In that instant, space itself seemed to tear apart under his force, leaving only a lingering afterimage that made his whereabouts impossible to trace.
Smoothie's pupils contracted sharply, a flicker of vigilance and gravity flashing in her previously calm eyes.
As one of the Sweet Commanders, her instincts were fully awakened.
Without hesitation, she drew her sword, holding it horizontally before her to block.
"Clang!"
The deafening sound of metal clashing reverberated through the silent port like a massive bell.
The intense sound waves seemed to possess tangible force, causing the port's waters to ripple violently.
Bullet's powerful iron fist, carrying an unstoppable momentum, slammed heavily onto Smoothie's blade.
The tremendous impact spread outward from the two like a tidal wave, the shockwave sending several of Big Mom's officers flying through the air.
The officers tumbled like broken kites, tracing awkward arcs before crashing heavily to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
"So strong." Smoothie frowned, her sleek long hair whipping wildly in the shockwave like strands of black silk.
Beneath her feet, the ground cracked under the immense pressure, forming a sprawling spiderweb of fissures that testified to the terrifying force of the blow.
"I've long heard of your prowess in battle, but is this how the Eternal Divine Kingdom treats its guests?" Smoothie's voice held a hint of mockery, yet carried a serious undertone.
Bullet laughed maniacally as he withdrew his fist, his booming laughter echoing through the air.
While stepping back, he assumed a fighting stance, his muscles bulging like steel, each hardened contour seeming to contain boundless power ready to erupt at any moment.
"Guests?" He tilted his head slightly, his eyes revealing disdain and arrogance. "Here, there are only the strong and the weak!"
A mysterious, confident smile curved at the corners of Smoothie's lips.
She slowly raised her sword, which gleamed with a chilling light, and the blade began to swell unnaturally.
As she activated her Fruit ability, the sword seemed to take on a life of its own, lengthening and thickening continuously while emitting an eerie glow.
"In that case... I'll gladly oblige." Smoothie's voice was clear and resolute.
The next moment, both figures vanished simultaneously from their positions!
The speed reached its extreme, leaving behind blurred afterimages in the air.
The sky above the harbor erupted with continuous metallic clashes, sounding like raindrops fiercely striking tin sheets—crisp and intense.
Each collision was accompanied by dazzling sparks and powerful shockwaves, which swept through like hurricanes, pushing the docked ships away from the pier.
The vessels rocked violently on the water, creaking and groaning under the strain.
Big Mom's officers stared in stunned silence at the sudden duel, their eyes filled with shock and fear.
A few of the more timid or cunning officers had already stealthily reached for their weapons, seemingly prepared to intervene or defend themselves if necessary.
"Everyone, stay put!"
Smoothie's voice cut through the fierce battle, carrying a hint of exhaustion yet brimming with authority.
"I'm fine!"
Her words acted like an anchor, quelling the restless officers and preventing them from making any rash moves.
Smoothie's longsword had expanded to an astonishing size, its massive blade resembling a towering mountain.
Every swing carried the force to split mountains and part seas.
Where the blade passed, the air was torn to shreds, emitting sharp, whistling sounds.
But Bullet's iron fists were equally formidable. His Armament Haki-clad fists clashed directly with the blade, sending countless sparks flying.
Each spark was like a burning meteor, tracing a brief yet brilliant trail across the night sky.
"Boom!"
After a fierce collision, the two momentarily separated.
Bullet grinned, revealing a row of sharp, white teeth.
He cracked his neck, producing a series of popping sounds, and stretched his limbs, feeling in excellent condition.
Meanwhile, Smoothie's boots were deeply embedded in the ground, leaving two distinct footprints.
Her breathing was slightly labored, her chest rising and falling gently, but her eyes still burned with a fierce fighting spirit.
Bullet's gaze was full of admiration and battle intent.
"Not bad, little girl. You're much stronger than that biscuit guy from before."
Bullet's hawk-like eyes blazed with fighting spirit, yet they were filled with appreciation.
A fight was necessary, but he couldn't afford to injure or kill her—otherwise, Ron would surely hold him accountable.
"That biscuit guy was soft and weak, like chewing gum that's lost its flavor—all bark and no bite. But you're different. That move just now actually surprised me."
Smoothie nodded slightly, elegantly sheathing her sword with a fluid motion.
A faint smile played on her lips as she replied softly, "I appreciate the compliment. Now... shall we discuss official matters?"
Her tone was composed and calm, as if the intense clash had been nothing more than a minor interlude.
Bullet suddenly threw his head back and laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Good! You've earned the right to stay!"
He turned abruptly, his footsteps heavy and resolute, and strode toward the city.
"Follow me. I'll take you to your quarters."
Smoothie glanced back at her officers and gave a subtle signal.
Understanding immediately, they quietly fell in line behind her.
This sudden "test" had been like an unexpected storm, giving her a new understanding of the Eternal Divine Kingdom's strength.
She thought to herself that perhaps... this collaboration might prove more valuable than anticipated.
Meanwhile, Bullet walking ahead had a glint of amusement flash in his eyes.
His rough hand stroked the prominent scar on his chin—a scar that seemed like a medal from past battles, chronicling the fights.
He thought to himself: 'When Ron returns and sees this "gift," he should give me some credit, right?'
'After all, i'm smoothly handling someone from the Big Mom Pirates—and I heard they brought quite a decent Devil Fruit ability—is also a significant achievement.'
In the luxurious guest room of the Eternal Divine Kingdom, soft light spilled into every corner, illuminating the space with a golden, resplendent glow.
Smoothie sat gracefully on the leather sofa, which was soft and comfortable enough to envelop a person.
"No need to look further. This contains the blood of the World Destroyer: Bryndy World."