An open spear was easy to dodge, but a hidden arrow was hard to guard against. Most of Aokiji's attention had been drawn to Deva Path Pain's overt attacks. The instant Aokiji dodged and relaxed slightly, Carlos's shadow struck.
A punch slammed into Aokiji's back before he could react. Its force was tremendous, sending him flying across the ice. He crashed down and slid a long distance, blood and qi churning in his chest as he nearly coughed up blood.
Aokiji felt lingering fear. Fortunately, Carlos had no intention of killing him. Caught off guard by that strike, he had not had time to use elementalization or coat himself in Armament Haki. If Carlos had truly intended to kill him, he would have been seriously wounded even if he survived.
This guy's abilities were becoming increasingly bizarre and varied. It was another power he had never seen before. Something that had ambushed him was quietly lurking somewhere. What the hell was this guy's Devil Fruit?
Aokiji tensed up, pushing his Observation Haki to its limits as he searched the surrounding area. He could sense a faint, indistinct aura of danger hidden nearby, but he could not pinpoint its location. That thing was extremely skilled at hiding. He would probably only be able to detect where the danger came from once it moved...
By then, it might already be too late. What would happen if he failed to react next time?
Was he supposed to hope the other side had no intention of killing him? How could a Marine admiral entertain such spineless thoughts?
First, he had to ensure his own safety and keep himself ready to elementalize at any moment. Then, he had to find that hidden thing. Once he found it, there would be nothing to fear.
Finally, there