NOVEL NEXT Chapter 326: Uh... Go Easy?
For a split second, the jungle ravine fell completely silent. Then, like a spark hitting dry grass, the entire group erupted, faces flushing red with anger.
"That bastard!"
"I've never seen anyone so full of himself!"
"Get him!"
"No matter what, we've gotta teach him a lesson!"
...
They all gritted their teeth and glared at the black-haired young man grinning wildly, drawing their swords and charging in together.
Dalmatian was the fastest.
The moment he sprang forward, his body stretched and grew—his hybrid form of the spotted dog already taking shape.
With the natural speed of a Zoan-type and the boost from Soru, he was in front of Daren in the blink of an eye.
"Don't think you're the only one who's gotten stronger, Daren!"
His sharp claws gleamed with a cold light, wrapped in Haki as they slashed down hard toward Daren's chest.
"We've never once slacked off!"
Dalmatian roared as he attacked.
A faint smile flickered in Daren's eyes.
As he raised his arm to block, a ripping sound tore through the air, and sparks flew from the impact.
Dalmatian felt like he'd just clawed into solid diamond—his fingertips and nails flared with sharp pain.
Meanwhile, Daren, who had effortlessly blocked the strike, showed nothing but a faint white claw mark on his arm. Not a single drop of blood had spilled.
What kind of monster is this!?
Dalmatian's pupils contracted—he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
There are some things you only truly understand when you experience them yourself.
He'd long known Daren's body was absurdly tough, but this? This was far beyond anything he'd imagined.
"Dalmatian, your focus is off. You hesitated at the moment you struck."
Daren's voice suddenly boomed in his ears like thunder.
"You need to commit fully to your attack! Haki... is the power of will!"
Dalmatian's entire body trembled, as if something had just clicked in his mind.
But before he could act on it—
Daren's military boot slammed into his gut like a rocket-powered battering ram.
Bang!
"I—!"
Dalmatian curled in on himself, eyes bulging as his stomach twisted violently. He nearly threw up every drop of beer from the night before.
"Watch carefully. This is the second-stage release of Armament Haki."
Daren said it calmly.
Bang!
A burst of invisible force exploded from his boot. The upper half of Dalmatian's uniform tore apart instantly, and a white shockwave erupted from his back.
His body launched like a cannonball, smashing through more than a dozen towering trees before finally crashing into the ground.
Boom!
Dust and debris shot skyward, trees collapsing in a chain reaction.
The others watched in stunned silence. Eyes twitching, cold sweat beading on their foreheads.
"Don't worry, I'm holding back."
Daren turned to face them, his gaze cold and commanding.
"But the sea out there is merciless. The enemies waiting for you won't hold anything back."
"You're no longer part of the Marines. You don't have warships or cannons watching your backs. When you're up against someone you can't defeat, there won't be any reinforcements... The only ones you can rely on are yourselves."
The moment he finished speaking, the group fell silent—but their eyes lit up with newfound resolve.
Their hands no longer trembled as they gripped their swords. They drew a deep breath, then burst forward in unison.
Blades slashed sharply, shots rang out with precision, and Rokushiki techniques struck fiercely. They moved in formation, covering one another, retreating and advancing in perfect rhythm. For a moment, it almost looked like they were pushing Daren back.
This group of officers, hardened by the most rigorous military academy training, was now facing the strongest "opponent" they'd ever known. Yet through seamless coordination, they displayed incredible tactical brilliance.
As the battle wore on, their synergy only improved. Dalmatian and Yamakaji soon joined the fray as well.
A dozen or more former Marine officers threw everything they had at the demon-like young man—trying to force an opening, or simply hoping to learn something from the clash.
And through it all, a faint smile began to form in Daren's eyes.
Not everyone is cut out to reach Admiral level. For most people on this sea, the highest they'll ever get is Commodore or Rear Admiral.
A Vice Admiral at Marine Headquarters is already someone most can only dream of becoming.
Standing too high above it all, it's easy to forget that without Admiral-tier strength, you're just another speck in the grand scheme.
But the reality is, it's the hard work and perseverance of these core officers that uphold justice and keep the majority safe.
And for them, Daren was willing to rein in his destructive instincts—to spend more time coaching, guiding, and refining their skills.
"Shuzo, your mastery of Rokushiki is solid. From now on, focus more on combat application!"
"Yamakaji, I don't know swordsmanship—but your strikes are too hesitant!"
...
Daren corrected and instructed tirelessly, creating every opportunity he could for their growth.
Just then—
"Hahahaha! An opening!"
Tokikake suddenly flashed behind Daren, unleashing a heavy kick toward his waist.
Thud! A hand caught his foot mid-air.
"Tokikake, your problem is underestimating your opponent and not using your head."
Daren said flatly.
Tokikake's face turned red with frustration.
"That's because I'm strong enough!"
Daren casually stepped back, narrowly dodging Yamakaji's vertical slash, and shook his head.
"Oh yeah?"
Tokikake gritted his teeth.
"Damn it! Are you looking down on me!?"
He swung a heavy punch straight at Daren. The force was immense—ripping through the air and sending shockwaves in its wake.
Bang!
Daren reached out with one hand.
Three fingers formed a dragon claw, gripping Tokikake's punch effortlessly. But Daren's brows furrowed.
That strength—something's off.
"Tsk, tsk... You noticed."
Tokikake let out a low chuckle.
"Ready for this, Daren?"
"Let me show you... my strongest form."
As his voice dropped, an ancient, wild aura erupted from his body.
In an instant, his appearance began to shift dramatically.
Thick black bristles rapidly spread across his skin, gleaming with a metallic sheen. His body swelled and lengthened, jaws extending forward with rows of razor-sharp teeth spilling out, breathing foul-smelling air.
Muscles bulged like coiled serpents beneath his fur—radiating pure brute force.
Ancient Zoan-type: Buta Buta no Mi, Model: Entelodont!
Boom!
Tokikake stomped the ground. The earth beneath his feet—covered in green-black bristles—shattered with a thunderous crack.
"Hahaha! Ugly as it is, this is my ultimate form!"
In his hybrid state, Tokikake roared like a prehistoric beast.
Soundwaves rippled outward, shaking and bending trees all around. The other officers exchanged uneasy looks.
"With the power of an Ancient Zoan, victory's a given! Get ready to be flattened!"
Tokikake bellowed, veins bulging across his thick, muscular arms.
"Let go!"
Roar!
His furious shout shook the jungle, stirring up a whirlwind.
Yamakaji and the others instinctively backed off, watching in stunned silence.
Then their expressions started to shift... and turn a bit strange.
...
Ten seconds later, Tokikake fell quiet.
Despite his desperate struggle, he hadn't broken free.
The dragon claw gripping his fist hadn't budged a millimeter.
Daren stood calmly, watching his little performance with amused interest.
Tokikake: "..."
Seeing Daren's faint, mocking smile, he suddenly gave a sheepish grin and said, almost pleading,
"Um... maybe go a little easy?"
Before he could say more—
As Yamakaji and the others winced in anticipation,
The black-haired young man gripped the Entelodont's arm tight, twisted his hips, and hurled him at the ground like a wrecking ball.
Boom!
The ground cracked apart, rocks flying in every direction.
One slam.
Then another.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The once-imposing ancient beast, roaring with confidence, now looked like a ragdoll being smashed into the earth.
Everyone stood frozen in place, jaws slack. Not one dared to breathe.
Soaked in cold sweat.