Mighty Arm Volcano

Sakazuki held his punching stance. The magma around his fist had yet to cool completely, and crimson droplets fell slowly to the ground, where they sent up wisps of white smoke.

His face was grim as iron, his gaze cold. His low voice echoed over the harbor like a verdict.

"Colluding with pirates."

"Attacking the Marines."

He slowly drew back his fist, but the heat of the magma only grew more intense. His eyes remained fixed on the ruins.

"Evil this absolute—"

"Must be purged with Absolute Justice!"

As his words faded, the air seemed to grow colder still.

"My lord!!!"

Izo's cry was the first to tear through the silence, panic unmistakable in his voice.

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi roared together and charged toward the ruins, heedless of the scorching white smoke still rising from the ground beneath their feet.

But then—

Boom!

Rubble exploded outward.

Amid churning dust and steam, a figure slowly rose.

Kozuki Oden was charred from head to toe. His clothes had burned through in several places, exposing scorched skin, yet he still stood straight.

He gripped Ame no Habakiri and Enma tightly, Haki surging along their blades like flames.

Scorching waves of heat rolled around him as Conqueror's Haki spilled out beyond his control.

Oden raised his head. What burned in his narrow eyes was not fear—

It was fury and fighting spirit, ignited at last.

He glared at Sakazuki through clenched teeth.

Sakazuki met his gaze, his eyes hard as stone and utterly unmoved.

Rock watched the scene impassively. Oden hasn't even gone to sea with Whitebeard yet.

He has the foundations of Conqueror's Haki, and Enma is forcibly drawing out his Haki to strengthen him—

Rock gave a faint smile, his gaze indifferent.

*But at best, all he's done is beat up thugs