Elior glanced at the woman next to him. It was the future Admiral candidate known as Momousagi — a codename. Her real name was Gion, and she had combat abilities on par with an Admiral. As a swordswoman, to reach that level meant she was undoubtedly a great swordswoman.
There were very fewgreat swordswomen — she might be the only one in the world.
Now that she was sitting next to him, Elior immediately knew her intentions weren't pure.
Gion had come to track Elior. After her conversation with Sengoku earlier that day, he had voiced concerns about Elior's sudden appearance on Hachinosu. He had asked Gion to look into it, warning her to stay safe, avoid unnecessary conflict, and, if forced to engage, to be especially cautious of his abilities.
Elior's strength wasn't below hers — and he possessed the terrifying power to freeze time and space. Even someone like Akainu had been immobilized and nearly killed by it.
Still, Gion took the risk of approaching him. She believed that as long as Elior didn't use his time-space ability, she could manage.
But she clearly underestimated him.
The Elior sitting beside her now was far more dangerous than he had been in the Sabaody Archipelago just two days ago. He had grown stronger, his methods more refined and deadly.
Elior turned to look at the tavern's owner, who understood the silent cue: answer the question.
"Hachinosu is divided into four major factions" she began, "each controlling one of the island's quadrants — north, south, east, and west. The commanders of these zones are Blackmoor, Kriss, Scar, and Blood Spider. All four have bounties over 500 million berries. The one to watch out for is Blood Spider, he's under the command of Beasts Pirates, specifically Queen the Plague. With that kind of backing, his faction runs wild here.
The central area is a lawless zone with no ruler. It's full of black-market activity, much of it tied to the infamous broker Joker.
Hachinosu is a paradise for outlaws. Even the Marine can't easily interfere. The entire New World's dark forces have deep roots here.
Lately, the major underground figures have all arrived on Hive Island. No one knows why. But anyone with half a brain knows something big is brewing. Even the Emperors have started to make moves—especially Whitebeard. Every other faction, big or small, is bracing for impact."
After listening, Elior had a decent picture of the island's state. And the reason for learning this? Because tomorrow, he intended to take it all.
Wipe out every faction.
He didn't care who ruled it before. If Blackbeard could claim this place—so could he.
Gion said nothing beside him. The tavern owner withdrew. After finishing his wine, Elior stood.
"What's your goal in coming here?" She asked him.
Only then did Gion speak.
"Do you want to dance, Vice Admiral Momousagi?" Elior asked, his face emotionless.
"…What are you talking about?" she responded, not understanding.
Just as Elior was about to leave, a towering, one-eyed brute—over three meters tall—stepped in his path.
"Hey, punk. Heard you're the one who killed those Celestial Dragons."
The brute looked menacing.
"Cut the chit-chat," another man said. "That's a walking two billion berries right there! No way he's worth that much, right?"
"Exactly! If I offed a few Celestial Dragons, my bounty would be two billion too!"
"And we've got the numbers! Even Whitebeard would have to kneel here!"
…
They couldn't hold back anymore. Two billion berries was an astronomical sum. Looking at Elior, they could almost see the gold raining down on them.
"You've brought this on yourself" Gion muttered coldly. She didn't move because she wanted to help Elior—no, the thugs shouting now were just more repulsive than him.
But before anything could happen, Elior raised his palm toward the brute.
In an instant, a wave of absolute frost burst out!
The tavern was consumed in a moment. Like a miniature apocalypse wrought by a master of winter itself.
A minute later, Elior stepped outside.
Inside, Gion and the tavern staff stared in silent horror.
Everyone who had spoken out just moments ago was now encased in ice.
Dead. Frozen alive.
Never underestimate Elior's frost. It wasn't ordinary ice.
This was the Demon's Extract at max level —a weapon of ancient legend, now in the hands of someone with a terrifying will.
Still reeling from the scene, Gion rushed out after him.
"He wiped them out in an instant… that man… his power is insane!"
She had trouble believing it, but she'd seen it with her own eyes.
"That guy is definitely going to become one of the next giants of the New World."
But when she caught up—he was gone.
"Where did he go? I have to figure out why he came here!"
"I was planning to let you walk away," a voice whispered in the dark, "but Marines like you are so annoying."
Elior appeared before her like a phantom.
Gion instinctively unsheathed her blade, her eyes locked on his.
"I'm not afraid of you. You're just another pirate."
It was true—Elior had killed three Celestial Dragons. Gion hated them too. She had even silently applauded him for it. But everything else he'd done? That made it clear.
He's more dangerous than they ever were.
Even if a villain commits a good deed, it doesn't make them any less of a villain.
And everyone under Elior's command… was the worst kind of person.
"Let's go, vice admiral Momousagi" Elior said, a twisted smile creeping across his lips.
"As you wish!" she shouted, swinging her blade.
A shimmering, crescent-shaped slash surged forward—illuminating the night sky in brilliant white as it flew toward Elior with blinding speed.