Outside.
Fenric saw the old woman waiting.
"Hmm?"
The moment his eyes landed on her, he felt something was off.
The woman looked honest enough, but sweat beaded her forehead. Most people sweat like that when they're sick—or when they're nervous.
Her callused hands and sturdy arms spoke of someone used to farm work. She wasn't that old, her complexion was healthy, and she didn't look ill at all.
Which meant her sweating had only one explanation: she was nervous.
Fenric's lips curved into a faint smile. There was clearly a trap waiting for him.
But instead of getting angry, curiosity sparked in his eyes.
What kind of trap? Who's behind it this time?
With that thought, Fenric's expression remained calm.
"Let's go," he said simply.
At the doorway.
Three Western cars were already waiting.
Fenric approached the middle car, and one of the gang brothers immediately opened the door for him.
Seven or eight more brothers boarded the cars in front and behind.
As the Second Master of the Axe Gang, he couldn't travel like some commoner. A man of his position needed an entourage—otherwise, where was the dignity?
The old woman sat in the car ahead, leading the way.
Vroom!
The engines roared, and the cars rolled down the road.
Cars of this era were primitive—just engines, wheels, and a steering wheel. The ride was rough and bumpy.
If I weren't so physically resilient, this would be unbearable, Fenric thought.
Half an hour later.
The convoy entered the northern part of SH City.
Inside a five-story building nearby, by the window, Brother Sum and Shiye sat sipping tea.
The weather was bright and clear. Sunlight poured through the windows, warm and pleasant.
But neither man could enjoy it. Both were restless, their glances repeatedly flicking toward the street below as if waiting for something.
"He's coming!" Shiye suddenly exclaimed, excitement flashing in his eyes.
Brother Sum immediately shoved him aside and took the best spot by the window.
He wanted to see Shura's death with his own eyes.
Brother Sum was known for his vengeful nature.
After suffering humiliation in Pig Sty Alley, he hadn't given up—he had even sought the Fire Cloud.
Ever since Fenric joined the Axe Gang and stole the spotlight, Sum's resentment had only grown. Over the past ten days, Fenric hadn't shown him an ounce of respect. Sum's hatred for him had become deep and personal.
Through the window, he could see three Western cars slowly approaching.
Brother Sum's lips twisted into a cruel smile.
The good show was about to start.
BOOM—!
A sudden explosion ripped through the street as the cars crossed a certain spot.
The blast was deafening, echoing through the surrounding blocks.
The middle car—Fenric's car—was blown high into the air.
The two cars in front and behind were caught in the shockwave and flipped violently.
"Good!" Brother Sum shouted in excitement.
Shiye, grinning ear to ear, added, "He's dead for sure now!"
They had laid a trap of buried explosives to deal with Fenric—and they had another backup plan in case he survived.
But their celebration didn't last long.
As the smoke cleared, Fenric stepped out of the wreckage, dusting himself off. Except for some torn fabric on his suit, he was completely unscathed.
The smiles on Brother Sum's and Shiye's faces froze.
"This… this…!" Shiye stammered, unable to believe his eyes.
How can anyone survive that explosion!?
The man standing in the middle of the street didn't look human at all—he looked like a monster!
On the street.
Fenric rolled his shoulders, glancing around calmly.
The ambush had been sudden, but the explosives used were too weak compared to modern military-grade weapons.
Even without using Armament Haki, his current physique alone was enough to shrug off the attack.
The nearby pedestrians had already fled in terror.
Only a few unfortunate souls caught in the blast lay on the ground, groaning in pain.
As for the driver who had shared Fenric's car—he hadn't survived.
Suddenly, a strange sound floated through the air.
It was the sound of a pipa, a traditional stringed instrument.
Fenric turned his head and spotted two men sitting calmly on the roadside, playing together.
The two men were identical in style—one tall and thin, the other short and stocky. Both wore the same gray robes, round caps, and dark sunglasses that hid their faces.
The moment Fenric saw them, he smiled.
I know this part of the story…
He instantly recognized them as the Harpist—the same deadly duo from the plot of Kung Fu Hustle.
Which meant only one thing:
Brother Sum had hired them to take him out.
Fenric strode confidently toward the duo.
Sensing his approach, the two assassins changed their tune—the slow, eerie music suddenly became fast and aggressive.
WHUMMM—!
The pipa's sound transformed into invisible sound waves, rippling through the air like blades.
A strange phenomenon occurred—those waves condensed into transparent sonic blades, slicing toward Fenric.
Fenric raised an eyebrow, impressed.
Interesting technique… not bad.
If the attacks were a little stronger, he might even consider learning it.
But instead, he quietly summoned his mind power.
Whoosh!
It was like a sudden gust of wind, instantly shattering the sonic blades.
In truth, Fenric didn't even need to block. Even the Fire Cloud hadn't been able to break through his Armament Haki—how could these two assassins, who had once been beaten by a simple landlady?
The only reason Fenric bothered to deflect the attacks was to protect his clothes.
After all, this was a public street—what a shame it would be to walk around with shredded clothes.
The wind generated by his Telekinesis power didn't stop after shattering the sonic blades—it surged forward toward the duo.
Their expressions changed instantly.
They slammed their hands on the pipa strings, producing a powerful counter-wave of sound.
WHUM! WHUM!
The two sound waves clashed like colliding forces, and for a moment, the assassins managed to hold off Fenric's attack.
Then, they struck the strings in perfect unison, producing a sharp, resonant note.
WHUMMM—!
A harsh, almost metallic sound filled the street.
The sound waves coalesced into a terrifying ghostly warrior—an armored phantom wielding a giant blade—charging straight at Fenric.