Amid the smoke-filled ruins, Pica's true body emerged from the remaining rocks and joined up with the equally battered Lao G.
The two exchanged a glance, each seeing unprecedented gravity and a trace of barely concealed fear on the other's face.
Lao G wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and spoke hoarsely:
"Ordinary methods won't do anything to that troublesome little girl anymore... We can only use that final move. I'll go first. Even if it costs me these old bones, I'll create an opening for you to finish her!"
"...Be careful. If you're too badly hurt, you won't be able to support Doffy later."
Lao G waved a hand, his gaze becoming incomparably resolute, even carrying a hint of determination to die.
He took a deep breath, as though he intended to suck all the surrounding air into his lungs. Then he let out an earthshaking roar:
"[Old Man's Fist Ultimate Secret Technique: Battle Guard]!"
Along with his roar, an incredible change occurred. Lao G's originally lean, short body rapidly swelled as if inflated.
His muscles bulged like coiling dragons, and his physique expanded several times over in an instant, turning him into a small, heavily muscled giant. A violent aura erupted from within him—the strength he had compressed over countless years, now fully unleashed.
"Bang!"
He forcefully kicked off with both legs, collapsing the ground beneath his feet into a small crater.
Lao G shot into the sky like a cannonball, instantly closing in on Baby-5 in midair at a speed far beyond before. His hands formed a strange pose resembling the letter "G," gathering all his strength and Haki in his palms as he unleashed a thunderous palm strike.
"[G's Mark]!"
Having unleashed all his strength, Lao G's speed and power now exceeded Baby-5's