Blaize was shocked and astonished noticing a gaping hole between his chest area. Had he hadn't shifted his body at the last moment, his heart may have been pierced by Speed, as well.
His heart pounded gushing more blood from the wound. Is it due to excitement, fear, or nervousness? Blaize doesn't know!
His brain processed the attack and played it in his mind. It gave him a clear idea of what happened.
In fact, Blaize's Observation Haki discerned Speed's attack before it happened but he couldn't react. There's no time. Even so, his brain acted instinctively and coated the area the attack's going to hit with Haki.
But, nothing stopped Speed's hand from piercing his body. It's not because Speed is stronger than him but the way he used his devil fruit ability is extraordinary.
Blaize felt it. Before striking, Speed vibrated his hand with Speed-Speed fruit. He cursed, 'Fuck, his abilities are similar to 'Flash'!'
Of course, Speed's abilities are not as ridiculous as Flash but it's enough to trouble Blaize to large extent.
On the other hand, Speed was astonished to see Blaize still standing even with the hole between his chest. Only then he noticed blood stopped flowing from the opponent's wounds while his heart thumping normally.
'I missed his heart. When did he dodge my blow?' Speed wondered as he didn't see his opponent move during the strike.
He stared deeply at Blaize as if he's trying to see through. Just as he planned to strike again and kill the Marine in one blow, Speed's eyes flashed red.
His Observation haki sensed an incoming presence. The next moment, a massive wave of ice in the shape of a pheasant blasted towards them from the distance.
But the ice pheasant hit nothing but a mirage left behind by Speed. He's too fast. He disappeared with Luke. Their figure reappeared at the shore of Greenhill Island.
Though it may seem like a lengthy play, all of this happened in an instant. From the time Blaize and Luke exchanged a move, barely a second has passed.
Just as Speed retreated, Aokiji appeared next to Blaize. Seeing him, Blaize chuckled. "Kuzan, perfect timing. If you were late by a second, Speed would have heavily injured me!"
'Would have? Aren't you already heavily injured?' Aokiji marveled, gazing at the see-through hole in Blaize.
"Ai, I didn't expect to be injured at the start of the battle. It's my mistake, I was careless." Blaize mumbled and looked at his wound.
With a little concentration, his Senju Consitution activated and began to heal his wounds. It was a weird sight. Muscles grew on their own and patched themselves closing the gaping hole.
Within a minute, the wound disappeared not even a scar remained. The level of healing amazed Speed, Luke, and even Kuzan as he too didn't know.
Crackling his knuckles, Blaize shouted: "Oi, Speed! Since you tried to kill me, you can't blame me for showing any mercy."
Even though he healed himself, it consumed nearly fifty percent of his physical force. Well...he can recover it once the sun rises, so it didn't affect Blaize in any way.
On the other hand, Speed gazed at Kizaru without minding Blaize. 'So they sent Aokiji. If they had taken me seriously, they would have sent Akainu or that Light ability user Kizaru.'
Still, he wasn't going to underestimate Aokiji just because he looks young and has an indifferent air around him. He knew none of the Marine Admirals are weak as they are considered as the strongest Marine officers.
Aokiji looked at Speed and Luke. His gaze then shifted to the Speed pirates who were rushing towards the East side of the Greenhill Island where their ships are docked.
--
At that moment, the Marine Fleet of five battleships appeared on the horizon and sailed towards where the Speed pirates are heading.
None of the ships stopped to assist Blaize or Aokiji. Their target is Speed pirates, and they were ordered not to interfere in the battle as they can't do anything here.
Onboard, Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals stood on the ship's front deck and commanded the soldiers to ready the canon.
Kuina and Regis gazed at the silhouette of Blaize standing far away from them. Kuina had worried look on her face. Seeing this, Regis spoke. "Don't worry. Blaize-san is strong. You should worry about your upcoming fight!"
On the other side,
One-third of Speed pirates boarded the ships docked at the coast under the leadership of Vulken. They had two huge ships and one medium-sized ship under their command.
As for Jasper, she led the remaining pirates into the center of Greenhill Island. The pirates were divided into small groups and set ambushes in different parts of the Island.
Everything's planned by Speed. They had already scouted the Island well and can use the terrain to their advantage.
They just need to hold the Marine troop for half a day before Speed and Luke finish their fight. Once they gain victory, it would be a piece of cake to take down the other Marines.
Time passed in seconds as Marine ships neared the Island. When they are in range, the officers ordered to 'Fire'. The same happened on the Pirates side.
"Boom!" Both sides fired the canons. None of them hit any target as they are still far.
Still, the atmosphere was so tense as it nearly choked the inexperienced Kuina. If not for Regis standing beside her and his reassuring words, she may have collapsed already.
For Kuina who comes from East Blue, this level of battle is beyond her imagination but Blaize wants her to participate in it. She needs to temper her heart before improving her strength.
Blaize thinks this battle is a valuable opportunity for Kuina to accumulate experience and understand herself.
As canons fired the shots, the soldiers and pirates fired their rifles at each other. Blood spilled as some cannonballs found the target while some bullets pierced the flesh!
It was a messy and bloody situation. And, the 'Battle of Greenhill' has finally started between the Marines and Speed Pirates.
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