"What a troublesome guy. I don't need your thanks..." Rayleigh wore a bitter smile. It was obvious that his opponent had comprehended something from his slash.
It had even caused an extremely ominous premonition to rise in his heart.
"End this quickly!"
That thought flashed through Rayleigh's mind, and he resolutely acted on it. After Ares used his Zoan Devil Fruit, Rayleigh understood that his opponent's defense and physical abilities were both terrifying.
A prolonged battle would not be wise.
In an instant.
The tense muscles in his thighs burst with power, transmitting it to his feet. Rayleigh's entire body shot forward like a sharp arrow.
The tip of his long sword, wrapped in Armament Haki, headed straight for Ares's exposed chest, precisely where his heart was.
That area was not covered by his indestructible scales.
For most scaled creatures, the places not covered by scales were their weak points—their vulnerable areas.
Not to mention that the most vital organ in the human body—the heart—was located there.
The "Black Blade" pierced through the air, and the airflow rapidly reversed.
The lightning-fast thrust perfectly embodied speed, precision, and ruthlessness. In terms of swordsmanship, Rayleigh had absolutely reached the level of controlling his movements with ease and wielding his sword as naturally as his own hand.
It was exquisite, master-level swordsmanship.
Clang!
The crisp sound of metal striking metal rang out.
Through the gap between his palms, Ares looked at the blond man opposite him. But before he could take more than two glances, the Black Blade caught between his sharp claws began to turn as Rayleigh twisted his wrist.
The pleasant clinking of metal rang out in a continuous chorus.
Sparks flew in all directions.
Even in his "Dragon Human Form," with dragon claws at his fingertips, Ares felt waves of