Moria, the Great Hero of West Blue, Sleeps Here (Part 1)

The final barrier vanished. Facing Adams's terrifying pressure head-on, Moria's massive body began to tremble violently.

The shadow of death engulfed him like icy seawater. He forced down his fear and spoke in a dry voice, attempting one final negotiation:

"We... each take a step back! Let's end this here today! We won't interfere with each other from now on! How about it?!"

This was his final struggle. This had been an emergency summons from the World Government, and he had not had time to bring his Zombie Army. Without the enhancement of shadows, he truly had no confidence in defeating the monster-like man before him.

Adams slowly shook his head, his long silver hair stirring in the breeze. There was not the slightest hesitation in his eyes.

"Not happening."

He paused, deciding to thoroughly crush the other man's hopes. His voice was clear and cold.

"To tell you the truth, Moria, I've taken a liking to your Shadow-Shadow Fruit ability. And you..."

"You're not the type to willingly live under someone else, are you? So, to ensure that the Fruit's ability can be mine..."

He slowly raised that fearsome earthen club coated in Armament Haki. Chilling killing intent spread outward as though it were tangible.

"You must die here today. Only your death can allow the Fruit to be reborn."

His words were a final judgment, tolling Moria's death knell.

Moria froze. Then he let out a strange laugh that was impossible to tell whether it came from despair or rage.

"Hehahahaha!! I never thought... I never thought you understood me so well! And you want my ability too?!"

He knew that with things having reached this point, any pleading or negotiation had lost all meaning.

From the very beginning, his opponent had come with the clear intent of