363 Kizaru in danger

The man staring from a distance was none other than Senju Hashirama, as famous as Uchiha Madara, and no less powerful than Aokiji.

After the brief clashes just now, Aokiji could be certain that his earlier suspicions were correct. Among the Kamui Pirates, there were indeed a number of powerhouses on par with Marine Admirals. Take Senju Hashirama, for example—he was one of the best proofs of that.

At the same time, Aokiji couldn’t help but sigh at Kronos’ ability to attract such talent. To gather so many formidable individuals under his banner was something not everyone could do.

At this moment, Zephyr, who had drawn so much attention, was lying weakly under an old tree.

His breathing…
Incredibly faint.
His face…
Pale as death.

He looked like a man stricken with a terminal illness.

“Am I still defeated after all? And I lost so completely…”

“It’s shameful… my reputation will be ruined in this battle!”

As Zephyr recalled what had just happened, a tightness surged in his chest, and he nearly coughed up blood on the spot.

He had originally planned to die with Kronos—to drag the strongest pirate down to hell with him and give Marine a brighter future.

But what Zephyr never expected was that his carefully prepared explosion was nothing more than a tickle against Kronos’ terrifying body.

It was like waves crashing against an immovable reef.

Zephyr didn’t just want to die—he wanted to crawl into a hole from sheer humiliation. In his eyes, this was so disgraceful that it was enough to shame his ancestors.

Never before had he felt so humiliated!

Not only had he failed to kill his enemy, but he had also severely injured himself.

Two words summed it up: utter shame.

Kronos turned, grinned, and looked down at him.

“Well, your injuries don’t look too bad, right?

I must admit, I underestimated your courage and determination. I didn’t expect you to actually try dragging me down to death with you.”

Then Kronos shifted his tone, a smile tugging at his lips.

“However, you not only underestimated me—you also overestimated yourself, thinking you had the ability to succeed.

In my eyes, Zephyr, you’re nothing more than a slightly sturdier old man, that’s all.

Do you really think that with your pathetic three-legged-cat skills, you could threaten my life?

If that’s truly what you believe, then I suggest you go back to your hometown and start farming. The battlefield isn’t the place for you…”

His words were ruthless, sarcastic, and merciless.

But there was also a sting of truth in them.

Was Kronos completely wrong? Not at all. His words were harsh, but not baseless.

Every sentence was like a venomous thorn, stabbing into Zephyr and the hearts of every Marine present.

Zephyr’s face turned pale blue, while the Marines nearby looked equally grim. Several Vice Admirals were furious, thinking Kronos had gone too far—it was no longer just mockery, but a personal insult.

Meanwhile, back at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral, nearly spat blood in anger.

“Damn it… damn it all!”

For once, Sengoku cursed openly, unable to maintain his usual calm. His steady, composed face finally cracked, unable to endure the humiliation.

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