"Survive a single strike from the strongest man in the world…?"
Issho smiled. "Very well… let me try!"
He held his sword with both hands. Dense, black Armament Haki coated his arms and the blade.
At the same time, the power of the Gravity-Gravity Fruit gathered and condensed along the edge of the sword.
Terrifying gravity combined with Haki formed an overwhelming aura, resembling a fierce tiger ready to pounce.
"Please show me your skill!" Issho shouted loudly.
He swung his blade.
Instantly, infinite gravity and Haki merged together, taking the form of a massive black tiger that charged straight toward El!
The immense force, amplified by gravity, destroyed everything in its path. Grass, trees, and even stones on the ground were ground into fine powder under the crushing pressure.
Even the soil itself was pressed down several inches deep!
Aramaki, watching from the side, trembled in fear.
I am no match for that…
Arrogant as he was, he knew exactly what he was capable of.
"What terrifying gravity… and what terrifying swordsmanship!" Aramaki thought in shock.
He looked toward El, wondering how he would counter such a devastating attack!
El held his supreme-grade blade, Slash God, with just one hand.
Another strike — moving so fast no trajectory could be seen.
A flash of white light blurred across Aramaki's vision.
BOOM!
With this single slash, Issho's attack was completely shattered and detonated!
The seemingly invincible black tiger was instantly torn apart.
Yet El's blade light, swift as lightning, continued forward!
Issho was horrified. He barely had time to layer thick Armament Haki over his sword.
He was struck by the sheer force of the slash and sent flying backward!
Again… just one strike.
And Issho was defeated!
But the most shocked person was Aramaki.
He realized that the swing El had just used against Issho…
Was exactly the same as the one he had used against him earlier!
This proved one thing: El hadn't used his true strength at all.
He had casually dealt with both Aramaki and Issho using only a fraction of his power!
Realizing this, Aramaki was filled with immense admiration and awe.
This… this is what a true strongman looks like!
It was completely different from someone like him — a half-baked amateur!
Aramaki felt truly overwhelmed by El's power.
For the first time, Aramaki felt genuine shame.
He realized how ridiculous and foolish his previous beliefs and arrogant thoughts had been.
"Only someone like El deserves to be called a true powerhouse!" he couldn't help but think.
At this moment, Issho also climbed back up from the ground. Limping slightly, he walked back toward El.
He spoke respectfully, "Thank you for holding back, Lord El!"
"Even though it was just a casual strike, you still restrained your strength so that I might survive… truly, you are worthy of being the strongest man in the world!"
Hearing this, El simply smiled faintly. "You're a good man. It would be a waste if you died here."
"Train for a few more years, and you may challenge me again."
If anyone else had said this, it would sound incredibly arrogant and annoying.
But coming from El… Both Issho and Aramaki felt deeply moved.
What a great character he has!
Instead of despising Issho for being too weak, he gave him a second chance.
To be honest, just getting to fight El was already a great honor and blessing for them!
Aramaki also noticed something else.
Even that casual strike hadn't been El's full power!
He realized that earlier, when El fought him, it had been exactly the same situation.
Aramaki's eyes, hidden behind his sunglasses, became wet with emotion.
What an extraordinary man… He decided right then to change his entire philosophy of life.
From now on, he would take El as his role model and strive to become a man like him!
Aramaki silently cheered himself on.
El looked at both of them.
"Alright. You two want to become Marine Admirals, right?"
Aramaki bowed respectfully. "Yes… though I suppose we don't stand a chance now…"
Having lost so completely to El, both he and Issho were filled with shame.
El smiled calmly. "It's not impossible."
"Go to the Marines and tell them you survived one strike from me."
"I think… they will give you the opportunity you seek."
Hearing this, Issho's hand gripping his sword trembled slightly.
Similarly, Aramaki's eyes widened in disbelief and excitement!
What immense confidence!
If you survive one move from El, you qualify to be a Marine Admiral?!
Aramaki was deeply shocked, yet did not forget his manners.
He immediately bowed low. "Understood. We will do as you say."
His attitude now was completely different from the arrogant, wild man he had been before. It was as if he had become a new person.
Issho also bowed politely to El.
Then they both turned and left.
El watched their departing backs.
He thought to himself:
These two are people who truly pursue strength and purpose.
Even though I said that… they won't simply go to the Marines just like that.
They will surely go seek out other masters and challenge them as well.
Without that kind of fighting spirit and ambition, they wouldn't have made it this far.
El turned back around and returned to his fishing.
…
Not long after, inside the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters…
Kong received a report.
"Two rookies went to challenge El… and they came back alive?"
He muttered to himself, "The new generation these days… their strength is truly outrageous."
Sengoku, standing beside him, added: "It is said that Lord El declared: Anyone who can survive one strike from me is qualified to be a Marine Admiral."
For the Marines, this was naturally a huge humiliation.
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off