The Price of Defeat

Jagged rocks pierced the sky, and raging waves crashed against the shore.

On the Sky Island, Tsunade watched the two of them and grew increasingly puzzled.

What was going on? Why were they standing face-to-face? Had Uchiha Hanazuki spent so long in this world that he had even forgotten the rules of ninja combat?

"No, I haven't been waiting long either. With departure imminent, it is my honor to fight the strongest opponent I have encountered since setting sail. To experience what my captain once felt when facing you is truly quite extraordinary."

Clang!

The blade left its sheath. Gryphon, the famed sword that had accompanied Shanks through countless battles and been tempered into a renowned weapon, was raised high, its tip gleaming.

"Now, please let me witness the limits of this world, one of the Four Emperors, Uchiha Hanazuki!"

Blood-red Haki surged like an aura of destruction, abruptly stirring up countless raging waves and leaving Tsunade, standing atop the Sky Island, stunned.

"What a peculiar power. This world does not seem so simple after all. No wonder he managed to get his hands on something like that. This strange ability is more like those samurai from Wano Country."

Among the Red Hair Pirates, Benn Beckman and the other elites wore solemn expressions. Even they felt an overwhelming pressure from Red-Haired Shanks's incomparably powerful Haki.

"The next move will decide the victor. Let me see the limits of this world—Divine Departure!"

In an instant, black-and-red Haki turned thick as liquid lead and mercury. Blood-red sparks and lightning flickered through the air, shifting unpredictably, while a gryphon that seemed capable of tearing apart heaven and earth soared into the sky and charged straight at Hanazuki.

"It's here! The captain's strongest Conqueror's Coating—Divine Departure!"

"Even one of the Four Emperors will have