Together, Begin!

At his words, Shanks's expression tightened. He shoved Ron's fist away with all his strength and reached for Griffin, which was embedded in the back of Ron's hand.

He had indeed blocked that punch, but the blow that had punched through even BIG MOM's Steel Balloon and ripped out her organs was definitely not as easy to withstand as it looked.

At that moment, his entire body was in excruciating pain. Concussion, displaced organs, fractured bones—there was no shortage of injuries. None were fatal, but they were far from pleasant.

"Dream on!"

Seeing this, Ron retreated with the momentum.

For a swordsman, having a sword in hand or not made him a completely different person. Shanks had given up holding his sword to block Ron's attack, so if he wanted it back now, how could he do so without paying a price?

Avoiding Shanks's pounce, Ron planted one foot atop the broad figurehead of the Red Force and fiercely drove his left knee forward.

If Shanks still tried to seize his weapon after landing, that kick would definitely leave a "deep" impression on him.

"Deep" in his bones, "etched" into his flesh.

"Damn it!"

Shanks naturally saw through it. Ron's strength had already been on par with his, and now that Ron had entered Lightning Titan Mode, every move carried world-destroying power.

Avoiding battle during his opponent's burst phase was the rational decision, because Ron was bound to expend more stamina than he did.

Charging in now would only play into Ron's hands.

Thus, Shanks had no choice but to abandon his attempt to reclaim his sword. After landing, he swiftly rose onto his toes and nimbly leaped backward.

Whoosh!

Crack!

The knee strike hit empty air with a piercing crack. A translucent lotus-shaped shockwave suddenly exploded in the empty