"Divine Punishment!"
In the next instant, both figures vanished from their spots simultaneously!
Bang—!!!
The sound of metal clashing echoed through the skies. In mid-air, fists and swords collided fiercely amidst the deafening roar. Countless black and red lightning bolts intertwined and clashed, almost devouring everything within sight.
The terrifying shockwaves exploded layer by layer, causing the land within a few kilometers around to heave as violently as ocean waves.
The entire Auction House was utterly leveled in the impact!
"Kamusari? That's Roger's move, isn't it?"
The two stared at each other across the sword blade. Shano sneered, "You can use it too... Rayleigh, but compared to your captain, this level of imitation is still far from enough to defeat me!"
"Your move isn't quite up to par either, is it?"
Rayleigh chuckled, "But considering your age, it's enough to astonish... Speaking of which, called 'Divine Punishment', is it? What an arrogant name!"
Thud!
This strike ended in a draw, neither able to overpower the other, with the stalemate proving pointless.
The two figures parted, crossed paths, and again built up their power for a head-on collision.
Boom boom boom!
In the vast open space, explosions were incessant as the battle gradually reached a fever pitch.
————
"What did you say?"
In the headquarters of the Shampodi Newspaper, behind the boss's desk, an old man with gray hair and black-framed glasses widened his eyes:
"Shano? That Shano is still alive?"
"Yes, chief!"
The young subordinate across from him was filled with excitement as they pulled a photo from their pocket:
"This is a picture taken at great risk by the front-line reporter! Take a look, you'll know there's no mistake—it's Shano, the Great Pirate declared dead by the World Government two months ago!"
The old chief took the photo skeptically.
At the sight of the black-haired youth within, he couldn't help but stand up abruptly.
Then, as his gaze shifted and clearly saw the silver-haired figure holding a long sword, his eyes widened further in astonishment:
"Rayleigh?!"
"Huh?" The young subordinate was taken aback, not understanding.
"Don't young people nowadays recognize this old fellow?! It's Rayleigh, Pirate King Roger's first mate, Netherworld King Rayleigh!"
Either of these individuals appearing alone is big news, and now not only have they both appeared simultaneously, but they're also fighting?
This is destined to become a sensational worldwide headline!
Whether this year will see us become the number two selling newspaper depends on seizing this opportunity!
The old chief was so excited that his beard trembled as he slammed the table:
"Quick! Immediately initiate the highest emergency news plan! Send all the most advanced Radio Snails over there; I want a live broadcast across the entire island!"
"Also! Call back all editors and print workers on vacation! Even if it means pulling an all-nighter, we must rush out a new issue of the newspaper tonight!"
"Before that scoundrel Morgans can react, I need everyone near Shampodi Islands to rush to buy our paper!"
"Yes, chief!"
————
Crash!
Most of the Shampodi Islands were caught in a torrential downpour from accumulated dark clouds.
The rain was lighter in section 33 of the Gr.
Here lies the world-famous Bubble Playground. After dealing with the Super Rookie who challenged them at the dock, a few girls had unanimously decided to come here first for some fun.
However, they happened to catch the peak season, and the crowd was overwhelming.
They finally managed to purchase tickets and were waiting in long lines for the roller coaster when they noticed the terrifying weather phenomenon caused by the Supreme King in the distance.
That familiar aura...
It can't be wrong—it must be their captain.
"No way~!" Nami felt a pit in her stomach, near tears, "Who's big bro fighting again, causing such a commotion? Is my Bubble Playground trip doomed…"
"Hmm, if it made Lord Shano use Supreme King Haki, it must be a remarkable opponent."
Kuina squinted her eyes, decisively turning, "Let's go, we need to change our plans and check out the situation first."
"Damn it! I knew it!"
Nami was exasperated, then pitifully looked at Kuina, "Sis Kuina! We waited in line for so long and finally got tickets. Can't we at least go on one ride before leaving?"
"Stop whining, let's go!"
Kuina, merciless, dragged Nami away toward the gate, the girl's screams echoing all the way.
Behind them, Nojiko and Robin exchanged a glance and, without a word, put away their tickets and followed.
As for the rest of the crew, where were they now…
Smoker's first reaction was to hit the tobacco shop for cigars, while Ah Yin eagerly followed Zeff to buy strawberry milk.
Meanwhile, Jack, worried about the Endgame's coating process, decided to stay at the coating workshop to look after the ship.
Kuina called everyone to meet at section 1 of the Gr as quickly as possible.
Just as they stepped out of Bubble Playground's gates.
"Hey, wait! Look over there!"
Nami suddenly stopped, pointing to the giant screen at the center of the square.
Everyone followed her gaze and froze.
"It's the captain!"
"And the other guy, who's that old man?"
Kuina released her grip on Nami abruptly and rushed to the screen, while Nami, now oblivious to her complaints, rubbed her wrist and leaned in to watch.
On the screen.
Shano and Rayleigh's figures moved so fast they were almost invisible, with only the black and red lightning constantly colliding visible.
Each clash triggered terrifying shockwaves, lifting layers of ground around them.
More and more people gathered in front of the screen, including local residents, out-of-town visitors, and passing pirates in for coating.