The blood-red mist contracted, then suddenly swelled, transforming into an enormous crimson dragon. Atop its massive head, two eyes gleamed with golden light.
A terrifying, heavy aura rose, oppressive and suffocating.
The instant the crimson dragon appeared, the pupils of everyone on Bagran Island constricted as they felt the terror of this strike.
Night Guy, the ultimate technique that came after Evening Elephant. In the original Eight Gates Formation, it unleashed the greatest possible power by burning away all of the user's life force.
But through River's development and enhancement, this skill had also taken on a different form. Compared to the original technique, it was more refined, more powerful, and less draining.
Even so, despite the Recovery Fruit's abilities, it still took an enormous toll on him. Even his current physique could not sustain it for long.
After opening the Gate of Death, his body and life force burned away every second, while the Recovery Fruit restored them at the same time.
This caused red, scale-like cracks to appear across his body. When he used Evening Elephant and Night Guy, that drain and burning reached their peak, and the cracks spread further.
"Roar!"
A deep, bestial roar came from River. Blood-red mist drifted around him, and together with the dragon's head, it now blotted out the sky above Bagran Island.
"Whoosh!"
Violent winds howled. The rapid collision of energy made the air itself shriek with sharp, piercing friction.
"Put everything into defense, Linlin!!"
Kaido bellowed.
He knew all too well the destructive power contained in the strike rapidly closing in on him, and suspected this was River's ultimate move.
"You don't have to tell me, Kaido."
"Even I'm trembling in the face of that aura!"
Big Mom growled, her eyes trembling and her expression more solemn than ever.
They