Under the watchful eyes of all present, a curtain of violet flames descended from the sky, instantly engulfing the three ancient robots that had been charging forward.
The extreme heat, far surpassing ordinary fire, struck the sea and triggered violent bursts of white steam. Vast amounts of seawater evaporated in an instant, shrouding the battlefield in a dense haze.
Even the steel bodies of the ancient machines proved incapable of enduring such overwhelming temperature. Within moments, their forms glowed red-hot, melting into liquefied metal amidst the roaring flames.
When the fire finally dissipated, nothing remained. The three ancient robots had been completely incinerated.
A thunderous cheer erupted from the Navy soldiers aboard the warship.
"Admiral Nightingale!"
Lucia lifted a hand, brushing back her long hair as her wings fluttered behind her. Her figure transformed into a streak of violet light, returning swiftly to the deck.
Under the respectful gazes of the guards, she approached Lloyd and spoke in a soft voice.
"Young Master, all enemies have been eliminated."
A faint smile appeared on Lloyd's face.
"You performed well, Lucia."
His gaze shifted toward the sea, now restored to an eerie stillness.
"Joy Boy, how long do you intend to remain hidden?"
Lucia stepped slightly forward.
"Young Master, I will instruct the Fish-Man soldiers to continue searching underwater. If Joy Boy is hiding beneath the sea, we will uncover him."
Lloyd gave a small nod, then turned.
"Very well. Lucia, return to Mary Geoise with me."
"Yes."
...
Within the Figarland family territory, inside the training arena,
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
Two heart-shaped beams of pink light collided midair, bursting with sharp popping sounds as their energies clashed. A larger and a smaller figure closed the distance in an instant.
"Perfume Femur!"
"Perfume Femur!"
Boa Hancock and the Seraphim known as Snake Princess unleashed identical high kicks, their legs colliding with force. The contact point began to crystallize, a thin layer of petrification creeping across their skin.
In a flash, both women separated, landing gracefully on opposite ends of the arena.
Hancock glanced down at her leg, where traces of petrification lingered. With a light touch, a pink glow shimmered across her skin, restoring it instantly.
Snake Princess mirrored the action, effortlessly dispelling the effect as well.
Sharing the same Devil Fruit ability allowed them to neutralize each other's powers without the need for Haki.
At the edge of the arena, Monet and the others watched intently. Among them stood Viola and Nico Robin.
Compared to the intense exchange in the arena, the two appeared relaxed. Each held a cup of black tea, sipping calmly while observing the fight.
There was no true hostility between Hancock and Snake Princess. Their clash stemmed purely from pride and competition.
After their previous exchange, both had already acknowledged the other's strength.
Snake Princess fixed her gaze on Hancock. The flames behind her suddenly vanished, and her figure disappeared, leaving only fading afterimages in her wake.
Hancock's eyes sharpened. Her Observation Haki warned her instantly, prompting her to raise her arms in defense.
In the next moment, Snake Princess appeared directly before her, her small fist wreathed in flames as it struck Hancock's crossed arms, forcing her backward.
Hancock flipped gracefully through the air, performing a series of back handsprings before landing in a low stance. Her fitted dress shifted with the motion, revealing her long, elegant legs.
Snake Princess pressed the attack without hesitation. Energy gathered in her palm, and a dazzling beam of light erupted forward.
Boom!
A violent explosion tore through the arena, golden light flashing as smoke billowed outward.
Snake Princess stood motionless, her expression devoid of emotion, like a perfectly controlled weapon.
Robin lowered her gaze toward Viola.
"Viola, can you use something like that as well?"
She was referring to the laser attack. Its resemblance to Admiral Kizaru's power was unmistakable, making the display all the more surprising.
Viola lifted her teacup with one hand while a small sphere of golden light formed in her other palm.
"Of course I can," she replied casually. "I just dislike using it. It's far too loud."
A trace of distaste appeared on her face as she twisted her wrist slightly.
"If I face an enemy, I prefer a quicker method, like snapping their neck."
Robin nodded in agreement. That approach suited her preferences as well.
Sugar, standing nearby, spoke with concern.
"Will Sister Hancock be alright?"
Monet answered calmly.
"That level of attack is nothing to her. Hancock is far stronger than that."
As if on cue, the smoke in the arena was suddenly blasted away by a surging wave of power.
Hancock emerged, standing tall like a queen. Her Conqueror's Haki spread outward, pressing heavily against the surroundings.
Though she had not yet mastered coating her attacks with Conqueror's Haki, its sheer intensity far surpassed that of ordinary users. The force it generated manifested physically, creating powerful gusts of air that rippled across the arena.
Snake Princess frowned slightly.
"Tch... Conqueror's Haki."
As a Seraphim, the ultimate lifeform engineered by Dr. Vegapunk, her combat capabilities far exceeded normal standards.
She possessed not only the same Devil Fruit ability as Hancock, but also the innate durability of the Lunarian race and the laser abilities derived from the Glint-Glint Fruit. Additionally, she had already awakened both Armament Haki and Observation Haki in a remarkably short time.
Yet there was one power she could not replicate.
Conqueror's Haki.
It was not something that could be artificially created.
Hancock had already realized this. Given Snake Princess's competitive nature, she would have responded with her own Conqueror's Haki if she possessed it.
Snake Princess adjusted her long white hair and charged forward again.
This time, Hancock was fully prepared. With the aid of her Observation Haki, she read the incoming movements and defended with precision.
Snake Princess anticipated this outcome. The moment her attack was blocked, she shifted instantly into defense. Flames ignited at the back of her neck once more as she braced herself to endure the counterattack.
A sharp glint flashed in Hancock's eyes.
She leaped into the air, her body twisting gracefully before delivering a powerful kick.
Her black high heels struck Snake Princess squarely in the abdomen.
"Great Perfume Femur!"
===
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