Mosen frowned, somewhat bewildered, as he looked at the older man whose hair had already turned white. Being abruptly blocked by someone hostile didn’t make him feel like being polite.
Imitating Kizaru’s tone, he casually picked at his ear with his pinky finger and said, “Who are you, old man? Your aura is quite terrifying.”
I’ve never seen you before, and now you’re here to provoke me?
Joking? Who do you think you are?
This brigadier general was none other than Risti, whom Mosen had encountered at the bar last night. Risti had been chasing a group of pirates but had failed as they escaped to the New World. Returning to Marine Headquarters to rest, he went to his usual bar.
As a sixty-year-old man with no friends, his only place to unwind was the bar. Unexpectedly, he heard about Mosen’s promotion while drinking, which only fueled his bad mood. Seeing the news in the paper the next morning made his anger boil over. He angrily grabbed the paper, inquired about Mosen’s whereabouts, and came to confront him, blocking Mosen’s way.
Risti was even more incensed when Mosen, imitating Kizaru’s annoying tone, clearly didn’t take him seriously.
“Arrogant brat, let me teach you how to respect your elders and see if you’re worthy of being a captain!” Risti’s eyes turned red, his muscles bulging as he swung a blackened fist at Mosen.
Mosen’s expression soured. Even if you’re upset about a youngster getting promoted, you don’t need to use Armament Haki. This was a life-or-death attack.
Although Mosen had initially mocked the older man, he hadn’t intended to harm him. But now, seeing Risti using his full strength, it was clear the older man wanted to kill him.
Having served in the Marines for some time, Mosen had never encountered someone like this, reminding him that not all Marines were righteous.
“Seriously, there’s something wrong with your brain,” Mosen muttered as he drew his sword to counter the incoming fist. He also shouted, “You two, step back!”
Bang!
The clash of fist and blade created a massive explosion, sending shockwaves in all directions. The powerful impact cracked the stone pavement beneath their feet, scattering dust around them.
“Not bad, brat. No wonder you’re so arrogant,” Risti sneered, his other fist swinging toward Mosen.
“Arrogant, my ass!” Mosen was thoroughly annoyed. You started this fight, and now I’m the arrogant one?
Are you blind or just stupid?!
Stepping back, Mosen vanished in an instant, reappearing behind Risti. With a swift motion, he slashed down with his sword. The sharp blade created a piercing wind, making Risti’s hair stand on end.
With no time for other actions, Risti covered his shoulder with Armament Haki to block the attack.
Clang!
Another loud clash rang out as Risti was knocked to the ground, sliding several meters forward. This was Mosen holding back; had he aimed for the older man’s head, even Armament Haki might not have prevented a serious concussion.
Getting up, Risti’s clothes were now dirty and disheveled, his face covered in dust. The stark contrast to Mosen’s pristine appearance made Risti even angrier. His eyes were bloodshot, he panted heavily, and his icy killing intent radiated outward.
“Brat, you’ve completely pissed me off. Die!”
His tone was furious, his voice seething with rage. A crowd had gathered by now, and soldiers were converging on the scene. This being Marine Headquarters, their response was swift.
Yet, the enraged brigadier general didn’t care about any of this.
Shave
Risti flashed in front of Mosen, his blackened fists raining down on Mosen’s upper body like a storm.
Mosen’s patience was wearing thin. This older man had shown clear intent to kill, his punches aimed directly at vital spots.
Although Mosen’s mastery of body techniques and observation of Haki made dodging seemingly powerful but slow punches easy, this was too much.
You think I’m giving you a face, right? Enough is enough!
After dodging Risti’s assault, Mosen counterattacked with his sword.
Swipe… Swipe…
A series of slashes forced Risti, whose Observation Haki sensed the attacks but whose aged body couldn’t keep up, to defend with Armament Haki.
Onlookers, including families of Marines and off-duty officers, began recognizing Mosen and Risti.
“Isn’t that Brigadier General Risti? And that young man is Captain Mosen, the new Marine prodigy. Why are they fighting?” a major remarked.
“Who knows? I heard a loud noise and saw them fighting,” said a nearby resident.
“From the looks of it, Mosen’s reputation as a prodigy is well deserved.”
“Indeed, Risti is getting beaten badly,” someone noted with a hint of schadenfreude.
“I heard Risti was frustrated after failing to catch some pirates. When he heard about Mosen’s promotion at the bar, he decided to take it out on him,” another voice said.
“Seems pretty petty.”
“No kidding. Risti’s reputation wasn’t great to begin with, and this just confirms it.”
Risti wasn’t well-liked at Marine Headquarters.
Back at the fight, Mosen’s continuous attacks had drained Risti’s stamina, making his movements sluggish. Seizing an opportunity, Mosen kicked Risti, sending him flying into a decorative rock formation beside the road.
Crash…
The impact shattered the small rocks, sending pieces scattering and some parts collapsing. Fortunately, Risti’s Armament Haki and physical strength kept him from being crushed.
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