One Piece: Nobody knows Devil Fruits better than me.

Chapter 274 A Certain Family's Snake
Egghead Island, the core research layer.

Satan, holding a cane, looked up at the enormous creature in front of him.

That was the giant robot 'Emmite' from ancient times.

Behind him, Vegapunk followed closely.

"So, you haven't finished your research on the 'Eternal Flame' yet?"

Satan asked in a cold voice.

“Vegapunk, you should know this—my patience is limited.”

He turned his head slightly to look at Vegapunk: "I haven't gone into detail about the bear matter with you, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about it. If you can't speed up your research, even I can't protect you."

"You cannot afford the price of angering 'God'."

Despite having made up his mind to execute Vegapunk after he completed his research.

However, Satan would obviously not say that directly on the surface.

“I understand, Lord Satan.”

At this moment, Vegapunk also behaved very respectfully.

"Please be clear, Bartholomew Xiong's matter is indeed unrelated to me, and it was not I who helped him."

"I also care about my own life—although the research on the 'Eternal Flame' is not yet completely finished, I have basically mastered the manufacturing technology. To prove this to you, I have prepared the research materials."

"Please understand that the research deadline has been brought forward so much; this is the limit of what I can do."

He spoke earnestly, as if begging for mercy.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Satan finally felt somewhat satisfied.

"Research data?"

He asked with certainty.

Vegapunk nodded repeatedly: "Yes, I have already organized them, and you are welcome to visit them at any time."

"Vegapunk".

But after saying this, Satan sneered: "You should know—I am also a top scientist, and fake research data cannot fool me."

His words carried a clear air of arrogance.

“Of course, Your Excellency Satan.”

Vegapunk remained respectful: "Of course I know of your expertise in ancient technology. The information you provided me has benefited me greatly, so I would never deceive you on such a matter."

"Humph."

Upon hearing this, Satan finally nodded in satisfaction.

"very good."

As mentioned earlier, he is also a scientist.

Therefore, he believed he had seen through Vegapunk—a somewhat talented, cowardly, and naive fool.

He didn't believe Vegapunk had the guts or ability to deceive him on such a matter—after all, he would soon check the research materials, and once he discovered Vegapunk was lying, the latter would only face death.

"After you complete your research, I will help you become a 'Celestial Dragon'."

He made such an empty promise, but he had already made up his mind.

Once Vegapunk creates the 'Eternal Flame,' he will immediately claim all the credit—he will destroy all traces of the research here and offer the Eternal Flame to Lord Im.

That was an unparalleled achievement.

At that time, we will rely on this merit.

The Five Elders can naturally regain Lord Im's trust—and the day when the sea drowns everything will come quickly.

No, it's not as simple as 'regaining trust'.

"There will be no more 'Five Elders' as long as the Eternal Flame is in my hands."

"That Don Quixote lad is crude in his methods, but his ideas are not wrong."

Satan murmured to himself.

Yes.

This was what he truly desired—a position above his four colleagues.

Just like Doflamingo's idea.

He will become the new 'King of the World'.

"The highest power in the world is enough for me alone."

That's why Satan chose to send Emmett here years ago, without telling Im and the other five elders.

"Let's go."

With this in mind, Satan turned to look at Vegapunk again: "Take me to see your research results."

He was also very curious—after the bear incident, he had already threatened and imprisoned Vegapunk, forcing him to accelerate his research on the 'Eternal Flame'.

And now, he doesn't know what level the other party's research has reached.

"Of course, no problem."

Upon hearing this, Vegapunk swallowed almost imperceptibly before slowly turning around.

"Research data is in Laboratory 45"

"Number 45?"

Satan frowned upon hearing this: "Why put it so far away?"

Laboratory 45 is currently the last laboratory on the island.

“Well, that’s because… well, I was worried that research on the ‘Eternal Flame’ would stimulate the robot that was too close, causing it to be reactivated, so I deliberately chose a location for the laboratory that was far away.”

Vegapunk's voice was somewhat subtle.

But at this moment, Satan did not doubt it much after hearing this.

This robot is indeed very dangerous, and Vegapunk's reasoning is, in his view, 'necessary caution'.

"Then let's go to number 45."

But it was precisely at the moment when Satan spoke in this way.

"Lord Saint Satan!"

The sound of hurried footsteps came from not far away.

The captain of Satan's guard strode up to Satan.

Meeting Satan's gloomy and suspicious gaze, he knelt on one knee: "Saint Satan—we have just received news that there is a situation on Instein Island!"

He said that.

"Einstein Island?"

Satan grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze turning dangerously toward his subordinate.

"I've already said it—the insects' fight has nothing to do with us."

He spoke in a cold voice.

Just as mentioned before, he came here only to ascertain Vegapunk's research progress and had no intention of getting involved in the so-called 'strongest' competition among those insects in the mortal realm.

But
"No, it's not just this, Lord Satan!"

But the captain of the guards said in a deep voice, "We just received the news. The battle on Instein Island has already been decided, and the key is... the Sword God, the Sword God..."

He paused, as if digesting the incredible answer he had just heard.

"That swordsman called 'Sword God' has just revealed his identity—he is one of the 'Twelve Constellations,' and one of their highest-ranking members, the Snake!?"

And it was at the very moment these words were spoken.

"Boom!"

Intense pressure and pitch-black lightning suddenly appeared in this core layer.

The captain of the guard almost stumbled on the spot.

And in front of him.

Satan's body also seemed to begin to swell at this moment, even showing a faint tendency to develop into a 'monster'.

The eyes of this Five Elders transformed into pupils resembling those of a beast, and his gaze was fixed intently on his subordinate before him.

"What did you say!?"

The low growl sounded like that of a wild beast.

at the same time.

Satan Saint, however, did not notice the barely perceptible sigh of relief that Vegapunk made behind him.

Let's rewind ten minutes.

Instein Island.

Under the collective gaze of audiences worldwide.

The storm that had swept across the entire sea area had now completely subsided near Instein Island.

Of course, that doesn't mean the storm has actually stopped.

That's simply because—in this sea area, there is no longer any space for wind and rain to find shelter.

"Back up quickly!"

"Don't go near that island, you'll die!"

At this moment, within the live broadcast frame.

The World Economic News Agency's news ship had retreated to a position quite a distance from Instein Island.

However, none of the viewers watching the live stream had any objections to this.

because
"boom!"

At this moment, in the center of Instein Island, far away.

The two swordsmen, perhaps the strongest in the ocean, were engaged in their final battle.

Due to the great distance, their figures were no longer clearly visible.

But it doesn't matter.

Because at this moment, everyone can see the aftershocks of the battle—and even just that part is enough to astonish people.

Centered on the point of collision between the two, the sky over the entire sea area where Instein Island is located seemed to be split in two at that moment.

Half of the sky was a pitch-black night sky.

It was a magnificent strike formed by the fusion of an extremely powerful and domineering aura and sword energy.

Wind, rain, thunder, lightning, sunlight, and sound—everything seemed to be swallowed up.

That was the sword belonging to 'Hawkeye' Mihawk.

That was worthy of the name of the black blade in his hand, his strongest sword technique, 'Eternal Night'!
On the other half of the sky, there was a blazing blue, dragon-like slash.

As it soared into the air, it instantly dispelled all the remaining dark clouds in the waters surrounding the island.

The sunlight poured down again, creating dazzling ripples on the sea, as if mirroring the eternal night seen through the eyes of an eagle.

"boom!"

At this moment, the entire island of Instein was groaning in despair, unable to bear the burden any longer.

Everyone could clearly see that the island's foundation had already completely disintegrated, and even a bottomless, enormous valley had appeared beneath the island, with surging seawater pouring in.

But ironically, Instein Island was never completely cut off.

The reason for this is that the two people at the core of the island are still clashing with their swords! Those two earth-shattering strikes, even though they are only separated by the live broadcast, make the audience all over the world feel a sense of dread.

Until
"clang!"

"laugh!"

It was hard to say whether it was a second or an hour—in a fleeting moment when everyone was completely focused, they heard the sound of clashing weapons and the sound of blades slicing through flesh.

It was at this very moment that the surrounding island of Einstein Island, which had already been cut open, completely collapsed, revealing jagged rock layers.

The flying dragon plunges into the eternal night.

then
"Buzz!"

The sky was bright.

At this moment, on that island that has been divided down to just the central part.

The two figures reappeared.

They were all standing, but they had switched places and were now standing back to back.

Hawkeye's short black hair was now disheveled—and on his chest, a huge 'I'-shaped wound tore through his coat and his tough body.

"Crack!"

He plunged the Supreme Grade Sword "Yoru," symbolizing the world's strongest sword, deep into the ground to support his swaying body.

He slightly turned his gaze to look at the figure behind him.

"That's really good."

"I—have lost."

Hawkeye murmured to himself, his voice seemingly carrying a strange sense of satisfaction.

That's exactly how it feels.

The 'frustration' of fighting hard but being defeated, and the 'unwillingness' intertwined with sadness and regret.

That was a touch he and his sword had once felt, but which was now unfamiliar to him.

It was this feeling that told him—his sword could become stronger, and there were still those he couldn't surpass.

And behind him.

The 'Sword God' was also standing.

"."

He held the equally black Qiu Shui tightly in his hand.

Behind him, his black wings had been severed, and his left shoulder also bore a slash that cut diagonally down to his right abdomen.

Golden blood, unique to the Lunaria race, flowed down.

But his eyes were now gleaming with a flame of near satisfaction.

In that instant, he was not the 'God of Swords'.

Or rather, he is the true 'Sword God'—he is Shimotsuki Ryoma.

He did not deny Hawkeye's words.

He won.

But
"That kind of thing is no longer important."

At that moment, Shimotsuki Ryoma simply turned his head and looked at Hawkeye.

Then, he grinned.

Thank you.

"I made that cut with great gusto."

At that moment, it was unclear who he was talking to.

Is it Hawkeye?
Or perhaps it's the person inside him who fulfilled his wish?

But as he said.

It doesn't matter anymore.

"It's so good to have another chance to wield a sword."

He breathed in the air, gripped the sword, and felt the touch.

"."

Hawkeye seemed to have sensed something as well.

He blinked, as if he wanted to say something.

But in the end, he didn't say it.

"Boom!"

He just collapsed and lay on the ground.

But at the same time...
"We won! It's the Sword God! The Sword God is still standing!!"

On the World Economic News Agency's news ship, a commentator, standing far away, put his mouth to the microphone and shouted with all his might.

His voice was hoarse and distorted with extreme shock and excitement, "Unbelievable! Two swordsmen who were ahead of their time destroyed the entire island!"

"The final result is—'Hawkeye' Mihawk is no longer able to rise!"

"A new legend has been born! A new world's strongest swordsman has been born!"

His voice was instantly transmitted to every corner of the world via a live Den Den Mushi (a type of electric telephone).

Then everyone watching the live stream fell into a deathly silence.

immediately
They erupted in a tsunami of gasps.

"Hawkeye...lost?!"

"Are you kidding me! The world's number one swordsman has fallen?!"

"The world's strongest 'black sword' has been defeated!?"

"The God of Swords! He...he really did it!"

"Who exactly is he!?"

Although we had already witnessed the strength of the Sword God in previous battles.

But even as Hawkeye fell, all the swordsmen couldn't help but feel a sense of horror.

At this moment, everyone in the world finally reached that unified understanding.

The world's strongest swordsman is the 'God of Swords'.

But it is precisely at this moment.
"Wait... It sounds like someone's approaching?"

"It's the Star of Justice flag, it's the World Government's ship!"

"They're a CP member!"

Just as the whole world was immersed in the shock of the birth of the new strongest swordsman.

They also clearly saw that several small boats were rushing toward the ruined Einstein Island at an astonishing speed.

They were dressed in white suits and wore various masks—they were CP0, the world government's top secret intelligence agency!

"Intelligence has been received that Admiral 'Aokiji' has been intercepted by 'Red Hair'!"

"Execute the mission! Capture Hawkeye!"

"Now is the best opportunity!"

Without hesitation, they leaped into the air and headed towards Eagle Eye.

Their goal is quite clear.

The current situation clearly presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture Hawkeye—the chance to see the world's greatest swordsman defeated and lying obediently on the ground is rare.

But it is precisely at this moment.
"Clang!"

There was no earth-shattering fanfare.

A single slash instantly sliced ​​through the ground, then cut a CP0 member charging at the front in half!

"Boom!"

As the body of the CP0 member fell to the ground, the other CPs also stopped in their tracks instantly.

Their gazes were all fixed on the man still standing on the island.

"Sword God! What do you mean by this!?"

At that moment, the Sword God held Autumn Water in his hand.

Blood continued to gush from his wounds, and his aura was clearly very weak, with even his breathing becoming rapid—it seemed that even the physical strength of the Bakania and Lunaria tribes could not quickly recover from Hawkeye's attack.

Even in his obviously 'severely injured' state, he still looked at the CP0 members in front of him with a cold gaze.

"We're here to arrest Hawkeye, this is none of your business!"

"The World Government is not your enemy—as long as you cooperate with us on our mission, your previous attack on the 'Navy' can be wiped clean. You'd better..."

At that moment, CP0 also spoke in a deep voice.

"Hey"

But before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the figure of the Sword God.

That swaying figure uttered only one word.

The members of CP0 were so intimidated by this aura that their steps faltered instantly.

Because they could all sense the terrifying pressure that was descending upon them at that moment.

"With injuries like that, he was clearly on the verge of death, yet he still possessed such a level of spirit."

The CP0 members were simply stunned.

But the next moment, they heard the words of the Sword God.

"You petty scoundrels who rashly interfere in the swordsman's duel and spout nonsense you yourselves don't even believe. Do you really think my sword can't slay you?"

His words were weak, but calm.

"As members of the World Government, your ways of doing things are indeed consistent."

As they spoke, the members of CP0 fell silent for a moment.

The main issue is that they themselves know they are lying.

They were indeed ordered to capture Hawkeye.

However, after confirming that the Blade God was a 'Lunalia', he was naturally included in their mission objectives as well—what the CP0 member said earlier was just a delaying tactic.

"you"

However, before these CP0 members could come up with any rebuttal...

"Furthermore, you're saying—the World Government isn't an enemy of any particular party?"

They then saw that the Sword God had slightly raised his hand.

But coincidentally...

With trembling hands, he lightly wiped his face.

The next moment.
"Buzz!"

Without a sound, the head of a sea beast began to emerge from above his head and slowly condensed.

And that was a snake-head mask.

"This 'Snake' family considers itself an enemy of your world government!"

　My friend is getting married, so I'm taking the day off today. That's all for this chapter.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)