The Vast Gap

Shanks hovered in the air, his blade lowered, his cold gaze fixed tightly on Imu.

His aura remained steady, as if everything were still under his control.

Shanks felt conflicted. Though he had prepared himself beforehand, the moment he saw Imu forced back, turmoil still surged within him.

Even Shanks did not dare let his guard down before an existence as invincible as her.

"You're somewhat interesting too,"

Imu sneered, turning to stare at Shanks, her eyes filled with disdain and vigilance.

"Do you really think you can challenge me?"

The moment her words fell, the atmosphere across the battlefield instantly grew heavy.

The air around Imu seemed to freeze as waves of energy spread wildly outward. Everything nearby appeared to be crushed beneath her power, as if an even fiercer storm were about to descend.

Shanks did not retreat in the slightest. The sharpness and resolve in his eyes seemed to tell Imu—this battle had only just begun.

Jin An also felt the impact of Shanks's power. He smiled faintly and slowly turned around. He knew he was no longer fighting alone.

At that moment, the forces resisting the World Government began to gather into an even greater strength. Though Imu's pressure was terrifying beyond measure, it could not crush everything in the end.

"Shanks..."

Jin An murmured, his voice low and full of trust.

"This strike marks the beginning of our partnership."

Shanks's gaze turned icy as the blade in his hand traced a dazzling arc through the air.

"Even one chosen by fate will one day be defeated."

His voice rumbled like thunder, carrying fearless confidence.

A cold glint flashed through Imu's eyes. Suddenly, she drew in a deep breath, and an aura that shook the heavens erupted from her body.

Imu's voice was low and frigid.