The smile on Crocus's face gradually faded, replaced by a deep, scrutinizing look. He remained silent for several seconds before slowly speaking:
"Although I don't know how you learned about the matter between me and the Rumbar Pirates, and I am very interested in that information, forgive me for refusing this deal. Memories are precious things, and I don't want to trade them with anyone."
"Then this junior can only obtain what he wants the pirate way."
Dawn's right arm tensed, flowing Armament Haki covering his entire arm like mercury as he threw a punch.
The pirate way naturally meant taking it by force.
A sharp glint flashed through Crocus's cloudy eyes. His seemingly withered arm bulged in an instant, likewise coursing with Armament Haki as he met the blow head-on.
Bang!
The instant their fists collided, the air was compressed, erupting with a deafening boom.
Centered on the two of them, a visible shockwave spread outward in a ring. The ground beneath their feet cracked inch by inch, sending shattered stones flying.
The outward release of Armament Haki formed a terrifying storm that tore at everything around it.
Crocus's expression changed.
He felt as though he had not struck a human fist, but a moving mountain range.
Can't take this head-on!
Battle instinct made Crocus choose at the critical moment. He deliberately withdrew his force, his body drifting backward as if weightless.
The instant he leaped away,
Rumble—!
The ground within ten meters behind where he had been standing was forcibly ripped up by the aftermath of the fist's wind.
The soil rolled like waves, turning into a cloud of dust. Cracks like spiderwebs appeared across the lighthouse wall farther behind.
Crocus landed and looked at the lighthouse that had accompanied him for decades, a trace of heartache flashing