Right at This Moment

"Hahaha..."

At that very moment, Colonel Wild Dog suddenly burst into unrestrained laughter, as if he had heard the most ridiculous thing in the world. However, in stark contrast, Bartolomeo's expression froze instantly.

Colonel Wild Dog's laughter struck Bartolomeo's heart like a hammer blow, filling him with an unprecedented sense of agitation and unease. The feeling was so intense that his body involuntarily trembled slightly.

Before Bartolomeo could recover from the shock, something even more astonishing happened—Colonel Wild Dog vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye, like a ghost!

When he reappeared, he was already standing silently in front of Bartolomeo like a ghost! The two were so close that if Colonel Wild Dog had just swung his arm slightly, he could have easily hit Bartolomeo's cheek!

This all happened so fast that even Moke, who was hiding in the shadows, was so frightened that his whole body trembled, and his pupils contracted sharply in an instant.

"Who I am isn't important, what's important is... this Devil Fruit is now mine, thank you!" Moke's lips curled into a smug smile, seemingly quite pleased with his success. As he spoke, he couldn't help but wave the Devil Fruit in his hand.

Bartolomeo: "..." He stared wide-eyed at the object in his hand, as if it were a priceless treasure. However, when he realized that this was not what he had expected, the expression on his face instantly turned extremely ugly.

Colonel Wild Dog: "..." His teeth were grinding together, his anger almost bursting forth. This was a crucial item he used to cultivate relationships with higher-ups, and now it had fallen into someone else's hands. How could he not be furious?

"Shave!" Colonel Wild Dog roared, his body moving with Inazuma speed. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his spot as if he had never been there.

Everyone stared in astonishment at this scene. Before they could react, Colonel Wild Dog had already appeared in front of Moke like a ghost.

"Shigan!" His voice boomed like thunder, and his index finger, like a sharp arrow, pierced straight towards Moke's forehead.

Seeing this, Moke's lips curled into a disdainful smile. He didn't choose to dodge, but instead relied on his abilities to prepare a fierce counterattack against Wild Dog.

Just as Colonel Wild Dog's finger was about to strike Moke's forehead, time seemed to freeze.

Moke drew his Sandai Kitetsu with Inazuma, leaving a chilling trail in the air. However, just as the trail was about to strike Wild Dog, the Wild Dog displayed astonishing reaction speed, using Shave once again to instantly enter a high-speed movement state.

Colonel Wild Dog vanished from his spot with astonishing speed, like a ghost, successfully dodging Moke's fatal blow. When he reappeared, he was already ten meters away, some distance from Moke.

At this moment, Colonel Wild Dog stared at Moke, a subtle change occurring in his eyes. There was a hint of shock, and a hint of doubt. He said incredulously, "You really are a Logia user? This is truly beyond my expectations. But... Admiral Kizaru possesses the Glint-Glint Fruit, and he's still alive and well. So how did you obtain this Glint-Glint Fruit?"

Colonel Wild Dog pondered to himself, he had never heard of a Logia Devil Fruit similar to the Glint-Glint Fruit. Originally, he thought that what Moke possessed was just a Paramecia Devil Fruit similar to the Glint-Glint Fruit -Glint-Glint Fruit, at most having similar movement and attack methods.

However, after that breathtaking attack, Colonel Wild Dog had thoroughly tested Moke's true abilities. There was no doubt that the guy opposite him was indeed Logia user; otherwise, he could never have transformed into Elementalization and easily evaded his attacks.

It's important to know that there's one skill in the navy that absolutely cannot be ignored: the "Rokushiki" (Six Powers). It's no exaggeration to say that most naval officers, except for those skilled in swordsmanship, will have mastered a few moves of the "Six Powers." Even some naval officers who use swords are also proficient in the "Six Powers."

However, it must be emphasized that the "Six Powers" are not something that just anyone can cultivate. To truly master the "Six Powers," one must possess at least 500 Doriki of power! Colonel Wild Dog, who had dodged ahead of time, saw the beam of light pass through the spot where he had just stood and strike a warship in the harbor. Its immense power pierced through the entire hull of the warship.

And with a roar, it broke in two and sank rapidly.

Don't underestimate these mere 500 Doriki; they represent a very high threshold and standard.

For example, the concept of Doriki Value) is not just a simple method to test naval combat power, but a key indicator for comprehensively measuring an individual's combat ability. In this fantastical world, an ordinary naval soldier's Doriki Value is usually only 10, which means their combat ability is relatively weak. However, once the Doriki Value exceeds 500, it means that the person possesses superhuman strength and becomes the focus of everyone's attention.

Let's turn our attention to the members of the mysterious organization CP9. Although they are considered among the more outstanding members of the organization, their Doriki Value is only around five or six hundred. Of course, while such a value cannot be considered extremely rare or top-tier, in the first half of the Grand Line, such strength is definitely a considerable achievement.

What's even more noteworthy is that in the East Blue region, which is considered the weakest, such strength is absolutely what qualifies as that of a powerful force, and one with overwhelming dominance at that. Imagine the shock and fear that such a powerful force would bring to the local people when it appeared in the East Blue.

"Ah..." Bartolomeo was clearly shocked by this fact; his eyes almost popped out of their sockets, as if he had seen something extremely terrifying.

Faced with such a powerful opponent, a strong sense of fear welled up within him. His body's instinctive reaction was to immediately retreat, wanting to get as far away from this terrifying enemy as possible. However, how could his speed possibly match that of a Marine who had already mastered the Six Powers?

Just as he turned around, a deafening crash resounded, as if the entire world was shaken by the force. Colonel Wild Dog mercilessly launched a kick, a kick as powerful as a thunderbolt, carrying boundless might, slamming into Bartolomeo's abdomen.

The force of that kick was immense, as if it would tear Bartolomeo's body apart. Under such a powerful impact, Bartolomeo's body flew straight out like a kite with a broken string. His body drew an arc in the air before crashing heavily to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

However, this was far from over. Colonel Wild Dog clearly had no intention of stopping there. His steps were like the wind, and he continued to charge forward, seemingly without any intention of stopping. His movements were simple and direct, without any fancy moves, but it was precisely these seemingly ordinary tactics that made Bartolomeo's henchmen completely unable to resist.

Colonel Wild Dog moved like a ferocious beast, each step carrying the force of a thunderbolt. Wherever he passed, his henchmen were kicked away, screaming as they fell to the ground. His attacks were like Gale, giving his enemies no chance to breathe. In the blink of an eye, all the henchmen were knocked to the ground, incapacitated.

These henchmen were like paper when faced with Colonel Wild Dog's attacks, completely defenseless. Their bodies were easily torn apart by Colonel Wild Dog's fierce assault, like leaves battered by Gale. Not one of them could withstand even a single move from Colonel Wild Dog, let alone slightly hinder his attacks.

"Impossible, this is impossible!" Bartolomeo, lying seven or eight meters away, was filled with shock and fear. His eyes were wide open, as if they were about to pop out of their sockets, staring intently at the scene unfolding before him, as if he were witnessing the end of the world. He simply couldn't believe that his henchmen were so weak, and that Colonel Wild Dog's strength was so terrifying.

In the blink of an eye, nearly a hundred henchmen lay on the ground, their gruesome state unbearable to witness. Some had broken legs, writhing in agony on the ground; others had broken arms, blood gushing from their wounds; still others had several broken ribs, lying on the ground groaning, unable to move.

This was clearly the result of Colonel Wild Dog's ruthless actions; every move he made was filled with power and killing intent. His attacks were like Gale, giving these henchmen no chance to breathe. And these henchmen were like lambs to the slaughter before him, utterly powerless to fight back.

Finally, Colonel Wild Dog walked slowly and steadily toward Bartolomeo, each step feeling like a blow to Bartolomeo's heart. As he drew nearer, Bartolomeo felt an unprecedented pressure, and his body trembled involuntarily.

Each step felt like a blow to Bartolomeo's heart; the heavy footsteps were like the call of Death God, making his heart pound even faster. Colonel Wild Dog's lips curled into a mocking smile, a smile that seemed particularly glaring to Bartolomeo, as if it were a form of contempt and ridicule.

Bartolomeo was terrified. He completely lost his mind, with only one thought in his mind—escape! Ignoring his injuries, he leaped to his feet and, enduring the excruciating pain, retreated step by step. His body trembled with fear, each step feeling like walking a tightrope, a single misstep threatening to plunge him into an abyss.

He kept muttering, "How is that possible? You can't even beat that guy Xiping..." This was both his doubt about Colonel Wild Dog's strength and a way for him to comfort himself. However, Colonel Wild Dog's reaction was completely unexpected.

"Xiping?" Upon hearing this, Colonel Wild Dog seemed to remember something, and his smile widened, even bursting out loud. "I say, who gave you, a nobody like you, the courage to lay a hand on me? So, you know that Xiping guy!" His laughter echoed in the air, filled with disdain and mockery.

Bartolomeo stared wide-eyed at Colonel Wild Dog, his fear growing stronger. He couldn't believe that Colonel Wild Dog would look down on Xiping so disdainfully, and even laugh so happily. Could it be that in Colonel Wild Dog's eyes, Xiping was truly just an insignificant nobody?

Thinking back on it now, it seems that's indeed the case. Xiping, although he has some skills, is just a small-time hoodlum from Loguetown. Moreover, like the people in front of him, he's a nobody, incomparable to a strongman like Colonel Wild Dog. It's not surprising that someone knows him.

However, to everyone's astonishment, that guy was actually his white glove! This discovery was like a bolt from the blue, leaving everyone stunned. This meant that the seemingly accidental defeat to Xiping was actually a carefully orchestrated performance. After all, that guy had just completed a groundbreaking deal and could no longer stay by his side.

Moreover, the location of that encounter was absolutely perfect, taking place on the vast, boundless sea. This was undoubtedly a golden opportunity bestowed upon him by heaven, as if it had been specially arranged for him. If he were to actually capture that guy, it would likely bring him endless trouble and problems. Therefore, letting him go was the wisest decision.

When the time is right, find a suitable opportunity to eliminate him discreetly. In this way, not only can you pocket all the enormous wealth he has plundered, but you can also use this wealth to cultivate some crucial relationships. Compared to these, the insignificant loss of reputation is a drop in the ocean and can be completely ignored!

After all, compared to what he had gained, this was nothing. He knew the rules of this world: reputation was fleeting, only tangible benefits mattered. Therefore, he disregarded his reputation and acted decisively.

It was precisely because of his decisiveness and resoluteness that he was able to sit firmly on the throne of the East Blue's number one power. This position not only represented power and status, but also meant endless wealth and resources. With this supreme position, he could easily amass more wealth and further consolidate his position.

This wealth not only allows him to live a luxurious life, but also enables him to cultivate various connections. In this world full of intertwined interests, relationships are everything. With enough money, he can establish good connections with various forces, paving the way for his advancement.

At that time, his path to promotion will be smooth and unobstructed. He will no longer be hindered by anyone and can pursue his goals as he pleases. How wonderful that would be!

However, unexpectedly, his actions gave those low-level individuals the illusion that he was weak. These people had no idea of his true strength; they only saw his outward behavior and easily made a wrong judgment about him.

That's utterly ridiculous! Please... while he may not be as strong as Smoker, he's still a naval cadet in the same class as Smoker! On the Grand Line, his strength might not be top-tier, but in the East Blue, he's an undisputed powerhouse! Once Smoker leaves, who can rival him? There simply isn't such a person!

In his eyes, these so-called opponents were nothing more than a rabble, whom he could easily wipe out with a flick of his wrist.

At this critical moment, Bartolomeo snapped out of his daze. His eyes widened suddenly, his previously bewildered gaze instantly filled with madness, and his once handsome face was now twisted into a hideous and terrifying grimace by extreme anger and despair.

He knew very well that in such a desperate situation, he had no way out. He could either sit and wait for death to come, or fight to the death and perhaps find a glimmer of hope on the edge of life and death.

Bartolomeo did not hesitate for a moment; he resolutely chose the latter. He gritted his teeth, gathered all his strength into his legs, and then charged straight at Colonel Wild Dog like an arrow released from a bow, his speed as fast as Inazuma across the night sky.

However, what Bartolomeo saw as Inazuma charge was, to Colonel Wild Dog, like a tortoise slowly crawling. A slight, contemptuous smile appeared on Colonel Wild Dog's lips, and then he easily dodged Bartolomeo's pounce.

Bartolomeo's lunge not only failed to harm Colonel Wild Dog in the slightest, but also caused him to lose his balance due to inertia. His body flew straight forward like a kite with a broken string, narrowly missing Colonel Wild Dog.

Before Bartolomeo could regain his footing and adjust his stance, Colonel Wild Dog suddenly launched an attack. With lightning speed, he raised his right leg and kicked Bartolomeo hard in the buttocks with all his might.

With a muffled thud, Bartolomeo's body was sent flying backward like a meteor, as if hit by a cannonball. The force of the kick was astonishing; Bartolomeo was sent flying like a discarded rag doll, utterly powerless to resist.

Colonel Wild Dog's lips curled into a cold smile. He glanced around, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, as if declaring his Yamato and inviolability to them.

To Colonel Wild Dog, Bartolomeo was no different from the other ordinary henchmen; they were all opponents he could kill with a single blow. This cat-and- Rat game was precisely what he had created to intimidate everyone in Loguetown.

Whether they are local thugs or foreign pirates, he wants them all to know clearly that even if Smoker isn't in Loguetown, Colonel Wild Dog is still here to guard it. Loguetown remains a place where no one can act recklessly...

However, he was completely unaware that Bartolomeo was flying directly towards his subordinates. These subordinates were merely ordinary navy men, utterly incapable of contending with a powerhouse like Bartolomeo. In that instant, Bartolomeo hurtled towards them like a cannonball, slamming into them and sending them sprawling into chaos.

In the midst of the chaos, a box suddenly fell from one of the people's hands, and its contents rolled out. It was a fruit that looked somewhat like an apple, and it quietly rolled to Bartolomeo's side...

"Holy crap..." Moke's eyes lit up suddenly, as if he had discovered some rare treasure. Colonel Wild Dog's face also turned extremely ugly in an instant. He obviously hadn't expected such a dramatic scene to happen. After all, that fruit wasn't an ordinary fruit, but Devil Fruit he had obtained by accident, which he originally intended to use to build connections.

Bartolomeo was taken aback at first, clearly surprised by the fruit that had suddenly appeared before him. But after only a moment's hesitation, he grabbed the Devil Fruit without hesitation. Without even thinking, he stuffed the Devil Fruit into his mouth.

"You dare... Shave..." Upon seeing this, Wild Dog was greatly alarmed and roared, instantly activating the Shave technique from the Six Powers. His figure shot out like Inazuma, trying to stop Bartolomeo from devouring the Devil Fruit. However, even though his speed was already at its limit, there was still a certain distance limitation.

Perhaps in the original story, he missed the chance to obtain this Devil Fruit because of that one moment of hesitation. And it was precisely this slight difference that allowed Bartolomeo to swallow the Devil Fruit and successfully turn the tables with its immense power. Although he wasn't able to defeat Colonel Wild Dog, he was at least able to ensure his own safety and escape successfully.

However, reality was quite different. At this moment, no one could be faster Moke, and he was already prepared. He skillfully absorbed the abundant sunlight, instantly transforming into a dazzling beam of light, and sped away like Inazuma.

Just as Bartolomeo was about to swallow the Devil Fruit, Moke arrived beside him with astonishing speed. His movements were as swift as the wind, catching everyone off guard. In the blink of an eye, Moke snatched the precious Devil Fruit from Bartolomeo's hand.

"Who exactly are you...?" Colonel Wild Dog abruptly stopped in his tracks, staring at Moke in astonishment. His eyes revealed deep apprehension, for he recognized Moke's power at a glance—it was Logia ability! Moreover, it was remarkably similar to Admiral Kizaru's Glint-Glint Devil Fruit Ability. Faced with such a formidable opponent, how could Colonel Wild Dog not feel fear and dare not be careless?