Lucci, Tortured Yet Again

Bang!

The barrier was forcibly shoved back by Dawn's brute strength. Bartolomeo screamed as he was struck by his own barrier, sent flying like a bug swatted by a flyswatter. He crashed hard into a distant wall and slowly slid down, unable to get back up for the moment.

From the moment Dawn spoke to all four of them being knocked down or surrendering, less than a minute had passed.

The casino hall was left with only ragged breathing and Dawn's steady breaths.

Baccarat and Mr. Tanaka were completely stunned. Mr. Tanaka in particular had his mouth slightly open beneath his owl mask.

"Th-this... is the strength of a great pirate with a bounty over a billion? Just through physical combat alone..."

Baccarat, meanwhile, stared fixedly at Dawn's tall back, the flames in her emerald eyes burning even fiercer.

A man like this... power like this... I have to seize him. I have to get close to him!

When the four stood back up, the way they looked at Dawn had completely changed.

Their previous arrogance, curiosity, and probing had all been replaced by deep reverence.

Stars practically shone in Bartolomeo's eyes, filled with a fanaticism bordering on faith.

Dawn's voice broke the silence. Looking at the four youths, a rare approving smile appeared on his face.

"To possess this kind of strength at your age, both your talent and hard work deserve recognition. Later, I'll find some suitable Devil Fruits for you. Of course, whether you eat them or not is up to you."

Though it was a simple statement, it moved them more than any extravagant promise could have. Apart from Bartolomeo, who was already a Devil Fruit user, the others' eyes lit up.

Dawn turned his gaze toward Lucci, who had quietly stood to the side from