Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Jet Tusks
As Doflamingo had noticed, Jack's Observation Haki was locked onto Rim and Ostec, wary of Rim losing control in his emotional state and falling to the enemy.
After all, Rim was currently Jack's most valuable subordinate, with no significant ambitions of his own. If he were to die at the hands of Jack's nemesis, it wouldn't just be a tragedy—it'd be a stain on his reputation.
Word would spread. People would talk. How would it look for him to climb to the rank of All-Star, yet lose a trusted general to a grudge match?
"Lose your best fighter in the process? What kind of boss does that?" Jack muttered to himself, already envisioning the snide remarks from the discontented Tobiroppo. He couldn't let them have an excuse to whisper behind his back. Not when he needed to crush them not only in strength but in every conceivable way.
Still, Lynstan's attacks weren't much of a concern. As long as Jack avoided those talons, taking a few hits wouldn't matter. All he had to do was keep the fight even, wait for an opening, and finish Lynstan off in one swift move.
"Who wants to play endurance rounds with an Awakened Zoan? Not me," Jack thought, snickering. "Unless you're a cute chick, maybe I'd reconsider."
It was a solid plan, except for one minor flaw—Lynstan wasn't some pushover.
At first, Lynstan hadn't noticed Jack was holding back, but as the fight dragged on, things started to click. Jack wasn't counterattacking at all, and worse, his attention kept drifting to Rim and Ostec.
"You're kidding me," Lynstan muttered, glaring at Jack. "I'm kicking and pecking you, and you're still glancing over there? You've got some nerve!"
His irritation turned into full-blown rage when his eyes fell on Jack's trunk. A sinister grin crept across his beak.
"Elephant man, huh? Just looking at you makes me hungry," Lynstan teased. "Elephant steak is my favorite!"
"Oh? A connoisseur, I see," Jack replied, raising an amused brow.
The retort caught Lynstan off guard. Jack wasn't just unfazed, he seemed genuinely interested.
"How do you like it cooked?" Jack asked with a smirk before continuing without waiting for an answer. "Me? I'm a medium-well guy. A dash of black pepper, a pinch of sea salt, take a bite—delicious!"
"Wha…?!" Lynstan's feathers ruffled in disbelief. "You're an Elephant Zoan! How can you eat elephant steak? Doesn't that disgust you?"
"Why would it?" Jack tilted his head. "I ate an animal-type Devil Fruit. Doesn't mean I am the animal. Besides, why can't I eat one? Don't tell me you don't eat chicken?"
"Of course not! Chickens are adorable! Why would I eat one?"
Jack rolled his eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Oh, I see. Well, I'm not like you. I'll devour a chicken whole—male or female, I don't discriminate."
"You monster!" Lynstan shrieked, his talons scraping against the ground. "Eating such beautiful creatures! I'll kill you!"
"Ha! Look at you, a chicken to the bone, trying to preach to me." Jack's voice dripped with disdain as he dodged another swipe. "You're wearing chicken feet and squawking about morals!"
Lynstan's crimson comb flared as he leapt back, crouched low, and began scraping his talons against the dirt. Smoke rose as his claws tore into the ground. With a sudden burst of speed, he launched himself like an arrow, aiming straight for Jack.
"Bam!"
This time, Lynstan's attacks shifted—his sharp beak became the focus, with his talons as backup. Jack quickly noticed a difference, Lynstan's neck extended unnaturally long, and his beak gleamed like a blade. A single peck left a dent in Jack's arm, forcing him to coat himself in Armament Haki to avoid further injury.
"This guy's bite is worse than his bark," Jack thought grimly, shaking his arm.
But Lynstan was too furious to notice his own recklessness. His relentless attacks left no room for defense, which brought a gleam to Jack's eye.
"This is it," Jack grinned. "Keep it up, big chicken. Waste all your energy!"
The two clashed again, their blows echoing like thunder. Jack taunted Lynstan at every turn until, finally, Lynstan overextended.
"Gotcha!" Jack roared, his tusks glowing as they pierced Lynstan's shoulders.
"Argh!" Lynstan's scream echoed as blood spurted from his wounds. Jack didn't stop there. He hoisted Lynstan into the air, his voice booming:
"Jet Tusks!"
A sickening crack followed, leaving Lynstan dangling limply with gaping wounds. His wide, terrified eyes watched in horror as Jack's tusks regenerated.
"Don't worry, there's more where that came from!" Jack snarled. "Thought you could nibble on me, huh? Ever heard of prion disease, chicken boy?"
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