As highly regarded supernovas, they naturally had a degree of rivalry between them, whether openly or behind the scenes.
Though they did not keep close tabs on one another, they had a basic understanding of each other.
Thus, Apu and Bonney knew very well that one of Urouge's strengths was his extraordinary brute force.
Yet Maud had blocked the iron pillar Urouge swung with all his strength using only a single finger.
Apu and Bonney stared in shock.
With Urouge as a reference point, they gained a much clearer understanding of Maud's strength.
That made them deeply wary.
On the battlefield.
The many members of the Breaker Monk Pirates stood there like wooden chickens.
Veins as thick as knuckles bulged across Urouge's arms, neck, and even face.
Despite exerting all his strength, he still could not move that finger, which stood like a natural chasm.
"What a... despairing difference..."
Urouge forced out those heartbreaking words, yet a smile remained on his rugged face, as though he did not take it to heart.
Feeling the effort Urouge was putting in, Maud pursed his lips slightly. He was in no hurry to press Urouge's smiling face into the damp earth.
A cat toying with a mouse.
That was a rare act for Maud.
But he was genuinely interested at that moment.
Urouge's effort to save face was what made it possible.
The iron pillar remained motionless, and so did Maud.
The two sides were locked in a remarkably delicate balance.
Urouge's face gradually flushed red. Clearly, he was nearing his limit.
Yet the index finger blocking the iron pillar was like an insurmountable peak, standing coldly and mercilessly in the path he wished to cross.
"I can't push it at all..."
His inability to advance even an inch made Urouge feel a