"Brother Tiger!"
Seeing the man who suddenly appeared in front of him, Jinbe couldn't help but shout out in surprise.
Jinbe was not shocked by Tiger's sudden appearance, but by the terrifying strength and aura that Tiger now exuded.
As Tiger's close ally, Jinbe was well aware of Tiger's strength. While Tiger was undoubtedly strong, even among Fish-Men, he was not at this level — being able to send the formidable giant shark Fish-Man flying with one strike.
In the sky, dark clouds had gathered, and rain began to fall. Jinbe could clearly see the rain evaporate as it touched Tiger's body, due to the intense heat generated by his rapidly pumping blood.
At that moment, Tiger's presence was so overwhelming that it drew the attention of everyone on the Red Port battlefield.
Ivankov, after delivering a kick that sent a sneak-attacking female warrior flying, watched intently, his eyes narrowing.
"So this is the dangerous drug Nicholas boy mentioned? It's truly terrifying, but it must be taking a heavy toll on the body too," he thought, having witnessed Tiger consume the pill to save Jinbe.
The change in Tiger's aura occurred right after he swallowed the pill, and Ivankov had not expected such a tremendous increase in power.
This immediately reminded him of his Healing Hormones. The Healing Hormones could potentially cure anyone of incurable diseases, but at the cost of ten years of their lifespan, with only a 10% success rate. This accurate success rate was determined through countless unfortunate trials and a few lucky survivors. The success rate also depended on the recipient's strength; the stronger they were, the higher the chance of success.
It seemed that the dangerous drug could similarly provide immense power by burning one's lifespan or exhausting oneself.
"Wahahaha, I thought Jinbe was the strongest among Fish-Men, but it turns out there's an even more formidable warrior. Dare to tell me your name?"
As the giant shark Fish-Man's voice came from the rubble again, Jinbe's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected Tiger's terrifying attack to fail to incapacitate him.
Tiger focused on the giant shark Fish-Man slowly walking out of the rubble.
Now, after consuming the dangerous drug, Tiger felt filled with power, even feeling he could punch through the Red Line. Though he knew it was an illusion caused by his rapid power increase, he believed he could at least destroy a warship with a single blow.
"Fish-Man Tiger."
"New Fish-Man Hazlitt."
For Hazlitt, the giant shark Fish-Man, the surging aura from Tiger ignited his blood. Defeating such a powerful Fish-Man would prove he was destined to lead the Fish-Men to the New World!
At this moment, his Haki and physique were at their peak. He couldn't imagine losing to Tiger in this battle!
"Then I'll use your head as the stepping stone to becoming the King of the Fish-Men."
Hazlitt coldly looked at Tiger, who had assumed a Fish-Man Karate stance, and clenched his fist, releasing a burst of Conqueror's Haki.
"Conqueror's Haki!"
Feeling the incoming pressure, Tiger gritted his teeth. He hadn't expected Hazlitt to possess Conqueror's Haki.
"That's right, I'm Hazlitt, the one destined to lead the Fish-Men to greatness!"
Hazlitt grinned fiercely. To him, possessing Conqueror's Haki meant he was the true King of the Fish-Men!
"A guy like you becoming the king of Fish-Man Island would only bring disaster…" Tiger said coldly, considering that a true king of Fish-Man Island might not need immense strength but must possess compassion.
Without compassion, one is no different from a wild beast of the sea!
Though Hazlitt was a rare giant shark Fish-Man and possessed Conqueror's Haki, which was rare among Fish-Men, Tiger couldn't allow Fish-Man Island to be ruled by such a person.
Hazlitt, realizing Tiger was a traditionalist supporting the Fish-Man royal family, decided there was no need to keep him alive.
Hazlitt extended his hand, and the falling rain gathered and compressed on his Haki-covered palm.
This was—
Fish-Man Karate: Water Shot!
Tiger remained calm, unmoved.
He turned to Jinbe and said, "Jinbe, it's over. Lead our liberated people and other slaves to the sea."
"Brother Tiger!"
Hearing Tiger's words, Jinbe became anxious.
Staying behind to cover their retreat was too dangerous, and he didn't want Tiger to face Hazlitt alone.
"Jinbe, remember that everyone has their responsibility! Your current duty is to lead our companions and other unfortunate souls home!"
Tiger's powerful voice echoed over the Red Port. The newly freed slaves, coming down the slide, paused for a moment.
Seeing the hope in his injured companions' eyes, Jinbe nodded heavily, then turned to guide the slaves to the ships.
Meanwhile, Hazlitt, who had completed his charge, struck first.
"New Fish-Man Karate: Water Shot!"
Hazlitt launched the highly compressed water ball at Jinbe.
With a whistling sound, the water ball, carrying terrifying momentum, sped towards Jinbe's exposed back.
In an instant, it was upon Jinbe.
"Hydrangea Skin!"
With a loud bang and water splashing everywhere, Tiger, with his arms crossed, appeared behind Jinbe.
Seeing Tiger's arm twisted from the impact, yet calmly resetting it with his uninjured left arm, Hazlitt narrowed his eyes.
Such willpower, what a troublesome opponent...
For Tiger, his only thought was—
To eliminate this Fish-Man who had sided with the World Government.
Cold killing intent flashed in Tiger's eyes as he stomped the ground, charging at Hazlitt.
As a Fish-Man, Tiger knew that long-range attacks were ineffective against the physically formidable Fish-Men. Close combat was the only effective strategy.
Seeing Tiger's fierce approach, Hazlitt grinned savagely.
"Iron Body: Iron Wall!"
With a thunderous crash, the stone floor beneath Hazlitt shattered, extending all the way to the sea, and Hazlitt disappeared from sight.
In the next instant, a loud crash came from the sea, sending up a large spray of water.