Chapter 410: Who Gave You the Courage?
The Yarukiman Mangrove was cleaved in half.
The lower half remained still, while the upper half soared into the air.
The astonishing scene elicited waves of shocked cries.
Scratchmen Apoo, Mad Monk Urouge, and Big Eater Jewelry Bonney were all shaken by the sight.
They were certain it was Law's power that had severed the Yarukiman Mangrove, not Maude, who was facing him.
The perpetual smile on Urouge's face became somewhat forced.
Bonney swallowed the unchewed meat pie in her mouth with difficulty.
Apoo's hyperactive limbs froze mid-air.
"Hey, hey, you gotta be kidding me... Strength like that... how can his bounty only be 200 million?!"
Apoo stared in disbelief at the airborne Yarukiman Mangrove.
With that single slash, the Supernovas instantly recognized Law's overwhelming strength.
As for Maude, who effortlessly parried such a powerful attack—it seemed only natural.
After all, he was the most unreasonable man among the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
If he couldn't even block an attack from a Supernova, wouldn't that make his reputation hollow?
Law's terrifying display of power sent a chill through the hearts of the watching Supernovas.
Yet, just as they were reeling from shock, an even more startling sight unfolded.
Within the battlefield—
Law, who had been locking blades with Maude, suddenly staggered back several steps, his clothing shredding into strips that floated down like snowflakes.
Seeing this, the Supernovas were stunned.
A second ago, they had witnessed Law's immense strength firsthand.
Naturally, they expected a prolonged battle lasting dozens of exchanges.
But in the next second, Law was retreating, his clothes in tatters.
"What happened?"
In the brief moment their eyes had been drawn to the severed Yarukiman Mangrove, what exactly had transpired?
The Supernovas were utterly perplexed, unaware of the cause.
To them, the confrontation between Maude and Law didn't seem evenly matched—but neither did it appear to be a one-sided slaughter.
However—
Even the man who was repelled had no idea how Maude had shredded his clothes.
"Did he attack the shadow directly...?"
Law gazed at the fabric fragments scattered around his feet.
Not only had Maude blocked his strongest slash without breaking a sweat, but he had also counterattacked effortlessly.
Law took a deep breath, silently retracting his Room and slowly sheathing Kikoku.
"I need to know... Did you hold back?"
With the crisp click of Kikoku locking into its sheath, Law looked up at Maude standing right in front of him.
"Does it matter?"
Maude asked calmly.
Law locked eyes with him and nodded heavily.
Maude pondered for a moment, then glanced off to the side, his voice tranquil.
"I suppose you could say I didn't hold back. That's why I didn't stop after my attack landed—I left a Shadow Mark on you just in case."
"In the end, I probably won't need it... but consider it proof that I fought seriously."
"What?!"
Law's eyes widened in shock, only now noticing a small black arrow-shaped mark on his right flank.
"When did..."
He was dumbfounded.
He had thought Maude's bizarre, unavoidable attacks were already unfathomable—but he hadn't anticipated an additional hidden ace.
Law knew exactly what the Shadow Mark's ability entailed.
With that mark on him, even if he teleported to safety using the powers of the Op-Op Fruit, Maude could follow him instantly.
The absolute gap between them...
What the hell was this?
He had fought so hard to become stronger, yet it felt like nothing had changed.
A wave of helplessness washed over Law.
Maude stepped forward, patting Law's shoulder with a smile.
"Don't be discouraged. Go clean up that Yarukiman Mangrove."
He gestured toward the massive tree, still toppling toward the ground.
Law forced a bitter smile and followed Maude's gaze.
Just as Law looked away, Maude vanished into thin air.
"Huh?"
Noticing the anomaly, Law quickly glanced back—but the spot where Maude had been standing was empty.
"Where did he go?"
Law frowned slightly.
With the mangrove about to hit the ground, he had no time to think and hurried toward the falling tree.
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Grove 13.
The Heart Pirates watched their captain's resounding defeat.
Though they trusted Law's strength implicitly, his opponent was Maude, after all.
"Hope the Captain doesn't get too down about it..."
They began heading toward the stairs, intending to comfort Law.
Meanwhile—
On a high slope where the Fallen Monk Pirates were gathered—
Urouge had been hoping to witness a spectacular battle, but Law's swift defeat left him disappointed.
"Why didn't he finish off the Surgeon of Death?"
Urouge gazed at the two conversing men from afar, puzzled.
Bonney and Apoo were equally surprised.
They had never seen Maude in person, but they had heard the rumors.
The most notable rumor—
Was that after becoming a Warlord, Maude stationed himself at Sabaody Archipelago and slaughtered any rookie pirate attempting to reach the New World.
To most pirates in the first half of the Grand Line, Maude was a cold, ruthless man who played by no rules.
"Looks like they know each other."
Seeing the lack of further conflict, Urouge felt a tinge of disappointment.
However—
Just glimpsing Maude's presence made the trip worthwhile.
"Let's go."
Urouge waved his massive hand.
He hadn't come here just to admire Maude.
Deep down, he harbored a desire to challenge him.
Yet after witnessing Maude's fight with Law, that notion now seemed utterly arrogant.
"It's not time yet... I mustn't rush... Heh..."
Urouge mused silently.
Before leaving, he glanced back at Maude one last time.
"Huh?"
His eyes widened in confusion.
Maude was gone.
The moment doubt arose, a figure appeared before him out of thin air.
Who else could it be but Maude?
"Who gave you the courage?"
Maude calmly looked down at Urouge, who stood a head shorter.
Urouge's face changed, suddenly feeling the air around him tighten—an almost suffocating pressure.
He didn't realize Maude's words referred not just to him, but also to the other two Supernovas watching from the shadows.
The oppressive force loomed like a mountain.
Without thinking, Urouge unstrapped the massive hexagonal pillar from his back and swung it at Maude with all his might.
His response was swift and decisive.
However—
Maude raised a single index finger, stopping the black pillar mid-swing.
"With just one finger..."
Urouge's eyes widened in disbelief, as if trapped in a dream.
Behind him, the Fallen Monk Pirates finally reacted, only to see the chilling sight that made their blood run cold.
Their captain, who always relied on brute strength, had his full-power strike halted by a single finger.
How was this possible?
The crew stood frozen.
Not far away, Bonney and Apoo noticed the commotion.
"No way..."
Their faces paled.
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