In northern Dressrosa, the endless plains had been reduced to a scarred wasteland.
Fujitora, with only half his life left, finally passed out from his severe injuries.
After taking his template, Reiner looked at the utterly defenseless Fujitora on the ground and hesitated for a moment before ultimately summoning a falcon and leaving.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
The falcon flapped its wings and soared into the air, racing south toward the royal palace.
In the eastern courtyard of the palace standing atop the highlands, the air was scorching hot, and waves of heat rolled through the air.
Below, raging flames filled the courtyard, turning it into a sea of fire.
Within it.
Countless branches covered in lush leaves lashed wildly across the ground as Ryokugyu struggled to hold back the surging flames, even attempting to extinguish them.
Ace wore a grave expression. Several clusters of flames danced around his body as he raised his arms out to either side, spread his palms, and shouted.
"Flame Commandment!!"
Whoosh!!
The flames spreading across the ground immediately boiled, and four walls of fire rose from the earth. Under his control, they surrounded Ryokugyu and quickly swallowed him whole.
"Uwaa! Ahh!"
"Hot, hot, hot—! Bastard!!"
Ryokugyu, transformed into a treant, wailed in agony without end. His massive body struggled desperately in the sea of fire, and his continuous screams sounded miserable and pathetic.
However.
Though Ace appeared to hold an overwhelming advantage, the gravity in his expression did not lessen in the slightest.
If Ryokugyu were truly this weak, Ace would have ended the battle long ago.
No one who could sit in the position of Marine Admiral was ordinary.
Even with his ability countering the other man's, Ace remained vigilant.
Sure enough.
Whoosh!
A vine rapidly broke through the wall of fire. At its tip,