Ace vs. Kurozumi Orochi

Just then, a strange laugh came from deep within the Palace, a laugh tinged with smugness and madness.

"Fire Fist Ace, you bunch of stray dogs of the Sea! You think you can overthrow my rule with just a bunch of you? How naive!"

Kurozumi Orochi's voice echoed within the Palace, and then a dark shadow flashed out from the shadows, heading straight for Ace.

It was a Ninja dressed in black robes, a trusted confidant of Kurozumi Orochi and one of Wano Country's top assassins. But Ace didn't panic. He calmly observed his opponent's movements, then suddenly leaped forward, unleashing Fire Fist and fiercely clashing with the shadowy figure.

The shadowy figure appeared slightly disheveled under Ace's Fire Fist, but relying on the agility and stealth skills unique to Ninja, he continuously sought opportunities to counterattack. Beneath his black robe, his eyes gleamed with a cold light, as if he could see through the flaws in every move Ace.

"Hmph, Fire Fist Ace, your power is indeed formidable, but on this land I know well, you are ultimately just an outsider." The shadowy figure sneered, then suddenly blurred into several afterimages, launching a surprise attack on Ace from different directions.

Ace snorted coldly, and golden flames surged instantly, illuminating the surrounding space. With his amazing perception and combat experience, he easily saw through the shadowy figure's phantom attack and counterattacked at an even faster speed. The Fire Fist and the shadowy figure's Sharp Blades collided in mid-air, bursting into dazzling sparks.

"Your speed is not bad, but it's not fast enough!" Ace shouted, his entire body condensing into a fist, and he punched forward, sending the dark figure flying several meters away. The dark figure crashed heavily to the ground, his black robe torn, revealing his scarred face and resentful eyes.

However, Kurozumi Orochi did not give up. Knowing his situation was precarious, he roared frantically, "Everyone, charge! Stop them at all costs!"

At Kurozumi Orochi's command, the Palace guards surged toward Ace and his crew like a tidal wave.

But the members of the Whitebeard Pirates were already prepared; they cooperated seamlessly with each other, forming an unbreakable defensive line.

Ace continued forward, his only goal Kurozumi Orochi. He knew that only by defeating this mastermind could he truly bring peace to the Kozuki Family and Wano Country.

In the fierce battle, Ace continuously demonstrated his terrifying power as the "Fire Fist". His flames seemed to have a life of their own, dancing according to his will, burning away all obstacles.

Haku arrived in this area early this morning!

He had been observing the changes in Ace!

At the very least, and most obviously, the color of the flames on Ace's body is different from before!

It's important to know that the flames emanating from Ace's body were always orange-yellow, a color that indicated that Ace was not using his power properly!

Moreover, the power of this flame is extremely dispersed!

For some powerful individuals, this flame is something they can simply ignore as long as they maintain their Haki!

Fortunately, after being trained by Ryujin Jakka, Ace has basically mastered the essence of fire, and his flames have now transformed from orange-yellow to a dazzling gold.

This is not just a change in color, but a qualitative leap in Ace's understanding and control of fire power. The golden flames are more concentrated, and every strand contains destructive power, making Ace even more formidable in battle.

Haku witnessed all of this and couldn't help but feel gratified for Ace.

He knew all too well how much effort and sweat Ace had put in on his pursuit of power, and this transformation was the best proof of his hard work.

"You certainly didn't disappoint me!" Haku thought to herself.

He affectionately touched the Zanpakuto with a Purple Hilt that had suddenly appeared at his waist!

It's worth noting that when Haku wasn't using Ryujin Jakka Dance, he basically never carried any knives on his person!

Even the Hyōrinmaru or Zangetsu that he frequently uses!

Haku didn't carry them with her either.

Perhaps that's why they didn't stay with Haku for as many years as Ryujin Jakka!

Haku stroked the hilt of the knife at her waist!

A warm feeling emanated from the blade of Ryujin Jakka.

This warm feeling flowed gently into Haku's heart, rekindling his long-lost sense of dominance.

"You're still as belligerent as ever!" Haku said with a laugh.

As if in response to Haku's words, Ryujin Jakka trembled slightly twice.

While Haku was flirting with her beloved knife!

There's been a new development regarding Ace's situation.

Finally, through Ace's relentless efforts, he broke through numerous obstacles and arrived before Kurozumi Orochi. The two locked eyes, and the air was thick with tension.

"Your reign ends here, Kurozumi Orochi," Ace said coldly, golden flames gathering in his palm to form a fist, ready to deliver the final blow to this sinner.

Upon seeing this, a flicker of despair and fear flashed in Kurozumi Orochi's eyes!

However, Ace was standing right next to him, saw more madness in the other's eyes from the impending death!

"Something's not right!" Ace thought to himself, realizing something was amiss.

The other side is practically going crazy, but they haven't even retaliated yet.

It's obvious that the other side will definitely launch a counterattack!

Sure enough, just as Ace was about to succeed...

Kurozumi Orochi's head split open, allowing him to evade Ace's attack!

Puff puff puff!

Several sounds rang out as the eight heads that the Kurozumi Orochi had split off from began biting through Ace's body from various directions!

Fortunately, even though Kurozumi Orochi possesses the Zoan Snake-Snake Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Yamata no Orochi Form!

But they don't know how to use Haki!

Otherwise, Ace might really have messed up.

Damn it!

The Kurozumi Orochi cursed inwardly when it realized it hadn't bitten anything solid!

He quickly brought his head back, fixing it firmly in Ace's direction.

"This looks interesting!"

Ace saw the opponent's poised attack stance and clenched his right fist.

A special halo of light condensed on his fist!

"Die, Ace!"

Kurozumi Orochi's seven heads shot towards Ace, but he kept the most distinctive black head firmly hidden at the very back!

Ace didn't waste any words; he threw a punch.

Numerous spatial cracks were scattered all around, and everything seemed to freeze in that instant.

Of course, these are all just appearances!

The power of Ace's punch was directly reflected in Kurozumi Orochi's seven heads!

In a single exchange, all seven of Kurozumi Orochi's heads exploded, turning into clouds of blood mist!