Fierce Battle!

"You won't give up until it's too late!" The corner of Swain's mouth lifted, disdain in his eyes. His icy voice seemed to pierce straight through the soul.

Blackbeard had crossed Swain's line time and again. As far as Swain was concerned, if Blackbeard didn't die now, when would he?

Blackbeard knew he was no match for Swain. Feeling the force of his presence, he backed away without meaning to.

"Perhaps we could be real friends. If we kill him too, we might open up two seats among the Four Emperors." Blackbeard's eyes gleamed with cunning and greed.

Bullet's gaze remained cold. Blackbeard's offer did not sway him in the slightest.

"What I seek is ultimate strength, not some damned seat!" Bullet declared. His voice rang through the air, brimming with arrogance.

Blackbeard raised an eyebrow and gave an unreadable smile. "Of course. Swain might make a fine stepping stone."

Bullet snorted. "I don't need you to tell me that. Worry about yourself. Once I've beaten this brat..." He let the threat hang.

Blackbeard's face darkened, displeasure flashing in his eyes.

Swain heard Bullet's boast and smiled. "You're too full of yourself!"

There was mockery in his smile, as though he found Bullet's confidence ridiculous.

In truth, Swain had been holding back in their earlier clash. He had shown only a fraction of his strength.

Still, he had to admit Bullet was formidable. He was not an opponent to underestimate.

But he was Swain, an emperor of the younger generation! He had the confidence and courage to face any challenge head-on.

Bullet's mouth curved into a confident smile. "That's not arrogance. That's confidence!"

Before his words had faded, he pressed his palms together. A T-shaped shock wave formed in an instant, blazing with light. Haki surged wildly through it, as