Disbelief flashed in Saint Garling's eyes.
He had imagined that if Shane left alive, he might keep training in private, just as Garling had, until he mastered Conqueror's Coating one day.
What he had never imagined was this-putting himself on death's doorstep to find a way to survive.
Seizing a chance at survival from mortal danger!
The facts proved it.
Ronald D. Shane had done it!
With almost lightning speed, this man had dealt him
an overwhelming shock!
Both gifted and powerful, he excelled at risking his life!
This was a pirate's law of survival!
"How could I die? The game has only just begun!"
Dense violet Haki enveloped Shane's fists, with Conqueror's Coating appearing alongside it.
Those fists now qualified him to enter the ranks of the world's strongest fighters!
Given time, as he defeated one renowned powerhouse after another,
Shane would become one of this world's titans!
From this moment on,
Saint Garling would no longer hold any advantage.
The Conqueror's Coating he took such pride in, his admission ticket to the ranks of the strong, was now a power his opponent possessed as well!
"Hahahahaha! Are you afraid? Say it! Even your sword isn't so decisive anymore!"
Shane's fists moved faster than ever.
The sparks they unleashed shook heaven and earth.
"Heavenly Punishment!"
Saint Garling slashed with all his might.
The residual sword energy cut down an entire forest behind Shane and sheared flat the cliffs along the island's edge.
Shane's fists blocked the main force of the sword energy.
Crimson light reeking of blood and flowing, waterlike violet Haki.
Their meeting was a struggle to the death.
Boom!
Conqueror's Haki of truly equal caliber collided.
This time, Shane had no need to expend sheer quantity to compensate.
The sky split in two, signifying that both men