beam that tore through Jack in an instant.
The black arc faded from deep darkness to nothingness, disappearing only after traveling more than ten meters behind Jack. Maud emerged in a forward-slashing stance, his right foot planted ahead and his sword raised.
"!?"
Jack's vision