Susanoo, Upgrade!

'Big... Big Fragrant Foot?'

A question mark appeared above Xi Yan's head.

Is this guy's move names... also this narcissistic?

As Hancock drew ever closer, Xi Yan was momentarily speechless.

The next moment...

"Bump!"

Those two long, Haki legs, carrying terrifying power, slammed into Xi Yan's Susanoo.

With a single blow, it actually shattered Susanoo!!

"Click~"

"Boom!!"

"Varied...?!"

Seeing Susanoo shattered by the opponent's kick, Xi Yan's pupils shrank, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The initial stage of Susanoo... is it really that fragile?!

It was actually kicked to pieces with a single kick?

However, the next moment, Xi Yan realized why his Susanoo had been shattered by the opponent's kick, because... the power of that kick was truly terrifying!

"Bump!!"

He kicked Susanoo's high heels, shattering them, and delivered a powerful kick to Xi Yan's chest.

"Puff!"

He spat out a mouthful of blood and Xi Yan sent flying backward.

"Whoosh~"

"Boom!!"

"Boom!!"

"Boom!!"

Like a cannonball, Xi Yan smashed through several large trees before landing on a boulder, where he became firmly embedded.

"Boom!!"

"Call..."

After finishing this task, Hancock gradually stabilized her breathing.

Launching an attack of this level consumes a significant amount of Haki.

'I wonder if this kid will survive being sent flying by that blow.'

Thinking of this, Hancock frowned.

She didn't care whether the other person lived or died, but she didn't want her subordinates to be controlled forever.

Just then, Hancock's Observation Haki detected that the Xi Yan embedded in the stone had disappeared, causing her pupils to shrink instantly.

"Disappeared so suddenly again..."

Damn it, what on earth is going on?

The next moment, Hancock's Observation Haki detected Xi Yan's location, and she subconsciously looked at the tree trunk to the side.

"That was quite a... merciless attack," Xi Yan said, squinting at Hancock as he stood on the tree trunk. "You almost kicked me to death."

Despite this, Xi Yan appeared completely unharmed, and even his clothes were clean.

This scene completely stunned Hancock.

"Are you kidding me?!"

"What exactly is your ability?!"

Why does the other person seem completely unaffected?

It's like... the time I hit my opponent was just an illusion...

But how could that be?!

Being able to clearly perceive everything around me means that I cannot be trapped in some kind of hallucination.

But... Hancock still couldn't understand what was going on with Xi Yan.

At that moment, Hancock recalled what Xi Yan had said earlier.

(Because I am invincible.)

Invincible?

Is this guy really invincible?

'No... that's not right!'

Hancock, calm down and think about it carefully.

There is no such thing as true invincibility in this world; the opponent must have used some method that I am unaware of.

After thinking for a moment, Hancock said, "Is it something like... a substitution ability?"

That must be it!

After all... Paramecia Devil Fruit are incredibly diverse; any kind of Devil Fruit ability is possible!!

"Oh?"

Xi Yan raised an eyebrow and said, "Is that what you think?"

"But unfortunately, you guessed wrong."

"Even if it isn't, it should be a similar ability," Hancock said. "And such an ability must have a limit on the number of uses."

She didn't believe that the ability to die indefinitely truly existed in this world, so... if she could just kill this guy in front of her a few more times, she could finally defeat him completely.

Thinking of this, Hancock's eyes immediately sharpened.

"Then you should try it," Xi Yan said, looking at Hancock. "Let's see if your conclusions are correct!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xi Yan returned to the ground and then quickly rushed towards Hancock.

As he ran, Xi Yan wrapped his fists with Armament Haki.

"A battle of Haki and might?"

As Xi Yan drew closer, Hancock seemed to sense Xi Yan intentions. She immediately wrapped her long legs in Haki and then delivered a powerful Whip Kick kick!

"Armed Monster Strength Fist!"

"Fragrant Foot!"

"Clang!"

"Click click click..."

"What?"

As he watched his fist gradually turn to stone, a hint of surprise flashed in Xi Yan's eyes.

A fist enveloped in Haki... can actually be affected by Devil Fruit's power?

Isn't Haki supposed to be a powerful counter to Devil Fruit abilities?

"You think you can resist my abilities with Haki?" Hancock sneered. "How naive."

"Haki... too, has varying degrees of strength!"

"Clang~"

"Boom!!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Hancock used her long legs to shatter Xi Yan's petrified arm completely!

Then, the signs of petrification began to spread to other parts of the body, clearly indicating that Hancock intended to control Xi Yan.

However, Xi Yan didn't pay attention to this change; he was pondering the relationship between Haki and Devil Fruit.

'In other words, when the opponent's Haki is stronger than one's own, Devil Fruit abilities can be effective...' Xi Yan murmured to himself.

However... this woman's Haki was actually quite strong, which was somewhat beyond his expectations.

Judging from this, this guy is much stronger than Moria and Crocodile!

It's at least at the level of a bear!

No... in some ways, this woman's abilities are even more troublesome than a bear's.

After all... not everyone is like him, completely ignoring the other person's charm.

'It's a pity I never witnessed the intensity of Xiong's Haki, otherwise I would have known who was stronger between him and this woman,' Xi Yan murmured to himself.

"Click click click~"

While Xi Yan was thinking, Hancock placed her hand on Xi Yan's shoulder and activated her ability again.

Moments later, most of Xi Yan's body was petrified, leaving only his head able to move.

Then, Hancock wrapped her hands in Haki and gripped Xi Yan's shoulders tightly.

Glancing at the hand resting on his shoulder, Xi Yan asked, "What do you mean?"

"I just don't want you to activate your ability." Hancock said, grabbing Xi Yan's shoulder. "Alright, enough talk, just release your ability now."

"Otherwise... I'll smash your body to pieces, leaving only your head."

"This... will make you wish you were dead!"

Looking at Hancock's devilish smile, Xi Yan's lips twitched, and he said, "What a twisted sense of humor."

Only a head was left?

That was truly worse than death.

However, the power of the Devil Fruit is indeed very magical. Right now, he can't feel any other part of his body at all, as if... he's been given anesthesia.

This feeling... is quite interesting.

"You're not afraid?"

"I never said that this would be an effective way to target me," Xi Yan said with a smirk. "Guess if I can be resurrected?"

Upon hearing this, Hancock was immediately rendered speechless.

Then, she channeled her Haki into her long legs, and delivered a powerful knee strike to Xi Yan.

"Click~"

"Bump!!"

The force was so great that it shattered the stone statue to pieces!

Watching her head slowly fall to the ground, Hancock coldly said, "I refuse to believe..."

"Buzz~"

Before Hancock could finish speaking, she noticed that the rubble on the ground and Xi Yan's head twisted together and then disappeared.

Hancock:!!!

Damn it... Is it happening again?

With that thought in mind, Hancock quickly began using her Observation Haki to search for traces of Xi Yan.

Soon, she found Xi Yan on a small earthen mound.

"Even his Haki can't restrain him...?"

Hancock's expression immediately turned cold after glancing at the unharmed Xi Yan.

"Obviously, you're wrong."

"Then I will continue to smash you to pieces!" Hancock said coldly.

At worst, she'd just have to outlast him, fight for days and nights, and she refused to believe she couldn't kill him.

With that thought in mind, Hancock rushed towards Xi Yan.

"Earth Release: Rift Earth Technique!!"

"Boom!!"

As Xi Yan slammed his hands on the ground, the ground beneath Hancock's feet suddenly split open, like a giant maw of abyss, extending a deadly invitation to her!

"Varied...?!"

Hancock, whose feet had suddenly lost their footing, flashed a look of shock in her eyes.

Why does the ground crack?

'Wait... did they just mention Earth Release?'

So, is this guy a legendary Ninja?

Is he the kind of Ninja has mastered various Ninjutsu?

'I thought it was just a story, but I never imagined that Ninja actually existed...' Hancock murmured to herself.

If the opponent is indeed Ninja, then taking them down will probably not be an easy task.

And this... is probably why the opponent can keep resurrecting.

'No... now is not the time to think about such things, we should be figuring out how to escape from here!'

As her body fell, Hancock's eyes also fell on the huge opening below.

She then raised her arm, simultaneously channeling her Haki into her abdomen and fist.

Although she didn't know what effect the following thing would have, she had no intention of experimenting on other people's Ninjutsu!

Thinking of this, Hancock punched herself in the stomach, the immense force sending her flying through the empty air!

"Whoosh~"

"Boom!!"

It smashed a large crater into a small hill in the distance!

The moment she flew out, the huge gash beneath her feet closed rapidly, narrowly missing her leg.

"Tsk, that's quite a decisive fighting style," Xi Yan said, withdrawing his hand. "To actually use such a method to send yourself flying..."

He originally planned to subdue Hancock and then use Susanoo to knock her unconscious.

And so the battle ended.

To his surprise, this guy actually punched him so decisively!

'Using the force of a punch to send oneself flying... that's certainly a good method.'

If it can't fly, this is the optimal solution.

This Shichibukai... is really decisive!

"Call..."

Once Hancock had regained her composure, she immediately jumped out of the pit, fearing that her opponent would use Earth Release Technique to bury her again.

Then, she watched Xi Yan, while simultaneously using her Observation Haki to observe the changes in the ground.

She would immediately dodge at the slightest sign of movement.

"Don't worry, I won't use that Earth Release Technique) again," Xi Yan said.

Hancock merely sneered at this, not truly believing Xi Yan's words.

After all... they are enemies!

Xi Yan didn't care, since he didn't expect the other party to believe him anyway.

After shaking his head, Xi Yan thought to himself, 'Let's try upgrading Susanoo.'

If we can increase the strength of Susanoo in one battle, then this battle will not have been in vain.

Thinking of this, Xi Yan's eyes narrowed, and he began to activate his Dojutsu power and Chakra.

The next moment, the pale golden skeleton and arms reappeared on Xi Yan's body, firmly protecting him inside.

"Is it this again...?"

Seeing the familiar skeleton, Hancock frowned, thinking, 'But... if he uses this, he won't be able to use his other abilities, will he?'

At that moment, Hancock thought of the time when the other person punched her and sent her sliding backward.

After the opponent's main body launched its attack, the giant skeleton began to dissipate.

That means the opponent might not be able to use their abilities simultaneously!

In that case, he won't be able to use that Earth Release Technique!

Of course, it's also possible he's doing this on purpose to impress me, so... I shouldn't let my guard down.

Thinking of this, Hancock subconsciously glanced at the ground.

Xi Yan didn't pay attention to Hancock's little tricks; instead, he was thinking about his own abilities.

'Although I haven't had the Mangekyō Sharingan for very long, after two battles, I've become increasingly proficient in using my Dojutsu power,' Xi Yan murmured to himself. 'It should work!'

With this in mind, Xi Yan increased the output of his Dojutsu power and the release of his Chakra.

Soon, Susanoo began to change!

"Click click click~"

With a clanging sound of bones colliding, the pale golden Susanoo changed, transforming from its original skeletal arms and frame into a complete skeletal upper body!

Susanoo, upgrade!

"Forehead..."

At this moment, Xi Yan felt an even more intense pain acting on his body, which made him subconsciously frown.

'Does the pain increase with each upgrade of Susanoo...?'

Is it because I'm not skilled enough, or is this a characteristic of mine?

As he felt this power eroding his body, Xi Yan's brows furrowed even deeper.

Forget it, let's finish this fight first.

"Why has it changed again?"

Hancock watched Xi Yan, wondering what tricks he was up to this time.

Seeing Xi Yan frown, Hancock began to have some guesses.

'Could it be... that this guy was under a lot of pressure when he used this ability?'

Ha, it seems her guess was correct; the opponent's ability is indeed limited!

That's good... Now we'll see who gives up first.

Just then, Hancock noticed that the way the other person was looking at her... had become extremely excited.

That look in his eyes didn't seem to harbor any evil intentions; rather, it was as if... he had spotted some interesting prey!

This discovery made Hancock's face turn ugly.

Is the other party using me as a whetstone?!

That despicable man! She's Shichibukai!

"Aren't you going to continue the attack?" Xi Yan grinned and said, "The longer we delay, the worse it will be for you~"

"None of your business!"

Hancock spat, but she didn't fly into a rage; instead, she gradually calmed down.

After glancing at Xi Yan's Susanoo, Hancock thought to herself, 'This guy's lower body isn't protected...'

Let's find an opportunity to break in from below!

With that in mind, Hancock glanced at the surroundings in the distance, a few thoughts forming in her mind.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

"Why did you go to the Back Mountain, Older Sister Lord?" Marguerite asked, frowning.

Although my Older Sister Lord's place isn't particularly far from the Back Mountain, she shouldn't have been able to run that fast.

Could it be... that it flew off?

However, she immediately dismissed the thought as soon as it crossed Marguerite mind, because it was absolutely impossible!

My Older Sister Lord is so strong, even Vice Admiral wouldn't be a match for her, how could anyone possibly knock her away?

"I don't know, but we'll find out when we get there," Sandersonia said.

Just then, Sandersonia noticed a strange figure, which made her stop immediately.

"What's wrong, Sister Sandersonia?"

"Marguerite ...that's a man, isn't it?"

Marguerite:???

Following Sandersonia's finger, Marguerite immediately noticed the shadow on the house. After examining it closely, her pupils contracted, and she exclaimed, "This... this is definitely a man!"

"That's Grandma Za's house..." Sandersonia frowned. "Is this the man who came to my Older Sister Lord just now?"

But that doesn't make sense. If the other person is that person, then... why is my sister missing?

Thinking of this, Sandersonia beckoned to the woman who had just reported the problem to them and said, "Is this the man who went to find my Older Sister Lord with Grandma Za earlier?"

Upon hearing this, the woman squinted at Luffy, then exclaimed in shock, "No... it wasn't him..."

Upon hearing this, everyone around was stunned.

Why is there another man here?

"I don't know, but since Lord Sandersonia said he's a man, then he must be."

"Lord Sandersonia, what should we do?"

"This is truly an outburst..." Sandersonia said coldly, "When has such a thing ever happened on Amazon Lily?"

"They actually let two men infiltrate this place..."

Thinking of this, Sandersonia said, "Marguerite, go to the Back Mountain to find my Older Sister Lord, I'll go and capture this man."

"Yes!"

Without further ado, Marguerite led a group of people away.

Sandersonia, meanwhile, walked step by step toward Luffy.

She didn't know why the other person was at her Grandma Za's place, but... once she caught the other person, everything would become clear!

With that thought in mind, Sandersonia quickly rushed towards Luffy.

"Hey, Luffy, don't stay on the roof!" Little Merry, looking up at Luffy on the roof from the yard, said, "Have you forgotten Grandma Za said?"

My Grandma Za said that we shouldn't go outside unless absolutely necessary.

Otherwise, it could easily cause some trouble, and things might get out of control.

"How can I possibly sit still in the house at a time like this?!" Luffy said, grabbing his hair.

He desperately wanted to know how things were going with Xi Yan, and whether they had managed to obtain the Permanent Log Pointer to go to the Navy Headquarters.

If they can get their hands on it, they can set off now to rescue Ace.

If you can't get it... you still have to go!

Looking at Luffy's expression, Merry sighed.

If it weren't for Xi Yan and Grandma Za's warnings, Luffy probably would have already run away.

"I see, men are all impatient creatures." Outside the door, the woman who had been secretly observing the room took out a small notebook and began to record the information she had gathered.

The others were also watching Luffy intently, observing his every move.

"Why does this guy look like a monkey?"

"That's true~"

"Haha, maybe all men are like monkeys?"

"Hmm, it's not impossible."

Just then, Margaret, carrying food, walked over from a distance and was stunned when she saw Luffy standing on the roof.

Then, she quickly ran into the yard and said, "Come down quickly, Grandma Za say..."

Before Margaret could finish speaking, Luffy suddenly jumped down from the roof.

The next moment...

"Boom!!"

With a loud bang, a hole was punched through Grandma Za's roof!

"Huh?!!"

Margaret stared blankly at the heights; where did this attack come from?

Merry was also stunned, not knowing why Luffy was being attacked.

"Whoosh~"

"Click~"

Luffy, who had landed on the ground, stared intently at the direction of the Great Gate.

No, to be precise, it's behind those women.

"Who are you, and why are you attacking me?" Luffy asked, frowning.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"

Sandersonia looked coldly at Luffy and said, "Don't you know the taboos of Amazon Lily?"

As they spoke, the woman standing beside her drew her bow again and aimed at Luffy.

Perhaps sensing Sandersonia's murderous intent, Luffy adjusted his hat and said, "I don't want to get into a conflict with you. I just want to get the Permanent Log Pointer to go to Navy Headquarters."

"Then stop dreaming," Sandersonia said coldly. "There's no way we'll give that thing to you."

Upon hearing this, Luffy's expression immediately changed.

"You..."

"Just surrender obediently!"

Sandersonia, whose body had transformed into a python, rushed into the courtyard.

The moment he got close to Luffy, he raised his arm and struck.

"Boom!!"

The fist, brimming with Haki, blasted a huge crater into the ground with a single punch!

"What terrifying power..."

Luffy, who had jumped onto the wall, looked warily at Sandersonia. Was the opponent's attack power a little too strong?

"Lord Sandersonia, he is Grandma Za's guest..."

"Shut up," Sandersonia said, glaring at Margaret. "Are you trying to protect a man?"

Upon hearing this, Margaret froze on the spot.

Seeing Margaret's reaction, Sandersonia ignored her. Then she glanced at Merry and said, "This is a child from the village, isn't she? Take her away from here and don't let her get in our way of catching this man."

Upon hearing Sandersonia's words, Merry instinctively wanted to open her mouth to retort, but Margaret quickly covered her mouth.

"Yes, Lord Sandersonia..."

After saying that, Margaret turned and left with Merry.

Luffy breathed a sigh of relief after seeing this.

It seems their target is him... That's fine, it saves Merry from getting hurt.

Thinking this, Luffy quickly ran off into the distance, saying, "If you're so capable, then catch me!"

He will stall for time as much as possible before Xi Yan returns!

"Ha, trying to outrun me?" Sandersonia sneered. "You underestimate pythons."

As soon as he finished speaking, Sandersonia quickly climbed up the wall and Luffy in the distance at an extremely fast speed.

However, before leaving, Sandersonia still ordered, "Surround and kill this man!"

"Clear!"