The tense atmosphere was palpable as Shiki confronted Arthur, questioning his identity and how he managed to find their hidden location. Arthur confidently introduced himself as God Arthur from Sky Island, the god of the newly established Angel Kingdom, also known as Jaya and Bika.
Shiki's surprise deepened as he observed Arthur's abilities, noting that Arthur could fly and deducing that he might also possess a Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit ability. This revelation left Shiki momentarily stunned, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential clash between these formidable characters.
"Hey, you ate the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit, you idiot! There can't be others with Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit powers!" The clown leaped up, smacking Shiki Golden Lion on the back of his head.
The chimpanzee on the side roared with laughter, but Shiki was stunned. "Why is Granny here!?"
Watching Shiki's comical reaction, Arthur couldn't help but shake his head. With his Thunder Fruit abilities, even though he couldn't fully control his brain waves yet, he could sense the straightforward emotions they conveyed.
So, Shiki's outburst wasn't intentional noise-making; Arthur sensed that his brain waves were sometimes mixed up.
"Oh! By the way, what powers do you have? How can you fly?" Shiki lacked the King's Haki he'd just encountered.
Arthur blinked, unsure how to handle the old man. "I have Logia-type Thunder Fruit powers."
"Logia Thunder Fruit! You're lucky. Want to join my crew? When I conquer the world, I'll make you my right-hand man." Shiki sounded cocky, like he was offering a favor.
"No! I came here for something else."
"Huh?" Shiki narrowed his eyes, emitting a threatening aura that made Arthur's heart race. "Does this old man still have his wits?"
Actually, if you wanted to acquire the unique plant intelligence here, cooperation or other methods might work. However, after a year at sea, Arthur's strength had surged, and he felt the need for a major battle. Shiki seemed like a suitable opponent.
Defeating Shiki would not only provide real combat experience but might also break through his current strength plateau. Plus, Arthur had promised Jessica that the two sharp knives would be used as gifts. It wouldn't be good to break that promise.
Shiki's words didn't faze Arthur; he simply smiled and replied honestly, "That's fine. As someone striving to be the strongest, I really want to face you in battle and gauge my strength. Where should we go?"
"So..." A unique aura emanated from Shiki. "Do you understand what it means to face death if you lose?"
"Understand? No, I don't," Arthur replied, causing Shiki to pause. "Because I plan to defeat you right here and take your head."
Arthur's declaration silenced the onlookers. The pirates burst into wild laughter.
"What did he just say? Taking on an admiral's challenge."
"Hey, kid, don't stir up trouble! Go home and have some milk! Haha!"
"Such arrogance is laughable."
Laughter filled the air, even as Shiki struggled with a mix of anger and amusement.
"Hmph," Arthur sneered, his voice turning cold. "One hundred million volts, Thunderbolt!"
*Crash!*
*Boom!*
Thunder and lightning followed Arthur's command, striking down from the sky, incapacitating the pirates and soldiers, sending them twitching to the ground.
"Huh?" Shiki squinted in surprise. He recognized the Thunder Fruit as a legendary power coveted by the government for centuries, known for its invincibility. Now, seeing it in action, he was impressed.
"Your power is impressive. You're worthy of being my subordinate. Surrender to me, and I'll overlook your past actions," Shiki tempted, eager to have such a capable ally, nearly on par with a future quasi-Admiral.
Despite Shiki's floating islands and the people seeking refuge with him, none were truly valuable.
"Unfortunately, I'm here today for your head, not to surrender," Arthur replied, his expression cold.
Shiki fell silent, puffing on a cigar and exhaling thick smoke. "In that case, I can't let you leave here alive."
As he spoke, a violent aura surrounded Arthur, a commanding presence that made even Arthur, with his growing strength, feel a twinge of involuntary fear, like facing a king.
"Hmm... Conqueror's Haki...?"
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