Chapter 35: The Clash of Powers
"Puff!"
The black shadow ninjas' blades pierced Bullseye, and blood gushed from his mouth. Although a professional killer, he had been a mercenary and a knife-throwing target in a circus. But this was the closest he had ever come to death!
At that life-or-death moment, an abnormal flush spread across Bullseye's face. The emotionless shadow ninjas, indifferent to his blushing, withdrew their swords. The wounds on Bullseye's body were slick with blood from the blades being pulled out.
The sound of swords being sheathed and a body hitting the floor echoed through the office. Blood poured from Bullseye's wounds, and he lay motionless, seemingly dead.
Valmont's calm, cold voice broke the silence. "Don't worry! I instructed them to avoid vital areas, just minor cuts. Losing my temper at such pathetic trash is beneath me."
Even without Valmont's reassurance, the battle-hardened Bullseye knew his injuries weren't serious. But strangely, he couldn't move, collapsing powerlessly.
Lying on the floor, Bullseye glared at Valmont, weakly shouting, "They poisoned the knives?! You possess overwhelming strength, yet you resort to such despicable tactics."
Valmont's response was casual. "All's fair in war! Besides, if I hadn't told them to use anesthetics, you would've lost at least two arms. You should be grateful!"
Valmont's shamelessness shocked not only Bullseye but also Kingpin and Wesley. They knew that without the drugs, Bullseye would have continued to resist. Those emotionless black-clad monsters would have hacked him to pieces.
Kingpin swallowed nervously, watching Valmont surrounded by shadow ninjas. Bullseye, with his ranged weaponry, was his strongest asset, virtually unchallenged in Hell's Kitchen. But against this extraordinary power, he fell in two moves. Had Valmont not shown mercy, he would be dead.
[Power Deterrence, gain 46 reputation points with Kingpin]
[Power Deterrence, gain Bullseye's reputation value 31]
[Power Deterrence, gain James Wesley's reputation value 9]
"We've dealt with the trash! Now it's your turn, Kingpin!" Valmont, as if remembering something, turned to Kingpin and said briskly, "If you're hoping your subordinates will notice the commotion and come to your aid, they're all sleeping soundly, like him." He gestured towards the collapsed Bullseye.
As the king of the underworld, Kingpin had already guessed that his men in the building were dealt with. After all, they had barged into his private office and smashed the door. But hearing it stated so bluntly still stung.
As his anger simmered, Valmont's indifferent voice cut through the tension. "Show the strength and willingness to cooperate with us; otherwise, you have no reason to live!"
At that moment, Tohru, massive and fierce, stepped into the office. The increasingly cold and murderous atmosphere made Kingpin realize this wasn't a joke. His life hung in the balance.
"Okay, let's begin!" Kingpin sighed, walking towards Tohru. He removed his white jacket, revealing his muscular build. The two men locked eyes, searching for weaknesses.
"Bang!!"
The concrete floor beneath them shattered as they charged like bulldozers. With a teeth-grinding whistle, their fists, the size of casserole dishes, collided mid-air. The force of the impact created miniature gusts of wind in the office.
Raw, brutal power clashed, and the outcome was swift.
Kingpin groaned, his fists recoiling as he stumbled backward. Tohru, unfazed, shook himself and continued his advance. With surprising speed for his size, he closed the distance and swung a massive fist.
The battle-hardened Kingpin knew his physique couldn't withstand a direct confrontation. Dodging the punch, he twisted, aiming a blow at Tohru's abdomen.
"Bang!" The powerful impact forced Tohru back.
Kingpin seized the opportunity, crouching slightly, fists guarding his head, and charged. Right jab, left jab, swing punch… He unleashed a flurry of boxing and fighting techniques.
Muffled thuds echoed as blow after blow landed on Tohru. Despite the onslaught, Tohru remained standing.
Seeing his attacks had little effect, Kingpin disengaged, creating distance to reassess. He repositioned, readying for another assault.
As Kingpin advanced, Tohru bent his knees, raised his hands to his chest, and exploded forward. His massive frame and sudden acceleration sent Kingpin flying.
Tohru's right hand snaked out, grabbing the airborne Kingpin. His left fist swung down with devastating force!
Kingpin reacted quickly, raising his arms to shield his head, using his elbows to deflect the incoming fist. But Tohru's sheer power overwhelmed his defense, nearly knocking him unconscious.
Before he could recover, heavy punches rained down like cannonballs.
"Bang, bang…"
The dull thuds signaled the brutal beating. Kingpin was on the verge of a concussion.
"Stop! Tohru, you win!" Valmont's voice, calm and authoritative, echoed through the office.
Tohru obediently ceased his attack, casually tossing the nearly unconscious Kingpin aside like garbage.
"Boss, are you okay?" Wesley rushed to Kingpin's side, checking his condition.