Seeing an attack imbued with such terrifying power, Golden Lion's expression instantly changed. With all four of his swords in hand and underfoot, he swung them simultaneously, the fierce blade energy cutting into the column of Rosinante's punch force.
Yet, Golden Lion's expression grew even more serious. The energy erupting from that punch exceeded all his expectations.
In an instant, every ounce of strength in Golden Lion's body surged, veins bulging on his arms. Pushing with his twin swords, he used the momentum of Rosinante's punch to propel himself backward, narrowly dodging the strike. He dared not take the punch head-on.
As Golden Lion evaded, the punch-force column shot skyward, shattering the palace roof and piercing through the clouds.
"Boom!" The entire sky trembled from the impact!
Golden Lion was shocked by the punch's power. If he hadn't moved at the last second using the punch's energy, taking it directly would have surely caused serious injury.
"Damn it! That kid not only survived, but unleashed such a powerful strike!"
"Captain Lion actually dodged?!"
"What a terrifying punch! It can send force through the air… I've never seen such a technique!"
"Look at him—his clothes are torn, yet he's unscathed! Even under Captain Lion's blade storm, he remains unharmed. How is this possible? Could it be… Rosinante's Fruit power?"
"Is that the Healing Seal? I heard the Grey Kingdom possesses a power that seals injuries. It's Rosinante's Devil Fruit… I didn't expect it to be real. And judging by the situation, it's even more terrifying than legend!" members of the Flying Sky Pirates murmured.
"Well done, kid. That punch just now proved your strength," Golden Lion said.
At this moment, Golden Lion's gaze toward Rosinante shifted completely, becoming serious. Only now did he truly recognize Rosinante's capability, treating him as a rival whose attacks could actually harm him.
Rosinante's clothes had been shredded by the sword energy, and though he bore no visible injuries, his breathing was rapid. His stamina had been heavily taxed in an instant. The swordstorm carried the essence of a master swordsman's intent, and even Rosinante's Armament Haki could not fully defend against the countless slashes, leaving scratches all over his body.
Though the wounds were shallow and temporarily sealed by the Healing Seal, the repeated cuts and recovery drained a significant amount of energy. Fortunately, his Admiral-level physique allowed him to recover quickly.
"Truly impressive! I must say, Golden Lion is still Golden Lion. Even after the disastrous battle at Edgewater and being captured by Sengoku and Garp in Impel Down—losing two legs—his power remains terrifying. One slip and you could've been wiped out!" observers whispered.
"Hahaha! Not bad, kid. You withstood my blade storm and still landed that punch. I admit I underestimated you. From now on, I'll treat you as an equal. Few have ever received such a distinction—consider it an honor!" Golden Lion said.
"Then should I say thank you?" Rosinante replied coolly.
"Hahaha! No need. Once I treat you as an equal, I'll unleash my full strength. You'll die horribly—so don't thank me!"
"Perfect. Then let's see whether you take me down, or I use your head to honor my brother," Rosinante said, a cold smile forming as he surged toward Golden Lion in the sky.
"Hahaha! You think you can challenge me? I am the ruler of the sky and sea! Offering my head as a tribute? Kid, you're overconfident!" Golden Lion sneered, swinging his blade with deadly precision toward Rosinante.
But Rosinante had anticipated the attack. Stomping on air, he accelerated, Armament Haki hardening his fists as he struck toward Golden Lion.
Fist collided with blade, unleashing a powerful shockwave, and both were pushed back. Yet in the next instant, they charged each other again, their aerial duel intensifying.
The two figures clashed repeatedly in midair, swords meeting Haki-coated fists, sparks flying with each strike.
"Their battle is insane! My Observation Haki can barely keep up with their speed!" Kaen exclaimed.
"Rosinante is actually fighting Captain Lion in the air—and seems evenly matched?" Sibang remarked.
"Dragon King Rosinante… to think such a terrifying figure quietly emerged on the seas. And so young! If he grows for a few more years…"
Bolly's face was grave.
"I hope Captain Lion doesn't leave him alive today. Otherwise, the Flying Sky Pirates will gain a fearsome enemy!" Cantel said solemnly.
All the squad captains' expressions mirrored the seriousness of the moment.
The two continued their brutal fight, ascending higher into the clouds. Rosinante began to struggle under Golden Lion's relentless assault, attempting to retreat. But Golden Lion would not let him escape—this was a solo, unchecked rampage.
As they fought while retreating and pressing forward, their movements soon vanished from view, even from the Observation Haki of the onlookers.
"They've disappeared… what will be the outcome of this battle?" Cantel asked.
"Hmph. Why worry? Captain Lion is Golden Lion. No matter how strong that kid is, he can't be a match in the air," Sibang said coldly.
"Indeed. Rosinante has talent, but he cannot surpass Captain Lion," Kaen agreed.
"Clear the hall! When the captain returns, he'll throw a victory celebration!" Bolly ordered calmly.
"Yes! Someone get to work! The captain will want a feast and drinks when he returns!" Mokusu laughed.
"Yes, sir!" the Flying Sky Pirates scrambled to repair the battle-damaged hall.
Suddenly, from tens of thousands of meters above, clouds began to descend, buzzing with energy. One by one, warriors rode the clouds at terrifying speed.
"Who are they?!" Bolly exclaimed, watching the descending figures streak through the sky.