Whitebeard, soaring into the sky, collided with Tsugikuni Yoriichi, who was plummeting rapidly. Using his wings as blades, Tsugikuni Yoriichi slashed swiftly at the oncoming Whitebeard.
Clang—
A deafening metallic ring echoed through the air. In the next instant, the Conqueror's Haki of man and phoenix tore through space, and terrifying black-red lightning spread in every direction.
The nearly tangible aftershock of Conqueror's Haki fell into the sea, blasting up wave after wave; when it struck the beach, it gouged crater after crater. The entire sky was shrouded by dense black lightning.
The battle's aftershocks affected everyone on the battlefield. Vista, Marco, and the other commanders gathered together.
Boom—
A bolt of black lightning carrying terrifying force descended from the heavens, striking directly above Marco and the others.
Marco, Vista, and Diamond Jozu reacted swiftly, charging into the air. A mass of blue-green flames, a sharp sword flash, and a dazzling Meat Shield Charge combined to blast apart the "false lightning" formed from Conqueror's Haki.
"This is..."
"Tsugikuni Yoriichi is actually this strong?"
"Even Pops..."
After blocking an aftershock, the three quickly returned to the ground. Everyone raised their heads to look at Tsugikuni Yoriichi and Whitebeard amid the "lightning" overhead, their pupils contracting in shock. They were all shaken by the terrifying power Tsugikuni Yoriichi possessed.
Ever since joining the Whitebeard Pirates, the last person they remembered being able to fight Whitebeard head-on had been Pirate King Roger!
Rumble! Rumble!
Thunder boomed continuously in the sky. Tsugikuni Yoriichi's and Whitebeard's attacks remained locked against one another, strangely suspended in midair.
"The strongest in the world?"
"That was in the past!"
Golden flames flowed across Tsugikuni Yoriichi's wings. After briefly deadlocking with Whitebeard, the Haki he unleashed only grew stronger. This time, facing the "World's Strongest Man," Tsugikuni Yoriichi cast