"Gyahahaha... Are you really going this hard right from the start?"
"This time, I won't hold back!"
The Golden Lion knew, of course, that Ares's physical abilities were far more formidable than before. This punch carried the crushing weight of a mountain bearing down on him.
This time.
The two swords in his hands were not sheathed. Instead, their razor-sharp blades were wrapped in black-purple flames.
Clang!!
He crossed the two swords, producing a piercing clash of metal that made both their eardrums tremble.
Both of them stood firm, their bodies utterly motionless. This exchange was almost evenly matched.
Ares looked down at the Golden Lion from above. The collision of their strength sent his adrenaline surging, accelerating the flow of blood through his body.
He was exhilarated. Grinning, he said, "The real battle starts now!!"
Before his voice had even faded,
Ares's arms suddenly launched four fist-shadows from both sides. In the blink of an eye, the four fist-shadows seemed to split into eight, carrying the sound of air being torn apart as they shook the atmosphere.
He unleashed a torrential barrage against Shiki the Golden Lion.
The Golden Lion's twin swords also danced in a seamless defense, forming an impenetrable barrier. He laughed and said, "Against a monster with strength like yours, I'll have to use Armament Haki!"
Clang-clang-clang-clang!!
The air currents suddenly became chaotic, whipping up gale after gale and scattering the sand and gravel across the ground.
Large and small fist-shadows and sword-shadows intertwined, with neither side willing to yield even half a step.
Ares also changed his method of attack. At times, he transformed his fists into claws, colliding with the long swords in the Golden Lion's hands and creating a dazzling shower of sparks.
The dragon tail behind him swept from side to side,