Fighting a powerhouse on Kong's level, even Tsugikuni Yoriichi had to devote his full attention to the battle.
"Issho, stay farther back. Don't get dragged into this."
Yoriichi gave the long blade in his hand a shake. After warning Issho and the others, he fixed his gaze on Kong in the distance.
Kong rose from the ground, gently rubbing his lower abdomen before spitting out a mouthful of bloody phlegm. He loosened his muscles as he slowly walked toward Yoriichi.
Kong's pace steadily quickened. From a slow stroll to a sprint, in just a few seconds, his figure became a streak of light and abruptly vanished from where he stood.
"Boom!!!"
The instant Kong vanished, a violent sonic boom rang through the air.
The spot where Kong had been standing was completely empty, leaving behind only a deep crater several meters wide.
"Hmm?!" Yoriichi's Observation Haki caught Kong's presence. He slightly raised his head and looked into the sky.
Kong, who had shot into the air, had muscles bulging all over his body. His overwhelming Haki tore through the air, and countless black bolts of lightning flickered around him.
A terrifying pressure descended upon everyone present, making even the air feel heavier.
Yoriichi's pupils contracted slightly. Holding his sword in one hand, he swiftly shifted his stance, gripped the hilt with both hands, and leaped straight toward Kong.
As Kong descended, the terrifying Haki gathered around his knuckles erupted completely along with the punch he threw at Yoriichi.
"Boom—"
A blazing white light lit up the sky. Abel and the others, who had looked up, instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes.
Kong's attack exploded above Starting Island like a nuclear blast. The terrifying shockwave sent shattered stones and grains of sand surging in every direction. In the blink