Grinding His Teeth in Rage

"Who I am is not important, what's important is... this Devil Fruit is now mine, haha, thanks!" he said triumphantly, while gently shaking the Devil Fruit in his hand, as if showing off his spoils to everyone.

Bartolomeo, who was standing to the side, was stunned by what he saw, his face showing an expression of disbelief. He had thought he had gotten a great deal, Devil Fruit.

Colonel Wild Dog was furious, glaring at Moke and cursing inwardly, "Damn it! This is Devil Fruit I finally got, and I was planning to use it to smooth things over with the higher-ups! Now this guy has stolen it from me!"

However, although Colonel Wild Dog was furious, he was still wary of Moke's abilities. After all, someone who could easily obtain Devil Fruit was definitely not an ordinary person. Therefore, he suppressed his anger and did not make a move immediately.

However, now that Moke knows it's Devil Fruit, he certainly won't return it. This means a fierce battle between the two sides is inevitable.

Colonel Wild Dog took a deep breath. He knew he couldn't hesitate any longer and had to act decisively. With a flash, he unleashed the "Shave" move from the Six Powers, disappearing from everyone's sight like Inazuma.

The next moment, when he reappeared, he was already in front of Moke like a ghost. Then, without hesitation, he launched an attack. His index finger, like a spear, was aimed straight at Moke's brow, with Inazuma speed and astonishing power.

"Clang..."

Facing Colonel Wild Dog's attack, Moke showed no sign of backing down. Relying on his powerful abilities, he resolutely prepared to counterattack. Just as Colonel Wild Dog's finger was about to strike Moke's brow, time seemed to freeze.

In the blink of an eye, Moke drew his Sandai Kitetsu like Inazuma, leaving a chilling trail in the air. This trail of light, like an arc of death, slashed straight toward Colonel Wild Dog.

However, in that breathtaking moment, Colonel Wild Dog displayed his astonishing reaction speed and combat skills. At the last second, he used Shave again, instantly putting his body into a state of high-speed movement.

Moke's attack missed completely, as if striking thin air. Colonel Wild Dog, on the other hand, vanished from Moke's sight in an instant, like a ghost. When he reappeared, he was already standing firmly ten meters away, facing Moke from a distance.

At this moment, Colonel Wild Dog's gaze was fixed on Moke, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. He stared at Moke incredulously, muttering to himself, "You really are a natural ability user..."

Colonel Wild Dog's voice held a hint of astonishment; he was clearly surprised by Moke's abilities. However, what puzzled him even more was how Moke had obtained the Glint-Glint Fruit when Admiral Kizaru was still alive and well.

Colonel Wild Dog had never heard of a Logia Devil Fruit similar to the Glint-Glint Fruit. He had assumed that Moke possessed only a Paramecia Devil Fruit, similar to the Glint-Glint Fruit -Glint-Glint Fruit, at most granting him similar movement and attack methods.

However, in that brief moment, his doubts vanished. Through this brief exchange, he had successfully tested his opponent's true strength—this guy was indeed a Logia Fruit user! Otherwise, he could never have achieved Elementalization so easily.

Thinking of this, Moke's lips curled up slightly, revealing a sly smile, "That has nothing to do with you! But have you ever tasted the feeling of being kicked by light?" Before he finished speaking, his right foot suddenly emitted a dazzling light, as if his entire right leg was enveloped in light elements.

"Not good!" Upon seeing this, Colonel Wild Dog's expression changed drastically, and he inwardly cried out in alarm. He immediately realized that Moke's kick was probably no small matter.

Just as Colonel Wild Dog was about to use "Shave" to dodge the attack, Moke's right leg kicked out like Inazuma. In an instant, a dazzling beam of light shot out like a cannonball, flying straight toward Colonel Wild Dog.

"Boom!" With a deafening roar, the beam of light pierced through the spot where Colonel Wild Dog had been standing and struck a warship in the harbor with overwhelming force.

The power of this attack was terrifying! The beam of light was like an indestructible sword, easily piercing through the warship's hard hull. With a deafening roar, the warship broke in two at the midsection and quickly sank to the bottom of the sea.

"Hiss..."

Colonel Wild Dog was secretly astonished. If that blow had actually landed on him, the consequences would have been unimaginable! He couldn't help but gasp, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. Just imagining the horrific scene sent chills down his spine.

However, as a disciple personally trained by Zephyr, Colonel Wild Dog's strength and courage should not be underestimated. Faced with the immense pressure from Moke, he not only showed no intention of backing down, but was instead ignited with a strong fighting spirit.

He stared intently at Moke, his eyes gleaming with excitement, as if anticipating a thrilling battle. He said in a deep voice, "Since being assigned to the East Blue as its deputy commander, it's been a long time since I've had such a satisfying fight!"

Before he could finish speaking, Moke's body suddenly underwent an astonishing transformation. A layer of long, gray fur began to grow all over his body, and his hands quickly turned into sharp claws. This change made Colonel Wild Dog Satori that the reason this guy was called "Colonel Wild Dog" was because he was actually Zoan Fruit user— the Wild Dog Fruit!

"Shave..." Just then, Colonel Wild Dog unhesitatingly unleashed his ultimate technique. In an instant, his figure vanished from the spot like Inazuma, his speed astonishing.

"Grass..."

I have to say, using this shaving tool on yourself feels absolutely amazing! However, when an opponent uses it, the situation is completely different, which is a real headache! Moke can only be on high alert, fully focused and on guard...

In the brief moment that Moke was distracted, the guy suddenly appeared behind him like a ghost!

"Shigan!"

With a low growl, Colonel Wild Dog's fingers shot out like Inazuma, aiming straight for Moke's vitals!

"Clang..."

Moke didn't have time to think. Instinctively, he swung the Sandai Kitetsu in his hand and slashed backward with great force!

This strike was swift as the wind and accurate as thunder, striking Colonel Wild Dog's finger with perfect precision!

However, to Moke's surprise, the force emanating from Colonel Wild Dog's fingers was terrifying! The immense impact caused Moke's hand to tremble slightly.

It has to be said that Zoan Devil Fruit are like adding wings to a tiger for martial arts masters! Putting everything else aside, the increase in strength alone is already terrifying.

However, what truly terrified Moke was far more than that. The instant he turned his head, his eyes were pierced as if by something sharp, for he was horrified to see that Colonel Wild Dog's fingers were wrapped in Armament Haki!

"My God, this is the East Blue! Armament Haki Coating, this is too outrageous!" Moke's mind was in turmoil as he frantically complained. At the same time, he was secretly glad that he had discovered it in time.

More importantly, this astonishing discovery made Moke constantly remind himself: he must never underestimate anyone in the future, and he must never rely too much on the ability of Elementalization. If he is not careful, he may fall into the same tragic end as before with the "Iron Body Illusion".

Thinking of this, Moke instantly transformed into a beam of light without hesitation, speeding away like Inazuma and widening the distance between him and Colonel Wild Dog in the blink of an eye.

At this moment, Moke's gaze toward Colonel Wild Dog had undergone a subtle change, reflecting both a reassessment of his strength and a hint of unspoken apprehension.

Colonel Wild Dog's lips curled into a slight smile, revealing a hint of smugness. This was his last trump card—his Armament Haki, which he had only recently Awakening. Although his Armament Haki was still in its very early stages, barely able to coat his fists, it was enough. This was the key to his confidence in being promoted to Major Rear Admiral.

At that moment, Moke's fighting spirit was ignited. He uttered a soft cry, "Shine..." In an instant, Moke's body seemed to be surrounded by a powerful light element, which, like streaks of golden Inazuma, rapidly converged on him.

As the light elements continued to gather, Moke became increasingly dazzling, like a small sun, radiating an intense light that was impossible to look directly at. This intense light was so blinding that no one present could look directly at it, and they didn't even dare to open their eyes, for fear of being burned by the intense light.

Just as everyone was troubled by the bright light, Moke seized this excellent opportunity. He gripped the Sandai Kitetsu tightly in his hand, and the Ghost Aura on the sword resonated with it, instantly merging the power of the two into one.

"One Sword Style - Demon Flame Flash!" Moke shouted, his figure flashing past like Inazuma, so fast that it was almost impossible to catch his trace.

When Moke reappeared, he was already silently standing behind Colonel Wild Dog. He slowly sheathed the Sandai Kitetsu, the whole movement flowing smoothly without the slightest hesitation.

"Thud..." Just as Moke sheathed his sword, a dull thud suddenly came from Colonel Wild Dog's body. Immediately afterward, a hideous wound burst open on his body, and blood gushed out like a fountain.

Colonel Wild Dog's face was filled with disbelief. His eyes were wide as he stared intently at Moke, as if he had witnessed the most incredible thing in the world. In the East Blue region, he had absolute confidence in his strength and had never imagined that anyone could defeat him so easily...

"Asshole..."

Colonel Wild Dog cursed inwardly. Moke's move was truly a headache! It could blind someone, and he himself Awakening Armament Haki, not Observation Haki. Under these circumstances, he had no way to dodge the opponent's attack while blind.

"Tempest Kick..." Colonel Wild Dog made a decisive move, quickly turned around, and unleashed a Tempest Kick Slash. A blue blade of energy shot out like Inazuma, flying straight towards Moke.

"Clang..." However, Moke's reaction speed was equally astonishing. The Sandai Kitetsu in his hand was instantly drawn, flashing through the void like Inazuma, and accurately struck the Tempest Kick Slash.

A crisp metallic clang rang out as the Tempest Kick Slash was forcefully blocked. However, due to the immense power of the attack, Moke was forced back four or five meters by the force of the impact before he could barely regain his footing.

"Shave..." How could Colonel Wild Dog let such a good opportunity slip by? He flashed like a ghost and instantly appeared behind Moke.

"Shigan..." Without hesitation, Colonel Wild Dog launched a Shigan attack. His index finger shot straight at the back of Moke's head like a bullet, with Inazuma speed!

"???"

However, in the next instant, he suddenly froze in place as if he had been frozen in place. His fingers were less than ten centimeters away from Moke's head, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not move forward even a millimeter.

Colonel Wild Dog looked down in astonishment and realized that, without him noticing, his entire body was tightly bound by the mud rising from the ground, as if he were being firmly restrained by countless invisible hands.

His face was filled with shock and disbelief; he couldn't understand what was going on at all.

"Whoosh..." Just then, Moke's Sandai Kitetsu flashed through the air like Inazuma, tracing a beautiful arc before slashing directly at Colonel Wild Dog's neck!

"Not good!" Colonel Wild Dog's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he inwardly cried out in alarm. At this moment, he had completely lost the ability to move and had no way to dodge this fatal blow.

As the Sandai Kitetsu drew ever closer, cold sweat poured down his forehead, but he was powerless to do anything but watch as death approached step by step.

"Tekkai!" In this critical moment, Colonel Wild Dog had no choice but to grit his teeth and use his last life-saving technique— Tekkai.

"Brush..."

Like Inazuma Sandai Kitetsu swiftly sliced across Colonel Wild Dog's neck, leaving a thin, hissing wound with a soft "swoosh."

However, this seemingly insignificant wound seemed to be cursed, slowly splitting open at a visible speed, with blood gushing out like a spring, splashing onto the ground and forming a pool of scarlet blood.

Colonel Wild Dog stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief. He stared intently at Moke before him, his mind filled with shock and confusion.

He clearly remembered that Moke's abilities were extremely similar to those of the Glint-Glint Fruit, suggesting he should be a Logia user. So why could he now control the earth at will?

Just as Colonel Wild Dog was lost in thought, he suddenly noticed that something seemed to have changed about Moke's body. His once radiant skin had become dull and lifeless, even with a faint yellow tinge.

Unfortunately, it was all too late. Before Colonel Wild Dog's shock had subsided, Moke's lips curled into a strange smile.

Just moments ago, after taking a direct hit from Wild Dog's Tempest Kick, Moke was forced back four or five meters. However, in that instant, he cleverly seized the opportunity, smoothly touching the ground with his hand and instantly switching from his Glint-Glint Ability to his Mud-Mud Ability.

Not only that, Moke secretly marveled, "Tekkai truly is the strongest 'illusion'!" This Wild Dog Colonel, under his full-force strike unleashed with Ghost Aura, was so easily breached, and killed instantly, beyond any doubt...

"Click..."

Meanwhile, in a dark corner, a man stood furtively. He held a camera, the lens pointed at Moke not far away. Just then, Moke suddenly felt a gaze on him. He turned his head sharply, only to see a strange figure pointing a camera at him. The person skillfully adjusted the camera angle, seemingly searching for the best shooting position.

Moke was somewhat displeased, but he didn't show it immediately. He quietly watched the man, wanting to see what he was up to. Finally, the man found a satisfactory angle and pressed the shutter without hesitation.

With a click, the camera flash instantly illuminated the moment Moke sheathed his sword. In the photo, Moke, wielding a long sword, moved with effortless grace, the blade flashing, exuding an aura of disdain for the world.

However, Moke was oblivious to all of this. His attention was completely drawn to something else—searching for Bartolomeo. He looked around, searching every possible place, but no matter how hard he looked, he couldn't find any trace of Bartolomeo.

Moke was somewhat surprised and muttered to himself, "He really is an important character, he's got a tough life!" He originally thought that Bartolomeo had been defeated by him, but now it seems that this opponent is far more troublesome than he imagined.

However, Moke didn't dwell too much on Bartolomeo's whereabouts. Since he couldn't find him, it meant he had already escaped. Moke thought to himself that it was best not to stay here any longer and to leave Loguetown as soon as possible.

So, Moke raised his hand and pointed his palm at the sun in the sky. Instantly, his body began to emit a dazzling light, as if he had merged with the sun. Then, he transformed into a beam of light and sped away like Inazuma, heading straight for Reverse Mountain.

The beam of light was incredibly fast, passing through Reverse Mountain in the blink of an eye and entering the Grand Line. Moke's figure streaked across the sea like a shooting star, leaving a long arc before swiftly landing on the first small island in the Grand Line.

On the vast and boundless Grand Line, there are numerous routes to choose from. These routes are like a labyrinth, intricate and complex, but the first island on each route hides a mysterious underground force—they specialize in selling all kinds of intelligence.

These underground forces possessed almost all the Eternal Pose on the islands, but the price was extremely high. Therefore, when Moke landed on this island, he went straight to the tavern without hesitation, knowing that it would meet his needs.

Moke stepped into the tavern, a rich aroma of wine and food wafted towards him. His nose twitched slightly, drawn in by the tempting scents, and he instantly felt ravenously hungry.

Just as Moke was about to find a seat, a waiter quickly approached with a warm smile and asked, "What would you like to order?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Moke answered directly, "I want an Eternal Pose from Chef Island." His voice was crisp and clear, revealing a sense of decisiveness and resolve.

However, the instant he finished speaking, an even richer aroma wafted into his nostrils. It was an indescribable deliciousness, as if it were a delicacy from heaven, making Moke's mouth water.

So he immediately added, "And bring me another table of your most famous dishes." His tone was full of anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to taste the food.

The waiter smiled and replied, "Okay... please find a seat wherever you like, I'll be right back." With that, he turned and quickly left, leaving Moke standing there, eagerly anticipating the upcoming feast.

"Tsk tsk..."

Moke casually glanced around before settling down at an empty table. The instant he sat down, a group of people simultaneously turned their gazes to him. Their expressions varied: some were hostile, others malicious, and some even let out cold laughs.

"Look, another arrogant newcomer has arrived..."

"This guy is probably still dreaming of becoming the One Piece!"

"Aren't all newcomers like this? So naive..."

These sarcastic remarks were like needles, constantly piercing Moke's ears. However, he merely raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly unconcerned by the words. His gaze slowly swept over everyone present, a calm yet sharp look that seemed to penetrate their appearances and see into their deepest fears and inferiority complexes.

In his eyes, these so-called "old men" were nothing more than a bunch of useless people who had long lost their courage. They would only put on airs in front of newcomers to show off their power, but in reality, they had long lost their true strength and fighting spirit.

Just then, a burly, imposing man suddenly stood up. His appearance was like a moving mountain, giving people an undeniable sense of oppression. He strode towards Moke, each step appearing exceptionally heavy, as if the entire ground was trembling with his footsteps.

"Hey kid!" The burly man walked up to Moke, looking down at him and saying gruffly, "The Eternal Pose on specific islands aren't cheap, you know. Judging by your appearance, you must have some money, right? In that case, you can pay for our table too. Of course, if you could leave me some money to spend, that would be even better!"

Although his words sounded like a question, his firm tone left no room for argument; clearly, this was not a request that could be negotiated.