"Alright, everyone's gone now. You can talk to me, Mr. Limon. What important matter do you want to discuss with me?"
I don't believe someone as busy as you would bother to communicate with a notorious pirate like me!
Seeing that everyone on the field had left, Luo Chen then asked him why.
"Oh, you've misunderstood me. While I do have something I'd like to discuss with you, I don't mean to look down on you in the slightest. After all, I'm a pirate just like you, and pirates shouldn't look down on other pirates..."
However, this isn't a good place to talk. How about we find another place to discuss the next steps?
Hearing Luo Chen make such a fuss about him, Limon didn't dare to be arrogant and quickly changed the subject. Then he extended an invitation to Luo Chen.
After saying this, Limon pointed to the carriage he had come in on and gestured for him to get in.
"... Alright, since you've put it that way, I'll politely decline. Let's go, I was just thinking of visiting the residence of Mr. Hippo Limon under Four Emperors Big Mom's command..."
"Then please come with me... I have already prepared a welcome banquet for Mr. Luo Chen. We can discuss things further once we arrive there..."
After saying this, Limon invited Luo Chen into the carriage, and then climbed in himself. He reached out and closed the door, and the carriage steadily moved forward under the driver's whip.
Shhhhhhhh...
A short while later, the carriage stopped; they had arrived at their destination, the Limon Mansion.
"Oh, it seems we've arrived. Mr. Luo Chen, please follow me..."
After saying that, Limon led Luo Chen inside to the reception room for honored guests. Inside, a lavish banquet was laid out, emitting an enticing aroma. Several servants stood beside it, ready to serve the meal at any time.
"Please sit down, Mr. Luo Chen. Don't be shy, please enjoy your meal. We can discuss things while we eat. Go, pour some wine for Lord Luo Chen..."
Limon casually grabbed a piece of Poseidon meat, took a bite, and warmly invited him to join in. He then gave an order to the maids beside him, and the two gracefully walked towards him, set out his bowls and plates, and placed the food and dishes. After they finished, they stood behind him and watched the two prepare to eat.
"Well, then I won't be polite..."
After exchanging pleasantries, Luo Chen grabbed a piece of Poseidon meat and took a bite.
Awooo...
"Wow, this is absolutely delicious! It's just as good as the food prepared by those competing chefs. It seems Mr. Limon is having a really good time here. I'm so envious..."
Luo Chen hurriedly swallowed the food in his mouth, lifted the wine barrel and gulped down a few mouthfuls, then placed it heavily on the table, looking at him with a slightly envious gaze.
"Hahaha, you're too kind. This is all thanks to the island's residents for their kindness and respect. However, if Mr. Luo Chen is interested, you can also enjoy the same treatment, it just depends on whether you're willing..."
After speaking, Limon, with a slightly inquiring look in his eyes, tentatively asked, "..."
"Oh!! What, are all the Four Emperors Big Mom's subordinates this listless and pleasure-seeking?"
Luo Chen pretended not to understand the implication in his words and asked another question in return.
"Of course not. Not all territories offer me such generous treatment. I come from here, just like Mr. Streusen head chef under my mother's command. So, out of respect for Mr. Streusen, my mother sent me here to guard him. Most people don't get this kind of treatment."
But if it's you, Mr. Luo Chen, it's a different story. Even my mother has heard about your exploits. She sent Katakuri and the others to the first half of the Grand Line specifically to find you. I was also ordered to come here to see what your thoughts are..."
Limon naturally knew that Luo Chen was avoiding the main point and throwing the ball back to him. In order to avoid Luo Chen having any negative prejudice against their Charlok Family, he did not forget to offer benefits to Luo Chen while introducing other aspects to test his opinion.
"Oh, even Katakuri, the so-called greatest masterpiece of Charlok, has come. It seems I have quite a bit of influence. So, what methods do you plan to use to invite me to join you? And if I don't intend to join you, what other consequences await me?"
Seeing that Limon had completely revealed the purpose of inviting him here, Luo Chen knew he couldn't confuse the issue any further, so he directly addressed the topic and asked.
"I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, but if you truly wish to discuss this with us, I can contact Lord Katakuri for you and have him speak with you personally."
However, if you intend to refuse, then I will do everything in my power to keep you here to await Katakuri's decision...
So, Pirate Luo Chen, what's your answer? Agree or... refuse?!
After giving a general overview of the pros and cons, Limon stared intently into Luo Chen's eyes, trying to ascertain his true thoughts.
"Hahahaha... My answer is of course... no!! I'm sorry, but I will not succumb to power for a small gain, not even the Four Emperors... Do you understand? Hippo Limon!!"
Faced with Limon's probing questions, Luo Chen reached out and elegantly wiped his mouth with a tissue before standing up. He met Limon's gaze without flinching and answered with a serious and earnest expression.
"Hahaha, it seems there's no point in negotiating this..."
After being stunned for a moment by Luo Chen's answer, Limon stood up, threw his head back, and laughed loudly. Then, his expression turned cold instantly, a fierce light flashed in his eyes, and his aura slowly emanated as he stared at him coldly, as if a battle was about to break out.
Tap tap...
Tap tap...
clatter...
Upon seeing this, the servants and maids quickly ran out, afraid of being drawn into their fight.
"Since you've chosen the second answer, I have no choice but to take action. It'll be a good opportunity to test your 400 million worth of strength and see if you're as powerful as the rumors suggest..."
Swoosh...
As soon as he finished speaking, Limon pushed off the ground with both legs, his body suddenly lunging forward, and he swung his powerful fist at him.
call out...
Clang!!
Facing this attack, Luo Chen dared not be careless and drew his sword to strike at almost the same moment.
A sharp clang rang out, and a powerful shockwave erupted from the two swords, sweeping across the surrounding area and creating a massive wave that sent the long dining table and its contents flying.
"Hahaha, not bad, your strength is not bad. You were able to block my attack. It seems the rumors weren't unfounded. But... how many more of my attacks can you withstand..."
The Hippo Great Strength... Thunderous Stomp!!
Having said that, Limon's upper body completely transformed into a hippopotamus, and with the help of its massive weight, it swooped down on Luo Chen again using its two thick forelimbs.
call...
With this move, Limon's aura grew even stronger, as if he had truly transformed into a primordial Colossal Beast, stomping down with an irresistible force.
Swoosh...
Clang!!
"Hmph, you dare to be so presumptuous with just a mere stepping stone? Watch how I stop you! Partial Martial Body... Fortified Wall Block!!"
Luo Chen felt a strong sense of threat from his attack, but he did not dodge. He threw Rain Burial aside and instantly Hardening his arms to cross in front of him. The moment he was ready to defend, the two iron-like lower limbs crashed down.
Bang...
A violent rumbling sound came from the center of the battle, and it was as if a huge rock had been thrown into a lake from the center of the two people. Strong waves spread outwards like ripples, and soon cracking sounds came from the walls. The aftershocks cracked the walls, and cracks spread out in all directions.
Rumble...
A series of booming sounds emanated from Limon's mansion. The mansion shook several times after each of their fierce battles. Almost everyone fled, staring in disbelief at the tremors and the swaying mansion.
"What kind of terrifying power is this? Who exactly is Lord Limon fighting?!"
A servant, who resembled a butler, looked at the scene in surprise and said...
"I heard it was a pirate, someone even Lord Limon solemnly invited. I just wonder what caused their fight!!"
Such strength is like a natural disaster; who will be the final victor?
His colleague next to him also stared in that direction in amazement, answering without turning his head.
"A pirate? What kind of pirate could make Lord Limon treat him like that? And I don't recall Lord Limon ever fighting at a level like today. That guy is probably a real threat. If he's not careful, even Lord Limon might be defeated..."
Now let's open our eyes wide, remain silent, and witness this earth-shattering battle together.
The other person stared intently at the two people locked in battle ahead and said.
Swoosh...
brush...
boom!!
Just as the group was talking, two dark figures suddenly darted out from in front of them. Before anyone could see what they were doing, the two were already locked in combat, fist against fist, with a series of booming sounds echoing throughout the room.
brush...
"Hahaha, Luo Chen, you're really strong! Even in this form, I can't force you to use your full power. It's really getting my blood pumping! Let's fight! I don't care what Katakuri says afterward. Right now, what I want most is to bite off your head... Hippo Swift Movement... Savage Devour!!"
Limon landed opposite Luo Chen, his eyes burning with intense fighting spirit, and said with a chilling determination.
Having said that, it took a few steps forward, then transformed into a beast, its limbs moving at Extreme Speed Extreme Speed, charging forward like a small car. When it was only one or two meters away from Luo Chen, the huge hippo opened its mouth and then used the momentum to bite down.
Despite the enormous jaws that seemed capable of biting Luo Chen in half, Luo Chen remained calm and unleashed a powerful punch forward, his right fist imbued with Armament Haki.
Bang...
Luo Chen's fist imprint landed on Limon's huge fangs, pinning his thick, muscular body in mid-air.
The airflow and turbulence became turbulent again, stirring up small storms.
Before long, the two were thrown back by the recoil and staggered backward.
brush...
As he stumbled backward, Limon regained his footing, leaving two deep grooves in front of him from the force of the impact. Without hesitation, he instantly transformed back into his Human-Beast Form and stomped the ground as he charged toward Luo Chen once more.
"No problem..."
As Luo Chen retreated, he twisted his body, leaped into the air, and regained his balance. Using the recoil from his push-off, he charged forward.
" Crimson Breath... Dragon Fist!!"
"Hippopotamus... Trample!!"
Thump...
Unlike Luo Chen, who integrated his fist energy and Blood Breath into his fist imprint, Limon concentrated all his strength in his right forelimb, and the two collided violently.
The air currents, which had just calmed down, surged and rolled again, scattered into streams of condensed air that shot out in all directions.
"Mmm... Again!!"
Seeing that his attack was blocked, Limon raised his lower body and swept his right leg towards his waist.
" Kami-e..."
Luo Chen didn't even look at the attack. He controlled his body, relaxed and twisted all his muscles and bones to avoid it, and then twisted back behind him. He then slammed his head down with a force that Hardening with Tekkai and combined with his Armament Haki.
Thump...
Limon was caught off guard and hit hard on the back of the head, momentarily stunned. Luo Chen then pressed his advantage, sweeping Limon away with a whip kick.
Bang...
Limon was swept away like a cannonball, crashing through the walls of several houses before finally coming to a stop.
"Shave!!"
call out...
Luo Chen silently recited "shave" in his heart, and then his body disappeared from everyone's sight, appearing above Limon the next moment.
"Lie down, Limon, Crimson Breath... Elephant Stomp!!"
Having said that, the Blood Breath wrapped around his left leg, and like an elephant Trample the earth, he stomped down on his head with a thunderous crash.
"Oh no... I have to get out of the way!!"
As soon as Limon opened his eyes, he saw Luo Chen's powerful attack suddenly crash down, and roared as he struggled to move his body to the side.
boom...
Luo Chen stepped on the side of his head, causing the ground to collapse and crack, the floorboards splitting open and pulling him in.
call out...
As soon as Luo Chen finished his step, he Extreme Speed teleported away and landed not far away, quietly watching the scene, trying to see if Limon still had any strength left to make a move.
clatter...
Click... bang!!
Limon struggled to his feet, grabbed a boulder, and crushed it with a gentle squeeze, scattering the pieces on the ground.
"Damn it, I haven't been this humiliated in a long time. Luo Chen, you dared to attack me when I wasn't looking! This time I won't be careless again. I'll use all my strength and crush you like that boulder..."
Limon recalled how he had only been stunned for a moment before being attacked repeatedly and nearly killed, which enraged him. His eyes flashed with hatred, and his body underwent another transformation. His skin thickened Hardening, his body grew nearly a meter taller, and his muscles and fangs increased, completely transforming him into a Colossal Beast, upright hippopotamus.
"This... is something I learned during my battle with Sweet Commander Smoothie. It involves consuming a large amount of physical strength and life force to unleash the latent ferocity within me, transforming myself into a truly thinking Beast. In this state, my defense is nearly invincible; even a swordsman's blade that can Sever Steel cannot budge my skin. Moreover, my speed and strength are many times greater than before, like..."
Limon boasted about his newfound state, but before he could finish speaking, his body vanished from Luo Chen's sight. Under Luo Chen's powerful Observation Haki, he moved past him dozens of times in an instant, his speed impossible for the naked eye to keep up with.
call out...
"... so!!"
Having said that, he appeared in front of Luo Chen and punched him in the chest, sending him flying.