Whoosh!
Still some distance from shore, Garp had already begun hurling cannonballs at Carl from the ship.
The cannonballs tore through the air with massive shockwaves, forcing aside the surrounding seawater.
"Longswords are still easier to use."
Carl drew the Dragon Spring Sword he had bought at the auction and began fending off Garp's attacks, slicing the incoming cannonballs cleanly in half. They exploded behind him, and the town at his back was instantly engulfed in artillery fire.
Although Carl did not possess the ability to cut iron, he had learned the Taiji Sword from Old Celestial Master's inherited memories.
Even simple techniques came naturally to him.
Seeing that the cannonball attacks were useless and would only destroy civilian buildings, Garp set down the cannonballs. He and Sengoku then used Geppo to fly over.
They did not move the Navy ships any closer, because they knew numbers were useless in a battle between powerful fighters.
"Carl, surrender yourself."
Garp landed on the dock, folded his arms across his chest, and spoke to Carl with a stern expression.
"There's no need to say something like that, is there?"
"If you can defeat me."
A faint smile curled across Carl's lips, and a bloodthirsty gleam flashed in his eyes. He knew that if he wanted the system's reward, he had to remain on this island for another day. A battle with them was unavoidable.
Iron Fist!
Garp knew his words were pointless, but he was not angered. He kicked off the ground and charged toward Carl at high speed.
Bang!
Though they were only testing each other, the ground warped at the instant of impact. After the clash, both of them staggered several steps back.
"Sure enough, fists are still more effective in close combat."
Carl realized that he was not used