"Hehehe, thank you for your concern, Saint Rosward. I trust the bed has been to your satisfaction?"
A flash of delight appeared in Saint Rosward's eyes as he thought, 'It really is him!'
"It seems Rear Admiral Hammer already knows why I've come looking for you."
"If I'm not mistaken, I believe I do."
"Oh? And where does such confidence come from?"
"Because on this entire sea, I'm the only one who can craft such marvels!"
Hammer proudly puffed out his chest and placed a watch in front of Saint Rosward.
"Please take a look, my lord, this is my latest creation: the Thunder Watch."
"I think this is something you'll quite enjoy."
Fresh, novel things were always irresistible to the Celestial Dragons.
The small watch immediately caught Saint Rosward's full attention.
Even the thick glass dome couldn't block his fiery gaze.
Meanwhile, Sengoku and Kong both gave Hammer skeptical glances.
Hammer shook his head first, then nodded slightly, meaning: 'It's not that great. Just give it to him.'
Only then did the two old men feel slightly more at ease.
"It just looks like a regular watch. Does it have any special features?"
In response to Rosward's curiosity, Hammer smiled faintly.
"That bed looked ordinary, too, didn't it? But its functions pleased you, right?"
"Very much so! Ever since I got that bed, I haven't had to lift a finger! It's extremely comfortable!"
"There you go. Your Grace, you must understand, truly great inventions often appear simple on the outside."
Seeing Rosward so pleased with the bed, Hammer knew he had made the right bet.
This old fool was clearly enamored by the works of 'Master Ornn', his own pseudonym, and now wanted even more of such wonders. He might even try to abduct Hammer to Mary Geoise for exclusive crafting.
"Is that so? Then what does this watch do?"
"Well, we'll need someone to test it out. I think the CP0 agent behind you would be perfect, don't you think so?"
Hammer's lips curled into a mocking grin.
Class is in session! First lesson: Vengeance must be served immediately, never postponed to the next day!
Dontari, the CP0 agent, felt uneasy under Hammer's gaze, anger rising in his chest as he glared back. 'This bastard is doing this on purpose!'
Hammer, unafraid, stared right back with widened eyes: 'Yes, I am doing this on purpose! What are you gonna do about it?'
"Dontari, if Master Orn suggests it, you shall comply."
Dontari felt like he had just been tossed into an ice cellar. 'These damned Celestial Dragons... I've risked life and limb, and now they're making me test poison?!'
But as a CP0 agent, he couldn't disobey a Celestial Dragon's command, especially when he was assigned to protect Saint Rosward.
"Wait, Saint Rosward, let's move outside. It's too cramped in here, I worry it might affect the demonstration."
"Oh? That grand, is it? Alright, let's go outside."
As they stepped out, Hammer shot Sengoku a glance.
Sengoku instantly understood and began clearing the area outside.
Rosward led the group, with Dontari casting one last glare at Hammer before following quickly.
Kong grabbed Hammer by the arm and asked with a serious tone, "Hammer, do you know what you're doing? If a Celestial Dragon gets hurt at HQ, even I won't be able to protect you!"
"Relax, old man. I value my life more than anyone else. Besides, I'm not even Logistics Chief yet. If I weren't confident, I'd have bolted already."
Seeing Hammer's brimming confidence, Kong's worries eased slightly as they followed him outside.
...
Outside Marineford HQ
Hammer handed the watch to Dontari.
"Your Grace, please observe. This watch contains an electrical function. See the two buttons beside the dial? The left button activates the electric discharge."
As he explained, Hammer subtly moved away, and the crowd instantly followed suit.
Soon, only Dontari remained in the center of the field. Even Rosward now stood beside Hammer, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Well, Dontari! Don't just stand there! Try it out!"
Dontari felt like crying. He was already planning early retirement in his mind.
"Just aim at the sky and press the left button. Don't worry, it's perfectly safe!"
'Yeah, right' But with Rosward watching, Dontari didn't dare stall.
He raised his right hand, the one wearing the watch, and pressed the left button.
CRACK!
A deafening thunderclap rang out as a bolt of lightning shot from the watch into the sky, leaving a bright streak behind.
"Wow! It really shoots lightning! Magnificent!"
"What about the right button? What does that do?"
"Dontari! Press the right button!"
Dontari was shocked but relieved he wasn't harmed. Feeling a bit reassured, he pressed the right button.
This was exactly what Hammer was waiting for.
The moment Dontari moved, Hammer's smile turned sinister.
Dontari caught that evil grin and immediately felt a chill.
In the next second, he understood why.
A terrifying electric current burst from the watch and spread outward.
Dontari, acting as the conductor, was electrocuted inside and out. Thin wisps of black smoke rose from his head.
As Rosward looked on in stunned amazement, Hammer leaned in and whispered:
"But the true marvel is when both buttons are pressed together. That unleashes its full power."
Kong and Sengoku could barely suppress their laughter.
'This brat isn't doing a product demo, he's publicly torturing that CP0 guy.'
'Look at him, practically roasted already, and he's still not letting up. What a little devil.'
'But… it did feel satisfying. These arrogant CP0 guys had it coming!'
"Really? Both buttons at once? Dontari! Did you hear that? Press them both together!"
Dontari felt utterly defeated. Even with his tough body, that electric current's pain had been brutal.
Still, he clenched his teeth and, trembling, pressed both buttons.
"Your Grace, behold the Thunder Watch's ultimate technique, Heaven's Judgment."
With Hammer's malevolent voice echoing, a lightning bolt as thick as an arm surged from the ground.
And completely engulfed Dontari in its wrath.
"Such divine punishment by thunder is perfect for someone of your noble status, wouldn't you agree, Saint Rosward?"
Rosward's eyes began to burn with obsession, watching the lightning with growing excitement.
The devil's whisper, sometimes held more power than any weapon.
Especially to those who see themselves above all others.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
p@treon.com/DaoistJinzu