Chapter 243

Chimera!!

The offspring of Typhon and Echidna.

According to legend, it bears the body of a demon sheep, the head of a sacred lion, and the tail of a monstrous python.

Even its breath spews forth flames.

"Ace, you're the wielder of the Flame-Flame Fruit, but it's sad to say, there are many Devil Fruits that can toy with fire! Just like my mythical Chimera beast—its flames are far more potent than your Flame-Flame Fruit's paltry fire!"

As Blackbeard spoke, vivid orange flames erupted from the sheep's mouth, blazing with intensity.

"Stop spouting nonsense, Teach! Whether you spit fire or crap, it won't change your fate today!!" Ace retorted, fury blazing in his eyes.

With a swift motion, Ace clapped his right hand, then opened his mouth wide and unleashed a fierce torrent of fire directly at Blackbeard.

"Fire Dragon's Roar!!"

The fiery beam roared into existence, the searing heat filling the air with a sizzling hiss.

"Zehahaha~~~"

Blackbeard grinned. "I'm not going to clash with your flames head-on again~~~"

Suddenly, Blackbeard dashed to the left.

While his physical strength was impressive, Blackbeard's speed had never been his strongest asset. But now, thanks to the Chimera Mythical Zoan, his base attributes in this human-beast form had skyrocketed.

Dodging Ace's attack was effortless now.

Rumble!!!

The fire dragon's roar grazed past Blackbeard's body, striking the ground with devastating force. A massive crater, filled with molten rock and scorched earth, appeared where the flames hit.

Blackbeard glanced at the molten pit and sneered, "Ace, with my current speed, hitting me with your attacks is nearly impossible."

"What's the matter? Afraid to use the Dark-Dark Fruit now?"

Ace's voice dripped with cold disdain as he glared at Blackbeard.

"Zehahahaha!!!" Blackbeard laughed maniacally. "I already know you can absorb my darkness—why would I foolishly use it?"

Ace's eyes narrowed as Blackbeard's lion head tilted back, letting out a thunderous roar before charging at Ace with terrifying speed.

"What!? That speed—!"

Ace's eyes widened in shock, his instincts screaming in alarm. Blackbeard seemed to vanish before his eyes, moving so swiftly it was as if he had teleported.

"Dad, Teach is far stronger than before!" Marco remarked grimly beside Whitebeard.

Whitebeard's expression remained calm, but there was a note of acknowledgment. "That's the advantage of the Mythical Zoan."

He explained, "Even among mythical creatures, Chimera's power is top-tier. The demon sheep's body can spit fire and bend certain spatial laws. It might not be true teleportation, but it sure looks like it."

Bang!!

In the blink of an eye, Blackbeard reappeared beside Ace, delivering a crushing punch.

"Ahhh!!!"

Ace's face contorted in agony as he was sent flying—his body struck by a force like a mountain collapsing onto him.

The overwhelming power came from the lion head of the Chimera, and it knocked Ace through the air like a ragdoll.

"Zehahaha!!! This is what true power feels like!!" Blackbeard marveled at his own strength, flexing his fist with exhilaration.

"Ace, are you alright?" Whitebeard's deep voice rumbled from the shore.

"Of course!!!"

Ace, young and brimming with determination, refused to back down so easily. He wiped the blood from his mouth, rising to his feet, ready to charge at Blackbeard once more.

But no matter how much resolve he had, two fists couldn't match four hands, and one head couldn't fight three.

Before Ace could land more than a few hits, Chimera's python tail whipped around and sank its fangs into his leg.

A wave of crippling numbness surged through Ace's body in an instant.

"Zehahahaha! Dark Vortex!!"

Seeing Ace immobilized, a dark mass erupted from Blackbeard's claws, spiraling into a black whirlwind. He reached out and touched Ace, and a powerful suction pulled at Ace's very being.

"Teach!!——————"

An authoritative shout echoed across the beach, halting Blackbeard's actions abruptly.

Sensing a sudden and overwhelming danger, Blackbeard immediately released Ace and leaped back. When he stopped, Whitebeard was standing protectively in front of Ace.

"Dad..." Ace muttered, his voice filled with guilt as he realized his father had saved him again. His shoulders slumped in self-blame.

Whitebeard's voice was firm yet gentle. "Don't blame yourself, Ace. A father always protects his son."

"Dad, what are you saying? Am I not your son too? Zehahaha!" Blackbeard's laughter was harsh and mocking, his chest still aching from one of Ace's blows. His gap-toothed grin split his face as he laughed.

"What do you think?" Whitebeard's lips twisted into a cold sneer, his tone growing icy. "Teach, I was the one who took you into the family. You betrayed us, and now it's up to me—your father—to punish you."

Whitebeard extended his arm.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!!

A massive blade spun through the air from the crowd of his crew, landing with a thunderous bang in Whitebeard's outstretched hand.

It was his legendary weapon—Murakumogiri!———

Boom!!--

The instant Whitebeard grasped the weapon, his entire aura shifted.

The kind, fatherly demeanor disappeared, replaced by the terrifying presence of a pirate who once ruled the seas.

Hmm!!?

The sudden surge of raw power left Blackbeard stunned, his face growing stiff with realization. His pupils dilated, taking in Whitebeard's newfound vitality.

Then, a terrifying thought crossed his mind.

"Old man, are you... really healed from your injuries?"

"Gurarararara~~~"

Whitebeard's laughter cut through the tension, even colder than before.

His suspicions had been confirmed—Blackbeard thought he was coming to exploit Whitebeard's supposed weakness.

And now it all made sense. Why Blackbeard had targeted him.

The Tremor-Tremor Fruit...!

Whitebeard's heart burned with rage as the pieces clicked into place. "Teach! You traitorous, unfilial son!!"

With a roar of fury, Whitebeard swung Murakumogiri down, its massive blade slicing through the air with devastating force.

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