Battle

"Kid, you're strong!" Bullet praised him sincerely. Since escaping from Impel Down, this was the first time he had met an evenly matched opponent.

Swain had no time to trade words with him. A blue ring appeared in his palm, shimmering with light.

He struck it hard, sending a powerful shock wave surging straight at Bullet like a raging tide.

"What?!" Bullet cried, astonishment written all over his face.

He twisted aside with a leopard's agility. But Swain was faster. He flashed past, leaving only an afterimage, and appeared behind Bullet in an instant.

"I don't know what you came here for, but I have urgent business. Get as far away from me as you can!" Swain's cold voice seemed to rise from the depths of the Nine Netherworld.

Bang!

Swain drove a fist forward with thunderous force. This time Bullet could not dodge. The blow slammed into his back, sending him flying like a kite with its string cut.

Pain twisted Bullet's face in midair. His eyes widened in disbelief. Swain stood where he was, his gaze cold and steady, as if to say, This is what I can do.

Bullet crashed to the ground, shaking the earth beneath him.

Swain walked toward him step by step. Each footfall carried crushing pressure, as though an emissary from hell were approaching.

Damn it! Why is this brat so absurdly strong? Bullet thought, stunned. He stared at the seemingly slight figure ahead, unable to contain his shock.

Their fierce exchange had shown Bullet just how strong Swain was. He rolled to his feet in one swift motion and put some distance between them, watching Swain warily without letting his guard slip.

Bullet took a deep breath and steadied himself, ready for the fight to erupt again. His gaze was hard and