The Iron Bear Shows Its Strength

"Strength, defense, firepower—you two were almost evenly matched."

Rain's voice was calm and steady, yet every spectator heard it clearly. "But Obsidian Iron Bear, your mobility is indeed a fatal weakness. In a real fight to the death, your enemy won't give you a chance to trade blows head-on. Keen can toy with you through speed. A true powerhouse who has mastered advanced Observation Haki could likewise treat you as a living target."

Obsidian Iron Bear let out a low whimper from its throat. Its massive body crouched even lower, its six cannon barrels drooping to the ground. Dark red coolant dripped through the gaps in its armor onto the charred volcanic rock, raising wisps of white smoke.

"However..."

Rain changed the subject, a faint curve appearing at the corner of his lips. "As the Ashen's main battery gunner, you don't need to duel enemies one-on-one. Your job is to blast everyone in front of you into ash during fleet battles. In that regard, you passed."

Upon hearing that, Obsidian Iron Bear's dejected bear head snapped up. Light returned to its scarlet eyes as it wagged its thick cannon-tail at Rain in a fawning manner, letting out a happy, rumbling growl.

Keen, meanwhile, carelessly plopped down on the ground. Rubbing his aching chest, he grinned. "Zehahaha! Captain's right. You big lump are a mobile artillery platform. If you got to stand at the main battery and fire to your heart's content, even I'd have to steer clear of you!"

He extended a hand toward Obsidian Iron Bear. Blood still dripped from it, but there was a hint of recognition in his eyes.

"Hey, big guy, that shot nearly roasted my dragon scales. Nice work! From now on, I'm trusting my back to you on the battlefield!"

Obsidian Iron Bear tilted