Chapter 44: Battle at Sea (Continued)
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Arthur vs. Admiral Kanji: The Final Clash
Admiral Kanji struggled to his feet, his face bruised and his body aching from Arthur's relentless assault. He brushed off the debris and stretched, preparing for another round. "You're stronger than I anticipated, Arthur," Kanji admitted. "But it's time I showed you the true extent of my power."
Arthur tightened his grip on his bisento, his eyes locked on Kanji. "Bring it on."
Kanji's body began to shimmer as he fully activated his Soku Soku no Mi (Speed Speed Fruit). His movements became a blur, almost impossible to track. The air around him crackled with kinetic energy, the sheer force of his speed creating shockwaves.
Arthur, recognizing the danger, hardened his sword with Advanced Armament Haki, also known as Ryou. The blade glowed with a fierce energy, ready to meet Kanji's speed with raw power.
The two warriors clashed again, their battle shaking the sea itself. Each strike created massive waves, their movements so fast and powerful that the air around them seemed to distort.
"You can't win, Arthur," Kanji growled between attacks. "Being a pirate will only lead you to ruin. The Navy exists to maintain order."
Arthur parried a flurry of punches, his face set in determination. "The Navy may maintain order, but it also upholds corruption. I fight for freedom and justice, not for a corrupt government."
Kanji's eyes narrowed. "You're delusional if you think piracy can bring justice."
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Interference from the Vice Admirals
As the battle raged on, the two vice admirals, Vice Admiral Haruto and Vice Admiral Elara, noticed the struggle their soldiers were facing. They exchanged glances and nodded, ready to join the fray.
Haruto, a superhuman-type Devil Fruit user with the ability to manipulate gravity, floated above the battlefield. "Time to turn the tide," he muttered.
Elara, whose Devil Fruit granted her the power to manipulate magnetism, charged forward, attracting and repelling metal objects with deadly precision.
But before they could reach Arthur, Rio and Alex intercepted them.
"Yo, where do you think you're going?" Alex said, his rifle aimed at Haruto.
Rio grinned, his sniper rifle ready. "Before you go to our captain, you'll have to face us first."
Haruto sneered. "Out of our way, rookies."
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The Fight with Vice Admirals
Alex and Rio engaged the vice admirals, their Haki-infused attacks meeting the powerful abilities of their opponents. Alex used his Observation Haki to predict Haruto's movements, dodging his gravity-based attacks and firing precise shots.
"Gravity Crush!" Haruto shouted, creating a gravity well that pulled everything towards him.
Alex rolled out of the way, firing a Haki-infused bullet that struck Haruto in the shoulder, causing him to stagger. "Nice trick, but it won't be enough," Alex retorted.
Rio, meanwhile, faced off against Elara. "Magnetic Pulse!" Elara yelled, sending a wave of magnetic energy towards Rio.
Rio countered by using his sharpshooting skills to target Elara's weak points, disrupting her control over the magnetic fields. "You'll have to do better than that," he said, firing another shot that forced Elara to retreat.
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Lisa and Hiroshi's Battle
Elsewhere, Lisa wielded her dagger with deadly precision, her Armament Haki coating the blade as she cut down Marine soldiers. "You picked the wrong crew to mess with," she said, her eyes blazing with determination.
Hiroshi moved through the battlefield like a whirlwind, his Twin Swords of Shadows slicing through Marines and lieutenant generals alike. "Numbers don't matter to me," he declared, his blades flashing in the sunlight. "You'll all fall before my swords."
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**Arthur and Kanji's Final Clash**
Back on the lead ship, Arthur and Kanji continued their intense battle. Kanji's speed created afterimages, making it difficult for Arthur to predict his movements. However, Arthur's advanced Observation Haki allowed him to foresee Kanji's attacks.
Kanji smirked, though his heavy breathing betrayed his exhaustion. "Is this all you've got, Arthur? Show me your true power."
Arthur's eyes glinted with a mocking tone. "You haven't seen anything yet. I haven't used my full strength."
Kanji's face twisted with anger. "Then show it to me! My next attack will end this!"
Kanji combined his Haki with his Devil Fruit power, generating an immense amount of kinetic energy. Using his speed, he created a powerful blow that could convert kinetic energy into a devastating force. "Kinetic Blast!" he shouted, launching the attack at Arthur.
Arthur responded by coating his bisento with Conqueror's Haki, the black and red lightning crackling around him. "God Vulgor!" he roared, unleashing a powerful slash infused with all his Haki.
The two attacks collided with a blinding flash, the resulting shockwave creating a massive tsunami that rocked the sea and split the clouds above. The sheer force of the clash sent both combatants flying, but it was clear who had the upper hand.
Kanji, heavily injured and breathing hard, struggled to stand. Blood dripped from his wounds as he glared at Arthur. "Damn you... Arthur..."
Arthur, his own body battered but still standing strong, walked towards Kanji. "You fought well, Kanji. But your beliefs are misguided."
Kanji coughed, blood staining his lips. "Maybe... you're right... but I can't let go of my duty..." He collapsed to the deck, his body finally giving out.
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Victory and Reflection
The Silverhair Pirates stood victorious, the Navy fleet in disarray. Admiral Kanji lay defeated, his soldiers retreating in panic. The crew regrouped on their ship, their spirits high despite the intense battle they had just fought.
Arthur looked at his crew, pride swelling in his chest. "We've come a long way, and we've proven our strength once again. Each of you has grown so much."
Kamsu, who had watched the battle from the ship, stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination. "I want to be strong like you all. I'll work hard to prove myself."
Arthur placed a hand on Kamsu's shoulder. "You're already part of the family. We'll help you grow and become the best you can be."
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