Flames vs. Dragon Claws

Dawn Island, Rock House

A gentle evening breeze was blowing, and the cooking smoke had dissipated.

In the courtyard, Roy snapped his fingers lightly, and the surrounding space instantly rippled.

The greasy plates, bone fragments, and soup stains on the table seemed to be swept away by an invisible wind and disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving the floor looking brand new, and even the air was filled with only a faint aroma of meat.

"Wow!" Koala exclaimed, almost jumping off her chair. "What kind of ability is this?! Skipping even cleaning?! It's amazing!"

Sabo was also taken aback, raising an eyebrow slightly. "A space-time Devil Fruit?... No, this precise control is probably more than just a fruit ability."

Roy simply smiled calmly, raised his teacup, took a sip of hot tea, and said nothing.

Laughter filled the room as Ace and Luffy helped out Rock and Airin, the four of them enjoying a harmonious time together.

As Rock tidied up, he had the two men carry the cured meat into the ice cellar, while Airin couldn't resist secretly slipping candy into their pockets, creating a heartwarming scene.

In the courtyard, Roy, Sabo, and Koala sat around the tea table.

The golden sunset filtered through the trees and cast its light on the coffee table, where several cups of warm tea exuded a tranquil aroma.

"Sabo," Roy spoke softly, his fingertips tracing the shape of his teacup, "What mission do you have in the Goa Kingdom this time?"

Sabo put down his teacup and shook his head frankly. "No special mission, just passing through... and came back to see the land where I grew up."

Koala added, "Sabo has always kept this place in his heart. Although some memories are hazy, he says that whenever he thinks of his 'hometown,' he always pictures the mountain breeze and cooking smoke at dawn."

Roy gave a thoughtful "hmm," his expression softening.

Sabo smiled, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes. "Yes, stepping onto this land still evokes a strange sense of familiarity."

During the conversation, Sabo, like a diligent and eager student, kept asking Roy questions.

Before we knew it, the topic had shifted to the world situation.

Sabo, like a scholar eager for knowledge, asked with undisguised reverence and curiosity, "Mr. Roy, what's your take on the recent developments within the World Government? The Celestial Dragons appear calm on the surface, but they're making frequent moves behind the scenes..."

"Furthermore, the situation in the New World is constantly turbulent, with frequent changes in power among various factions. How should the Revolutionary Army plan its strategy?"

Do you have any suggestions for our current organizational structure?

Roy responded calmly and answered each question one by one. His words were concise yet penetrating, as if clearing away the fog to get to the heart of the matter.

Seeing Sabo listening intently, Koala chuckled softly, "You're acting just like a student right now."

Sabo scratched the back of his head, smiling shyly, "Mr. Roy's insights are too profound. It would be a real loss not to ask him if I had the chance."

Roy smiled faintly, his eyes gentle. "The path of the Revolutionary Army is ultimately against the current. But as long as the direction is right, we will eventually reach the light of day."

Just then, the door creaked open.

Ace strode forward first, arms crossed, his eyes fixed intently on Sabo: "Hey, Sabo, I've heard Roy mention you."

"The second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army must be quite capable—how about a friendly spar?"

Luffy closely behind, jumping up and throwing a punch. "Me too! Me too! Let's have a fight!"

Sabo, seeing the fighting spirit burning in the brothers' eyes, felt no offense. Instead, he gave them a clean smile, "Alright, I was just thinking of stretching my muscles too."

Koala was taken aback. "You just finished eating..."

All eyes turned to Roy.

Inside, Rock and Airin came out, their expressions showing some worry. "Ace, Luffy, you two just got back and you're already fighting?"

Roy chuckled reassuringly, "Don't worry, it's just a competition between young people. With me watching, nothing will go wrong."

As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his hand and waved.

"Whoosh--!"

The space trembled, and a gentle yet powerful energy enveloped the five people, causing them to vanish from the courtyard in an instant.

Dawn Island - Eastern Isolated Island

"Boom--!"

The air distorted violently, and five figures suddenly appeared on the sandy ground of the isolated island.

The surroundings were pristine and tranquil, with no other presence except for the sea breeze and birdsong.

"W-Where is this?!" Koala looked around in shock.

Sabo narrowed his eyes and exclaimed in a low voice, "In the blink of an eye, just like Kuma... spatial abilities are so convenient!"

Roy stood with his hands behind his back, stepping on the sand, and smiled faintly, "There's no one else here, enough for you to do as you please."

The sea breeze howled, stirring up clouds of sand and dust, and the air seemed to be filled with the impending battle intent.

Sabo and Ace stood ten meters apart, their auras clashing like volcanoes. The moment their eyes met, their fighting spirit burned fiercely like flames.

In the distance, Koala nervously gripped the hem of her clothes, standing behind the Reef watching the scene unfold.

Luffy, standing beside her, was so excited he almost jumped up. "Ace! Sabo! Give it your all!"

"Call--!"

With a gust of wind, Sabo made the first move!

He arrived like lightning, his afterimage Flash in an instant. He swung out his Dragon Claw, his five fingers twisting the air, carrying Armament Haki!

"Dragon Claw Fist - Steel Shattering!"

"Boom!!"

Claws Sky Splitter as they came, but Ace's laughter grew even more arrogant, his eyes burning like volcanoes.

"Fire Fist - Explosion!"

He unleashed a punch, and blazing white flames erupted like a volcano, colliding head-on with the Dragon Claw's claw!

The deafening roar was deafening, the ground cracked, dust surged, and the blast blew sand and gravel several meters away!

Sabo's pupils contracted slightly, and as the fire pressure approached, he retreated with lightning speed, his left hand suddenly swinging out!

"Dragon Hook Claw!"

Five solidified claw-like winds pierced through the dust and mist, their killing intent striking Ace's throat!

"Whoosh!"

Ace's figure flickered slightly, transforming into a streak of fire, leaving an afterimage in his wake!

The next second, he appeared behind Sabo, his fists igniting with concentrated blue and white flames!

"Great Flame Commandment - Twin Stars!"

"Boom--!"

Two compressed fireballs were launched with almost zero delay, like Twin Stars falling, completely engulfing Sabo!

"Sabo--!" Koala's expression changed, and she exclaimed in surprise.

However, the next moment, the sea of fire exploded, and a figure forcefully rushed out!

Sabo was enveloped in jet-black Armament Haki, like a black dragon breaking through flames, his eyes burning brightly.

A smile played on his lips, his eyes gleaming with even greater fighting spirit. "The temperature is good, but it's still a bit lacking!"

Before he could finish speaking, he stomped his foot on the ground, which shattered instantly, and his figure vanished in a flash!

"Boom!"

When he reappeared, he was already inches away from Ace, his right claw spinning and roaring as he shot out!

"Dragon's Breath - Piercing Heart!"

This strike was powerful enough to pierce through a steel Warship!

Ace's eyes narrowed, and the flames on his chest spun rapidly, instantly coalescing into a blazing spiral shield!

"Fire Shield - Spiral!"

"Clang--!"

The Dragon Claws and the fire shield clashed violently, sparks flying and shockwaves surging!

The two were simultaneously knocked back five steps, but immediately clashed head-on again!

"Bang! Bang! Bang--!"

His punches and kicks were like thunder, leaving almost no openings in his offense and defense!

Sabo's Dragon Claw Fist is ruthless and precise, blocking every step with force as powerful as a Mountain Breaker!

Ace's Flame Fist technique is unpredictable and ever-changing, perfectly combining temperature and compression bursts, with flames illuminating half the sky!

Both of them were also operating their Observation Haki at full power, and each attack seemed to be a step ahead of their opponent, as if they had a premonition!

From afar, Luffy watched with bated breath, pumping his fist and shouting, "Whoa! I want to fight too!!"

Roy reached out and firmly pressed Luffy's head down as he was about to Luffy forward, his tone calm, "Watch carefully and learn well; it will do you good."

The battle had reached a fever pitch; after dozens of rounds, the air seemed to have thinned out!

Suddenly--

Sabo instantly changed his move, crossing his arms and unleashing a torrent of Armament Haki!

"Dragon Claw - Twin Dragons Strangulation!"

Two dragon-shaped claw-like winds swooped down from the sky, intersecting as if two Arlong Sky Splitter, sealing off all of Ace's escape routes!

Ace's eyes darkened, and instead of retreating, he advanced!

With arms crossed in front of his chest, the flames were compressed to their maximum, converging into a blazing red sun in the shape of a cross!

"Great Flame Commandment ·Cross Explosive Flame!"

"Boom--!"

The Twin Dragons collided with the raging flames, as if the heavens and earth were being torn apart!

The entire island trembled, and a blinding light illuminated the distant horizon where the sea met the sky!

After a long while, the dust and smoke dissipated.

The two stood facing each other, only five meters apart, both panting heavily, their clothes tattered, yet both wearing smiles.

Ace had a claw mark on his cheek, and his uniform on his chest was torn in three places by sharp claws, from which blood seeped out.

Sabo's ruffled tie was charred, his right arm was blackened, and his skin was red.

The two exchanged a glance.

Ace grinned. "A draw?"

Sabo wiped the sweat from his brow and chuckled softly, "No, I lost."

He raised his arm and gently pointed to the charred area.

Ace was taken aback, then looked down at his chest and chuckled, "Haha, then it's a draw!"

The two exchanged a smile and simultaneously extended their Right Hands.

"Smack!"

Two hands, covered in scars, clasped tightly together!