Chapter 238

The sudden appearance of that familiar figure stunned Ultya and the others, and even Hades revealed a hint of surprise.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Tendo Pain to appear here.

Moreover, with Tendo Pain's arrival, Black Hu Zi's side had no intention of continuing their attack.

"Honestly, this is quite unexpected."

Black Hu Zi looked up at Jellal, a strange smile in his eyes.

"Didn't expect members of the Akatsuki to show up here. I heard recently you teamed up with the Monu Sect—looks like this guy was chosen by you too."

"But openly drawing your weapon like this—aren't you worried about running into the Royal Guard Corps?"

At this, Tendo Pain's face remained unmoved as he spoke calmly.

"No need for you to worry about that. You should be more concerned about your own situation—right now, both the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates are hunting you everywhere."

"Don't you think you should be worrying more about yourself?"

"Hehehehehehe… Worry? Why should I worry? I've escaped to this world—why should I fear them? Even if they've discovered me, by then I'll already have what I wanted."

"And… if you don't step aside now, I think you should be worrying about yourself first."

Black Hu Zi's gaze still held an aggressive intensity as black mist surged again on his right hand.

Clearly, he had no intention of abandoning the prey within his grasp.

"If your true self had descended, I might consider surrendering outright—but just a puppet isn't enough to make me retreat."

Yet Tendo Pain remained utterly calm in response.

"Try it."

"I think, at this point, you wouldn't want to make a third enemy, Black Hu Zi."

…

"What's going on? That Tendo Pain seems to know Black Hu Zi."

"And what's this Royal Guard Corps? From Black Hu Zi's words, it sounds like the Royal Guard Corps is the sworn enemy of both the Akatsuki and the Monu Sect."

Everyone present was no fool—they'd gleaned plenty of intelligence from just a few sentences exchanged between Black Hu Zi and Tendo Pain.

First, Black Hu Zi was indeed being hunted by the World Government and pirates.

Second, the Monu Sect and the Akatsuki seemed to fear this so-called Royal Guard Corps.

But more than these, what drew greater attention was the meaning behind Black Hu Zi's remark that Hades had been "chosen."

Did he truly intend to ally with them?

Recalling their first encounter, he had once said he wanted to cooperate with them—but after that, there was no further word.

The only news received was the recent alliance army's punitive campaign and the alliance with the Monu Sect.

We thought the matter had been shelved, but unexpectedly he hadn't abandoned it after all.

Still, this isn't unprecedented—Jellal from the Tower of Paradise incident was also recruited by them and became one of their own.

Wait…

Could it be that Tendo Pain's purpose here is the same?

"Hehehehehehehe… Since we've said this much, granting the Akatsuki some face won't hurt."

Black Hu Zi spread his arms wide, not angered by Tendo Pain's threat, but laughing loudly.

"After all, one vice-president's head, plus the head of the Anheigong Society's leader, should be enough."

"Two heads? So he…"

Hades instinctively froze, then saw Black Hu Zi walking toward the spot where Brunot had fallen.

Watching Black Hu Zi approach Brunot, and recalling his words, even the dumbest person could guess Black Hu Zi's next move.

At that moment, Brunot was utterly stunned.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Black Hu Zi to finally fix his gaze on him.

Brunot instinctively turned his eyes toward Hades, his trembling gaze pleading for help.

"Save… save me."

Seeing this, Hades's face turned utterly dark.

But before he could react, a figure blocked his line of sight.

"Enough. With my strength, saving one of you is already my limit—adding another would exceed my capacity."