Ares replayed Rocks' Dark Storm again and again in his mind, carefully observing the formation and structure of the attack.
"Rocks' level of control over his ability is extremely high. He has clearly poured tremendous effort into developing his Devil Fruit."
"Compared to him, my own Devil Fruit development is far from sufficient."
It had been nearly three years since he obtained the Mythical Zoan Azure Dragon fruit. Yet most of that time had been spent honing his physical body.
He had developed his Devil Fruit abilities, yes, but only to a limited extent.
For the most part, he used the fruit to enhance his taijutsu and swordsmanship. Actual ability refinement and systematic training were rare.
Most of his Devil Fruit growth happened incidentally, during combat.
"In the future, I need to devote more time to developing my Devil Fruit," Ares thought. "It might even further strengthen my physical body."
His thoughts raced.
He recalled a conversation from long ago, when he had once asked Kaido for advice. Kaido had also mentioned several suggestions regarding the Azure Dragon fruit's development.
Ares immersed himself in analyzing the Dark Storm. From the formation of the black holes to the birth of the storm itself.
When he came back to his senses
Only an instant had passed in the outside world.
The massive Azure Dragon in the sky suddenly shifted posture. Its enormous body coiled tightly, like a giant serpent curling in on itself.
This abrupt change drew everyone's attention.
"What is he planning to do?" Captain John wiped the wine from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with confusion. "Is he abandoning offense and switching to defense?"
"This stance… I have never seen Ares fight like this before."
"Oh?"
Rocks curled his lips into a mocking smile.
"So you realize attacking is useless and decide to defend instead? Planning to rely on your monstrous body to withstand my Dark Storm?"
"I do admit your physical strength is impressive," Rocks continued coldly. "But unless your body truly rivals a Supreme Grade Blade, you cannot block my Dark Storm."
"And from our earlier exchange, your body is still far from that level."
He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the heavens.
In the next moment
Ares' body began to spin.
Howling winds erupted outward, violent gusts spreading in all directions. People struggled to breathe, unable to open their eyes as the roar of the wind drowned out everything else.
As Ares' rotation accelerated, the surrounding airflow and air pressure followed the movement of his body, forming an enormous vortex.
The vortex grew rapidly.
Its power skyrocketed.
In an instant, a terrifying tornado took shape.
Connecting heaven and earth!
"Azure Dragon Body Art Tornado!!!"
One disaster-class tornado after another formed around Ares, creating an overwhelmingly horrifying scene.
This was why the strongest figures of the sea inspired such fear.
They could casually unleash destruction on the scale of natural disasters. Power beyond what humans could resist.
Of course, that was only part of it.
As the tornadoes formed, the violent winds instantly shattered the attraction field created by the Dark Storm, isolating two completely separate worlds.
"This is…"
Captain John froze, the wine jug still suspended in midair. He stared in disbelief at Ares encased within the storm.
"Wind manipulation. He's using the Azure Dragon fruit to create massive tornadoes to counter Rocks' Dark Storm."
"This is unbelievable…"
"He actually figured out such a method on the spot. His learning ability is terrifying!!!"
John could not help but glance toward Rocks.
The change in Rocks' expression was obvious. His former confidence had faded, replaced by a dark, heavy seriousness.
"Ares is going to make the captain wary," John thought grimly. "And in front of so many people…"
"He blocked the captain's attack."
The murmurs around him grew louder. Every voice was filled with awe at Ares' strength.
Praise echoed through the air.
Even John had to admit it.
Ares' combat creativity and adaptability were frightening.
This was something even he had not anticipated. He had expected Ares to be utterly overwhelmed by that attack.
In the distance
Claude watched the battle, his expression drastically changing.
"Ares' growth is terrifying," he muttered. "He's far stronger than when I first met him…"
"Could he become a second Rocks?!"
Only a few months had passed since Claude last fought Ares.
Yet now, witnessing this display, even he felt fear creeping into his heart.
At this moment
Standing at the center of the dark tide like a sovereign of darkness, Rocks slowly restrained his expression.
That domineering smile returned to his arrogant face.
"Ares," he said calmly, "you really do know how to surprise me."
"To think you could block even this kind of attack. Interesting."
"You've successfully piqued my interest."
"What comes next… is the real battle."
The collision of storms was like gods clashing.
Terrifying beyond words.
Everything in their vicinity was mercilessly destroyed.
Nothing could remain intact.
Like ants, crushed to dust without anyone caring.
Suddenly
A blazing streak of crimson light pierced heaven and earth.
The scorching red glow dyed the sky like a sunset, beautiful yet carrying terrifying destructive power.
"Dragon Breath!!!"
"Hm?"
A hint of surprise appeared in Rocks' eyes.
"Well done. You even integrated the rotational properties of the tornado into your flames. Spinning fire. Its power is far beyond before."
Though slightly surprised, he remained completely unfazed.
Black smoke swirled around his palm, rapidly forming a vortex-like black hole.
"Unfortunately, my Dark-Dark Fruit devours energy."
"Flames are no exception."
The Dark-Dark Fruit could not achieve elemental intangibility like other Logia fruits.
But its unique abilities made it the most vicious Devil Fruit in history.
The overwhelming flames, powerful enough to erase a mountain in an instant, were rendered useless before the black hole.
Just like when Blackbeard absorbed Whitebeard's tremor power.
Everyone watched as the surging inferno rapidly shrank in Rocks' grasp until it vanished completely.
Seeing this
Ares frowned, his long black dragon whiskers drifting in the air.
"Can it absorb energy attacks endlessly?"
"Or is there a limit?"
"In close combat, if he touches me, my abilities are nullified."
"But at long range, he can absorb energy."
"How am I supposed to counter the captain's ability?"
Ares understood one thing clearly.
If he could not find a solution
Victory was impossible.
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