The tip of the Ice Saber seemed to strike an invisible, transparent wall.
It hung suspended about three meters from Wangchuan, unable to advance another inch.
Tiny shards broke off the ice blade's tip, refracting little glints of cold light in the air.
But the Ice Saber itself did not budge.
A flicker of change finally crossed Kuzan's face.
His eyebrows twitched slightly. His gaze lingered on the suspended Ice Saber for a moment, then returned to Wangchuan.
"Oh..."
His voice carried a seriousness that had not been there before.
"Just as Borsalino said."
"That invisible layer around you is a bit troublesome."
Wangchuan looked at the Ice Saber suspended before him, tilted his head, and casually flicked a finger.
Thud!
The Ice Saber shattered into countless tiny crystals, scattering through the air like a sudden flurry of snow.
"An Admiral's attack..."
"That's it?"
Wangchuan's voice was flat, but that very flatness cut deeper than any deliberate mockery.
Kuzan's expression barely changed, but his gaze sharpened.
"Tsk... looks like you're not an opponent I can deal with easily."
He was about to say something else.
A figure darted out from behind him, trailing scorching air and a fierce gust from his blade.
It was Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Yamakaji.
"Pirate!"
"This is Marine Headquarters! Don't think a little strength lets you do whatever you please!"
He was tall and burly, with broad shoulders and a thick back, carrying an enormous horse-slaying saber on his shoulder.
Darting past Kuzan, he raised his Armament Haki-coated saber high and brought it down toward Wangchuan's head.
Whoosh!
The pressure from the blade bore down first.
Wangchuan did not even turn to look at him.
He merely shifted his gaze slightly, watching the approaching blade.
Then he gave a quiet chuckle tinged with impatience.
"Commendable