"Boom!"
The earth shattered with a thunderous explosion.
An unimaginable shockwave burst out, shaking the entire island as if it might collapse at any moment.
Four terrifying auras of Conqueror's Haki clashed in mid-air, manifesting as black and red lightning that crackled and twisted like dragons, darkening the entire sky. Every living creature on the island—from insects to wild beasts—fainted instantly. Even sea life in nearby waters floated lifelessly to the surface, while the distant sea kings, usually the terrors of the ocean, quivered in fear, fleeing frantically into the deep.
"Whoooosh…"
The ocean surged violently, its surface covered with debris, vegetation, and broken stone. The intense winds alone made it nearly impossible for anyone to stand upright. The only reason the Celestial Dragon and the CP0 agent, who had swallowed a Seastone, weren't swept away was due to a CP0 officer holding onto them tightly, preventing them from being flung into the churning sea.
Thunder rumbled across the sky, dark clouds roiling as furious winds clashed, creating a scene so intense it looked as if the heavens themselves might split open.
"The sky… it's split in two!" The pupils of the CP0 agents contracted as they stared, breaking into a cold sweat. They could scarcely believe what they were seeing. When their eyes fell on El and Steel Bone Kong, who exchanged blows without even touching, their jaws dropped in shock.
"Is that… an air collision? Their fists aren't even making direct contact."
El and Kong stood apart, their fists—one huge and the other smaller—suspended a few inches away from each other. It was as if an invisible barrier stood between them, compressing and pushing back with incredible force, neither giving an inch. The sheer pressure made the CP0 agents' hearts race, their skin prickling with fear.
"What!?"
The shock was even more intense for those closest to the battle, especially Steel Bone Kong. The muscles in his arms bulged, veins popping, as a numbing sensation radiated through his right arm. His face contorted in horror.
"Boom!"
In the next instant, a massive shockwave erupted, tearing apart the ground and sending waves of pressure strong enough to make anyone avert their gaze.
"Hiss... hiss…"
The two figures, large and small, were both flung backward by the impact.
"Conqueror's Haki Infusion... How is that possible?" Steel Bone Kong stabilized himself, his face filled with disbelief as he stared at El, whose aura now matched his own. The realization hit him hard—El had somehow mastered the advanced technique of Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
Years ago, when Kong first discovered this Haki technique in his twenties, he'd assumed he would master it swiftly. Yet even after constant training and access to handbooks from past Navy legends, it had taken him years to fully grasp the power. Now, seeing El wield it with ease, he felt an uncomfortable pang of disbelief.
"You look surprised."
With flames blazing behind him, El loomed tall, his mouth curving into a grin. "Honestly, I should be thanking you."
"You—" Kong's eyes widened, an unsettling realization dawning. Had El managed to learn the technique just by observing him once? The talent required was beyond belief.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Saint Howard was livid as he saw a figure disappear below the ocean's surface, clutching a case of Devil Fruits. He'd barely engaged Linlin before spotting the thief—a Fish-man who had slipped into the water undetected.
"Damn it—had they hidden a Fish-man in the water?" With holy light gleaming around him and white wings sprouting from his back, Saint Howard flew toward the Fish-Man, hoping to intercept him before he dove too deep.
"Mamamama… This path is closed!" Linlin, now in her feral half-beast form with an eerie red light around her, moved like a specter, blocking his path and slicing her sword in a deadly arc.
"Holy Shield!"
A massive shield of light materialized just in time, barely stopping Linlin's powerful blow. Saint Howard's face darkened, fury flashing in his eyes. This mission had been his chance to prove himself to the Five Elders, and now everything was going awry.
"You wretched woman… I'll end you here!" His sword radiated holy light, infused with Haki, as he slashed it forward in a blinding arc. "Holy Light Slash!"
"Mamamama... Night Demon Assault!"
Linlin's blade, wrapped in sinister red energy, clashed with Saint Howard's.
"Boom!"
The two massive slashes collided, creating an explosion of radiant light that filled the sky.
In the next instant, Saint Howard closed the distance, wings outstretched, moving at a speed matching Linlin's. He raised his hand, and a massive pillar of holy light descended upon her with terrifying force.
"Divine Judgment!"