The battles waged by the world's strongest fighters wreaked absolute havoc and destruction wherever they clashed.
One such instance was the infamous Summit War, which left Marineford in ruins, a testament to the devastating power unleashed during the conflict. The invasion led by the renowned Whitebeard Pirates resulted in heavy casualties for the Marines, further exemplifying the catastrophic aftermath of their battles.
Another such example was Gold Lion, who invaded the Marine Headquarters alone and launched a one-man attack on it, it took the combined might of Sengoku and Garp to chase him away and they were only able to chase him away and not capture him.
In the face of these legendary adversaries, Doflamingo, though ambitious, paled in comparison. He was merely an ambitious little guy compared to the likes of Whitebeard and Gold Lion.
Even individuals like Momousagi and Chaton, who were on a similar level, commanded respect that made Rowen hesitate to say that he would be able to defend the G-10 Marine Branch if faced with their attacks.
However, with Doflamingo being the current opponent, Rowen saw no reason to hold back.
"Hehehe! Let me test if I can unleash some destruction here!" Doflamingo's wicked laughter echoed in the area and his aura grew even more intense. His Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) resonated widely, sending waves of intimidation through the surrounding area.
Nonetheless, Rowen had faced the Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) of even Shanks, recognizing its impact firsthand. Yet, when confronted with someone like Doflamingo, the intensity of his Haki felt as gentle as a breeze.
It caused Rowen's Justice cloak to flutter but held no other effect. His expression remained indifferent and unperturbed in the face of Doflamingo's overwhelming Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) at point-blank range.
This monstrous display astonished Doflamingo internally, although he managed to hide his surprise. Swiftly distancing himself, he curled his fingers into claws and directed five transparent, razor-sharp threads toward Rowen's face.
'Goshikito (Five Color Strings)!'
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
These incredibly sharp threads, capable of cutting through steel with ease, attacked at an incredible speed, producing a resounding tear in the air.
However, Rowen's Kenbunshoku Haki allowed him to track the trajectory of these threads with clarity. He lifted his Thunder Cloud Sword, executing a sequence of movements— a thrust, a swirl, and then a pull.
Thunk!!!
The sound of severing threads echoed across the battlefield and Doflamingo was taken aback as he witnessed the threads, which Thunder Cloud Sword couldn't cut moments ago, being effortlessly sliced open with a single stroke.
"So that's it… Thunder and lightning, huh?"
A faint blue aura enveloped the blade of Thunder Cloud Sword in Rowen's hand. Between thunder and lightning, the sharp edge of the sword became incredibly keen, resembling a destructive electromagnetic force.
(Thunder is the sound caused by a nearby flash of lightning and lightning is lightning. So they are different.)
Even Spider's Web couldn't withstand the might of this electromagnetically charged blade, let alone a few threads.
"FuFuFuFuFuFu! But Vice Admiral Rowen, you are not my primary target!"
Buzz!!!
As Doflamingo spoke, he swiftly pulled his hand down from behind his back. Unlike Goshikito – Five Color Strings, this time he unleashed several visible, robust threads that intertwined like a "fallen leaf rake." These threads ruthlessly pierced through the retreating Marine soldiers in the distance.
Fulbright (Dropping Ruffian String!)
Facing these visibly sharp threads, the soldiers were gripped with panic. Fulbright (Dropping Ruffian String) attacked with blinding speed, leaving them no chance to dodge its lethal trajectory.
Doflamingo's eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light, hidden behind his sunglasses, as if he could already envision the soldiers falling into a pool of their own blood.
While Rowen's current state possessed an eerie quality, his strength hadn't increased. Doflamingo had gathered the information regarding him for a long time, meticulously studying Rowen and his unique "Overload" technique.
He was well aware of the potential danger Rowen posed, especially when in his augmented state of Overload technique.
But even in that immensely powerful form, the basic laws still applied to Rowen. Distance and space remained crucial factors that no one could evade.
At this moment, Rowen had to step away to block Fulbright (Dropping Ruffian String), which would then create an opportunity for Doflamingo to calmly continue destroying the G-10 Branch. He aimed to instill fear in Rowen and seize the chance to defeat or even kill him.
But Rowen possessed an unwavering determination— a resolve that defied destruction, unyielding like the blades of grass that stood tall in the face of devastation.
Doflamingo couldn't fathom that Rowen held such formidable strength within him.
"Foolish…"
Just as the soldiers were about to meet their grim fate, Rowen's calm voice unexpectedly echoed in Doflamingo's ears.
Doflamingo turned around, only to witness Rowen unleashing a crackling lightning dragon toward him. Startled, Doflamingo hastily employed his threads to defend against the incoming attack.
Sizzle!!
The intangible electric current crackled through the air, aiming to strike Doflamingo. However, he could let out a sigh of relief because Goshikito (Five Color Strings) swiftly tore the lightning apart, splitting it in half!
But Doflamingo's respite was short-lived as the Thunder Dragon, now divided into two smaller dragons, continued its relentless assault, biting at him with renewed ferocity.
"Tsk, what a troublesome ability!" Doflamingo's face twisted into a wicked yet relaxed expression. He was accustomed to handling ever-changing attacks that posed challenges for ordinary individuals.
Opening his palm, he formed a pure white, cloud-like bundle consisting of countless hair-like strings twined together. This bundle swiftly transformed into a whip and shot out toward Rowen.
Overheat (Excess Whip String!)
While it was a weakened version of his "Super Crushing Whip," the power behind it remained extraordinary. Its increased flexibility made it more suitable for the current situation.
With incredible speed, Doflamingo swung the whip, effortlessly dispersing the Thunder Dragons in the air with two sharp cracks. This move of Rowen had caused Shuzo trouble in their past matches, but Doflamingo easily countered it.
This is the undeniable strength of a New World Pirate!
"FuFuFuFuFuFu! Oye, Oye, you still have the energy to attack me? Don't you care about the lives of the soldiers?" Doflamingo taunted, his face oozing contempt as he regarded Rowen like a piece of garbage. "I never expected a Vice Admiral like you to be so willing to watch your soldiers perish."
This time, Rowen didn't offer a response. He merely glanced at Doflamingo, his eyes filled with a brilliant blue electric light, before launching his counterattack. Thunder Cloud Sword surged forward as it slashed directly toward his opponent.
That glimmer in Rowen's eyes was unmistakable.
Rowen was looking at him as if he was looking at a Fool!
A visible strain appeared on Doflamingo's forehead as veins bulged beneath his skin. He acknowledged that Rowen possessed greater strength than him, and the outcome of their battle remained uncertain.
However, such disdain was unbearable for someone who possessed the "Qualities of a King," a Great Character in their own right.
"I will shatter your confidence and ruthlessly trample it into the ground!" Doflamingo silently vowed, lifting his foot and delivering a swift kick and thread-like blades shot through the air, aimed at Thunder Cloud Sword.
Simultaneously, Doflamingo closed the distance between them, emanating a chilling killing intent. He bound a thread of unparalleled sharpness around his thumbs and slashed them toward Rowen like a merciless saw.
Crack… Ding!
With a soft sound, the Thunder Cloud Sword effortlessly severed the ordinary threads. However, when it collided with the thread bound to Doflamingo's thumb, a bright spark erupted.
…
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