Elsewhere, Borsalino and Katakuri were both stunned, staring at each other in surprise at one another's strength.
Borsalino, in particular, had initially underestimated Katakuri, but now he finally realized that Katakuri's strength and potential were not to be taken lightly.
"So this is the power to foresee the future… I have to admit, it's enviable," Borsalino murmured.
In truth, Katakuri's overall strength didn't exceed Borsalino's expectations by much. What made him appear almost unbeatable was his complete mastery of Future Sight combined with his Devil Fruit "Mochi Mochi no Mi" powers, creating a nearly insurmountable advantage.
No matter how Borsalino attacked—with laser beams, light-speed kicks, area attacks like the Eight Shaku Jewel, or even armed attacks with Ame no Murakumo—none of it seemed to affect Katakuri. It was as if no attack could touch him, leaving Borsalino helpless.
"The speed of the Light-Light Fruit really is incredible," Katakuri said calmly.
Facing Borsalino, Katakuri had to remain fully concentrated. The speed of Borsalino's Light-Light attacks was so extreme that any slight lapse could prevent him from reacting in time.
Thanks to his mental cultivation, Katakuri's Future Sight had become increasingly stable. Now, he only needed to focus to predict his opponent's next move.
"You're kidding… I haven't landed a single hit on you. Your ability is truly… uncounterable!" Borsalino said, tilting his mouth.
"Looks like the fight's almost over. Are you planning to continue?" Katakuri asked, glancing toward the battlefield where the Gray Nation and Flying Sky Pirates were fighting.
"So terrifying… the Gray Nation is completely crushing the Flying Sky Pirates," Borsalino noted.
"If 100,000 can't beat 30,000, what use are they?" Katakuri said flatly.
By this time, the battle between the Gray Nation and the Flying Sky Pirates was nearly finished. The Flying Sky Pirates' crew were indeed formidable, but they were heavily outnumbered.
With 100,000 against 30,000, plus various Sky Shell weapons and vice-captains directing their squads, if the Gray Nation couldn't win, their strength would be laughably poor.
"You can't say that—they are the Flying Sky Pirates!" Borsalino replied.
Even with such a numerical advantage, the Gray Nation's average members were evidently strong. Against a select 30,000 elite from the Flying Sky Pirates, even 100,000 ordinary soldiers might have been slaughtered.
"Whatever, my task is just to monitor the Gray Nation. Since this fight's almost over, there's no need to interfere further. Too bad I won't get to witness Rosinante versus Golden Lion," Borsalino said.
"It's not too late to head there now, but whether you can return safely is another matter," Katakuri replied.
"Then forget it—this is too dangerous for me anyway," Borsalino muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Through Katakuri's tone, Borsalino sensed that Rosinante might actually have the determination to kill Golden Lion.
Golden Lion was a top-tier veteran pirate—a true aerial dominator of the seas, whose powers alone, like the Floating-Floating Fruit, had been a major headache for both the Navy and the World Government.
From Borsalino's perspective, Rosinante avenging his crew, attacking Golden Lion's base, and taking out his subordinates would have been enough.
But killing Golden Lion? That seemed impossible.
Yet from Katakuri's tone, Borsalino realized the Gray Nation might actually have the capability to kill him!
"Time to go. This matter's settled—I should report back," Borsalino said, radiating light as he transformed into a beam and shot away.
"Gone? Good. If he's caught in the trap, we can deal with him together. If not, at least it serves as a warning to the World Government and Navy," Katakuri said.
Borsalino streaked across the sky, transforming back into human form mid-flight.
"I should check it out. If Rosinante really can kill Golden Lion, this is a huge event. If I report back without confirming, Fleet Admiral Sengoku will have questions," Borsalino muttered, then sped off in another direction.