"Bzzzz!"
Their fists collided again and again, the tremendous force rapidly compressing the surrounding air into bizarre air cannons.
Whitebeard's eyes flickered as he stared fixedly at the man before him.
River did the same, watching his opponent's condition with his full attention.
They were both among the strongest in the world. Their battle had shed all flashy flourishes, leaving only the simplest, most direct contest of strength.
Strength, reflexes, abilities, and Haki all fused together at that moment, mingling with their wills and turning into savage punches and slashes hurled at each other.
Each wielding a blade in one hand and punching with the other, their battle looked strange yet paradoxically harmonious. The pace of their attacks was almost unbelievable.
In just ten breaths, they had exchanged over a hundred blows.
"Crack, crack!"
River met Whitebeard's fist with his flesh-and-blood body. The bones, joints, and flesh of his left hand rapidly split and shattered.
But just as quickly, they grew back, restoring his hand completely.
This was a head-on battle, without the slightest evasion or show of weakness. Flesh collided with flesh, and will clashed against will.
Twisting and shifting, they finally withdrew after their three hundred and fifth clash, opening up some distance.
"Huff, huff, huff!"
Both lowered their heads and breathed rapidly. That furious, high-speed exchange had been carried out almost entirely on a single held breath.
"Gurararara!"
"Hahahahaha!"
A moment later, their breathing settled. They raised their heads, looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
"What a thrill!"
Then the same words came from both their mouths.
River's eyes shone brilliantly, his fighting spirit soaring.
A cold wind blew past, sweeping up ice chips.
Without warning, their figures vanished.
When they reappeared, they were already crashing fiercely into each other again.
"River, I heard you