Luffy's eyes narrowed, his breath steady as he locked onto Klahadore. The butler's smirk twisted into something darker, his claws gleaming under the pale moonlight. The air between them was heavy with tension—the kind that came before violence.
Without warning, Klahadore lunged, his speed blurring as he slashed toward Luffy. But this time, Luffy met him head-on. His shadow tendrils shot forward, weaving into a defensive net that deflected the attack. Sparks danced in the air as claw met shadow.
Luffy countered, his tendrils splitting and striking from multiple angles. Klahadore twisted with unnatural flexibility, dodging each strike with precision. The butler's movements were graceful but laced with malice, like a serpent weaving through an unseen dance.
Zoro rejoined the fray, slashing in synchronization with Luffy's shadows. His blades cut through the air in perfect arcs, forcing Klahadore to shift from offense to defense. The sound of steel scraping against claws echoed through the night.
Usopp, from his rooftop position, loaded an explosive pellet. His palms were sweaty, but he steadied his breathing. He waited for an opening. "Come on, hold still just a second..." he whispered.
Klahadore, sensing the pressure, clicked his tongue in irritation. "You pests are proving more troublesome than I anticipated." He lashed out with a sweeping kick, creating space between himself and his opponents.
Luffy used the break to deepen his connection to the shadows. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling their hunger. He could push further. He had to.
When he opened his eyes, his pupils flickered with black energy. His tendrils thickened, their edges sharp like blades. He shot them forward again, this time with greater speed and force.
Klahadore dodged, but Luffy's shadows moved unpredictably, curving midair and grazing his arm. A thin cut appeared on his pristine suit. His smirk faltered.
"Heh. So you can bleed," Luffy said, his voice low.
Klahadore's eyes gleamed with fury. "You'll regret that."
The battle escalated. Shadows clashed with claws, swords with swift kicks. Each strike was faster, more desperate. The ground beneath them bore the scars of their battle—slashes in the dirt, gouges from shadow spikes, and the faint burn of Usopp's earlier explosives.
Inside the mansion, Nami half-carried Kaya toward the exit. The girl was weak but determined. "We have to hurry," Nami urged.
"I'm trying," Kaya whispered, her breath shallow. Fear gripped her heart, but she trusted Nami.
As they reached the door, a guard appeared. He raised his weapon, but before he could strike, Nami whipped her staff across his face, knocking him out cold. She exhaled sharply. "Keep moving."
Outside, Usopp finally spotted his opening. Klahadore, momentarily distracted by Zoro, exposed his side. Usopp fired. The pellet struck Klahadore's shoulder, releasing a small explosion.
Klahadore staggered, smoke rising from his suit. He snarled, his gaze snapping to Usopp. "You insignificant little worm!"
Luffy seized the moment. His shadows surged forward, wrapping around Klahadore's legs, pulling him to the ground. Luffy leapt, fist raised.
"This ends now!" he roared, bringing his fist down with all his strength.
The night erupted with the sound of impact.
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