Raising Legends in Roger’s Shadow

Chapter 351 351: The Ridiculous “Kingdom of God”

The moment Ritter's words fell, the surging blood mist around him did not simply spread outward. It collapsed inward with violent intensity, rushing toward the grotesque Black Tide greatsword in his hand.

His swordsmanship had long since fused with his Devil Fruit ability. This was the culmination of decades of refinement.

The blood mist condensed wildly along the blade.

High above, the warriors of Piruka clearly sensed the terrifying energy gathering below. Without hesitation, they raised their weapons. Blinding light began to concentrate at the muzzles, all of it locked onto Ritter.

And just before that energy could be unleashed

Ritter moved.

No dramatic shout. No exaggerated windup.

Just a simple upward slash.

"Mist God Style: Heaven Splitter."

His voice was low.

The Black Tide swung upward. The condensed mist peeled away from the blade, expanding in an instant into a colossal dark-red arc that stretched from sea to sky.

It made no sound.

Yet everything it touched seemed to vanish, even light itself swallowed whole. It was less a slash and more a rule of destruction imposed upon the world.

Too fast for the eye to follow.

Swordsmanship alone could never achieve something like this. It was the perfect fusion of blade and Devil Fruit. Others specialized. Ritter took everything.

The Piruka warriors had no time to react. Their weapons had only just begun to glow

And then they were gone.

No explosion. No screams.

When the dark-red tide passed, the sky was empty.

Only the torn clouds remained, silent witnesses to what had just happened.

The sea fell into stillness.

Only the gentle sound of waves lapping against the ships remained.

On the rubber ship, Joy Boy's jaw dropped so far it nearly hit the deck. His eyes bulged wide.

"Incredible! Incredible!"

He exploded into a shout, bouncing in place with excitement.

"That was insane, Ritter! Way too strong!"

Ayang and A-Xing froze completely. The mop and broom in their hands clattered to the ground, forgotten. Their mouths hung open as if time had stopped, eyes glittering with pure awe.

"They… disappeared…" Ayang muttered.

"With one swing…" A-Xing covered her mouth, unable to finish the sentence.

They had seen Ritter fight before. Blood mist, devouring, overwhelming force. But never something like this. A strike that seemed to split the world itself.

Their understanding of strength had just been shattered.

Truthfully, Joy Boy's strength was not far from Ritter's. Until they actually fought, even Ritter could not say who would win for certain.

But Joy Boy fought like he was playing around. It made his power feel light, almost casual.

Ritter was the opposite. Every move existed for one purpose: dominance. If it was not practical or impressive, he discarded it without hesitation. Pure overwhelming presence.

At Ritter's side, the girl stood quietly.

The sea breeze lifted her long hair and brushed against her clothes.

But there was no shock in her eyes. No fear. No exaggerated excitement like Joy Boy.

Only pride.

Clear, unmistakable pride.

As if saying without words: that is my captain.

Her chin lifted slightly. The line of her lips softened, just barely, rising by the smallest fraction. In her eyes, Ritter's figure stood tall, sword in hand, invincible and reassuring.

Ritter lowered Black Tide slowly. The boiling mist around him settled.

He flicked his wrist, as if he had done nothing worth mentioning.

"Tch. Just a bunch of trash. Wasted my time."

Then he turned and met the girl's gaze.

Seeing the light in her eyes, admiration and pride that he immediately interpreted as worship, he raised an eyebrow smugly and ruffled her hair.

"I don't care what anyone says. That move was cool as hell."

"So? Your captain pretty impressive, right?"

The girl did not speak.

But this time, she gave a small, unmistakable nod.

"Waaah! Big Brother Ritter! Teach me!" Ayang finally snapped out of it and rushed over. "I want to learn that! The 'hey-ha' move!"

"Me too! Me too!" A-Xing jumped up and down.

Meanwhile, Joy Boy had already started mimicking the attack on his own ship, flailing his arms wildly.

"Mist God Style! Heaven Splitter! Duang! Hahaha!"

"What is that 'duang' supposed to be!" Ritter's face darkened.

He glanced at the three of them, then at the girl beside him. Though she remained quiet, her presence had softened noticeably.

He could feel it. The others were worried. Curious. But too hesitant to ask.

Fine. No harm in saying it out loud.

Ritter leaned lazily against the railing, putting away Black Tide.

"Hey, rubber brain. And you two little idiots."

His voice was casual, but it drew everyone's attention instantly.

"Stop pretending. You're all wondering, right? Why those metal idiots were shouting about our vice-captain, calling her 'divine maiden' and talking about judgment."

Joy Boy scratched his head, confused but curious.

"Yeah! They were weird! Why were they targeting her?"

Ayang and A-Xing leaned in as well, their faces tense, nodding eagerly.

Ritter let out a short laugh.

"Simple. She escaped from a place called Piruka. And I took her out of there."

He paused, glancing at the girl. Seeing her calm expression, he continued in a flat tone laced with quiet anger.

"They've got a group they call 'divine maidens.' In reality, they're just Devil Fruit users."

"Because she gained that power, they filled her head with nonsense. Missions. Atonement. Turned her into something without a soul."

His eyes flashed red.

"Their end goal…"

"To use them as fuel."

"To keep that ridiculous 'Kingdom of God' running."

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