Maud

In the blink of an eye, two pillars of the Revolutionary Army had lost their lives.

This was an absolute difference in strength.

The terrifying aura of Conqueror's Haki rushed toward Dragon in an instant.

The icy killing intent that came with it was like thick blood, making it almost impossible to breathe.

Dragon's eyes widened. He had no time to grieve for Karas and Jasmine, and swiftly retreated, wrapping his body in a mass of wind to evade Imu's attack.

The one-handed axe, crackling with black-and-red arcs of electricity, carved a cold trajectory through the air. It failed to strike Dragon and landed in empty space.

Imu's movements paused slightly, and she stopped where she was instead of continuing the pursuit.

She raised her head, her cold gaze reflecting Dragon's seemingly defeated figure.

Only Conqueror's Haki could defeat Conqueror's Haki.

That was the literal meaning.

But there was another meaning as well.

Only Conqueror's Haki could resist Conqueror's Haki.

The reason that ambush had instantly killed Jasmine and Karas was not simply brute force. It had used Conqueror's Haki to disrupt their concentration amid the clash between offense and defense.

In a battle where every second counted, even a momentary difference in rhythm would lead to instant defeat or death.

Of course, that was only one reason.

The fundamental reason Jasmine and Karas had died in an instant was Imu's unfathomably deep strength.

Dragon was also a top-tier expert proficient in Conqueror's Haki. Thus, even if he was no match for Imu head-on, he would not so easily give her an opening.

He quickly retreated and widened the distance.

Such a reaction.

Such an action.

They indirectly showed that his wariness toward Imu had reached its highest level.

This resulted in—

Imu stopping without pursuing him instead revealing a