By order of Marshal Rosen, I send you to your grave.
A colossal burst of magma combined with Armament Haki erupted from Akainu's fist. Lacking Conqueror's Haki, the Admiral relied solely on the dual forms of Haki and the Magma-Magma Fruit. Yet, his power rivaled that of an Emperor-level combatant.
The Magma-Magma Fruit, a natural counter to the Forest-Forest Fruit.
Ryokugyu's Armament Haki was superior, but the synergy of the Magma-Magma Fruit and Akainu's relentless Haki application overwhelmed him. Where Ryokugyu's Thousand Wood Fists met Akainu's magma, the trees lasted mere seconds before bursting into flames. The clash of Haki decided the outcome; magma devoured wood. The forest resembling pythons burned away, turning the sky into a vortex of black ash and fire.
"How is this possible?"
Seeing his power crumble as Akainu's magma fist surged forward like a tiger unleashed, Ryokugyu's expression twisted in shock. Whether he created an impenetrable forest wall or used serpentine roots to form spears, the result was the same: everything turned to ash.
Before Akainu's peak-tier attack power, Ryokugyu was nothing more than a mantis trying to halt a chariot. He was forced back step by step.
"Die!"
After incinerating the forest, Akainu cleared a path with his magma fist, slamming it directly into Ryokugyu. The Admiral vanished beneath a mountain of exploding magma, burned instantly to ash.
However…
A second later, a seed took root in the ground behind Akainu. Roots shattered the soil, growing into a towering tree that morphed into Ryokugyu's form.
"Sakazuki."
"I admit, I am no match for you. Whether it's Devil Fruit ability or Haki, do not underestimate me."
Despite regenerating through the Forest-Forest Fruit, Ryokugyu's face showed no relief, only gloom. He knew Akainu was strong, but only now, facing him directly, did he understand the helplessness felt by Akainu's past enemies.
Akainu was ruthless, more so than anyone. He was fearless, battle-hardened, and flawless. His Haki, stamina, defense, and regeneration were all at their peak. Despite consuming a Logia-type fruit, his physical resilience rivaled that of Mythical Zoan users.
Even the peak Roger or Whitebeard would have suffered grievous wounds fighting Akainu. Ryokugyu, lacking a Conqueror's Haki aptitude and being countered by the Magma-Magma Fruit, stood little chance.
"My magma can burn the forest, but the forest is life. I am nature. Even against you, I can hold out for a day."
Ryokugyu's logic was simple: as long as his stamina held, he could regenerate. He feared Akainu, but he believed in his endurance.
"No. You cannot."
Akainu turned his back on the fully recovered Ryokugyu, shaking his head.
Boom!
Before Ryokugyu could retort, bolts of black and red lightning erupted from Akainu. Conqueror's Haki—pure, overwhelming pressure—pierced the distance between them. It didn't just affect the forest; it bore down directly on Ryokugyu's spirit, suppressing his Devil Fruit ability.
Using his fruit suddenly felt sluggish, like moving through molasses.
"Just Conqueror's Haki… and this is how you react?" Akainu's eyes flashed with disdain. "Is this the skill you intend to replace me with?"
In Akainu's eyes, a true Admiral—like Kuzan or Borsalino—could stand against superior Conqueror's Haki and fight. Aramaki, however, crumbled under the pressure, his composure shattering.
"Conqueror's Haki… a high-level one at that!" Ryokugyu's voice trembled. "Why? You… you shouldn't have the aptitude of a King."
CP0's intelligence had clearly stated that Akainu lacked Conqueror's Haki. This revelation horrified him.
"I didn't have it before," Akainu admitted, his gaze locking onto Ryokugyu like he was already dead. "But recently, Marshal Rosen gifted me a wisp of Conqueror's Haki. Now, I have it."
Transplanting the "King's Talent" had allowed Akainu to integrate this new power into his fighting style. Previously, he dominated battles with dual Haki and the Magma-Magma Fruit. Now, with superior Conqueror's Haki, his combat power had leapt to terrifying new heights. He was firmly the top Admiral under Rosen.
"Conqueror's Haki… can be transplanted?" Ryokugyu stared in disbelief.
"Your questions are answered," Akainu said, his killing intent surging. "Die without regrets."
He unleashed his Conqueror's Haki at its peak, a tangible pressure that pierced Ryokugyu like a blade, further suppressing the Forest-Forest Fruit. Simultaneously, the Magma-Magma Fruit roared to life.
Boom!
A deafening eruption, like a volcano splitting the earth, bathed Akainu in crimson light. The scorching heat and chilling killing intent created a terrifying aura.
Ryokugyu recognized the form—the "Demon Dog."
CP0's assessment was clear: the Demon Dog meant death or dismemberment. Excluding Rosen, Akainu was the Navy's number one weapon.
What terrified Ryokugyu further was what followed. Akainu didn't attack immediately. He raised his right arm, clenching his fist. Jagged, Conqueror's Haki lightning flashed out, black dragons dancing and coiling around the crimson fist.
The Demon Dog combined with Conqueror's Haki.
"Conqueror's Haki… wrapped around his attack!"
Ryokugyu's pupils constricted. His back drenched in cold sweat, his voice broke. At this moment, he felt the beckoning of death.
"By order of Marshal Rosen, I send you to your grave."
Akainu lunged forward. The explosive power of the magma, augmented by Conqueror's Haki, granted him speed second only to Kizaru. He appeared before Ryokugyu in an instant.
A punch pierced Ryokugyu's chest, shattering his heart. It wasn't cold; it was searing heat.
"Ah!"
Taking a direct hit from Conqueror's Haki, the "source of life" known as Ryokugyu instantly lost all color in his face, leaving only a deathly pallor.
"You… you can't kill me! Even with the Magma-Magma Fruit and Conqueror's Haki, you won't kill me!" Ryokugyu's eyes widened, bloodshot.
"That's not necessarily true."
Their eyes met. Akainu clenched his fist, still buried in Ryokugyu's chest.
Sizzle.
A magma shockwave, crackling with black lightning, spread out like a nuclear explosion. The immense pressure and surging heat annihilated the surrounding forests, burying the earth three feet deep. Not a single sprout remained.
When the dust settled, a massive crater, a kilometer in diameter, was filled with lava.
The forest, the roots, the leaves—all traces of the Forest-Forest Fruit were erased.
"Just as Rosen said," Akainu stood amidst the sea of lava, a lava god surveying the desolation. "Nothing is invincible. If it seems invincible, the power simply isn't strong enough."
Ryokugyu, user of the Forest-Forest Fruit, was dead.
Meanwhile, the battle between Borsalino and Kuzan was reaching its conclusion.
After Lawson shot down the Celestial Dragons' national treasure and utilized the Zanpakuto Suzumebachi to suppress the sea and halt the rising water levels, Borsalino—previously forced to serve the World Government—decisively switched sides. He ceased his duel with Kuzan and turned his blade against the Five Elders.
As for Loki…
"Ice Age."
—-
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