The blade collided with Dragon's claws.
A terrifying rumble shook the island. The ground beneath Dragon's feet began to crack, and a fragrant scent actually wafted out from the fissures, spreading in every direction with the shockwaves generated by their clash.
The aftermath of their battle had already pierced through the thick soil covering the Baron of Stomach, injuring the Baron of Stomach itself. The island-like plant seemed alive; feeling the intense pain, its petals began rapidly closing.
Yet neither combatant seemed to notice the changes taking place on the island.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi failed to land a blow and immediately changed tactics. After drawing back his blade, he thrust it straight toward Dragon's chest. Dragon was terrifyingly strong. Not only did he possess an awakened Logia Devil Fruit ability, but he also possessed incredibly formidable Haki.
Yoriichi recognized the terrifying Haki gathered around Dragon's right claw!
It was Conqueror's Haki!
Dragon had not only awakened Conqueror's Haki, but had also successfully mastered Conqueror's Coating. He was on a completely different level from Borsalino when he had come to the Boin Archipelago.
Kizaru had weaknesses—his Haki was "weak," and his physical combat skills were poor—but Dragon had none!
Clang!!
Clang!!
Clang!!
Tsugikuni Yoriichi swung his sword repeatedly. As the ground began to tilt, the battlefield of Yoriichi and Dragon shifted from the ground into the air. Dragon no longer used his Devil Fruit power to deal with Yoriichi's attacks. Like Yoriichi, he used Geppo to rise into the sky, relying on his pair of claws to block Yoriichi's attacks one after another.
They exchanged blows at an astonishing pace. To outside observers, they were merely two streaks of light constantly separating and intertwining. Whenever those streaks crossed, deafening metallic clashes rang out, carried far away by the sea breeze.
Dragon was