Dark waves of shadow settled over Maud's body.
His cheeks, neck, and collarbones.
Shadow patterns shaped like half-spirals slowly emerged.
As the ripples of shadow faded, Maud slowly opened his eyes.
Red light ignited in his pupils.
This was Observation Haki.
After all, his opponent was one of the highest-ranking officers under a Four Emperor. Maud could not afford to underestimate her.
Even if it meant pointless mental strain, he had to keep his Observation Haki active at all times.
The changes in Maud's body did not escape Smoothie's notice.
"His aura is stronger. Is that just my imagination...?"
Watching Maud use Shadow Style Twin Fish, Smoothie slightly furrowed her brows.
As suspicion rose in her heart, Smoothie quickly glanced at the numerous pirate corpses scattered across the plaza.
"Excellent. There are plenty of ready-made sources of liquid."
Smoothie's heart settled.
After exchanging just one move, she had personally felt Maud's strength.
Although she had said aloud that Maud's Ikoku was far inferior to Mama's Ikoku, she was actually filled with wariness.
After all, even her strongest killing move, Water Slice, could not stand against Maud's Ikoku.
Fortunately, there were over ten thousand ready-made sources of liquid at the scene, enough to greatly enhance her stamina and strength.
Even if they were corpses...
As long as they could give her the capital to defeat Bagard. Maud, she would not mind.
"Hm?"
Smoothie suddenly came to her senses. Thin linear shadows quietly surfaced around her eyes.
"Am I actually feeling fortunate? Is it because my subconscious believes I can't defeat this man?"
"Lady Smoothie!"
The BIG MOM Pirates who had been sent flying quickly regrouped and gathered around Smoothie.
Their voices interrupted Smoothie's thoughts.
Smoothie took a deep breath and quickly composed herself.
She had indeed been at a disadvantage in