Chapter 597: The Face-Saving Fruit User [Master Rank] ★4
I've already seen this move!
Although that was his inward quip, there were still considerable differences between Shanks's Divine Departure and Rayleigh's.
First, Hua Mei Meow had not dispelled Shanks's Observation Haki Killer this time, so Xie Wen could not pinpoint where the slash would ultimately land in advance, as he had against Rayleigh. Although he could still block it, that certainly would not be the best response.
Second, Shanks was younger, whereas Rayleigh had already been worn down by Xie Wen for a while before using Divine Departure.
There was also the fact that Rayleigh had not gone all out in his fight with Xie Wen. But now that Xie Wen had made a name for himself, Shanks would not hold back like Rayleigh had, even if this was also a spar.
Finally, and most importantly...
Shanks's Conqueror's Haki was of a higher caliber. Although the stuff had no effect on Xie Wen, the difference became very apparent when it was converted into an attack with Conqueror's Coating.
That was also why, despite being stronger now, Xie Wen felt more pressure than he had back at the Sabaody Archipelago.
Yet it was precisely this pressure that finally let Xie Wen find the key to unlocking Bushido Style!
"Whew-"
Xie Wen, who had originally planned to defend with Mirror Flower Structure, let out a long breath. He swiftly swung Dudusi out with his left arm to give himself a Strongarm Stance buff, then immediately drew Fresh Knife: White Calm back to his waist, assuming the Special Sheathe posture for an Iai strike.
Monster Hunter Style: Secret Art: Iai: Sunbreak Eclipse!
With Flurry Rush supporting him, Xie Wen's draw was every bit as fast as Shanks's Divine Departure. White Calm, already dyed