496-500

Chapter 496: The Curtain Falls, Sasuke vs. Tsuchikage 

Seeing this, Uchiha Sasuke quickly shook off Mifune and rushed towards the exit, intending to pursue. 

"My back hurts, I'll leave the heavy lifting to you young folks!" 

His implication was that he wouldn't interfere. And there were only two young people present: his bodyguard, Akatsuchi, and the other, Chojuro, the bodyguard of the Mizukage and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. 

But just as Uchiha Sasuke dashed towards the door, his pupils suddenly constricted. He sensed an intense threat. He instantly flashed away, only to see a viscous, corrosive liquid coat the exit. 

With the exit blocked, Uchiha Sasuke turned to look at the enchanting Mei Terumi. She wiped her mouth and said, "Manipulating the Fourth Mizukage and escalating the tragedy of the Hidden Mist Village..." 

"Looking closely, the Uchiha clan really does have handsome men..." 

To this, Uchiha Sasuke coldly retorted, "Woman, stop getting in the way!" 

Mei Terumi smiled at his words, stood up, and said with a look of regret, "Such a handsome man, it's a waste for him to die here. However, I'll give you a burning kiss!" 

A murderous aura instantly descended... 

"Scorch Release: Skillful Mist Jutsu!" 

A huge wave of corrosive liquid, large enough to cover the entire hall, left Uchiha Sasuke no chance to escape as it poured down. 

"As expected of the Mizukage, she has a lot of water!" 

"Hahaha, that remark could be taken the wrong way!" 

"But the Mizukage is truly terrifying, so ruthless with her first move!" 

The audience in the ninja world might have joked, but their inner shock was undeniable. The Mizukage's ruthlessness was far greater than that of the seemingly wild Raikage. While the Raikage was indeed ferocious, it was at least simple violent aesthetics; it didn't completely instill despair. But Mizukage Mei Terumi, with her liquid that could melt anything, could directly suffocate someone, leaving no hope of escape. 

Poured directly overhead! There was no hope of escape! It was impossible to defend against! 

Uchiha Sasuke immediately activated Susanoo to withstand the corrosive liquid. But... 

"Chojuro!" 

Mei Terumi yelled at Chojuro nearby, who responded, "Yes, Lady Mizukage!" 

"Hiramekarei Liberation!" 

He rushed out, his large sword suddenly expanding several times in his hand, transforming into a giant hammer. Sweeping away the clouds of dust, it struck Susanoo with a force as if splitting the heavens. 

"Pfft!" 

Uchiha Sasuke held his arm across his body. Chojuro's attack was incredibly powerful! Even through Susanoo, he couldn't help but feel his blood surge, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood as Susanoo was sent flying. 

"Bang!" 

Susanoo crashed heavily against the wall. Uchiha Sasuke knelt on the ground, leaning on his hands and breathing heavily. The abilities of the Five Kage were all strange and difficult to deal with, very difficult. Using the Sharingan was exceeding its limits. 

"Every cell in my body hurts. Is this... the side effect of Susanoo?" 

"To use it for so long, and for it to be like this... it's not even in its complete form yet, and it hurts so much. What kind of pain must one endure for the perfect Susanoo?" 

"Itachi, how did you keep a straight face when you used the perfect Susanoo..." 

Uchiha Sasuke gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. He suddenly looked up to see Mei Terumi already in front of him. And, using the liquid from her Skillful Mist Jutsu, she had sealed the exit. 

"In this space, it's just the two of us now!" 

"This has completely become a secret room; there's no exit anymore!" 

Mei Terumi smiled enchantingly, forming hand signs as she spoke, "I can use Water, Fire, and Earth elements, so I have two Kekkei Genkai!" 

"This is the other one." 

"Boil Release: Skillful Mist Jutsu!" 

As soon as she finished speaking, a hazy mist emerged from her crimson lips. And in that instant... Uchiha Sasuke's hair stood on end; the mist gave him a terrifying sense of danger. 

"Hmmph..." 

Uchiha Sasuke suddenly clutched his eyes in pain. He was horrified to discover that his Susanoo was actually being dissolved by the mist. He quickly channeled his ocular power to strengthen his defenses. 

"Ugh!" 

But this pushed him beyond his limits again. He spat out another mouthful of blood, his condition worsening. 

"It seems you were tormented quite badly by Lady Raikage down below. I'm sorry, but I don't plan to let you go!" 

Mei Terumi said calmly, "Although it's a bit heartbreaking to see such a handsome man dissolved, I still have to ask you to die. (The vengeance for the Akatsuki's disruption of the Hidden Mist Village must be exacted)!" 

In the next moment... the highly corrosive mist suddenly intensified significantly. Uchiha Sasuke felt as if his body was dissolving. He felt like he was at the end of his rope. In such a confined space, the acidic mist was almost unstoppable. 

But just then... spore-like growths suddenly appeared on Mei Terumi's body... constantly swelling. Mei Terumi was startled; her chakra was being absorbed by these spores. 

At the same time! The same thing was happening throughout the venue. Spores emerged from Chojuro, the Tsuchikage, Akatsuchi, and others. And! Slowly, White Zetsu faces began to grow. 

"This... this ability is a bit creepy!" 

"Yeah, it's almost impossible to guard against!" 

"Uchiha Sasuke is truly reckless; challenging the Five Kage alone truly shows how little he understands the world!" 

"However, this White Zetsu's ability is also terrifying. The Akatsuki's ninja are truly unpredictable!" 

The ninja world's audience felt a chill... This ability was too bizarre! 

"Whoosh!" 

Just then... White Zetsu suddenly extended its body and wrapped around Uchiha Sasuke like an earthworm. As Uchiha Sasuke remained vigilant, streams of pure chakra emerged. 

They began to repair Uchiha Sasuke's exhausted body, restoring his fighting power. 

"Bang!" 

He burst through the wall and reappeared in the main hall, in front of Onoki, the Tsuchikage. Here! He also had a companion – Karin. 

As for Mei Terumi... after Uchiha Sasuke opened a gap, she quickly adjusted the concentration of the acid. Otherwise, the people in the hall would be caught in the crossfire, causing unnecessary disputes. And the White Zetsu on her body had already dissolved into water by the acidic mist! 

"It seems Lady Mizukage has encountered some trouble!" 

Onoki, who was clinging to the ceiling, said to his bodyguard Akatsuchi, "Let's join the fight!" 

Akatsuchi nodded, "Alright!" 

The next moment... he opened his mouth, and piles of rocks emerged, forming a rock giant. It grabbed the White Zetsu wrapped around him and swallowed it. 

And Onoki... was rather simple and brutal. "Earth Release: Super Weighted Boulder Jutsu!" 

With immense gravity added, White Zetsu instantly turned into rock and slammed to the ground, sending Karin flying. Onoki descended like a god, floating down in front of Uchiha Sasuke. 

Chapter 497: Kidnapping Caesar 

"Exactly! You're all dead! The Lightning Killer will definitely not let any of you off!" 

Caesar Clown, bound by Seastone, chimed in, his voice filled with malice. "You ruined his business! The Lightning Killer will never let it go! You're all just waiting to die!" 

Hearing that, Straw Hat Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji all shouted at once: "Shut up!" 

"Say one more word, and see if I don't kill you!" 

Faced with the murderous intent from the three powerful figures, Caesar Clown immediately caved. 

"Well, well, well, what a lively bunch. Mind telling me what you're discussing?" 

Just then... 

A voice drifted from the Thousand Sunny. 

Accompanied by a thud, everyone on the ship couldn't help but look over at the same time. 

They saw a quiet-looking young man with short brown hair standing on the ship's training deck, smiling as he looked at them. 

The young man wore round glasses and a white shirt, looking quite cheerful. 

"Lightning Bird Noous?! The head of the Lightning Pirate Crew's Three Heavenly Generals?!" 

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, this is bad news!!" 

Trafalgar Law's face instantly twisted into a grimace. 

"Yo, Trafalgar Law, long time no see." 

"You turned down the Captain's invitation back then. Now that you've gotten your revenge, I wonder if you'd be willing to serve as our Lightning Pirate Crew's doctor? Our Captain really values talent, you know!" 

Noous acted completely at home, landing in front of Robin. "Ms. Robin, we meet again!" 

Looking at Noous, the Straw Hat Pirates showed no hint of happiness on their faces. 

Who could be happy? 

They all looked as if they were facing a formidable enemy! 

"What do you want?!" 

Sanji glared at Noous, full of caution, and Zoro was the same. 

Nami, Chopper, and Usopp were trembling even more, their faces pale with fear, hiding behind Franky. 

"What I want, don't you all know?!" 

Noous scoffed, a sneer on his face. 

Though he was smiling, it only made everyone's expressions grow more serious. 

Noous's tone carried no amusement whatsoever. 

"Just state your purpose; we can't guess!" 

Trafalgar Law spoke up from the side, also on high alert. 

Noous was no simple man. 

It was best not to provoke him if possible. 

"Hand over Caesar Clown, and I'll leave immediately!" 

Noous stated his purpose directly and clearly. 

"Impossible!" 

But as soon as he finished speaking, Straw Hat Luffy rejected it. "He still has a use for us! There's no way we're handing him over to you!" 

At that, Noous's smile instantly vanished. "It seems we'll have to resort to force, then. This is the worst outcome!" 

"I really didn't want this!" 

Noous's regretful expression made the Straw Hats instantly tense up. 

"Swish!" 

The next moment, he darted like lightning directly towards the restrained Caesar Clown. 

"Room!" 

Trafalgar Law immediately deployed his ability circle. 

He wanted to teleport Noous away at the crucial moment! 

"Diable Jambe!" 

"Black Rope Dragon Twister!" 

Sanji and Zoro also blocked Noous's path, attempting to stop him. 

"Wind Thunder Feather Slash!" 

But Noous was too strong! 

He ripped through Law's ability restraint like lightning. 

Then, he unleashed a lightning-fast, murderous sword wave, knocking Zoro and Sanji aside. 

"Gomu Gomu no—" 

At that moment, Straw Hat Luffy flashed forward, steam rising from his body, and threw an incredibly swift punch towards Noous's face. 

Update 

Noous smirked, "Interesting!" 

His figure flickered, and he landed a kick on Straw Hat Luffy's face, using the momentum to flip backward, landing in front of the bound Caesar Clown and grabbing him. 

Just as he was about to leave, Nico Robin's voice rang out: "Mille Fleur!" 

"Ms. Robin, I advise you not to interfere!" 

To her shock, Noous's voice instantly sounded behind Nico Robin. 

Nico Robin's pupils contracted, staring in disbelief at the smiling Noous behind her. 

He was too fast! 

She hadn't even seen Noous move, yet he had appeared behind her. 

It was utterly ghostly and unpredictable! 

"Heh heh, I don't want to be your enemy!" 

Noous grabbed Caesar Clown, and behind him, thunder roared, forming a pair of wings. 

"But if you insist on forcing me to fight you, then I won't hesitate to destroy you!" 

"You should know, right? A flying ability user like me has a huge advantage on the open sea!" 

"Air superiority equals supremacy, Straw Hat Luffy. You wouldn't want your nakama to fall into the sea and die, would you?!" 

Seeing Straw Hat Luffy's face instantly darken, Zoro and Sanji immediately stepped forward, blocking him. "Luffy, don't be reckless! This guy has a point!" 

"Out at sea, we don't have much of an advantage!" 

Law also walked over, his expression extremely grim. "This guy is dangerous. Fighting him at sea, we don't have a sure chance of winning!" 

"Straw Hat-ya, calm down!" 

Trafalgar Law thought to himself: if he used his barely awakened abilities, he could indeed hurt Noous and hold him back. 

Then, if Straw Hat Luffy used Gear Fourth, plus Pirate Hunter Zoro, Black Leg Sanji, and the others fought him, there was a certain probability of keeping Noous. 

But... 

This also meant they would provoke an Emperor! 

An Emperor's wrath wasn't so easy to bear. 

Straw Hat Luffy had matured now! 

He wasn't as impulsive as he used to be! 

But situations like this still made him very uncomfortable. 

Still, he knew he couldn't be impulsive and put his nakama in danger. 

"Well then, farewell, everyone!" 

"I believe we'll have a battle in the near future!" 

Noous spread his wings, soaring ninety thousand miles straight up, leaving amidst Caesar Clown's desperate cries. 

"Damn it!!" 

Watching Noous's retreating back, Straw Hat Luffy couldn't help but clench his fists. 

He once thought... 

After two years of training, he wouldn't be as helpless as he was two years ago and could protect his nakama. 

But now... 

The cruel reality told him that these were just his fantasies. 

Those who could render him helpless still existed. 

"I'll definitely beat you up, Noous!" 

He wanted to become the Pirate King, and he had to take down the Emperors. 

They were the biggest obstacles on his path to becoming the Pirate King. 

He wouldn't lose as miserably as he did two years ago. 

"Interesting, an artificial Devil Fruit business, huh?" 

On a certain luxurious yacht... 

A defiant man dressed like a celebrity sat on an emperor's throne. 

Looking at Luli in front of him, he said, "But I already own half the world's wealth, control various industries, and earn vast sums daily. Why would I join a mere artificial Devil Fruit business?" 

"Dark Queen-sama, you should know this!" 

"I'm not a pirate. I'm very close to the World Government and even the underworld. It seems I don't need your protection, and you can't pose any threat to me." 

"I believe the Lightning Killer isn't some reckless brute who would easily resort to force to solve all problems!" 

The man calmly swirled his wine glass. 

It was Gild Tesoro, the Gold Emperor! 

Chapter 498: Give Me a Reason 

"Please give me a reason to join and invest in this business!" 

Hearing this, Lulli smiled. "It seems I can't convince you!" 

"Fine, well, who made you so rich? With the World Government as your backer, we truly can't force you!" 

"Then, congratulations, Mr. Tesoro, on becoming the new Joker!" 

Lulli finished speaking, stood up, and said no more. 

Watching Lulli's retreating figure, Tesoro's smile faded, and he fell into deep thought. 

Lightning Killer's personality was capricious and unpredictable! Moreover, as a Yonko, he was surprisingly not causing trouble after being rejected? He had already prepared for a fight! Yet, Lulli left so decisively? 

"Is he planning to develop the artificial Devil Fruit industry on his own?" 

Tesoro pondered, "Or, is something else coming?" 

Tesoro truly couldn't figure it out at the moment. 

"This matter can be investigated slowly. If things go wrong, a slight concession isn't a big deal; after all, it's a Yonko, so it's not shameful!" 

Tesoro held multiple underground industries, with informants spread across the world, allowing him to know much information about the seas without leaving his quarters. Although backed by the World Government, he absolutely dared not underestimate a Yonko. 

"However, I heard that Barrett is organizing some treasure hunt, and the prize is a pointer to the final destination!" 

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, this is something that could drive the entire ocean mad. What does Barrett want? Isn't he afraid of attracting those monsters?" 

"And the former Marine Admiral, 'Black Arm' Zephyr, is reportedly planning to blow up several volcanoes, thereby triggering a collapse of the volcanic fault lines and destroying the entire ocean!" 

"They're truly insane, these guys!" 

Tesoro could only say... Crazy people aren't scary! What's scary are deviates who are also powerful madmen. 

... 

"General Orochi, you must pay more attention to the management of Wano Country. Our Lightning Pirates still rely on your economic support!" 

"You must pay close attention to the development of the people's livelihoods; we cannot have widespread resentment!" 

In Wano Country... 

Yoru took a sip of sake, admiring the dance performance by Oiran Komurasaki and a group of geisha. 

"Of course, gegege!" 

Kurozumi Orochi's strange laugh rang out. "Wano Country and the Lightning Pirates share honor and disgrace. I will absolutely not slack off and incite public resentment!" 

Facing Yoru... Kurozumi Orochi was quite cautious. This was an existence even more difficult to fathom and more troublesome than Kaido. The Lightning Pirates he created were only stronger than the Beast Pirates, not weaker! He was absolutely unwilling to defy Yoru. 

Because he knew... Yoru was not like Kaido; this man was even more unpredictable! If he didn't perform well, Yoru could get rid of him at any time and replace him with someone else to govern Wano Country. Kurozumi Orochi didn't doubt Yoru's audacity. Yoru definitely had it. 

"Then, may our cooperation be pleasant!" 

Yoru raised his cup with a smile. Kurozumi Orochi quickly raised his cup, laughing, "Of course!" 

Yoru's gaze, still smiling, swept over Oiran Komurasaki. Then, it shifted to Kurozumi Orochi's bodyguard, Kyoshiro, and a slight smile played on his lips. 

Both of the latter couldn't help but feel a chill in their hearts. Just now... they both had a feeling that their secrets had been seen through. This feeling sent shivers down their spines. 

Leaving Wano Country, Yoru returned to Night Island. Lulli and the others returned, bringing the results of their discussions with Tesoro. 

Chapter 499: Meeting Caesar Clown 

"That Tesoro guy said he's backed by the World Government, controls half the world's wealth, and isn't interested in the artificial Devil Fruit business!" Luli reported, looking annoyed, her face slightly grim. Clearly, Tesoro's rejection had left her quite upset. 

Yoru patted her shoulder and looked up. "Well, why get mad at yourself because of him? If he's not interested, we'll do it ourselves. At most, it's just an extra expense! I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who are interested in this project." 

Luli looked utterly helpless at Yoru's words. "Captain, you're an Emperor, right? Straw Hat Luffy humiliated you and ruined your business, and you're not pursuing it! Tesoro rejected you, and you don't care. Isn't this kind of indulgence going to make us look like easy targets?" 

"What about the prestige of an Emperor of the Sea? This is dangerous, you know! There are so many people out there coveting this position. If they see you being so lenient, they'll stir up trouble!" 

Yoru chuckled at Luli's words, his eyes glinting. "Who told you this matter is over?" 

At that, Luli instantly perked up. "So, you're going to retaliate?" 

"What's the plan? Come on, Captain, tell me! I want to vent some steam!" 

Seeing the two-meter-tall female giant looking so eager, Yoru shook his head. He took a sip of flower tea and said, "The underworld, because of Doflamingo's downfall, still doesn't have a recognized leader." 

At this point, Yoru's lips curled into a playful smile. "I hear Tesoro is recruiting people?" 

"His appetite is a bit too big; the underworld is too deep for him to handle! Our foundation is still quite shallow, so how can we waste an opportunity like this? So, you understand, right?" 

"The underworld belongs to us!" 

Yoru leaned back in his chair. "I believe they'll be very interested in artificial Devil Fruits!" 

"And weapon deals, intelligence operations, and so on." 

"Heh heh, join my command, and you don't need to pay transit fees to the Celestial Dragons, nor any other miscellaneous costs. Who's better and who's worse? I'm sure those bigwigs know very well how to choose their allegiance!" 

Luli's eyes instantly lit up at Yoru's words, and then she grinned too. "Heh heh, Tesoro's going to spit blood now, for refusing us! I'd like to see if he can hold onto his mountain of gold without dealings in the underworld!" 

"By then, he'll be begging us for protection!" 

Just thinking about it made Luli feel satisfied. 

Before! 

She personally invited Tesoro to do business, and he refused. 

In the future! 

Even if he begged her, it might not work. 

Yoru smiled. "Alright, go. Remember to gather intelligence members from the underworld!" 

"Even though we have a partnership with Big Mom now, we can't rely on her entirely!" 

"We still need our own intelligence team!" 

Luli nodded and left excitedly. 

--- 

Not long after, Noous returned, bringing Caesar. 

"Caesar Clown, a pleasure to meet you for the first time!" 

Yoru had Noous remove the Seastone shackles from him. 

"Y-Yoru... S-Sir..." 

Caesar Clown forced out a smile, fidgeting uneasily, his voice trembling. 

"Don't be afraid. I won't do anything to you!" 

Yoru said gently, "All I need is your artificial Devil Fruit technology to continue providing me with the relevant products!" 

"Don't worry, just work for me with peace of mind, and I'll treat you as an honored guest!" 

Caesar Clown was practically in tears, it was from fear. 

Before him... 

Was an Emperor! 

And the most unpredictable one at that! 

--- 

Chapter 500: The New Joker 

At this moment... he could do nothing but nod. What else could he do? He could only agree! He believed that if he refused, the gentle, jade-like man in front of him would immediately kill him. He firmly believed Yoru had both the ability and the intention to do so. 

"Only a wise man knows when to bow!" Hearing Caesar's words, Yoru said with a smile, "Pleasure working with you!" 

Then... he turned to Nowus and said, "Take him to the experimental site. Let him ask for anything he needs; just make sure it's suitable for research!" 

Nowus nodded, and Caesar was led away. 

Of course! News of the Lightning Pirates personally taking Caesar was naturally known by various forces across the sea. 

"Is Yoru planning to start his own artificial Devil Fruit business? His ambition isn't small!" 

"I hear he's also preparing to enter the underground world recently. Tsk, tsk, tsk, it's truly exciting!" 

"A Yonko personally stepping in to control the underground world... I'm afraid the major figures of the underground will be fighting tooth and nail!" 

The various hidden forces of the sea commented this way. 

... 

Marine Headquarters! 

"Lightning Killer is indeed a threat. Is he planning to strengthen his power again?" 

"He's already a Yonko and still not satisfied? This guy's appetite is a bit terrifying!" 

Sakazuki frowned, feeling immense pressure! If Yoru truly became the leader of the underground world, he would become the second Joker after Doflamingo! 

"However, those guys in the World Government clearly won't easily give up this part of the profit!" 

"The underground industry already has elements controlled by the World Government!" 

Minerals, energy, dangerous goods, human trafficking, weapons, biological research, and so on... The World Government has intervened in most of the world's industrial transactions, both openly and secretly. They would never tolerate anyone snatching food from their jaws. This was also why Tesoro dared to refuse a Yonko's invitation. 

Two days later! 

"Did you hear? The Straw Hat Pirates' 'Black Leg Sanji' is actually the fourth son of the Vinsmoke Family!" 

"Oh, I just heard! He's being used by Vinsmoke Judge, the head of the Vinsmoke Family, for a political marriage with Big Mom!" 

"Big Mom would actually agree to marry into the Vinsmoke Family? It seems she was truly provoked by Lightning Killer's recent actions!" 

"Yeah, who would have thought that Tesoro, who possessed half the world's wealth, would be defeated just like that? Not only was his entire underground industry taken over by the Lightning Pirates, but he was also abandoned by the World Government and imprisoned!" 

"Yoru has replaced Doflamingo as the new Joker! The era is getting increasingly volatile!" 

The seas were quite lively! In the past two days, major incidents have been continuous, and many people sensed an unusual atmosphere. 

War! 

Chaos! 

The era might run wild again! 

"It's said that the Straw Hat Pirates plan to invade Big Mom Pirates' main base, 'Whole Cake Island,' to rescue someone!" 

"Just him, a Supernova? Challenging Yonko Big Mom? Is he crazy?" 

"Who knows? Reportedly, before this, he even declared war on the Lightning Pirates at Sabaody Archipelago!" 

"Newborn calves don't fear tigers, do they? I remember someone said that the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates are also preparing to participate in this Whole Cake Island incident!" 

"Oh? Really? Then things are going to get truly interesting!" 

"Hahaha, indeed! I'm looking forward to what happens next!" 

The eyes of the forces across the sea all turned towards Whole Cake Island. 

And at this moment... 

Night Island! Yoru was also meeting with some partners.