Pirate: I Maxed Out Conqueror's Haki First Because I Can't Die

"Whoever dodges the other's punch is the weaker one!"

Xia Le laughed. "Good!"

The sudden change in how they would decide the winner left the onlookers staring at one another. Before long, though, every face turned grave.

They all understood how dangerous the fight was about to become.

Each man would have to take every attack head-on with his own body. It would test their toughness, stamina, and will to the limit.

It was a severe test of everything they had.

The slightest weakness on either side would lead to defeat.

And by accepting such terms, both men had shown just how confident they were in their strength.

"Whoosh!"

Wind swept past, stirring their tattered robes.

Terrible wounds covered both men. The fierce battle had left scarcely a patch of unbroken skin on either of them.

"You go first, Xia Le!"

Whitebeard folded his arms, planted Murakumogiri in the ground beside him, and grinned with confidence.

Xia Le did not hesitate. He sheathed his sword.

Then, without a moment's pause, he drove a fist straight into Whitebeard's face.

Black-red lightning flashed wildly, and a violent presence engulfed the sky for tens of thousands of meters around them.

"After fighting this long, he still has that much Haki!"

"That man's a monster!"

Diamond Jozu spoke in shock.

Haki, strength, and Devil Fruit powers were all closely tied to a person's stamina and energy.

Once someone ran out of stamina, even using Haki became difficult.

Then, in the next instant—

Thud!

A heavy impact rang out, and a fierce wind swept into the distance.

Whitebeard's massive body shuddered. His head rang as though it might burst, and the confidence vanished from his face. Even his gaze nearly lost focus.

But he forced himself to come around.

A wave of air spread from