"God of Destruction? So you want this whole world to die with you."
Imu revealed a smile. Their face could not be seen, only the stars within that darkness. Their eyes were more like two moons, stealing the radiance of every star in the night sky.
"Once I defeat you, I'll be the new god."
Shane poured as much power as possible into every punch. As divine intent gathered within his attacks, there was no longer any distinction between his Haki and himself.
What exactly had he accomplished over the past year?
Aside from awakening most of his Devil Fruits, tempering his entire body into a black blade, and training with Conqueror's Haki.
The most crucial point was this.
Shane had discovered the essence of Devil Fruits: they were this world's miracles, the source of infinite energy and infinite possibilities!
Haki, meanwhile, was humanity's potential, will, and soul. To reach the pinnacle of the world, neither could be abandoned.
By using himself as a test subject, Shane had successfully surpassed the Five Elders and earned the right to settle things with Imu.
"Come at me! Let me give it everything, surpass my limits, and defeat you! In this world, you might be the last opponent worthy of being my whetstone."
"After this, I'll have only one enemy: my invincible future self!"
Instead, Shane grew even more confident. The aura around his fists surged abruptly, doubling their destructive power.
"Good!"
Imu did not throw a punch. They had far too many means at their disposal. They had not even pushed Uranus's power to its utmost, so why worry about Shane's strength?
"It's useless. If Nika Form gains the power to accumulate and rebound causality after awakening, then my very existence can bring down darkness, devour all power, and make me stronger."