Left Gun, Right Blade

This sea, this era.

Heroes emerged one after another.

First came dazzling stars like Ace and Cavendish.

Then came shining new stars like Luffy, Zoro, Kid, and Luo.

However—

No matter how astonishing their talents were or how outstanding their performances were, there was still an insurmountable gulf between them and Maud.

Kid, who was struggling to maintain the last shred of his dignity, had been crushed by that very gulf.

From beginning to end, Maud had not even looked at Kid.

It was a very realistic question.

With Maud's current strength, even if Kid was no inferior to Luffy in terms of talent and aptitude, he still did not possess the qualifications to be hunted by Maud.

Ignoring Kid, who was on the verge of collapse, Maud faced the violent auras of Charlotte Linlin and Bullet as they intertwined. After provoking them aloud, he gripped Shusui tightly in his right hand and clasped the grip of the Desert Eagle with his left.

Before descending upon Water Seven Island at the speed of thunder, he could have waited until Charlotte Linlin and Bullet had both suffered before making his move.

That way, he could obtain enormous gains at minimal risk.

But he had not done so. He even wanted to see Charlotte Linlin and Bullet join forces against him.

This was the change brought about by standing at a higher level.

Whether in mentality or conduct, he was entirely different from before.

Of course.

More importantly, Maud's strength and realm had already advanced toward the pinnacle, so he had to cherish every top-level battle.

Only then could he push his strength even further.

Looking across the entire world, the people qualified to be his opponents could be counted on one hand.

Charlotte Linlin and Bullet were two of them.

"Don't