It's the thrill in the end. In that moment when something stolen becomes mine or is it? That's the bliss I desire.

Luck, Fate or Destiny. Whatever it was, it'd guided Jackal towards the target of the whole evening, the VIP Section. As stated prior, all of the A-Listers were placed in Box Seats, each equipped with their own personal staff and toiletry facilities. The amount of staff manning each booth didn't really depend on the size, but the amount of personnel available on the night. Guided by the senior server, who was still immensely shaken up from Mr.Gravito's last outburst, he'd begin to prepare Jackal as they'd exit through the door marked '41'. The area they'd be enter into now would be a closed off area back-stage next to the ORGAN area, it was hallway that servers working the VIP Section would use to get to and from the kitchen area, towards the staircase that'd lead to the balcony section of the area. Situated on this particular block section were the boxes for the letters, 'Z','X','Y','W','V' and 'U', six in total, 'W' being the box allocated for Mr.Gravito's party. The balcony area overlooked the general seating from the boxes and the stage, however, they'd be circling around through the staff's entrance, which would lead to a hallway, a long stretching one with each box marked by a door as they'd advance. Finally making it up the staircase, the waiter and Jackal exited into the hallway, beginning the traverse towards Mr.Gravito's 'W' Box.

"Our job is simple. We take the orders given to us by the guests. Circulating through each box just in case our other staff is busy handling prior orders." the waiter explained.

"Roger Doger." Jackal replied quickly nodding his head in understanding.

"Question. If all of the VIP's are cramped up in the booth, how are they're bids placed?" Jackal inquired.

"Ah. That's simple. Den Den's are placed in each box. The guest talks to one of the bookers in real time, and we convey they're order to organiser on stage. No connection needed. You just pick up the Den Den and place your bid." the waiter explained.

Jackal didn't really give much of a response aside from making the noise, 'Ah', and continuing to trail behind the waiter.

The boxes were open air format, meaning for the most part, each of the box owners could've pretty much visually see into each other's box, though, seeing actual activity would've been a hard peg to make due to the large number of staff bustling through the gaps between the boxes. It was also how when Jackal entered into neighbour 'W' box area, he'd shoot Madam Fae a wink, and capture a glance at the sleeping Bazil. However, he kept this as subtle as possible, he needed to focus on the task at hand. Once arriving at the requested area, the two would circle around the partition walls, provided to add intimacy to each box, and the sight before them was almost the start of a poorly shot smut film. Gravito's eyes would've been squeezed shut tightly, Alex's body being forced to invade the Fishman's personal space by a simple tug towards the chain around his neck. The organisers of the auction had entered into the box, depositing the items purchased by Mr.Gravito to his left, whereas, Alex was to his right.

It was an efficient drop off, the funds had already been processed, so once the items had been set into place, they'd usher out of the room immediately, especially knowing how nasty the Fishman's track record was. The whole scene set of sparks in Jackal's mind, the only real solution to this whole mess brought a smirk to Jackal's face. It'd all happen in less than ten seconds, Jackal extending his hand to the nape of the waiter's neck, sending an electrical jolt through the girth of the man's neck, in one motion, Jackal leapt towards Mr.Gravito's position, using his wedged eyelids to his advantage, sinking his right foot into the man's face. The Mink's Electro covered foot rocked his brain with the high-jump kick, having enough force to rattle the Fishman unconscious, having no Endurance noted to resist. Even he'd survive the kick, the electrical surge would be enough to leave him paralysed temporarily. The only two conscious of the situation at hand was Jackal and Alex at this point. With everyone's eyes glued towards the stage, as the ridiculous bid of 1 Billion prior, had been now topped by another bid of 2 Billion, double the last quote, the crowd went into an uproar.

Jackal's ears tingled, he could've heard the sounds of flowing water coming from a room farther off to the back of the box, about thirty meters away. "Shishishi... Guess I have to be quick about this. I haven't been really following the whole auction." Jackal stated, walking around the area near to the Den Den, noticing a stack of papers. As he'd scale the list, his heart stopped momentarily. His expanded widely, as he'd shuffle over to the items delivered by the staff, comparing their item numbers to the detailed list of items on sale. "You've got to be shitting me. Do they even know what... These are..." Jackal murmured to himself. Flashing back to three months ago on Sandy, the item list for Pluton came to the forefront of his mind. Among the items that Mr.Gravito ordered, two of them stuck-out like a sore thumb to Jackal, especially with their item names.

• Armageddon
  
• Warehouse Directions and Access Key to Bunker 5607 in Ninth District for material simply known as Plutonus Wood.
  

"Armageddon... also known as Pluton's heart... These the blueprints for it. Plutonus Wood... Known as Pluton's Body." Jackal thought to himself, his hand entering into a shake as he couldn't believe the items stood before him. "Forget Mother. I need to escape with these immediately." Jackal concluded. Picking up the folded graph paper called Armageddon, snatching the access key, Jackal slipped them into the inner coat of his provided suit. Turning towards Alex, "I'm not sure what exactly you've come here for but this is pretty much it for me." Jackal stated grinning. "I suggest you decide your next move before whoever it is in the bathroom returns." Jackal concluded, beginning to shatter the collar around his neck with a series of minuscule electrical charges, shattering the restraint.

Skill used:

It's the thrill in the end. In that moment when something stolen becomes mine or is it? That's the bliss I desire.

It all started for Jackal the moment that Alex pointed his pistol towards his chest. His triggered sixth sense perceived the next series of events, which included Bazil lunging off the side of the balcony like a mad man, and the returning guard from the bathroom revealing himself as a double agent. This situation was going to complete and utter chaos, as all of the kiddy gloves had been removed and it was time for Jackal to make moves of his own. As stated prior, Jackal had already obtained what he needed, as the items were delivered that Gravito had ordered prior to all of this fiasco, and what was the icing on the cake, he'd been able to obtain two pieces in helping towards obtaining the mysterious buzz word that was 'Pluton'. However, Alex was indeed right, if it wasn't for him, this development wouldn't have happened, if they were going to indeed secure the fruit, that seemed to be the root of all of this chaos, the stranger mediator would've indeed been right. "Shishishi... If Bazil's our acting distraction, we can get this fruit and get out of here. The moment Bazil gets serious, we're all cooked." Jackal stated. "I'll help you get your fruit... Just relax on pointing guns in my face, It makes me nervous." Jackal stated turning his back on Alex, and signalling for him to follow his next series of action. First, Jackal would've immediately picked up the Den Den's that had direct connection to the brokers handling the placing of the orders.

"What's going on!? This is Mr.Gravito's guard. He's so flustered, he's blue in the face. Right before he was going to make a major bid too! He won't be satisfied unless his bid for the fruit will be processed." Jackal stated, putting on airs about the current situation at hand.

"In like of all of the players present, we'll be relocating the items to our storage room until our security for the night handles the matter. Two of our patrons have even opted to subdue the pirate. Please wait until-" the operator conveyed being cut off early by Jackal hanging up the line.

"Shishishi... Looks like your fruit is being moved to a storage area." Jackal stated, shifting from his position from the Den Den to peak over the balcony towards the sinking Giant, relocating to beneath the stage. "Any bets it's wherever that big guy's going." Jackal stated. "Alright here's the plan..." Jackal stated, putting on his Bandit thinker cap.

"We'll steal Mr.Gravito's VIP Access card. All of these lugs should've gotten one. Two of you will follow me to the staff area, from there we'll head backstage, and once the coast is clear or not, we'll strong arm our way. Get the fruit. I'll see what other goodies they have that I can grab on the way as well." Jackal stated.

Once the plan was agreed upon by Jackal, he'd waste no time. The route had already been mapped out in his head from his introductory tour earlier. They'd exit out into the VIP only area, the hallway behind the booths, traverse back towards the staircase, which would place them on the ground floor beneath the booths. From there, using the open space that was the VIP Staff's Lounge, they'd make there towards the area behind the platform, as the VIP doors connected directly to the stage. Finding the entrance to below the stage would've been easier after this point. Regardless of if the posse agreed or not, that was the plan. Jackal had signed onto the thrill of stealing this Mythical on Alex's behalf, maybe even for himself to sell back later, who knew. All that Jackal knew, was that he'd need an excuse to clog the VIP hallway with booth owners regardless of the Bazil's actions.

Peering around the room momentarily before their exit, a grin plastered across the Mink's face. Staring at the fire alarm in the centre of the ceiling to his booth, Jackal followed the line it was connected to, and the answer had become evident. A centralised fire alarm system would trigger the watering system for every other room within this building, and soaking everyone would've played into his plan for later. In one move, Jackal mustered up saliva in his mouth, spitting off three loogies towards the ceiling, each of them stopping short before exploding. The heat from the explosion was more than enough to not only trigger watering station, but collapse the 'W' booth. Snatching Mr.Gravito's pass from his person, Jackal dashed into hallway in means and action star would, if they wanted to stay behind and get crushed, that was the others business. Time was of the essence.

"Let the race begin." Jackal stated grinning.

Skills | Haki:

It's the thrill in the end. In that moment when something stolen becomes mine or is it? That's the bliss I desire.

The sprinkler system activated to disburse any potential fires throughout the building, drenching everyone within the building's contents with enough water to quell the most ferocious of fires, leaving notable dampness to the surfaces across the well furnished building. The intent of this action simply acted as a pawn being pushed to the opposite end of the chess board, the crescendo soon to be cashed in or arrived upon. The party as stated prior exited the room and attempted to traverse the hallway but their position was wedged from the countless staff and VIP's running for their lives at the situation at hand. Jackal sensed an array of emotions but none stuck out like the sore thumb that was the Bloodhound Mink's own from thirty-meters away. His killing intent was massive, and with his conception of Kenbunshoku Haki, and the already callous behaviour he'd targeted towards Jackal before, the Mink knew it wouldn't be a simple smack on the wrist with all of the chaos in motion. Once he'd arrive after the man's smug remark about a race, the man's monstrous howl hailed from the West (Door 9), literally blocking the corner that would've lead to the Staff Area's staircase. The scream plastered the hallway with bodies of auction VIP's and staff who wouldn't have been able to withstand the man's shout, crippling their eardrums to force of the howl. Even Jackal from his position almost ninety feet plus away would've felt the sound of the noise grating against his eardrums, especially so with his Mink Race in consideration.

With that realisation, Jackal didn't waste anytime clutching his ears. As the aura of the second troublesome man in the Winged one harked behind the bloodhound's arrival. As the bodies dropped from the screech, a clear line of sight could've been established between the two parties. With no idea of either man's abilities, rushing into close range combat would've been folly on the Mink's part, so taking the distance at hand, when the Winged Man reached for his revolver, the Mink's hearing was already compromised, however, with his Sixth Sense in play, one less sense to distract him from the sensitivity of auras. To say there be no delay in Jackal's actions either would've been impossible, the hounds flailing noise travelled at speeds he could've perceived but it was the nature of the attack that caught him off guard. Instead of reaching to guard his ears, moments before the Winged Man arrived, as blood trickled from the Mink's ear canal, Jackal mustered enough saliva and mucus to blow a single bubble that'd expand (SP 4) to the size of a medium size boulder. Once the Winged Man had pointed his weapon at the posse upon arrival, a popping noise could've been heard from Jackal's position disbursing the bubble.

The bubble's dexterity wouldn't be anything fast enough to match any shots fired from the man's gun, however, width and height of it was enough to cover at least fifteen feet wide, and more than enough height to enshroud a ten footer. Worrying less about speed of dispersal, Jackal focused on girth. The bubble would travel no more than one meter before colliding with the two shots fired at Jackal's knee cap, however, popping the bubble had catastrophic results. Jackal had already made up his mind about the intended spit projectile's explosive make, controlling the explosive force to push back in the direction of the bullets that were being fired, travelling thirty meters in the packed hallway, encapsulating the heat and force in a concentrated area. The medium sized bubble gathered enough girth and force to riddle everything along the fired shots trajectory with eroding force (P4). Whether or not it'd be enough to take out the Bloodhound or the Winged, wouldn't be the Mink's concern, it'd be the smoke plume created from the explosion that'd give Jackal coverage. In conjunction with the bodies that'd danced around in the force of the explosion, flinging themselves as human battering-rams at the duo. As the explosion carried to inches below the ceiling, and inches away from the wall's side on both ends, escaping this charge would've been impossible without retreat, and even then, it's speed (P4) would've taken superior, or great lengths of speed to avoid. One thing was certain, the bullets fired would've been deliquesced from the explosions energy instantly and forward charges would've been bold.  

Residual flames covered the hallway, infrastructure of walls and rooms compromised but it wouldn't be enough to ruin the building's sturdiness. In one motion, he'd nudge Alex and the Guard into one corridor with a shoulder shrug, a leaping kind of motion, rolling into the opposite area using the momentum of his lunge on top the red carpeted floor, having the smoke as cover, though the moment they started to use Kenbunshoku or if they were using it, they'd be found. For now, Jackal assumed the latter, position himself in the corridor between Box X and Box W, in front of a door with the numbers '11' inscribed on it. Distorted, Jackal's hearing was fucked, but he'd made sense of keeping composure, however, for the foreseeable future, he was deaf. Using his Kenbunshoku to scope ahead behind Door 11, he'd notice the door was locked and it'd be a staircase behind it which lead down to the floor area, about thirty meters ahead down the stairs. "These guys are the real deal... Breakdown that door... It'll take you to the floor level!." Jackal shouted, unable to control his volume due to being deaf, tossing the VIP Pass to the Guard and Alex. Jackal knew the moment the duo turned the corner into the corridor which he sat ten meters into, round two of their little spat would've continued.

Luckily, Dorr 11, leaded to Door 40 which would've placed them beneath the foot of the stage, a series of emergency exits put in place for situations such as these. "Tch. Now I'm on a suicide mission days before I take Mother. Two on one... I guess this is that Devil's Luck of mine." Jackal thought to himself in real-time smirking. The moment the men turned the corner, the next phase of Jackal's attack would've began.

Skills | Haki:

It's the thrill in the end. In that moment when something stolen becomes mine or is it? That's the bliss I desire.

OOC:

Perched atop a ceiling in the centre of the town, Jackal watched from an adjacent building as his bandits paraded around in the local watering hole after his meeting for unifying the Bandit Gangs across Sandy, proving his claim by defeating local hero, Jin. Sitting alone at first, he'd be joined by his right hand man, Sinbad. Nursing a mug of ale in his hand, the two overlooked the scene unfolding before them, history in the making.

"Watching that fight between you and Jin sent thrills through my entire body. I can't believe you defeated The Bull." Sinbad commented, chasing down the words after with a swig from his mug.

"Shishishi... It wasn't easy. A few times in between I thought I was dead for sure." Jackal stated grinning.

"Watching you fight... Your the opposite of Barron. Every move you make is calculated. Brings a question to my mind though." Sinbad alluded.

"Comparing me to your old boss? Missing the old Barron camp, Sinbad?" Jackal inquired plafully.

Breaking down in laughter, Sinbad responded almost immediately, allowing the desert breeze to dance through his gold spiky hair uncontested. "Not a chance." Sinbad stated grinning finishing his mug.

"You Minks... You produce electrical pulses right or shockwaves moreso?" Sinbad inquired, resting the cup to his company next to his waist.

"Kind of. It's called Electro. I can't really explain the mechanics behind but since a pup, I've been able to make electrical surges emit." Jackal stated.

"Here in lies my question!" Sinbad blurted out, his curiosity almost couldn't be contained.

"Proceed." Jackal responded with a simple chuckle.

"What happens when two Minks face off using Electro?" Sinbad inquired.

Tilting his head puzzled, Jackal turned towards the man's direction, diverting his eyes from the scenery, "What do you mean, 'What happens?', I'm lost as to what you mean?" Jackal inquired.

"Hear me out a bit. I assume that your attacks would simply clash correct, depending on how it's disbursed. However, what happens when one persons charge is superior to the other?" Sinbad inquired.

"Ha. That's easy. I run away." Jackal responded with a blank expression in a playful tone.

"Damnnit Jackal! I'm asking you this for ya' own good! Answer me honestly, what you do in a scenario like that?" Sinbad inquired with a serious expression.

Jackal didn't respond right away, instead, he'd wag his tail a bit, closing one of his eyes, and leaving the other open, he'd finally respond after about three minutes of thinking.

"Well. Honestly, they're only two options. It's either I avoid the strikes or use them to my advantage." Jackal theorised.

"Use them to your advantage... Explain." Sinbad battered.

Scratching his head, "Of course... This is only in theory. It'd have to figure out a way to absorb electrical pulses to some extent I guess. Electro's functionality and furthermore, Mink's biology aren't made to store electricity. So, ultimately, the best bet would be to use my body as a 'Channel' of sorts. Then, merge my own electricity to control the flow of the surge. I might not be able to overpower the charge in 100% of the chases... but I should have enough juice to redirect or disburse it elsewhere." Jackal continued.

"If I met someone who uses electricity, and also has a way to counter it... Rather by the same absorption... or some natural immunity, it'd be useless damage wise of course. However, that's unheard of. Most Mink's channel their electricity into weapons, it's said to be 'easier', though, I'm trash with a weapon." Jackal said picking his ear.

"Meaning... No Mink's ever thought about absorbing or redirecting electricity prior, correct?" Sinbad inquired smiling.

"Then. Work on that Boss. I'll tell you the whole origin of this conversation. Your strong. Barron was strong too. This sea is filled with strong guys. The mistakes I watched him make... I never want you to make. Never get too comfortable in your own strength. Always look to evolve. As a Bandit... The more tools in your arsenal... The more leverage we'll have in life threatening situations. I'm sure you have the basics down but explore more... As strong as you are... They monsters out there much stronger." Sinbad stated.

"Shishishi... Your one weird guy. I'll think of a way to make it work. If I'm just thinking about it on a skin level, the answer might be my fur." Jackal retorted.

"Eh?" Sinbad inquired almost instantly enthused.

"Jackal Clan Mink's fur tends to be very thick in most cases. I could use it as an insulator. However..." Jackal concluded, a grim look befell over his eyes.

"Electro manipulation at that level is delicate. I can control my electricity sure. However, it'd be trying to exert my will over an external force. One misstep, and it'd end up fried." Jackal concluded.

"What's the number one Bandit Rule, Boss?" Sinbad inquired.

"You're amusing me enough today. I'll humour you. What is it?" Jackal inquired.

"Nothing ventured. Nothing Gained." Sinbad concluded with a devilish smirk.

---

From the corridor Jackal retreated into, the man's Kenbunshoku stood firm, albeit his thought process scrambled from the shock of losing his eye-sight. As he'd try to re-adjust, within moments, he'd notice that something about his senses seemed sharper. It wasn't only just now, it was the battle experience of being in situations like this over the last year and half. Whether it be Barron, Jin, King's Personal Guard or his recent squabbles with Diana... Each situation was tailor made to strengthen the Bandit King's resolve. Once the last burst of energy from the explosion completed, Jackal noticed the immediate movement of the two aura signatures of the Auction Guards towards his posse's position, however, he'd only register their signatures once they'd come in range, at the peak of his thirty radius scope, only ten meters into the corridor, that stretched for at least about fifteen meters. After Jackal's initial warning, the guard had broken down the door, and retreated with Alex down the staircase, leaving the Mink as the sole proprietor to this bullshit horror house and shit-show. From about fifteen meters into her stride, the flying aura signature halted her advance to take firm aim, as would be expected from a shot of said calibre, which puzzled the Jackal Mink slightly. With her guns drawn, what happened next occurred at speeds that even Jackal couldn't truly process until the last moment.

The woman would've fired off five shots initially but the position of each shot, acted as a chain reaction, causing the bullets to swarm around the bend, and instantly, come flying towards Jackal's direction, three in number. The Mink already knew from the first interaction, as speedy as he was, avoiding the bullets would've been an impossible feat. However, as they curved the bend, it'd take them ten meters before reaching his position, that gave him minimal breathing room, however, luckily, though he couldn't process the shots make-up or speed, using his Kenbunshoku, he could've definitely predicted their trajectory generally, even though, they'd appear even to his mind's eye with a slight blur. As per earlier, the calculated personality of the marksmen shone through, two shots went for Jackal's knee cap once again, and the final bullet soared towards the man's right shoulder. At this point, when Jackal finally processed the situation, the bullets where a few inches away before impact. Having no time to be efficient, Jackal coated his entire legs and right shoulder in Busoshoku Haki. Bracing for impact, the slugs danced against the Mink's blackened skin, possibly fracturing his kneecaps in both of his legs, and popping his right shoulder out of it's socket slightly. The force of the shot dragged Jackal backwards about two meters, leaving him only three meters away from the opened door.

However, as the saying goes, 'No time to rest for the wicked.'.

Upon the bullet's impact, the other signature turned the bend. Jackal also watched the Bloodhound's advance, using his combat experience to help track the Mink's definite speedier movements. Unable to regain complete stance or even assess the current damage, an electrical pulse surged from the man's hand, as it made contact with the ground at the start of the corridor. A mighty electrical surge bursted towards Jackal's direction, using the liquids from the sprinkler system as it's conductor. Allowing the electricity to creep up on the Mink in literal mili-seconds. It'd be at this point that the conclusion to an old conversation between Sinbad and Jackal would've came into his memory bank. Using his superior perception, and sharpened battle senses, Jackal knew what'd happen next would happen just as quick as the Hounds attack arrived. It'd also be the only way he could've turned this two on one situation in his favour slightly.

The first charge of contact burned out the sole's of Jackal's feet, burning the fur beneath his feet however, after that initial pain struck, using his wet fur and the scenario to his advantage, a single word came into focus in Jackal's mind.

"Channel." Jackal thought.

The pain almost made Jackal fade out of consciousness but his stubbornness to win met the pain with a loud screech and his immediate response. Reducing the final damage taken on his feet, a cocoon of electricity swarmed around the Mink. At first glance, it'd seem as if his body was being viciously electrocuted by the charge, especially with his wet fur and the dampened hallway. However, compounding the power of the Bloodhound's shockwave, Jackal dug his blackened nails into the flooring of the hallway, penetrating even the damp red fur carpet that both Mink's stood upon. In an instant, at the same speed the Bloodhound's attack made contact with (P5 since attacks are one less than actual speed), Jackal redirected the electrical charge using his Electrical Nest skill, expanding the electrical field fifteen meters outwards towards' Bloodhound and Aya's eventual position. Aya would have enough range to avoid the surge if her advanced had hastened, however, the Bloodhound couldn't. Not at this range and speed (moving at the same speed as the absorbed attack P5). Taking into account the wet carpet acting as a conductor, the Bloodhound's own fur being wet, and the fact that Jackal's electrical dome now containing the Bloodhounds own's attack and his own, the attack should clock in much stronger than either man's attack (P6).

At bare minimum, Major damage was on the horizon for all caught up in this electrical melee. Those who were caught would've been paralysed in their entire body for at least a few minutes (one post). Jackal's kneecaps were possibly fractured and his right shoulder as well, movement indeed was possible but nothing on scale as his prior capabilities. Jackal counted eight shots, by this point, Aya would've ran out of ammunition in her barrel or depending on the make, have at least one more shot left. The Mink's feet were in better condition than he let on however, as the sole of his feet being covered in Busoshoku Haki negated a bit of the damage. The next series of events would've be the difference between life or death, Jackal had one last major motion in him. One thing's for sure, if the attempt was successful, the Bloodhound wouldn't escape unscathed, possessed by his own convictions or not.

Misc: