Knuckle was once an undefeated boxer with a formidable fighting spirit. However, after becoming a priest, he subconsciously suppressed his fighting spirit and fierceness. Time had passed, and he even began to forget his former self. However, after coming to this world, he gradually once again found the boxer in him back then.
Furthermore, he had mastered Sun Flame that he wouldn't feel any fatigue during battle on top of greatly enhancing his strength and speed. In essence, it was basically similar to Giotto's Sun Tattoo, and it might be superior in some aspects. After all, his physical strength was far superior to Giotto and other Guardians.
"Katakuri, right? You're second only to Big Mom in Big Mom Pirates, and you clearly had the strongest aura among the rest. It seems that you guys value me so highly!"
Knuckle's fighting spirit was so intense that it was practically tangible, combined with the Sun Flame enveloping him, he truly was at his best form!
Since it was a battle, he ought to give it his all, regardless of his opponent's strength. To him, going all out was a sign of respect for his opponent.
However, if Perospero and the others knew about Knuckle's thoughts, they would probably advise him that there was no need to be so respectful. After all, they didn't need respect...
Yes, they didn't need Knuckle to give his all as they might not survive! Even Katakuri's face was pale now. Despite his reputation and battles in the New World over the years, he had never felt such immense pressure except when facing his Mama.
"It seems you're all prepared... Ultimate Cannon!"
Knuckle smiled and then took a deep breath. A powerful force was concentrated on his right fist. From a distance of over ten meters from Katakuri and the others, he threw a punch, dishing out powerful energy!
The ground under his feet broke as the attack approached Katakuri and his siblings.
Facing this terrifying attack, Perospero had to admit they weren't prepared. However, on the battlefield, even if they knew they were outmatched, backing down wasn't an option.
Furthermore, admitting defeat on the battlefield would likely cost them more than just the battle. It would cost them their reputation, and possibly their livespan if their Mama found out.
At the same time, Katakuri also threw a punch. He had already foreseen five seconds ahead of time with his Color of Observation Haki. However, because Knuckle was so fast, he could at most threw his own attack at the same time as Knuckle even though he had already predicted the attack ahead of time.
"Mochi Cannon!"
Utilizing Mochi Mochi Fruit's ability, Katakuri replicated Knuckle's technique and imbued his Mochi-covered punch with Color of Arms Haki that he threw head-on at Knuckle's attack. The moment they clashed, the deafening sound echoed, shaking the entire Sunshine Island, and creating deep cracks on the ground.
As a result of the immense impact, Katakuri was pushed back several dozen meters despite using his Mochi-Mochi Fruit to cushion the blow. His right arm throbbed with pain, but luckily, being a Devil Fruit user, his arm didn't break after the direct collision with Knuckle's punch.
"Hey, hold back a bit, will you? If you keep this up, you might damage the island, and you'll have to compensate for the losses!" Knuckle couldn't help but reprimand them when he saw the ground cracking around him.
Hearing this, Katakuri didn't know where to start complaining. Didn't the cracks in the ground and the island's tremors result from Knuckle's attack in the first place?
"Do you guys not know how to concentrate your power? Watch carefully; this is how you do it..."
Knuckle took a deep breath, and then restrained all Sun Flame and the momentum he just released. He appeared like an ordinary person at that moment, but that only increased the pressure on Katakuri and his siblings.
Secon Island, Vongola Family's headquarters.
"Have you finished evacuating all the civilians? Although we have the barrier that Verde developed, we can't guarantee absolute safety. We must prioritize the people's safety first before the battle."
Giotto stood on the office balcony with brows furrowed. "Blue Iron Island, White Stone Island, Sunshine Island, and Ryusu Island have been under attack one after another. It won't be long before Shiki's main force arrives. This war will be even more brutal than the one with Whitebeard Pirates, because that bastard Shiki starts this war with the intention to annihilate every single one of us."
There was a clear distinction between Whitebeard and Shiki. Whitebeard attacked Wano to kill Levi for Squard's death. He just wanted to eliminate Levi, not necessarily the entire Vongola Family, and he had some sense of honor and morality. Even in battle, he refrained from harming civilians.
However, Shiki were ruthless and didn't care about civilian's lives at all. If they won this war, they would mercilessly exterminate every member of Vongola Family, including civilians.
"So, what's your plan this time, Primo?" G, who was standing beside Giotto, asked softly.
He wanted to know what would Giotto do in the face of such an enemy.
"G, at times like these, I find Demon Spade's approach to be more effective..."
After sighing, Giotto's eyes flashed with coldness. "Anyone who dares to attack Vongola Family will be exterminated without mercy, spare no one!"