One Piece: The sky is azure, I just time-traveled today.

Page 52

"Who?!" Elder Barton shouted sharply, instinctively gripping the snake-headed cane in his hand, his muscles tensing, and his domineering aura unconsciously gathering.

The figure on the sofa did not turn around.

A calm, almost indifferent voice rang out in the silent room, clearly reaching Patton's ears:

"I heard that you 'invited' some of my unruly children to come and visit."

The sound wasn't loud, but it had a strange penetrating power, as if it were hitting a person's heart directly.

Elder Barton's heart skipped a beat!

He immediately thought of the four little devils locked up in the warehouse!

Are these people here for them?!

He forced himself to remain calm, and roared, his voice trembling with fear, "Playing tricks! Do you know where you are? Daring to trespass on 'Black Serpent's' territory, you're asking for trouble!!"

The figure on the sofa seemed to chuckle softly, a chuckle that carried an indescribable mockery.

He didn't turn around, but simply turned the ancient longsword in his hand slightly.

The tip of the knife casually pointed at Elder Barton.

The movements were slow and casual.

But just as the knife tip pointed at him—

Elder Barton's hair stood on end instantly!

An indescribable, tangible, terrifying killing intent, like an icy tide, instantly engulfed him! That killing intent was not violent, but rather as silent and vast as an abyss, carrying an absolute indifference that transcended all living beings!

He felt as if he had become an insect being targeted by an ancient ferocious beast, his very soul trembling! The domineering aura he had gathered melted away instantly in the face of this killing intent, like ice and snow under the sun!

The wine glass in his hand fell to the ground with a "crack," shattering and splashing crimson wine all over the floor.

He himself was frozen in place, as if under a spell, unable to move! Cold sweat poured down his forehead like a waterfall, instantly soaking his back.

He even had difficulty breathing!

What... what level of killing intent is this?!

General? No... I'm afraid...

Elder Barton's mind went blank, filled only with boundless fear.

The figure on the sofa seemed completely unsurprised by his reaction.

That calm voice rang out again, its tone still flat, yet carrying an undeniable power:

"If possible,"

"Give me some face."

"Let them go."

The moment the words fell, the terrifying killing intent that had enveloped Elder Barton vanished silently, just as it had appeared.

It was as if everything that had just happened was just an illusion.

But Elder Barton's limp body, as if pulled from the water, and his uncontrollable trembling, testified to the reality and horror of that brief moment.

He gasped for breath, his eyes filled with the terror of surviving a catastrophe, looking at the figure on the sofa who still had his back to him, as if looking at a demon god who had returned from hell.

He had no doubt that if he had dared to say "no" just now, he would probably be a corpse by now!

"Yes...yes! My lord! Release...I'll release them right away!" Elder Barton's voice trembled as he almost crawled to press the bell to call his men.

The figure on the sofa then slowly stood up.

He still didn't glance at Elder Barton, but casually put the ancient longsword back into its sheath at his waist with a smooth and natural movement.

Then, he started walking slowly towards the door.

His face was never shown from beginning to end.

Only after his figure completely disappeared outside the door did Elder Barton collapse to the ground, utterly exhausted, his eyes vacant, as if all his strength had been drained away.

All he knew was that he had just narrowly escaped death.

And the "face" that the mysterious man mentioned...

Does he dare not give it?

Does he deserve not to give it to him?

Chapter 56 The Five People Are Released

When Elder Barton returned to the underground warehouse, all he could think about was getting those children released as soon as possible.

The mysterious man from earlier terrified him.

He finally arrived at the cell and saw the people inside trying to get out.

Luffy was banging his head against the railing, making himself dizzy.

Ace was kicking the lock hard; the lock wasn't broken, but his foot was in a lot of pain.

Saab tried to pry open the lock with a wire, but without much success.

Guina gently tapped on the welded joints of the railing, wondering if she could split it open.

Robin stood to the side, secretly observing everything.

Most of the people in the other cells nearby didn't react much; only a few people watched.

Elder Barton quickly took out the key and said as he opened the door, "You can leave now. It was all a misunderstanding."

Ace and the others were a little confused and didn't come out immediately.

A man with a missing front tooth standing nearby said, "You guys are really lucky; Patton actually let them go."

Another gaunt old man added, "It must be because you have someone backing you. But you're leaving like this, you won't live long either."

He had Ace and the others check themselves. They discovered that each of them had an extra metal ring around their neck or on their wrists or feet.

The man with the missing tooth explained that it was a miniature bomb inside a "black snake" device, which would explode if the device left a certain area or if someone pressed a button.

Elder Barton hurriedly said, "I'll untie you right away."

The gaunt old man said slowly, "Simply unlocking yours won't do. He might have a backup remote. To be completely secure..."

The man with the missing tooth chimed in, "Then I'll have to trouble you guys to take down the control center and defuse all the bombs on everyone's bodies."

Some of the other people in the cells also looked over when they heard this.

Ace and the others looked at each other.

Luffy patted his hat and said, "Then let's go blow up the control center and rescue everyone."

Ace smiled and said, "That sounds more interesting than just walking straight ahead."

Sabo nodded: "It seems we won't be able to leave easily."

Kuina moved her arm, the numbness had already disappeared: "It's perfect timing, we haven't settled the score from earlier yet."

Robin, on the other hand, seemed to have an idea, and her eyes lit up, but it was just a guess.

Everyone then looked at Elder Barton.

Elder Barton looked at the group of eager young devils before him and inwardly groaned. He understood that these little troublemakers wouldn't give up until they had caused enough trouble.

He gritted his teeth, a fawning smile plastered on his face: "The young heroes are right! This control center really should be taken down! I... I'll lead the way!"

Ace narrowed his eyes suspiciously: "Old man, what trick are you up to now?"

"No, no!" Elder Barton waved his hands repeatedly, his expression so sincere it was almost tragic. "I am... abandoning darkness for light! Yes, abandoning darkness for light!"

As he spoke, he took the initiative to walk ahead and lead the way, looking just like a guide.

Sabo and Kuina exchanged a glance, both feeling that something was off about the situation.

But Luffy had already excitedly followed: "Hurry, hurry! After we defuse the bomb, let's go eat barbecue!"

The group walked forward along the dimly lit passage. Elder Barton was indeed very cooperative, even explaining to the guards, "These are distinguished guests who are going to visit the control center."

The guards exchanged glances, but seeing the elder's humble demeanor, they dared not ask any further questions.

Upon arriving at the control center entrance, Elder Barton proactively entered the password and thoughtfully reminded them, "The young heroes can do whatever they want inside; don't give me any face."

There were several staff members on duty in the control center. Just as they were about to react when they saw Ace and the others barge in, Elder Barton shouted first, "Get out! These gentlemen want to use the control center!"

The staff member on duty left, looking completely bewildered.

Luffy looked at the wall full of buttons and screens, scratched his head, and asked, "Which one is for defusing bombs?"

Elder Barton immediately pointed to a red control panel: "This is it! Press the master switch to defuse all the bombs!"

Ace looked him over warily: "You'd be that kind?"

Elder Barton said with a bitter face, "To be honest, that lord instructed that you all be allowed to have a good time. I'm just following orders!"

Robin smiled slightly upon hearing this. Just as she had thought, her uncle had made a move!

Sabo walked to the control panel and studied it for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "Interesting, this old guy wasn't lying. Press this, and all the bombs will be disabled."

Kuina raised an eyebrow: "Then press it."

"Wait!" Ace suddenly grinned mischievously. "It's no fun just pressing it like that."

He turned to Elder Barton and grinned, "Old man, how do you usually show off your power? Show us."

Elder Barton was taken aback, then suddenly realized. He expertly activated his communicator, cleared his throat, and adopted his usual authoritative demeanor:

"Attention all departments! This is Patton! I'm announcing an important decision—starting today, all 'cargo' is to be released! Yes, right now! Execute immediately!"

An incredulous voice came from the other end of the communicator: "Elder, you mean..."

"I said release them! Don't you understand?" Elder Barton's acting skills kicked in, his voice stern and menacing. "This is the organization's highest order! Anyone who dares to disobey will be court-martialed!"

After saying that, he neatly cut off the communication, turned to Ace and the others with a fawning smile: "Is this performance acceptable?"

Luffy was dumbfounded: "This old man's face changes so fast!"

Sabo suppressed a laugh and pressed the master switch. With a beep, all the bomb collars unlocked.

Just then, a commotion arose outside. It turned out that the prisoners had discovered that the cell doors had opened automatically and the bombs had been defused, and they were pouring out.