"This!"
Shanks's expression changed drastically. He swung his blade fiercely, sending out a rapid barrage of slashes that shattered the incoming pillars of lightning.
Crocodile also flailed both arms wildly, turning the sand filling the sky into dozens of barriers layered before him.
But there was simply too much lightning—too dense, too violent.
The two of them gave everything they had to defend themselves, yet the terrifying aftershock still forced them back again and again. Only after they had retreated over a thousand meters did that sea of lightning finally stop pursuing them and slowly recede.
Their bodies were charred black, and they panted heavily in a wretched state.
"Still not enough."
Shanks wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and gave a bitter smile.
"Its strength isn't low. Once it senses a genuine threat, it'll spare no cost to crush you completely."
"In other words, it has its limits too. It's just that I'm not strong enough, and you can't break through alone," Crocodile said gravely.
Silence.
The two exchanged a glance, neither saying a word.
Their strength was insufficient. What else could they do?
Shanks did wish Crocodile were stronger. If there were two people with his level of strength, he was confident they could break the barrier before them.
But Crocodile was not that strong, nor was anyone else aboard the Going Merry.
Sanji might have that kind of strength, but Shanks certainly would not count him.
If he had not known that Ross had other ways to keep an eye on them, and that Sanji following them was merely a form of malicious amusement, he would have wanted to kick the man out.
Still, he had to admit that Sanji's cooking was indeed delicious.
Compared to him, Lucky Roux only had his exceptional grilled