One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 258 is unpleasant.

After dealing with that group of pirates, Roman realized that things had indeed developed as she had hoped, so she continued her actions.

First, she went to Adam and showed him the form.

"Strictly speaking, there's no need to continue the plan anymore. Do you want to give up?" After all, the plan is already close to collapse, and there will only be more and more variables in the future.

"In such a chaotic situation, you came to me all of a sudden?" Adam's focus was clearly elsewhere.

“Your face is too conspicuous. Besides, this is Navy territory, so it's not difficult for us.”

This wasn't Roman being flattering; Adam's appearance was simply too striking to ignore.

"Is that so?" Adam didn't seem happy at all.

With such an appearance, there's no need for such acting skills.

This is what the crew used to say about him.

He is dedicated to acting, but most people only pay attention to his appearance.

In other words, in universal values, his appearance is more valuable than his acting skills.

This is something he is unwilling to accept as an actor.

That's why he keeps working on his acting skills.

However, his later illness took him further and further away from his dream.

"But you're very capable."

"Isn't it too early to praise me? After all, I haven't even completed this plan yet. Or are you just praising my face?"

"No, although your appearance is indeed outstanding, your acting skills are equally impressive. After all, you are speaking to me while enduring excruciating pain, but you look like a normal person. At least I can't see any flaws in your acting just by looking at your eyes."

Indeed, Roman's eyes told her that Adam was normal, but her Observation Haki gave her the feedback that Adam was currently in excruciating pain.

An ordinary person would be covered in sweat from suffering such pain.

But apart from his pale complexion, he looked no different from a normal person.

"You're quite an amazing person too, how could you tell?" Adam's expression finally softened.

"then you……"

"Let's continue. This play isn't over yet, so as a member of the stage, I won't leave."

"Are you sure? Like I said from the beginning, this is life-threatening. You're not a Marine; there's no need for you to continue risking your life for our thief-catching operation." Even though Red-Haired Shanks wasn't inherently cruel, Roman still exaggerated the seriousness of the situation.

After all, this is no laughing matter.

Even though Shanks is a gentle person, he is still a pirate and a powerful figure who has seen countless deaths.

“Since you can see that I’m enduring the pain, you should understand that I could die at any moment. So, I’m going to finish what I want to do in my last moments.” Adam’s attitude was very firm.

People who dedicate all their passion to acting will still give their lives for their love of acting in the end.

In some ways, he was also a madman.

A crazy person who will give everything for the things they love, regardless of the cost or consequences.

Roman felt that perhaps he would never be able to understand such a person.

But this time, she thought it was pretty good.

"Let's continue then, but this time there will be some new lines, and the time is very tight. Are you confident in taking on the challenge?"

“Of course,” Adam said smugly.

"Without further ado, let's begin."

This time, she wanted to see how the redhead reacted.

……

"I'm sorry, I have no intention of being your enemy, but I don't want you to run rampant on this island."

Compared to Roman's direct killing, Shanks' methods were slightly gentler, sparing their lives.

However, this also took up a lot of his time.

Holding back is naturally more difficult than killing.

After all, they were also pirates, so Shanks naturally had no right to say that they shouldn't plunder and kill.

After all, they were pirates.

However, since they didn't have any conflict, Shanks showed mercy.

As long as his bottom line isn't crossed, Shanks' personality is relatively mild.

"Shanks, do you really have to protect this island?" Despite being badly injured, Mills was extremely unwilling to give up.

"Do I need to demonstrate my resolve?"

Although his smile remained gentle, Shanks' aura suddenly shifted and spread outwards.

A sharp sword is coming?!

In a daze, Mills seemed to be hallucinating.

His head felt as if it were being gripped and twisted by countless giant hands, while his body seemed to be cracking open.

No, it's an illusion.

He shook his head, struggling to break free from the pain, and finally woke up from that terrifying pressure.

When he finally came to his senses, he found himself drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

What exactly happened just now...?

The other crew members were in even worse condition; some had collapsed, their faces turning blue and purple, while others were foaming at the mouth.

Is this Conqueror's Haki?

But this intensity...

Mills is a pirate who has encountered and experienced Conqueror's Haki.

He knew the power of Conqueror's Haki.

However, given his current strength, he should no longer be affected by Conqueror's Haki.

But the man's domineering aura instilled fear in him.

His Conqueror's Haki is exceptionally powerful.

Shanks, the red-haired man, will have his place in this world sooner or later.

Mills was certain that in the not-too-distant future, Shanks would become a powerful figure who would go down in history.

If this continues, he will suffer a complete defeat.

Leaving now might be a wise decision; if we delay any longer, we might lose our lives.

Even if they leave in disgrace and lose face, it's still better than losing their lives.

As long as you're alive, there's always a chance.

"Hey, Redhead, I've seen your resolve. I'm leaving now."

"Then thank you for your cooperation."

Okay, that should be fine. Makino should be safe now.

Then I should be able to go back and check on her situation, and hopefully she will accept my suggestion.

……

hiss!

"What's wrong?" Adam asked, noticing that Roman, who had been talking non-stop, had suddenly stopped and looked unwell.

"It's nothing, let's continue. You just need to remember what I just said and follow the plan. Leave the rest to me."

Roman simply waved his hand and continued speaking.

But the feeling I had just experienced...

Is it the domineering aura of Conqueror's Haki?

Shanks the Red-Haired? That makes sense, he's probably the only one on this island with Conqueror's Haki.

Ugh! This is really unpleasant.

That kind of domineering strength might not necessarily guarantee a victory!

It seems I also need to prepare to give it my all.