On the battlefield, darkness continually eroded the other three elements. No matter how much the three of them increased their output, they couldn't halt the encroaching darkness.
The strongest among the three was Dragon, and he bore the greatest pressure at that moment.
The wind should be free and everywhere. But when Carl unleashed the endless darkness, Dragon's wind was confined to a small area, and even that area was shrinking. This was not just suppression by a Devil Fruit ability but also a clear reflection of the difference in power among the users.
Everyone present recognized this. While they witnessed the terrifying abilities of the Dark-Dark Fruit, they also marveled at Carl's strength.
Borsalino, casually eating a banana, said to Akainu beside him, "That Dragon must be feeling quite down. His wind speed is useless against the darkness."
Akainu glanced at him and responded, "Indeed, I still remember the day Carl first arrived..."
"Alright, no need to elaborate. Let's just keep watching. How long do you think these three newcomers can hold out against Carl?"
Akainu looked at Carl, who seemed relaxed on the field, and replied calmly, "It depends on when Carl decides he's had enough fun. He hasn't even drawn his sword yet."
As the two talked, the darkness crept closer to the three future Marines. Dragon gritted his teeth and shouted,
"Don't just stand there! If you can't use Haki, attack from a distance. Avoid direct contact with his body!"
Saying that, he transformed into a gust of wind, soaring into the sky. Fearful of Carl's Universal Pull, Dragon ascended as high as he deemed safe.
The other two quickly followed suit. Aramaki grew a massive dandelion from his back, lifting him into the sky, while Aokiji raised a giant icicle beneath his feet.
Once airborne, the ground below them was swallowed entirely by darkness. Yet, even at this height, the gravity from the darkness kept pulling them down. Aokiji was in the most critical situation; the icicles he created were rapidly breaking under the dark force.
Dragon's lower body remained a cyan hurricane while his upper body materialized. He glared at Carl below, gathering wind masses in his palms. From these masses, dense cyan wind blades shot forth.
Aramaki extended his tree-like arms, each sprouting four thick, thorny spikes shining with Armament Haki. He now resembled an octopus, his eight thick tree spears stabbing toward Carl.
"Spear Tree!"
Aokiji exhaled a cold breath and unleashed a huge ice bird.
"ICE AGE!"
The three attacks descended with overwhelming force. The watching Admirals were in awe, even seasoned Vice Admirals knew how hard it would be to withstand these attacks. The immense power of Logia fruits and their destructive elements left everyone astounded.
Despite their concerns for Carl, Zephyr and his students remained calm, confident in Carl's abilities.
Throughout the battle, Carl kept an indifferent expression, not even glancing upward. When the three attacks were about to strike, Carl's body emitted a dazzling white light. Zephyr and Garp exchanged solemn looks, bracing themselves as the repulsive force exploded from Carl.
"Shinra Tensei."
A massive force field erupted, instantly crushing the three attacks. The shockwave sent the three crashing down, vomiting blood as they fell.
Only Aokiji hit the ground, the other two managed to stay airborne. Yet, Aokiji's situation was dire. He landed in pieces of ice, struggling against the dark force.
Before Carl could fully unleash his dark gravity, Aokiji shouted from a piece of broken ice, "Senior Carl, I surrender!"
Darkness receded immediately, and Aokiji quickly reformed his body. Gasping, he glanced at Carl with a mix of awe and respect. Carl stepped forward and pulled Aokiji up, offering a reassuring smile.
"I'm too weak..." Aokiji muttered in shame.
Carl patted him on the shoulder, his eyes full of encouragement. "Don't underestimate yourself; you've done a great job."
"Carl..."
At that moment, to Aokiji, Carl shone brighter than the sun. Despite his youth and lack of formal training compared to his peers, Aokiji knew there was no shame in his defeat.
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+65 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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