"Shiki the Golden Lion is actually using that move…" Kaen muttered in shock, eyes widening at the massive lion formed entirely from sword energy.
"Jihahaha! It's been ages since I've seen the boss use this technique!" Mokusu said with a grin.
"I never expected Rosinante to push the boss to unleash a move like this! This technique combines Devil Fruit power with the swordsmanship of a master—it's said that only Pirate King Roger or Whitebeard could ever compel the boss to use it!" Cantell said, his expression grave.
"This move is already considered one of the boss's strongest attacks!" Bolly added.
The sword-energy lion lunged at Rosinante with a deafening roar.
Keep in mind—the lion is entirely composed of sword energy. If it connects, the contained sword energy will instantly explode. The destructive power of such an explosion was terrifying even to imagine.
Rosinante's body streaked like a flash of light as he dodged at breakneck speed.
Yet, no matter how he maneuvered, the sword-energy lion pursued him with uncanny agility.
Being formed of pure sword energy, it was both unbelievably fast and nimble—its speed literally boundless.
"Jihahaha! You should consider it an honor that I unleash this technique! Your speed is impressive, but useless. No one can evade my Sword Lion, not even with mastery of flight, stealth, or submersion! You are locked by me, with nowhere to run!" Shiki laughed maniacally.
Watching the roaring Sword lion closing in, Rosinante suddenly sheathed his blade.
"Jihahaha! Did you see the boss's attack break? He abandoned resistance!" Mokusu laughed.
"Abandon the sword? Planning to surrender?" Bolly scoffed.
"Does he really think surrender would work at this point?" Kaen sneered.
Extreme Crushing Fist – Critical Strike!
Amid the skepticism of everyone watching, Rosinante raised his fist, gathering immense power for a single punch.
At first glance, the punch seemed ordinary, almost impotent—as if he had no resistance left.
But when his fist collided with Shiki's Sword Lion, a force erupted that shocked everyone.
The massive impact sent tremors through the land and sky, rocking even Kaen and the others off their feet.
"What… what is happening?" Sibang exclaimed.
"Blocked! Rosinante actually blocked the Sword Lion? How is that possible?" Mokusu's face was pale with disbelief.
"No… impossible! Not even Roger could have withstood the boss's move so effortlessly!" Bolly exclaimed.
The collision of the lion and Rosinante's fist unleashed unimaginable power. Neither gave way, the energy radiating outward uncontrollably.
Sword energy screamed; the punch surged violently.
The surrounding ground and structures began to shatter—sliced by sword energy, cracked by the sheer force of the fist.
"Hmph?" Shiki's eyes widened in shock.
"So your true power isn't in your swordsmanship… it was just a façade! Jihahaha! This is your real strength, isn't it?" Shiki laughed.
"But such attacks are useless against me!" he added coldly. In the next instant, he detonated the Sword Lion.
The exploding lion fragmented into countless whirling strands of sword energy, sweeping over Rosinante, submerging him entirely.
"Jihahaha! You're still too inexperienced, little brat!" Shiki laughed.
"Ha! Still a kid—no match for the boss!"
"Caught in the boss's overwhelming sword energy, that kid's finished."
"Yeah… even if he's strong, he pales in comparison!"
"Honestly, that punch just now was terrifying—I nearly jumped out of my skin!"
"Terrifying is an understatement… that's insane!"
"That kid's a monster. So young, yet with such strength. No wonder he's made a name for himself. Without encountering Shiki, he's still just a kid!"
"Long live Shiki the Golden Lion!" the Flying Sky Pirates cheered.
"Jihahaha… Dragon King Rosinante, I admit your strength. You actually blocked my Sword Lion—truly different from other brats. Given time, you might achieve something extraordinary, but alas… you met me, and your journey ends here!" Shiki laughed.
"Release!"
Amid the cheering of the Flying Sky Pirates, a voice echoed from the storm of sword energy—one that made everyone's expressions turn pale.
He was still alive? How was that possible? Engulfed by such a horrifying storm, survival seemed impossible.
"Rosinante… he's still alive!" Mokusu exclaimed.
"Surviving that storm… how can this be?" Kaen's face drained.
"This guy's a freak… his power exceeds imagination!" Bolly said, his voice heavy.
"Danger! Rosinante's presence is surging—he's charging up!" Shiki's expression darkened. He instantly teleported from his original position.
Extreme Crushing Fist – Critical Strike!
As Shiki moved, a column of fist-shaped energy burst from the sword-energy storm.
The residual sword energy, still ferocious, was shattered by the incoming punch!
The fist-shaped energy column continued straight, aimed precisely at Shiki's new position—almost as if anticipated.
The rampaging fist, carrying unimaginable power, surged toward Shiki.
Seeing the furious attack, the Golden Lion's expression changed. He swung hands and feet, four blades slicing through the air simultaneously, attempting to intercept the incoming punch-shaped energy.