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Roger withdrew his Conqueror's Haki, the prolonged use straining his weakened body.
"As you wish, Roger."
The crushing pressure vanished as Arthur felt the weight lift from his mind. It was time for a real fight.
He might be outmatched in Haki—but that didn't mean he was weaker overall.
"I'm not as strong as you in Haki, Roger, I'll give you that. But true strength is about more than just Haki—It's about willpower, physical prowess, and Devil Fruit mastery. So—show me what you've got! SHOW ME WHY YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ME!!!" Arthur's laughter echoed through the ruined bar, his excitement building.
Nothing thrilled him more than a good fight, a chance to test his limits—even if it meant risking his life.
"I've seen countless rookies like you, Arthur, their arrogance leading to an early grave. I hope you're not one of them." Roger, his Haki withdrawn, seemed to shrink, his larger-than-life presence fading. But even diminished—he still radiated a dangerous aura.
Arthur, facing a legend, even one past his prime, felt a thrill course through him, his battle lust rising.
Clang!!!!!!
Roger drew his Sword, the sound echoing through the ruined bar, a slash of pure, concentrated Sword energy erupting from the blade, its power capable of cleaving an island in two—a testament to his mastery of Swordsmanship.
Roger possessed not only the World's Strongest Conqueror's Haki—but also exceptional skill with both Sword and pistol.
The distance between them was minimal—barely ten yards. The Sword energy reached Arthur in a heartbeat.
Zzzzzzt!
Arthur leaped back, putting distance between them, Lightning crackling around his fists as he gathered his power, unleashing an attack—a 100 million Volts of raw, concentrated Lightning, a force of nature barely contained.
Against an opponent like Roger, he wouldn't hold back.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!
The explosion rocked the island, the force of it rivaling their earlier Haki clash, the air distorting, the shockwave sending debris flying like projectiles, ripping through the nearby buildings. Several pirates, caught in the blast, were thrown back, their bodies slammed against the walls.
In a battle between titans—collateral damage was inevitable.
Roger, though past his prime, effortlessly deflected Arthur's attack, his Swordsmanship still formidable.
But in a prolonged fight—Arthur had the advantage.
——
"HE'S... HE'S A MONSTER! Just like Whitebeard!" Buggy, jolted awake by the explosion, stared, his jaw agape, his red nose dripping, oblivious to the snot trailing down his face.
Shanks, though impressed, remained calm. "He's strong... No wonder Captain Roger said—the old era is ending, and Arthur will lead the new generation. A man like that…he's worth following." His eyes shone with a fierce admiration, a spark of excitement—the same look Arthur wore when facing a worthy opponent.
——
"Roger," Arthur called out, his voice echoing through the ruined bar, his head held high, his body rising into the air, "—To show you the respect you deserve, I'll defeat you at my full power!"
A man who dared to usher in a new era—he deserved respect. But respect didn't equal obedience. Arthur wouldn't be swayed by words—or reputation.
The only way to stop him was through strength.
Blue Lightning erupted from his eyes, his electric field crackling, the air around him charged with raw power.
Zzzzzzt!
Tendrils of Lightning snaked around him, coiling and condensing.
In seconds—he transformed, a towering, fifteen-foot giant of pure, crackling electricity.
Boom!
He stomped his foot, the air vibrating under the force of it, his massive form vanishing in a flash of Lightning, reappearing a few dozen yards from Roger.
"FAST!"
Roger, his grin unwavering, his Observation Haki locked onto Arthur, wasn't surprised.
He and Rayleigh had witnessed Arthur's transformation during the Sabaody ambush. They knew the power of his Thunder God form...
He was ready—
Arthur's speed was blinding, only a few present able to track his movements. The sound of his arrival—the thunderous crack of displaced air—followed him as he landed, his arms outstretched.
Zzzzzzt!
Unleashed, his power surged, bathing half the island in a blinding blue light, the sky above crackling with electricity.
A Lightning Kirin leaped from the storm clouds, its hooves striking the earth, a snarling dragon roared, a thunderbird screeched, diving towards Roger—A menagerie of Lightning beasts—saber-toothed tigers, mammoths, tyrannosaurs, sharks—charged towards him, a relentless tide of electrical fury.
Arthur had never unleashed such an attack, not even against Garp within the anglerfish, the stamina cost was immense.
ROARRRRRRRR!!!
The monstrous Lightning beasts roared, surrounding Roger from all sides, their forms crackling with raw power, their movements swift and deadly, leaving him no room to escape.
But Roger, his smile widening—remained unfazed.
"How will you counter this, Roger???" Arthur's voice echoed through the storm, his outstretched arms lowering slowly.
The Lightning beasts descended, their power undeniable, the onlookers watching with bated breath—Not so much concerned for Roger's safety, but for his health. Could his weakened body withstand such an onslaught?
Buggy, pale and trembling, was only held upright by Gaban's steadying hand.
Surrounded, trapped—how could anyone defend against such an attack?
"Show me what you're made of, Roger." Arthur's voice was cold, a hint of a challenge in his tone as he unleashed the full fury of his Lightning beasts.
Only Whitebeard or Shiki, with their Devil Fruit powers, could withstand such an attack. Perhaps Kaido, with his monstrous durability, could endure it.
But Roger?
"Captain Roger..." Shanks whispered, his hand gripping the hilt of his Sword, his knuckles white, sweat dripping into his eyes.
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