A One-Sided Duel

The atmosphere on the rocky shore tightened to the breaking point.

With the provocations of several troublesome Mink Tribe members, the powder keg built up between the two tribes over eight hundred years was completely ignited. Although the lion chieftain feared Rain's terrifying Conqueror's Haki, the Forest Sea's ancient rules could not be discarded. A duel challenge issued face-to-face had to be answered with blood and steel.

"Since you animals insist on courting death, let me take the first round."

Aira slowly stepped forward, her cool, pristine white kimono snapping in the fishy gale. Her slender, graceful hand had already settled steadily upon the dark-red hilt of the famed blade Blood Sakura.

"Arrogant woman from the outer seas! Die!"

Kuma, built like an iron tower, let out a savage roar. His right arm, covered in thick black fur, suddenly swelled in size. Black Armament Haki intertwined wildly with dazzling lightning around the several-meter-long black iron battle axe.

"Verdant: Lightning Blade Heavy Cleave!"

Kuma leaped several meters into the air, dragging a dozen-meter streak of brutal lightning behind him as he brought the axe down on Aira's head with the force of a mountain collapsing.

Faced with the terrifying axe that could split a Navy warship in two, Aira did not even raise an eyelid. Just as the axe was about to strike her, she abruptly took a small step forward.

"Clang—!"

At the heart of the Forest Sea, an incomparably crimson blade flash tore through the dim air like a fleeting glimpse of a startled swan.

No one saw when she had drawn her blade. By the time the crisp ring of steel faded from their ears, Aira had already passed Kuma. With a soft click, the demon blade Blood Sakura elegantly slid back into its sheath.

"Boom!!"

Kuma's massive