Two giants strode forward at a quick pace, with six members of their clan standing atop their massive shoulders.
"Rei, are you sure this is the right way?" one of the giants asked.
Perched lightly on his left shoulder, a lovely young girl smiled gently. "Both the Vinsmoke Assassin Clan and the Otis Mafia are heading in that direction. It must be where everything is happening!"
As she spoke, as if remembering something, she pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.
"I have to tell Father and ask him to hurry over. If anyone can seize the blueprint amid all this chaos, it's him. Also, tell the clan to prepare the Flying Ark for takeoff!"
While these three great families were on the move, even more factions farther away had also sensed that something was wrong.
Naturally, the Bakin Pirate Alliance had long since sprung into action.
The Bounty Hunter Alliance had received word as well.
Added to these were search teams led by Marine Vice Admirals, and countless other pirate crews.
Every force on the island had turned their attention toward Ivankov and the others, and by sheer coincidence, Ivankov was fleeing straight toward where Whitebeard was located.
...
Back inside the auction house, Vladimir sat calmly upon his secluded throne.
He dismissed Nico Robin, then closed his eyes to sense and observe the entire island.
Though he did not possess Observation Haki, the perception granted by his Three-Star Phantom God form was just as natural and keen.
With his eyes shut, he could clearly sense the auras of beings from great distances away.
Within his awareness, he "saw" Doflamingo, the Sea Giant, Zoya the Lightning Swordmaster, Ivankov, Crocodile, and Gecko Moria.
He even "saw" members of the Kaido Pirates, the movements of the great families, and the shifting positions of numerous pirate crews.
And the ongoing clash between the Whitebeard Pirates and another faction was under his closest watch.
It could be said that nearly ninety percent of everything happening on the island was firmly within his grasp.
Now that Ivankov had been exposed, and with Doflamingo deliberately dragging out the chase, news of the blueprint had spread wide.
Everyone was drawn in, converging toward the area where the Whitebeard Pirates stood.
The only ones still lingering at a stalemate by the river were the Moonlight Pirates, Marco, and Issho the blind Admiral.
"It's still moving too slowly."
After a long while, Vladimir opened his eyes. He raised his cup of black tea and took a slow sip.
"None of these groups are fools. They all know that whoever charges in first will just become cannon fodder. Each one is waiting for the others to throw their lives away first."
More than two hours had passed since the auction ended.
Although tensions were rising, and even if left alone, open war would break out sooner or later — it still fell short of the full-scale free-for-all Vladimir had envisioned.
"I suppose there's no choice. It seems I need to add some fuel to the fire. Doflamingo is already doing his part, but the rest of Phantom's members cannot act just yet... In that case, it's time to unlock a new transformation."
With that thought, Vladimir waved his hand, and eight Devil Fruits materialized before him.
Originally, he had five. The man in the peaked cap had handed over fifteen, bringing the total to twenty.
Afterward, he had used twelve to upgrade Aizen to Four-Star, leaving him with exactly eight remaining.
"I'll absorb all of them at once. It would be ideal if I gained a transformation that allows time and space travel, but even if not, eight fruits are more than enough to unlock something powerful."
Without hesitation, Vladimir absorbed the last eight fruits effortlessly.
An immense, mysterious power flooded into his body, nourishing every cell and altering his very genes.
Suddenly, brilliant golden light erupted all around him.
The radiance was vast and dazzling, filling the entire room like a solid substance — so thick it felt as though one could reach out and touch golden liquid itself.
This luminous aura lasted for more than ten minutes before slowly beginning to recede.
As the light dimmed, Vladimir stood bare. The moment the golden glow faded, it instantly condensed and solidified into a suit of armor around his body.
Golden Armor!
It was lightweight yet incredibly strong, infused with special divine power.
The instant it formed, Vladimir instinctively understood its properties and abilities.
Immediately after, his appearance began to change.
He grew several centimeters taller. His black hair transformed into radiant gold, and his dark eyes turned into sharp, crimson pupils.
Finally, all traces of the golden light vanished, and the new transformation was fully complete.
"So this is it..."
Vladimir opened his eyes.
His aura had shifted completely — from the distant, unfathomable grace of Emperor Vladimir to a majestic, arrogant demeanor that looked down upon all creation.
Just standing there, he radiated the presence of a king worthy of worship.
At the same time, full details of this new form flooded his mind.
Twelfth Transformation: Gilgamesh — The King of Heroes
Rank: ★★★☆☆
- Ability 1: Gate of Babylon
- Ability 2: Golden Armor
- Ability 3: Vimana — The Golden Ark
- Ability 4: Unlocked
- Ability 5: Unlocked
"So it's the King of Heroes himself?!"
Vladimir touched his own face in surprise. "Eight fruits were well worth it!"
While it still wasn't the time-space traveling ability he hoped for, Gilgamesh the King of Heroes was more than powerful enough to justify the cost.
"This power should surpass even the Supreme Ruler level..."
He tested and felt the three abilities for a moment, then couldn't help but smile.
"I actually have access to the Gate of Babylon even at this star level. Perfect. I'll go out now in this guise, collect more fruits, and see if I can max out this transformation right away!"
With that decision, Vladimir walked to the window, leaped into the air, and flew out.
____________________
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