A massive storm of war was quietly brewing. Meanwhile, on Hachinosu Island in the New World.
Half the setting sun had already sunk below the horizon. The lingering evening glow burned through the clouds overhead, reflecting crimson across the sea as it slowly drifted away with the tide.
Surging darkness rose from the island and spread through the sky. The remaining sunset glow was quickly devoured by the black mist that blotted out the heavens, and the world abruptly darkened.
"Don't curse me when you get to hell, Van Augur. I'll kill the Straw Hat Crew and avenge you. Zehahahaha~"
Teach sneered as he waved a hand and flung Van Augur away. Van Augur smashed through an ice spike and crashed into the corner of an ice house.
The moment a Devil Fruit was extracted, it signified the end of its user's life.
Van Augur lay motionless in the corner, glaring with hatred in his eyes. He had completely fallen silent.
Luffy, in Gear Fourth: Snakeman form, landed atop a frozen four-story building. He had seen everything that had just happened, and he glared at Teach with fury.
"You bastard, you actually attacked your own companion. That really pisses me off."
"Betrayed by the captain he served... even as an enemy, I feel it wasn't worth it for him."
Sanji hurried over and let out a heavy sigh.
This was no longer simply being sinister and cunning. He had seen plenty of vicious criminals, but few disgusted him as much as Teach did.
No matter how cruel others were, they at least targeted their enemies. Killing one's own companions to steal their abilities was disgraceful even among the most heinous pirates.
"Companions? Zehahahahaha! Aren't so-called companions merely strength to make yourself stronger? I just let them coexist with me in