Boom! Boom! Boom!
The flames flickered, fists cast shadows, numerous sticky rice cakes broke apart, and the mysterious Haki continued to weave through the darkness.
The environment transformed into a realm of sticky rice balls. Katakuri, covered in blood, found himself steadily pushed back by the looming shadows of fists in the sky.
Numerous sticky balls surged forward, attempting to halt the onslaught of fists.
"Brother Katakuri!"
"Lord Katakuri!"
The individuals on the nearby Queen Mama Chanter witnessed Katakuri's predicament, and a wave of concerned shouts spontaneously erupted from everyone.
They have never seen Katakuri in such a wretched condition!
Especially Smoothie.
As the most skilled member of the family, her aspiration is to become the pillar of the Charlotte family, much like Katakuri.
This is evident in Smoothie's admiration for Katakuri.
However, Smoothie had no plans to interfere in the clash between the two, despite nearly succumbing to the temptation to get involved.
But she understood Katakuri's character well, knowing that no one could step into his battle without his consent!
Even if it's Smoothie, her younger sister.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, my back will..."
"Never touch the ground!!!"
Another formidable barrier of sticky rice balls emerged, effectively fending off Atlas's assault.
Katakuri rested against the Mogura firmly gripped in his hand, his chest heaving intensely. It was evident that his physical strength was severely depleted.
The potency of the fruit awakening is undeniably robust, but the toll on physical strength is quite apparent.
Moreover,
There's a significant output of Haki, even though it's primarily defensive in nature most of the time.
But the force behind Atlas's fists is overpowering, and the advanced weapon's internal destruction skills are formidable.
Without the robust Haki to fortify and envelop him, no matter how potent his ability awakening is, survival seems impossible.
"Ah--!!"
"Your back doesn't touch the ground? What a foolish and oblivious notion!"
Atlas couldn't help but sneer.
Claiming never to have been defeated, even as mighty as the Emperor of the Sea, is undeniably foolish and stubborn.
However, it doesn't matter.
Perhaps he will never get another chance to utter those words.
"Senkō Teitou!" (Flashing Razor)
The ground, covered with sticky balls, suddenly shattered, and the potent recoil propelled Atlas's body forward.
Fists swung, and flames leapt.
Boom--!!
Amidst the turbulent airwaves, the two figures collided violently once more. The pirate ship anchored in the port also recoiled and was compelled to drift away.
"It's been the entire morning. The battle is likely to conclude soon."
Not far away, on a broccoli tree on the island, Smoker and a group of Marines sat cross-legged on the thick branches. They gazed into the distance, observing Katakuri's withdrawal, and couldn't help but sigh.
"Yes, Vice Admiral Atlas has contended with a powerhouse like Kaido. Even a long-renowned pirate like Katakuri can only endure for a while, and defeat is inevitable sooner or later."
The Marine beside him also chimed in.
"Alright, then prepare to tidy up the aftermath and assist in stabilizing the country for this young one."
...….
Time passes gradually.
In the blink of an eye, three hours flew by.
The sun, once high in the sky, descended slowly, casting a fiery red sunset over the sea. The star-studded night was about to unfold.
The battle was quietly reaching its conclusion.
Katakuri, who fought hard to endure, could no longer keep up. Both his Haki and physical strength were depleted.
At some point, his right hand, which once gripped the Mogura, was severed, and the surrounding terrain influenced by the fruit's ability awakening gradually reverted to its original state.
The primary characteristic of Paramecia fruit's ability awakening is the assimilation of matter, transforming the entire battlefield into one's domain.
In the case of Logia ability awakening, it permanently alters the battlefield environment. A prime example is the epic clash between Akainu and Aokiji over a decade later, which directly transformed an island into a climate of ice and fire!
Bang!
With a resounding noise, Katakuri could no longer hold on and toppled backward.
The ground cracked, forming a crater that perfectly accommodated his body.
"Failed..."
In the midst of the fissure, Katakuri labored to raise his intact left hand, as if attempting to grasp the splendid sunset.
"I haven't felt the ground in a long time, hahahaha!"
Feeling the weight on his back, he couldn't help but bare his fangs and burst into hearty laughter.
Onboard the Chanter,
The family members who trailed Katakuri lapsed into a deathly silence. Gazing at the figure sprawled on the port, a sense of bewilderment gripped their hearts.
Crushing, this is an entirely one-sided battle.
Katakuri, a seasoned seafarer for many years, was defeated so effortlessly.
As the adversary, Hakuryu remained calm and composed, not a trace of disorder in his aura.
It was almost like...
An adult playing with a child!
"I've finally gotten rid of you, then its your brothers and sisters!"
Atlas straightened his somewhat disheveled clothes and shifted his focus to the Queen Mama Chanter not far away.
Clearly.
None of them will be able to escape today!
...…..
In the sky, not far from Broccoli Island, a colossal figure rode on white clouds, swiftly approaching, accompanied by a cluster of ominous flames.
It was Big Mom and her two formidable homies—Zeus and Prometheus—who had come upon hearing the news.
The woman on the cloud appeared like a malevolent specter, veins bulging on her forehead, and her mouth incessantly releasing enraged roars.
"Hakuryu, you brat dared to kill my son and shame me. I will never forgive you!"
"Yes, Mama, we mustn't spare that guy!"
"If you cross our Charlotte family, you'll have to pay the price!"
Zeus and Prometheus also bellowed loudly.
As homies, Zeus and Prometheus, directly fashioned from Big Mom's soul, are the ones who can most keenly sense Big Mom's furious emotions.
"Atlas!! I must kill you today!"
Big Mom's eyes widened, bloodshot, and she screamed vehemently. The horrifying sound waves scattered the clouds and fog in the surrounding area.
Although the distance was still quite far, Katakuri's vivre card in her hand informed her!
Broccoli Island is not far!
"Zeus, go faster, I can't wait!"
Big Mom seethed with rage, emitting a formidable aura.
She could hardly contain the anger in her heart.
"Okay, Mama!"
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