Black Dragon, Shusui

Black Dragon, Shusui

Every promotion brought with it an awe-inspiring aura.

Unlike battle intent or killing intent, which could only be manifested in combat, this was an extremely pure presence.

Anyone who sensed this aura would be left utterly shaken.

Because—

That aura was like the partial manifestation of power at its absolute peak, resembling a towering mountain that reached into the clouds, with no visible summit.

It could not be climbed. One could only look up at it.

"Is that Maud...?"

The awe-inspiring aura shook everyone aboard Thriller Bark.

Fortunately, the aura contained no killing intent. Otherwise, it might have developed into a mental shock similar to Conqueror's Haki.

Inside the room.

Lafitte, who was feeling the powerful aura from close by, and Luo, who was even closer, both retreated uncontrollably, as if pushed along by an invisible wall of air. They did not stop until they reached the wall.

Their retreat was not caused by fear or panic.

They had truly been forced back by the aura.

In their eyes, the aura had already become tangible. Judging solely by its impact, it was stronger and fiercer than last time.

Thus, despite having experienced it once before, they were still caught completely off guard.

"Ho ho."

Lafitte looked at the changed Maud and let out a laugh.

Yet his laughter trembled slightly. It was unclear whether that was due to excessive excitement or some other reason.

Luo suppressed the shock in his heart and looked toward the heart and fruits wrapped in a thin membrane on the table.

With Kaido, Queen, and Black Maria dead, the Devil souls residing in their bodies had been forced to reincarnate into the fruits beside them because of the membrane's obstructive ability.

During the time Maud's aura raged, these three Devil Fruits were