In the past five years, Giotto's Devil Fruit abilities had developed quite well. He could stand toe-to-toe with powerful individuals in New World with his Flame-Flame Fruit ability alone.
At this moment, numerous fiery rings were. However, instead of being concentrated on his hand like earlier, the flame towered into the sky this time. A vortex-like flame was instantly formed in the sky, while Giotto kept intensifying the flame that constituted this vortex.
"What are those monsters doing? If you want to fight, can't you do it somewhere else? Why do I feel like even the Pluton is no match against those monsters? No, it's impossible. Pluton is an ancient weapon that can conquer the world. Even Vongola Primo and Garp can't possibly deal with Pluton!"
Crocodile watched their battle and his heart skipped a beat. He wondered what would happen if he were to face either of these individuals.
Defeat!
There couldn't be any other outcome. These two were too powerful, just like that old man Whitebeard, beyond what could be considered as human.
"They are monsters. Is this the strength of New World's powerhouses? Sabo must have run into them every day in New World. It looks like setting out to sea was indeed the right decision. But I need to speed up my progress. If I enter the New World a day later, Sabo will leave me in the dust!"
Ace was shocked as he observed the battle, but he wasn't afraid l like Crocodile. Instead, he was filled with excitement. This was what he wanted to see. Although his current strength paled in comparison to Garp and Giotto, he believed that he would reach their level one day.
Sometimes, Giotto even felt that Whitebeard was being overprotective of Ace. How could he truly grow without going through trials and ordeals in life on this vast sea? Even Roger had been chased around the world by Garp!
"That's an unusual move, Giotto."
Garp looked at Giotto with hint of surprise in his eyes. He could sense that Giotto was preparing a move that was completely different from what he had just used. "But you don't think I'll just stand here and let you build up your move, right? After all, this is a real battle!"
Garp swiftly closed the distance that he left an afterimage in his past and arrived in front of Giotto in the blink of an eye.
Garp's sudden move made Giotto's pupils dilated. Garp was not only strong but also incredibly fast.
However...
"You might be able to stop me if you don't keep running your mouth, Garp..."
Giotto smiled slightly. He already knew Garp was coming when he lectured him earlier. He allowed Garp to get close to him to make Garp less wary and unable to dodge. "Ultimate Flame Commandment: Flame God!"
Terrifying flames descended from the sky, enveloping both Garp and Giotto. The flames that erupted from the vortex were almost invisible as they resembled light itself. But upon closer inspection, one could still see the intensely burning flames.
Giotto transformed his body into flame at this moment, as these flames were so intense that even he would get hurt if he didn't.
After about three seconds, Giotto reverted to his usual form several dozen meters away from where Flame God was used! He fixed his gaze on the gradually dissipating flames.
Soon, Garp's figure became visible. Color of Arms Haki visibly covered his body, and although he seemed more dishevelled compared to before, his aura was even more intense. He looked completely different at this moment. Just like Katakuri, whose Color of Observation Haki had given him the ability to look into several seconds ahead, Garp's Color of Arms Haki also seemed to evolve due to rigorous training.
"Giotto, you've pushed me to this extent with your Devil Fruit abilities alone. You've indeed become much stronger than five years ago. But as I said before, it's impossible to defeat me with just your Devil Fruit powers!"
Garp's eyes were now filled with intense determination. With each step he took, his imposing momentum was as clear as day, causing the sand beneath his feet to shake violently. The Marine Hero, who had defeated Rocks, was finally revealing his true strength...
"I'm not going to fight you anymore, old man. I have no interest in a life and death fight here. I'm on vacation, you know. Why do I even fight you to the death...?"
Giotto suddenly turned around, intending to leave. Things wouldn't end well if he continued this battle, as their all-out battle would easily reduce even the port city Nanohana to rubbles. The people living there would be harmed, and most importantly, Aria was still in Nanohana. In case something happened to her...
No, he would never let anything happen to Aria!
"Hey, kid, do you have any manners at all? What kind of joke is this?"
At this point, Garp found Giotto disappointing.
Just as Garp was about to attack Giotto again to force Giotto to fight him, one of his men came running with a Den Den Mushi and angry voices could be heard from the Den Den Mushi. "Garp, you idiot, stop at once! Who says you can fight Vongola Primo? And even if you want to fight, couldn't you have done it somewhere else? Did you forget that Alabasta is not an ordinary country?"
Without a doubt, the owner of that voice was the Fleet Admiral Sengoku.