The Battle with Im

"Now? Or somewhere else? A different world?" Im asked Teach. He was at ease now and had plenty of time.

Teach knew what he meant.

"Now. I can't wait any longer." Teach sounded excited, a burning light flashing in his eyes. Everything was settled by this point. What could thrill him more than a clash between opponents on the same level?

Even if things had gone far more smoothly than he'd imagined, it was still within reason.

"Fair enough. Let's get this over with. I want to take a good look at what this world is really like."

Im watched Teach, clearly sensing the fighting spirit and youthful energy radiating from him.

It was something Im lacked—or rather, no longer possessed.

His body was still young, but his heart had grown old. It was hard for him to share Teach's boundless ambition.

He couldn't bring himself to handle certain matters personally. Even if he rebuilt the World Government, he would stay hidden and support a new Gorosei to manage it for him.

There was no denying he was a dictator, but he no longer believed the World Government had any reason to exist. It would only bring him more trouble.

At that, both men grew serious.

The gentle breeze turned violent without warning.

High above the ground, at an altitude of ten thousand meters, dense thunderclouds gathered over their heads, and lightning serpents danced through the sky.

Their terrifying auras clashed, and tangible pressure bore down on each other with savage force.

Their domains collided as well. A terrifying magnetic field surged, weaving arcing bolts of lightning through the air.

The crack of piercing thunderclaps burst in their ears without pause.

Neither man had moved, yet the air and ground seemed to tremble in fear.

The next moment, they struck.