Akainu's raw strength and destructive power were indeed greater than those of the aging, weakened Golden Lion. The terrifying heat of the Magma-Magma Fruit could evaporate vast quantities of seawater and melt earth and stone.
But Golden Lion was seasoned, his tactics sharp, his positioning slippery, and his instincts downright dirty.
He refused to clash head-on with Akainu, instead using his unmatched aerial mobility to keep opening up distance, harassing and containing him with ranged attacks.
After all, he was facing a Marine Admiral, not some rookie pirate. His words were wild, but his mind remained cautious.
Yet Kizaru's shameless sneak attack still put Golden Lion at a severe disadvantage.
"Jihahahaha-"
Even if Bondrewd might have played him, even under the combined assault of two Admirals, Golden Lion still laughed at the top of his lungs.
He floated in midair, his long golden hair whipping wildly in the turbulent air. With nimble aerial maneuvers, he dodged several laser shots.
He flipped, his haori spreading in the gale. With a raised hand, he turned seawater into a shield. Volcanic bombs struck the water and cooled, falling away as volcanic rock.
A golden light suddenly appeared behind Golden Lion, off to one side.
"How scaaary~ Golden Lion-"
Kizaru's body took shape, and a vicious Light-Speed Kick was already hurtling toward Golden Lion's back.
Golden Lion's hair stood on end. His Observation Haki only reacted once his opponent drew near. He violently twisted his body, sending Kogarashi, attached to his foot, slashing toward Kizaru.
-BANG!!!
The Light-Speed Kick slammed into the blade. The tremendous impact sent Golden Lion tumbling backward through the air, his blood surging.
He immediately spread the seawater around himself, sealing himself inside a watertight defense.
Even if this move could not completely stop the two Admirals' relentless ranged attacks,