Smoker stood guard nearby. Onigumo did not need his help, but with Smoker watching, Ye Chen would have a hard time escaping.
Smoker was considerably weaker than Ye Chen, but the Smoke-Smoke Fruit let him hold Ye Chen back. Even a brief delay would be enough.
Smoker turned and stared straight at Lucci. Though Lucci wore a mask, his fierce bearing made Smoker's heart tighten. Anyone who had forced his way in so easily was clearly a formidable opponent.
"Who are you?"
"Rob Lucci."
Lucci gave Smoker a disdainful glance and answered coldly.
That was Lucci's usual manner. His expression never thawed, and his voice was just as chilling, devoid of the slightest emotion. It sounded as though it had drifted up from the depths of hell.
Ye Chen nearly cursed again. "Lucci, why did you tell him your real name? We're supposed to be sneaking around tonight!"
"So did you."
Onigumo snorted and suddenly pressed his attack. Sword flashes swept through the air, and countless blades of light engulfed Ye Chen. Gritting his teeth, Ye Chen swung both swords wildly and fought with everything he had.
Every swing sent pain stabbing through his wounds. The clash of weapons rang out without pause.
Ye Chen's Life-Taking Sword struck with ruthless precision from cunning angles, but Onigumo's Eight-Sword Style was as tight in defense as it was fierce in attack. It was as if an invisible shield surrounded him. Ye Chen could barely land a hit.
Smoker studied Lucci for a moment and took several hard drags on his cigars. "Since you're here too, you might as well stay."
White smoke burst from Smoker's body. He shot toward Lucci like a cannonball, thrusting his black Jitte straight at him.
"Iron Body!"
Lucci did not dodge. White steam rose from his body,