Lightning surged around Creed's body, dazzling arcs of thunder flashing across his frame. The sheer pressure of it made skin crawl and hair rise, his form radiating like a god of thunder.
This was the fusion of his "Lightning Control" ability with his swordsmanship.
A technique where sword and lightning merged—not simply one plus one, but a force multiplied beyond reason.
His body became a thunder domain. Even from a distance, the static made skin tingle, hair curl.
Creed swung down with a shout.
"Ken Zan Raihei!!! (Sword Slash: Thunder Cleave)"
BOOM!!
Zzzzzzzt—!!!
A lightning-charged slash ripped forth.
Redfield's "Five-Slash Unity" gathered into a magma-like crimson blade light, descending to meet it.
Creed charged forward. Time itself seemed to slow, the two slashes crawling toward each other in the eyes of those watching—like a film played in slow motion.
It was an illusion. The sheer power of their final strikes had disrupted the transmission of light and sound, creating a delay in perception.
The two slashes collided.
In that instant, the world went silent.
No sound. No color.
Only blinding white light consumed all.
Seconds later—
BOOOOOOOM!!!!
The deafening detonation tore through everything like a great earthquake. The heavens and earth trembled. Sword energy ravaged the field, a storm of destruction.
A massive shockwave swept outward, blasting all nearby. Many felt their skin sting, their bodies stagger, some even fainted from the pressure.
Winds howled, smoke and dust soared. Hannibal and the others were hurled backward, shielding themselves as they stared into the shrouded battlefield, holding their breath.
Finally…
The dust began to clear.
Two figures emerged, both standing tall, their backs straight like blades piercing the sky.
But only one remained steady.
Redfield staggered, unable to hold firm. Blood dripped down his arm, splattering the ground. He exhaled sharply, dropped his parasol blade, and collapsed heavily to the floor.
"You win," he admitted.
Creed let out a long breath of relief. That strike had been terrifying—any stronger, and he would have lost instead.
Even weakened, drained of Haki and stamina after twenty years of imprisonment, Redfield's strength was monstrous. What level must his peak have been?
"At his height," Creed thought, "that technique would've been unstoppable… even I might not endure it."
Redfield smiled faintly. "At most, I once unleashed twelve slashes against Roger. But my body broke, my right arm ruined for half a year. Just now… only five."
Creed's eyes sharpened. Only half of its true power. Maybe less.
If Redfield's body were restored, if he had even days to recover, even his weakened Five-Slash Unity could crush anyone. In their last clash, Creed realized, he would have been destroyed.
"This," Redfield rasped, "is what you must master to seize the title of the world's greatest swordsman."
Creed nodded deeply. "Thank you."
Redfield chuckled. "No need. It's thanks to you I've breathed free air again. And it's been long since I fought like this."
"I'll remain as warden for five more days," Creed said evenly. "In that time, you may move freely around Level 5. But…" his eyes flashed, and he raised a hand, tightening his grip on the heart within his Ope Ope domain, "…if you act out of line, I'll crush your heart instantly."
Redfield blinked, then laughed. "Much obliged."
Creed sheathed Rinne, turning toward the gate through the lingering haze.
The entire Level 5 was unrecognizable. The battlefield was a massive crater ten meters deep, the frozen surface shattered, buildings marred by countless sword scars. Even prison cages had been split apart by stray slashes.
And against all odds… the warden had defeated Redfield—the legendary rival of Roger himself!
Though aged, though weakened, a name that once shook the seas had fallen before Creed.
"Handle the aftermath," Creed commanded. "The Red Earl won't be returned to Level 6. For the days I remain warden, he may roam freely within Level 5."
"W-Warden, you must be joking…" the staff stammered. The battle was still vivid in their minds. To allow such a monster freedom?!
"Relax. His Devil Fruit is sealed."
At that, Redfield added, "If you ever have the chance, visit Suigu Town. You may find an unexpected treasure there. I once obtained a map pointing to it. Before my capture by Kong and Garp, I was on my way to investigate—a Devil Fruit, extraordinary beyond belief."
Creed's eyes narrowed. Suigu Town…
In the original timeline, seven years later, during Blackbeard's raid on Impel Down, Redfield escaped in the chaos. Though aged, he obtained a Mythical Zoan—the Bat-Bat Fruit, Vampire Model. With it, he regained youth, his peak strength restored, and allied with a partner able to trade lifespans, once again setting his sights on the Pirate King's throne.
So that's it. The Bat-Bat Fruit… is in Suigu Town.
Creed smirked. Simply granting Redfield freedom on Level 5 had yielded him this priceless lead.
"Enough. Handle the cleanup. I've gained insights to digest."
He left Level 5's Frozen Hell, taking the lift back to his office.
[Congratulations to the host for defeating the SSS-level opponent "Rain Shiryu." Reward: Golden Chest x1]
[Ding! Random attribute raised to SSS. Agility has increased to SSS.]
[Congratulations to the host for defeating the SSS-level opponent "Baroric Redfield." Reward: Purple Chest x1]
[Ding! Random attribute raised to SSS. Spirit has increased to SSS.]
A smile tugged at Creed's lips. Two treasure chests in hand, and now intelligence on a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
The harvest was rich indeed.
(End of Chapter)
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