In the World of Pirates, Starting by Watching Roger's Execution

Whoosh!

The recruits watching nearby staggered back again and again. The blast of air stung their faces, leaving them utterly stunned.

So this was... top-tier strength!!!

Bang!

The two held their ground for a moment before the earth beneath Zephyr cracked apart and his feet rapidly sank into it. Veins bulged along his arms, his neck flushed red, and his sudden burst of power sent Atlas tumbling through the air. His feet sank even deeper.

Atlas had not used the Chicken Talisman's power. She had simply hammered down from midair without anything to brace against, yet the exchange had ended in a dead heat!

"Strength's your specialty, eh, kid?"

Zephyr pulled himself free and sprang up, shaking his slightly numb fists. He had already experienced Atlas's unparalleled brute strength back in training camp, when he had still been able to keep her somewhat in check.

But now...

Looking at Atlas's relaxed expression, Zephyr could not help smiling wryly.

I really am getting old.

"But that was just a little warm-up. Don't let your guard down, kid!"

Zephyr's gaze sharpened. Armament Haki instantly coated his clenched fists, its pitch-black sheen flowing slowly over them, with not a trace too much or too little.

His mastery of Armament Haki clearly stood at the pinnacle of the world. Its tremendous penetrating and destructive power made it difficult for anyone to face him head-on!

"Now this is a fight to get the blood pumping..."

Atlas would not allow herself a single weakness. Swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat—she wanted both. Choosing was for children!

Following his lead, she hardened both arms with flowing Armament Haki. Red light shimmered through the black coating, its quality every bit the equal of Zephyr's.

Bang!

They lunged at almost the same instant, their fists colliding. Two differently colored forms of