At Luffy's words, the cold sweat on Blackbeard's forehead and neck poured even harder.
Though he broke into a sweat no matter whom he fought, his laughter remained arrogant.
"Zehahahaha... hey, Straw Hat Boy!" Blackbeard licked his dry lips, trying to regain some momentum with his words.
"The way you talk big reminds me a little of that dead brother of yours... Ace!"
He deliberately stressed the name "Ace," trying to strike a nerve.
"Before the Paramount War, he was just like you, shouting about taking my life... and what happened?"
Blackbeard spread his hands, his face twisting into a cruel sneer. "He lost!"
"He died... without even leaving ashes behind!"
Unfortunately, the sight he had expected-Luffy flying into a rage-never materialized.
Luffy simply watched Blackbeard calmly.
Being ignored sent a chill through Blackbeard's heart.
"Tch... this brat..."
Blackbeard cursed inwardly, realizing his taunts were useless.
His eyes shifted, and he immediately changed tactics.
Go in myself?
Against an Emperor in peak condition, brimming with murderous intent-and Luffy had just shown his Conqueror's Haki, too?
He wasn't that stupid!
So Blackbeard decisively turned toward Kuzan beside him.
"Kuzan!" Blackbeard said. "You go! Test this brat's strength!"
"Let's see what this so-called member of the Four Emperors is really worth!"
He pushed Kuzan, who stood at the pinnacle of General-Class strength, to the forefront.
On one hand, he wanted the former Admiral to wear Luffy down and probe his strength.
On the other, he wanted to further confirm Kuzan's "loyalty" and usefulness.
At such a critical, dangerous moment, would Kuzan obey orders and clash head-on with an Emperor?
Hearing his name, Kuzan shifted his gaze slightly, moving it from Luffy to Blackbeard's face.
Their eyes briefly met.
Kuzan's face remained expressionless.
But he did not refuse.
He straightened from the reef