First Lesson

Higuma clutched his bleeding head, blood dripping through his fingers onto the floor.

"Drip... drip..."

His expression twisted bit by bit, shifting from anger to rage, then to—complete savagery.

"You little brat—!!!"

He suddenly turned, locking onto Ace with a gaze that openly exploded with killing intent.

A burst of chaotic footsteps suddenly rang out from outside!

"Thud thud thud thud—!"

Urgent and disorderly, filled with unmistakable murderous intent.

"Crash—!!!"

The tavern door was violently smashed open!

More than a dozen bandits swarmed inside!

Some carried swords, while others raised guns.

Some even had cigarettes dangling from their mouths, cruel smiles plastered across their faces.

The already cramped tavern was instantly packed to the brim.

The air grew oppressive, and even the lights seemed to dim.

Higuma swept out a hand. "I'm gonna kill you!"

His voice was hoarse and crazed.

Yet Ace did not retreat a single step.

The wooden stick in his hands lay across his body, his knuckles faintly turning white.

"You bastard."

Gritting his teeth, he raised his head and glared straight at Higuma.

"I despise people like you the most!"

Those words were like fuel on a fire, and Higuma's face twisted completely!

"Die!"

He let out an enraged roar!

His whole body lunged forward, his blade raised high before slashing down viciously!

"Whoosh!"

The blade tore through the air, heading straight for Ace's skull!

There was no mercy in that strike!

However—

At the instant the blade was about to fall, a crimson figure suddenly flashed into view!

"Clang—!!!"

A piercing clash of steel erupted, sparks flying everywhere!

A blast of air exploded between them, stirring up the scent of liquor and dust around them!

At some point, Shanks had stepped in front of Ace. His drawn sword steadily blocked the strike.

The two