In Marineford's central plaza, Saint Figarland Garling's towering, sculpted golden hairstyle
whipped violently in the wind pressure from the Haki. He narrowed his eyes and swept his gaze around.
A hundred thousand Marines surrounded him like an iron wall, while Kong, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Garp watched him intently from the raised platform.
Meanwhile, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino kept Lipo firmly protected between them.
He instantly understood the Marines' intent.
The setting and plan had been carefully arranged. The Marines wanted this affair to end right here.
"Heh. No wonder you're the only one standing before me, Gern." Saint Garling slowly raised his hand, pointing his sword straight at Gern, his voice chilling to the bone.
"But in that case, should I take this to mean... you intend to resist?"
Gern sneered, the killing intent in his eyes intensifying. "You only just figured that out?" Before his words had faded, his left fist slammed into the air to his left.
Boom! In an instant, the air shattered like glass. Invisible shock waves swept outward, cracking the ground and sending rubble flying.
Saint Garling's pupils contracted. He instantly retreated, his rapier tracing a cold gleam as it split the incoming shock wave in two.
Yet the residual force still drove him several steps back, his soles scraping shrilly against the ground.
"Heavenquake... you certainly live up to your reputation." Saint Garling steadied himself, a cold smile curling his lips.
"But if you think this little bit of strength is enough to stand against the Holy Knights..." Before Saint Garling could finish,
Gern's presence vanished completely from his Observation Haki in the next instant!
"What?!" Saint Garling's pupils shrank sharply, every nerve instantly taut.
His Observation Haki had never failed him. Even against top-tier fighters like Roger and Garp, he could still catch