Boom!
Another mushroom cloud of magma soared into the sky.
Before the violent shock waves could subside,
Sword Aura erupted from the lava, shooting toward the heavens.
It spread outward, shredding everything in its path.
In an instant, the rising mushroom cloud was torn apart by the Sword Aura.
A cleared zone a thousand meters across opened up around the two men.
Sakazuki was panting slightly now. The extensive cracks across his body had grown more pronounced, with thin trickles of blood seeping out.
Roger's coat had been shredded, exposing his badly burned upper body.
Roger reached up, tore off his captain's coat, and tossed it aside.
Somewhat baffled by Sakazuki, he asked,
"Marine boy, is there some deep grudge between us?"
Sakazuki activated his power, forming gauntlets around both arms, and looked at Roger as he replied impassively,
"No."
"It's just that the justice I bear won't allow you to live in this world."
Roger laughed at Sakazuki's words.
As though he had heard a joke, he said meaningfully,
"Justice?"
"Marine boy, there's far more darkness in this world than you imagine."
Sakazuki paid no heed to what Roger was implying and replied coldly,
"You're right."
"But I don't find a villain who just slaughtered thousands of people very persuasive."
Roger's smile slowly faded. His expression settled as he stared at Sakazuki and nodded.
"I understand."
Humm!
Conqueror's Haki coiled around his blade. He gripped the hilt with both hands, terrifying sword energy hovering over the edge and making every hair stand on end...
Roger's gaze was utterly calm as he looked at Sakazuki.
"Don't die too easily, Marine brat."
Shing!
The blade rang out with a sound that made the scalp prickle.
A dazzling slash swept past, as though slicing through space.
It appeared directly before Sakazuki.
The