Realizing there was no way out this time, Shanks dismissed any thoughts of escape. He stood before Hailan, gripping his famous sword with his left hand, his deep eyes burning with intense flames. Just like his idol, Captain Roger, when facing the encirclement of the Golden Lion's fleet, Shanks, inheriting the will of the straw hat, had never known fear.
"One Sword Style: Wild Horse!"
The keen blade in Shanks' left hand emitted a sharp, green sword energy, speeding towards Hailan like an unbridled wild horse. However, in Hailan's eyes, the moment the sword energy formed, he had already predicted its trajectory. With just a side step, Hailan easily dodged Shanks' initial attack, brushing past the edge of the sword energy and charging towards Shanks.
"Your Observation Haki is impressive!" Shanks grinned, his blade spinning into a spiral wind blade that howled through the air toward Hailan. He then leaped, following closely behind the windblade.
Sensing the airflow changes caused by the spiral wind blade, Hailan used the Kami-e technique to dodge Shanks' attack again. His reaction speed seemed indistinguishable from Observation Haki in Shanks' eyes. But Shanks used this opportunity to launch a third attack on Hailan, aiming the sword directly at Hailan's shoulder as if to sever his right arm.
Clang!
Hailan raised his hand, his fingers claw-like, and caught Shanks' blade. "I didn't expect you to be left-handed!"
Shanks' swordsmanship improved with the sword in his left hand, earning Hailan's respect.
"Being left-handed isn't as useful as your iron grip!" Hailan's iron-like grip firmly held shanks' blade, his fingers locking the blade tightly.
"Not good!" Hailan thought, sensing a sharper danger from Shanks' blade. Shanks was a skilled swordsman, and sworders were known for their destructive power. With his Armament Haki mastery, Shanks could break through Hailan's defenses, even with his Iron Body technique maxed out.
Suddenly, Hailan let go, releasing the pressure from Shanks' blade.
"Huh?" Shanks was surprised as Hailan didn't retreat or dodge but instead stepped forward, letting the blade graze his shoulder, cutting his sleeve, while Hailan's fist was already aiming for Shanks' face.
With his right hand, Shanks quickly grabbed Hailan's wrist, but his instincts told him the danger wasn't over. Indeed, Hailan's finger flicked, and the air between them compressed, shooting towards Shanks' eyes.
Shigan: Flying Finger Gun!
Shanks barely dodged the attack, immediately counterattacking by increasing the pressure on Hailan's shoulder. However, Hailan's shoulder suddenly deflated like a balloon, causing Shanks' blade to miss.
Kami-e: Life Return!
Life Return was a powerful Navy technique that allowed users to control their body parts in various ways, performing seemingly inhuman movements. This skill enabled them to avoid attacks from even the most vigorous opponents, including those using Armament Haki.
"Demon Fruit user!" Shanks, wary of Hailan's potential abilities, immediately put some distance between them. Though he didn't favor consuming a Devil Fruit, he respected their power and was cautious about unknown skills.
Shanks rested his sword on his shoulder, "What kind of ability is that?"
Hailan, puzzled, asked, "Would you be foolish enough to reveal your ability to your enemy?"
Shanks laughed, "You're right, but some people do announce their abilities in battle, so I thought I'd try my luck..."
"..."
Shanks' reasoning seemed odd yet logical. But Hailan's response was an immediate attack.
Blade-less Style: Storm Palm!
As the name suggests, this was a variation of the Tempest Kick. While each Navy Six Styles had a standard form, diligent practice could yield various personalized techniques, such as combining an Iron Body with a Shigan to enhance the fist's destructive power.
Two azure vacuum blades slashed toward Shanks, making it hard for him to dodge. With no escape, Shanks leaped into the air, with Hailan in close pursuit.
Shanks, neither a Devil Fruit user nor proficient in Moonwalk, was disadvantaged in the air. Within three exchanges, Shanks was knocked from the sky, crashing into the ground and creating a crater.
Without the Armament Haki's protection, Shanks might have lost a significant portion of his combat strength. But he had no time to rest as Hailan's next attack descended from above.
"One Sword Style: Kite!"
Shanks swung his sword upward, sending green energy soaring like a fledgling eagle toward Hailan. Hailan avoided it with several air steps, grabbing Shanks' blade to launch a counterattack.
Shanks smirked, unexpectedly releasing his sword to feint Hailan. He then charged at Hailan like a bull, locking him tightly. Within moments, they crashed into the sea with a splash.