Stepping into the ominous forest of Garbage Mountain, Daru swiftly unslung the rifle from his back and gripped it firmly in his hands.
His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, swept across his surroundings with unwavering focus, not daring to relax for even a second.
At the same time, he fully released his Observation Haki, extending his perception to sense any hidden threats or the slightest trace of his opponent.
This rainforest showdown was not merely a test of marksmanship, but a direct clash of Observation Haki and sniper precision.
However, in the very next second, astonishment suddenly surfaced on Daru's previously tense face.
Logically speaking, Alvin, who had entered the forest first, should have concealed himself, secured the optimal firing position, or set up traps to lure his opponent in.
After all, the rules of this life and death duel were simple and absolute. Within this forest, whoever eliminated the other first would be the victor.
And the one who entered the forest first undeniably possessed the greater advantage.
Yet unexpectedly, Alvin did not exploit this favorable condition.
He appeared completely indifferent to conventional tactics, standing openly within view. This abnormal behavior instantly drove Daru's vigilance to its highest level.
Initially, Daru had somewhat underestimated this young challenger.
But now, witnessing Alvin's unexpected composure, he no longer dared to treat him lightly.
It was evident that this seemingly youthful boy possessed extraordinary resolve and mental fortitude. He was far from ordinary.
Daru understood clearly that he had to remain absolutely focused and fight with everything he had.
Sure enough, as Daru cautiously advanced along the winding forest path, he soon spotted Alvin standing in the middle of the road, letting the rain drench him.
He stood tall and upright, his 2.36 meter frame resembling an immovable mountain.
The rain relentlessly battered his broad shoulders, yet he did not move. His hands were empty, no weapon in sight.
Even more striking were Alvin's eyes. They were deep and tranquil, like the still surface of an autumn lake.
From a distance, he seemed almost fused with the forest itself, forming a complete and harmonious presence within the rain soaked wilderness.
"Where is your gun?" Daru's sharp gaze locked onto Alvin like a hawk targeting prey.
He forced the words through clenched teeth, his tone laced with restrained anger.
They were engaged in a life and death sniper duel, yet Alvin dared to appear without even holding a firearm.
To Daru, a proud sharpshooter, this was nothing short of blatant disrespect.
Facing Daru's hostility, Alvin remained calm and composed.
He stood motionless, meeting Daru's stare with eyes equally cold, and spoke in a steady voice.
"I want to change the rules. Neither of us moves a single step. We fire at the same time. Daru, are you ready to die?"
Before the final word fully left his lips, a startling scene unfolded.
A pitch black sniper rifle radiating a chilling presence suddenly appeared in Alvin's previously empty right hand.
Daru's heart trembled.
He instantly recalled Alvin's wanted poster, prominently displayed among the bounty lists. It clearly stated that Alvin was highly likely to be a rare space type Devil Fruit user.
Understanding this, Daru wasted no time. He tightened his grip on his own sniper rifle, his finger resting lightly on the trigger, ready to fire at any instant.
Alvin observed Daru's reaction and knew he had accepted.
The two stood nearly one hundred meters apart, yet neither broke the silence.
The world seemed swallowed by a dense curtain of rain. The steady drumming of raindrops became the only sound.
Fine strands of rain descended from the gloomy sky like countless silver threads weaving a vast curtain.
They struck the earth relentlessly, splashing tiny droplets and soaking the ground. Rainwater pooled and flowed along the path, forming muddy streams.
Despite the downpour, neither Daru nor Alvin was affected.
External interference meant nothing to them.
They were like predators concealed in darkness, senses sharpened to the limit, fully locked onto each other's presence.
Through the hazy veil of rain, each could clearly feel the other's killing intent. The invisible pressure was as heavy as Mount Tai.
The sniper duel had reached its most critical moment.
Both understood that even the slightest mistake would result in death.
They held their cold weapons steadily, fingers resting lightly on the triggers, waiting for the perfect instant.
Every breath was measured.
Every subtle movement was restrained.
Then, at that razor thin moment.
Suddenly.
The sniper rifles in their hands quivered almost simultaneously.
Two deafening gunshots exploded through the forest.
For a split second, the world seemed to freeze. Time itself appeared suspended.
Then the calm shattered.
The gunfire roared like thunder ripping through the sky. The bullets spun violently through the rain, tearing apart the air with piercing whistles.
They raced toward one another at terrifying speed, determined to claim a life.
Raindrops were violently scattered by the speeding rounds, bursting into crystalline sprays midair. Two faint silver trajectories flickered through the rain like lightning streaking across a dark sky, illuminating the battlefield drenched in killing intent.
"Pfft!"
One bullet pierced flesh with a chilling sound.
Strangely, the sound came only once.
On the rain soaked forest path, Alvin and Daru remained standing.
Alvin held his sniper rifle firmly with both hands, his head slightly turned to the left. The muzzle still carried the faint scent of gunpowder.
Opposite him, Daru also gripped his rifle.
His head remained upright.
But blood slowly spread across his chest. The vivid red blended with the rain soaked fabric of his combat suit, quickly staining it crimson.
"Why?"
"Because you always aim for the enemy's head. I aim for the heart. Observation Haki can easily detect killing intent directed at the head, making it easier to dodge. But evading a shot aimed at the heart is far more difficult."
"I see… You are calmer than me. This rifle… it is yours now…"
[Ding!]
[Bounty Points + 29 million!]
[Drop: Sniping Skill!]
...
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