In the courtyard, Wilder's arms, reaching all the way up to his shoulders, were enveloped in an invisible layer of armor. If this unseen armor possessed color, it would undoubtedly be a deep, lustrous black—like the obsidian sheen of heavy metal.
Extending Haki coverage from the forearms up to the entire shoulder might seem like a small distance, but only Wilder knew the immense difficulty involved. Using an analogy from his past life, it was like clearing blocked meridians, a painstaking process requiring gradual, persistent effort. Not only was it difficult, but it also placed ever-increasing demands on his physical strength.
Boom! Boom! Boom! A flurry of fists hammered against the steel plate fixed to the tree trunk. Wilder, shirtless and drenched in sweat, rained down blows, his arms moving so fast they became a mere blur.
Fist-shaped indentations appeared on the steel plate, deepening with each impact.
His punching speed increased relentlessly. Wilder began to feel a faint numbness creeping into his arms, and the Armament Haki enveloping them started to recede gradually.
This relentless training continued for a full hour. Steel plates were swapped out repeatedly until, with a sharp crack, the massive tree—thick enough to require three people to encircle—groaned and crashed to the ground.
"Boss."
Just as Wilder emerged, freshly showered, Vice entered the room, his expression grim.
"What is it?"
"Rebellious forces have emerged on the islands under our control."
"Rebellion?" Wilder's brow furrowed. He knew the issue that had been nagging at the back of his mind was finally unavoidable. Rapid expansion inevitably provoked backlash. Without enough high-level personnel to firmly suppress local powers, rebellion on the newly acquired islands was only a matter of time. Wilder had always known this; he just hadn't expected it to happen quite so soon.
Was this simply ambitious opportunists taking advantage of insufficient suppression? Or… was someone pulling the strings?
Wilder frowned, deep in thought. The timing was too convenient. Rebellions on one or two islands might be coincidence, but uprisings across all controlled islands simultaneously? It would be stranger if there wasn't someone orchestrating this from behind the scenes.
"Which island is facing the most severe resistance currently?" Wilder asked after a moment's consideration.
"Banana Island, east of Chenoat," Vice replied.
Wilder nodded. Banana Island, aptly named for its shape, was a tropical isle rich in fruits and meat – a land abundant in food and resources. Currently, it was being overseen by a provisional officer, essentially the best pick from a limited pool. Naturally, if someone of Vice's caliber were stationed there, this situation likely wouldn't have arisen. But how many people like Vice did he have? If every island required a senior executive to maintain control, what kind of cohesive force or deterrent power would his organization truly possess? How could he centralize authority?
Once again, Wilder acutely felt the lack of sufficient manpower. If he'd had enough personnel capable of operating independently, incidents like this might have taken a different form.
Regardless, the immediate priority was to crush this rebellion.
"Relay this to Ashin: investigate thoroughly and find out who is manipulating things behind the scenes," Wilder ordered, his eyes turning ice-cold as a terrifying killing intent erupted from him.
Vice's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes, Boss!" he acknowledged.
"All core executives of the Black Serpent Merchant Guild are to mobilize immediately, excluding Ashin. Each executive will take responsibility for one island. Eradicate all rebellious forces without exception—leave none alive. Seize all their assets and industries! Whoever finishes their assignment first is to immediately proceed to the remaining four islands and continue the operation! Halt all expansion activities for now! Focus heavily on recruiting more manpower!" Wilder's voice was frigid.
The Black Serpent Merchant Guild currently held sway over twelve islands. The primary powers on these islands had already been eliminated, and most remaining factions had chosen to submit under the Guild's overwhelming pressure, joining its ranks. It was these very factions that were now spearheading the rebellion.
Wilder considered himself a benevolent man. He believed in giving everyone a chance. When he conquered these islands, he hadn't chosen to wipe out these lesser powers but had offered them affiliation, a chance to board his "great ship." Such a golden opportunity…
Perhaps, Wilder mused, he had been too kind. Some people simply didn't know how to appreciate generosity. Towards such individuals, retracting his previous offer… seemed perfectly justifiable.
Since that's the case, then just kill them all!
The Black Serpent Merchant Guild moved swiftly. Shortly after Wilder issued his commands, eight small warships departed from Chenoat's docks, heading in different directions.
Apple Island, the closest of the targeted locations. A warship docked at its shore. Claire, dressed in an elegant black lace dress, descended the gangplank, followed by a hundred crew members armed with swords and guns.
They proceeded directly into the island's main town without obstruction. The sight of the Black Serpent flag sent residents scattering in fear, clearing a path.
"It's her! The Black Serpent senior executive! The Boss's secretary, 'Bloody Rose' Claire!" an islander whispered fearfully before melting back into the crowd.
Claire paused mid-stride, glancing towards the spot where the voice originated. One look… two… Amidst the terrified stares of the onlookers, she retracted her gaze and continued walking forward. Her crew followed closely behind, maintaining complete silence.
Someone's inciting the islanders, spreading propaganda about the Black Serpent Guild's terror, Claire noted internally, a sharp glint flashing in her downcast eyes. She subtly moved her lips. A crew member beside her nodded discreetly and detached from the main group.
Claire continued leading the contingent forward until the number of people on the streets dwindled. Ahead, blocking their path, stood a group of armed individuals.
Her crew immediately adopted combat stances. Claire slowly lifted her gaze, looking impassively at the group blocking their way.
"Step aside," she stated flatly, her eyes devoid of any emotion.
"Tch!" A man stepped forward from the rebel group, pointing his sword tip at Claire with a contemptuous sneer. "Claire, is it? Get off this island. The Black Serpent Guild shouldn't get too greedy, or you'll just bring trouble upon yourselves." He sounded utterly fearless, as if secure in some backing.
"Is that so…" Claire's gaze lowered slightly again. Without another word, she lifted one long, slender leg high above her head, then brought it down with blinding speed!
"Tempest Kick: Ground Rose!" Her cold voice rang out as a swirling blade of violet wind erupted from beneath her foot, striking the solid street!
BOOM!
Like a purple earth dragon bursting from below, the violet energy tore through the ground, its sharp edge racing forward from Claire's position at incredible speed! Dust flew and stones shattered as the purple slash ripped a long fissure in the street, rushing towards the rebels.
It reached them in an instant! The energy blade suddenly surged upwards, blooming like a deadly rose. Blood sprayed violently through the air!
Whoosh! A vortex of wind swirled around Claire's feet. With a single step, she launched herself high into the sky.
"Tempest Kick: Chaotic Rose!"
Dozens of violet energy roses bloomed in the air, raining down upon the street below! A continuous roar of explosions echoed through the town!