Chapter 211: Hidden Depths

After two days of waiting, the massive ship Gran Tesoro was set to pass by an unnamed island.

Such islands were common in the New World, many with strange climates and magnetic anomalies. Some lacked any distinctiveness—pass by them once, and you might never see them again.

The island ahead appeared small, with towering rocky cliffs and a harsh climate, seemingly plagued by frequent sandstorms.

"It's a good place for a fight—Miss Buckin, Mr. Weevil, how about this island?"

Wright adjusted his hat, addressing Miss Buckin, who stood by the grand floor-to-ceiling window of the dining room.

"Perfect! I can't wait any longer... Dumb son, let's go! Head to the lower decks and get us a speedboat for the landing!"

"Yes, Mom!"

"You two go ahead. I'll grab something and join you shortly."

Wright returned to the room assigned to his CP1 colleague, delivered another "Confession" to keep him unconscious for another day, and restored the Warlord invitation to its original spot, erasing any traces of tampering.

As for how long the agent had gone without food... well, in his comatose state, his body's energy consumption was minimal. With his physique, a week or two without food wouldn't be an issue.

The Gran Tesoro naturally provided speedboat rental services. After Wright explained he needed the boat for personal matters and would return it within a day, the staff allowed him to borrow one, charging a deposit worth three times its value.

"Three times the deposit? That Tesoro..."

Miss Buckin nearly jumped in anger but held back when she remembered Wright was footing the bill.

The three boarded the speedboat and set course for the unnamed island. Based on the Gran Tesoro's cruising speed, it would take about two days to leave the island's vicinity entirely, leaving them plenty of time for their mission.

Upon landing, Wright suggested they head toward the island's center, reasoning:

"You wouldn't want a serious Warlord strength assessment to be watched by the tourists in the Golden City, right? Those observation decks have telescopes."

Agreeing, they ventured to the island's core. Wright motioned for Miss Buckin to observe from the sidelines as he faced Weevil, who held his naginata at the ready, unsheathing his long sword.

The blade of the Nidai Kitetsu gleamed ominously under the dim, sand-obscured sunlight.

"So, Sir Blazer? Can we begin? I'll be holding you to your promise," Miss Buckin called out, tightening her leopard-print coat against a sudden chill.

"Of course. We in the CP don't go back on our word," Wright replied with a faint smile, activating his "Lightspeed" ability to instantly flash before Miss Buckin and strike.

"Clang!"

Wright, a great swordsman, was surprised when his surprise attack was blocked—by an elderly woman!

"Heh heh heh... Boy, you're too green to pull off a sneak attack on me!"

Miss Buckin's expression darkened as she gripped her small cane with both hands, sparks flying as she deflected Wright's blade.

"Hmph... You've been hiding your strength well," Wright remarked, unsurprised. Years ago, after Weevil's ambush on Zephyr, the former admiral had suspected something was off about this old woman, opting not to pursue them. And now, it seemed his instincts had been correct.

"The old are still the wise. If Zephyr had fought back then, given the damage his ship had already sustained, things might have gone very differently!"

Miss Buckin's hyper-awareness had saved her again. If Wright had not yet achieved mastery as a great swordsman, killing her might've been much harder.

"I knew something was fishy about you… The CP agents are all snakes!

"Impressive. You've done your homework, knowing my fool of a son only listens to me. If I die, you'd have a perfectly obedient puppet Warlord under your control."

Miss Buckin's hands trembled from the force of blocking Wright's blade. Though she reacted in time, her strength was leagues below Wright's.

"You've only bought yourself a few extra minutes..."

Wright chuckled. His opening strike was just a test; the real battle was yet to come.

"Idiot son! Stop standing there and kill this guy! He's going to kill me!" Miss Buckin shrieked, abandoning any concern for the consequences of attacking a CP agent. Survival came first.

Still confused, Weevil hesitated, unsure why his mother was fighting their supposed ally. But hearing her urgent cries, he snapped to attention. With her orders, everything became clear.

"Yes, Mom!"

Weevil's balloon-like frame charged forward, naginata raised high. "I'll kill you!"

Seeing this, Wright kicked off the ground, twisting his body to redirect his blade, sending Miss Buckin's frail form flying.

"Clang!"

The Nidai Kitetsu clashed heavily with Weevil's naginata, a violent shockwave erupting from the impact.

"Damn it!"

Miss Buckin stabilized herself mid-air and landed, knowing she was outmatched. While her strength allowed her to survive, joining the fight was out of the question.

"The World Government, the CP, the Warlords… you lot play your schemes well!" she snarled. "My idiot son only listens to me. His strength is my doing! If I hadn't discovered that strange Devil Fruit..."

Miss Buckin muttered, half-grateful and half-regretful. She shook off her thoughts and barked:

"Idiot son! This guy isn't your match. Kill him, and I'll buy you something tasty!"

"Okay, Mom!"

Weevil grew even more frenzied. Despite losing an arm years ago, his strength had not diminished. If anything, he had grown more formidable.

But Wright's growth far outpaced his.

Years ago, Weevil's robust physique could largely negate the stun effect of Wright's Judgement Strike. Now, however, Wright had new methods of control.

"Confession!"

With a flash of golden light and a crackle of electricity, Weevil's mind went blank, stunned for several seconds. Against similarly powerful foes, this ability might only interrupt an attack. But against the simple-minded Weevil, it caused severe disorientation.

And that was all Wright needed.

"Lightspeed!"

Wright flashed before Miss Buckin, whose face twisted in shock.

"Ultimate Holy Judgement!"

In that instant, Wright unleashed a surge of holy power beyond his usual limits. Miss Buckin, despite her decades of experience, found herself utterly defenseless.

The Nidai Kitetsu, imbued with Wright's powerful Haki and the might of holy light, slashed through her Haki-reinforced cane, shattering it.

"Weevil!" Miss Buckin screamed in despair as her son remained dazed.

"Ambition without strength is futile… Relying on external power will never surpass true skill," Wright declared coldly. "Goodbye."

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