SWNOVELXO Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Die Like a Man
As Ashura Doji's killing intent solidified, his mind raced to find the quickest way to end Jack's life.
Their prolonged battle had given Ashura Doji ample time to gauge Jack's strength. Despite the advantage Jack seemed to hold thanks to his Mammoth Zoan abilities, Ashura Doji knew he had the upper hand in every crucial aspect.
Jack, without fully transforming into his mammoth form, even in his hybrid state, was barely a match for Ashura Doji's power. His Armament Haki, though abundant, lacked the refined quality of Ashura Doji's own. And while Ashura Doji's hefty build made him less agile, Jack wasn't much better, allowing Ashura Doji's superior Observation Haki to predict and parry his attacks with precision.
Jack's sole advantage was his monstrous durability. His tough hide was a nightmare for Ashura Doji. Without Armament Haki, Ashura Doji's strikes barely scratched Jack's skin. Even with Haki, unless he landed a critical blow, Jack shrugged off attacks like they were nothing more than mosquito bites. His resilience was infuriating.
If he wanted to kill Jack, Ashura Doji realized he'd have to wear him down and then finish him with a decisive strike. With his strategy set, he engaged Jack in a grueling battle of attrition.
Nearby, Yamato grew restless as she watched Jack falter. She moved to assist, but Black Maria quickly grabbed her arm.
"Wait!" Maria urged, her voice low.
From the hills, a hundred swordsmen had appeared, surrounding them. Their blades glinted ominously in the dim light. Realizing their precarious situation, Yamato clenched her kanabo tightly and reluctantly stayed put.
...
Meanwhile, at Bakura Town...
The guards at the town gates squinted as a pirate henchman charged toward them atop a giant rooster, his frantic shouts echoing through the air. They stepped aside just in time to avoid being trampled.
"Hey! What's the rush, you idiot?" one guard shouted after him.
The panicked henchman ignored the insults, yelling as he approached the town center.
"Where's Kaido-sama?! We're in trouble!"
"What happened?" another guard demanded.
"Lady Yamato, Jack-sama, and Black Maria are at the foot of the mountain! They've stopped and won't budge!" he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. "And Ashura Doji—the leader of the bandits—has returned!"
Hearing this, the guards flinched. Before they could relay the message, a deafening roar shook the town. A massive azure dragon erupted into the sky, demolishing several buildings in its wake.
"Ashura Doji!" Kaido's voice boomed across the town, laced with fury. "If you dare harm Yamato, I'll kill you myself! Let's see what kind of warrior you really are!"
Back at the battlefield, Jack regretted his earlier arrogance. He had underestimated Ashura Doji, assuming his current strength would be enough to overpower a samurai. Even with Yamato and Black Maria's aid, they were no match for Ashura Doji's skill and ferocity.
To make matters worse, Yamato and Maria were surrounded by bandits. Though the bandits hadn't attacked yet, their intent was clear: the moment Jack fell, they'd strike mercilessly.
Jack's frustration grew. The young Yamato and Maria, despite their combat skills, wouldn't last against such overwhelming numbers. Even with the pirates' support, survival seemed unlikely. Gritting his teeth, Jack made his decision.
With a mighty leap, he feigned being struck by Ashura Doji's blade, soaring toward the bandits. As the outlaws scattered in confusion, Jack shifted into his full mammoth form. His massive trunk snatched up Yamato and Maria, and his colossal feet slammed into the ground.
"Elephant Stampede!"
The ground caved beneath the impact, creating a cloud of dust and sending the bandits sprawling. Using the chaos to his advantage, Jack roared, "Run for Bakura Town!"
The crew mounted their crocodiles, spurring the beasts into a desperate dash.
But Ashura Doji wasn't about to let them escape. Riding a strong horse, he quickly caught up. Seeing this, Jack bellowed at his companions.
"Yamato, transform and head for Bakura! Black Maria, go with her on the crocodile! I'll hold them off!"
"Are you crazy?!" Yamato snapped. "We're not leaving you behind!"
"Yeah! We'll fight together!" Maria added.
"Shut up!" Jack roared, coming to an abrupt stop. Swinging his trunk, he flung Yamato and Maria onto the crocodile's back. His voice carried the weight of command.
"This is my fault! I got us into this mess, and I'll get us out! As an All-Star of the Beast Pirates, I order you to run!"
"Blisgral!" Jack shouted at the crocodile rider. "If anything happens to them, you'll pay the price!"
Before anyone could protest, Ashura Doji's sword came crashing down. Jack met it with his kanabo, gritting his teeth as the impact jarred his entire body.
If I dodge, they'll be killed, Jack thought grimly. No matter what, I can't let that happen.
Ashura Doji's relentless strikes pushed Jack to his limit. A sudden surge of pain erupted in his chest, and blood spewed from his mouth. His knees buckled, but he stood his ground, defiant.
"You could've dodged," Ashura Doji said, pulling back his blade. "You took the hit to protect them. Admirable for a Beast Pirate... but futile."
"Admirable, huh?" Jack spat blood, smirking. "Spare me the compliments. I'm no hero. I just believe in one thing: if you make a mistake, you take responsibility."
"And I'd rather die like a man than live as a coward!"
Ashura Doji raised an eyebrow, then glanced down at Jack's trembling legs. "Die like a man? Don't tell me—"
"Shut it!" Jack growled. "I'm thirteen! I'm not a man yet, but I'm getting there! What kind of samurai are you, anyway, mocking a kid?"
Ashura Doji's face turned red with indignation. His respect for Jack turned to cold resolve.
"A thirteen-year-old brat has held his own against me for this long. I can't let you live."
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