Morde stood before Vice Admiral Doberman in the square.The officer stared at him coldly. "So, you're the one who bears that cursed power."
"Yes, I am," Morde shot back arrogantly. "But you should be worried about what happens next."
Doberman's mocking laughter sliced through the air. "You think you can defeat me? Then come — and be serious."
Morde charged forward, fury blazing in his eyes. His dark seal pulsed, but Doberman had already mastered such power. With a swift parry, the Vice Admiral countered —"Iron Fist!"His punch crushed into Morde's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground, gasping.
"I… won't fall here!" Morde groaned, forcing himself up. He unleashed a flurry of attacks, yet Doberman effortlessly dodged them.
"Power without resolve is nothing, rookie," Doberman barked, firing bursts of energy from his palms. "Experience makes it real."
At his command, a thousand marines surrounded Morde. Kai's voice echoed in his mind — Don't face the Navy alone! But it was too late.
"Take him alive!" Doberman ordered.
"Then come and try!" Morde roared, rushing into the ranks.
Dark energy burst from his body — wild, uncontrollable — and struck down a marine instantly.
Everyone froze, even Doberman. "You can wield that power already?!"
Morde smirked through the shock. "Guess I was born for it."
Rage consumed Doberman as he drew his blade. "Now you're finished, you foolish pirate. My final attack—!"
As Morde stood frozen, Kai's last warning echoed once more:"If you ever fall into the hands of the World Government… you'll never escape."
Regret sank into his heart like cold iron.