Prince Murray was still dreaming beneath his covers when someone dumped a bucket of cold water over his head. Then he was dragged away like a dead dog. His guards fared no better; every last one was killed on the spot.
Saint Mustard slaughtered without bothering to ask what had happened. Even Prince Murray was not spared: he was hacked to pieces and fed to the wild wolves.
"Vice Admiral Onigumo, Vice Admiral Chaton, Vice Admiral Momousagi—what do you make of this?"
The Reverie was about to begin, and Saint Mustard's son had been murdered. Killing Prince Murray had done nothing to cool his anger. In a fury, he summoned three Marine vice admirals.
"Hmm?"
Onigumo said nothing. His face dark, he looked around the room where Rambo had been killed, drawing on his cigar again and again.
Smoke curled through the air, its acrid smell hitting everyone in the face. Several guards covered their noses and retreated. Chaton, meanwhile, shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and examined Prince Rambo's body with interest.
"Killed in a single blow. What astonishing technique!"
After a few more looks, Vice Admiral Chaton raised his head and frowned slightly. "It was probably something like Finger Pistol, but there's clearly no sign of contact. Either the killer had mastered the Six Powers and perfected Finger Pistol, or he knew a technique that could strike from a distance."
Onigumo nodded. "These guards died in exactly the same way. One killer, one fatal blow each. Clean and efficient, without a wasted move."
"And his movement was exceptional!"
Momousagi smiled as she leaped up from the ground outside the window, slipped through it, and landed without making the slightest sound.
"What makes you say that?" Onigumo asked.
Momousagi smiled and drew the sharp sword that had been