Gratitude and Greed

"Dog Bite Crimson Lotus!"

"Roaring Thunder Bagua!"

The savage magma hound, wrapped in Supreme Armament Haki, slammed headfirst into the crystalline ice armor before Yamato.

Spiderweb-like cracks instantly spread across the ice. The terrifying impact, like a volcanic eruption, penetrated layer by layer before the hound finally bit into her body.

Yamato tasted blood in her throat and spat out a mouthful. She flew backward and crashed heavily into the burning ruins of a building, sending sparks scattering everywhere.

At the same time she was sent flying, Sakazuki was struck by A Jian, wreathed in black-red lightning. The Haki armor covering his body shattered with a bang. He immediately turned his body into crimson magma, using it to disperse the brute force of the impact.

Scalding magma flowed across the ground before swiftly gathering back into human form.

Sakazuki raised a hand and vaporized the blood at the corner of his mouth. His gaze remained vicious as he prepared to launch another attack.

Just then, the Vivre Card he had carefully kept in his inner pocket suddenly gave off a faint burning sensation. It quickly burned away, turning to ash.

It was Kong's Vivre Card.

When a Vivre Card spontaneously combusted, it often meant its owner was nearing the abyss of death.

Sakazuki's heart tightened. He pushed his Observation Haki to its limits and instantly sensed Kong's life force in the distance vanish completely, like a candle flame in the wind.

His expression immediately darkened. He could not help recalling what Kong had told him when they departed from Marineford Harbor:

"I've heard a thing or two about your temperament. Impulsive, stubborn, sometimes even reckless.

But let me make this clear: if I am unfortunate enough to die during this mission, you must retreat immediately. That is an order!"

Sakazuki