Not far from the Sabaody Archipelago, on a small island, the ground began to crack apart.
Seawater rushed into the fissures, and soon several deep cracks appeared, cutting through the island.
Both sides had very similar Observation Haki, so their battle was mostly about technique clashes.
Each time, Ren was knocked back because his Armament Haki was weaker than his opponent's.
Because of sharing, his powerful body wasn't hurt, and he wasn't afraid of a long fight.
"This sea has a new troublemaker," Rayleigh said with a serious expression, continuing his attack without pause.
Bang, bang, bang.
In an instant, dozens of moves were exchanged again.
"Sis, can you see clearly now?"
Hancock shook her head, gripping her hands tightly.
Both fighters were so strong that she didn't even feel worthy to watch, which made her desire to grow even stronger.
A burst of Conqueror's Haki suddenly erupted from her.
Because she was unfamiliar with contRening it, all the slaves on the ship fainted except the guards.
Ren and Rayleigh stopped at the same time.
"Looks like there's another genius on the ship too," Rayleigh adjusted his glasses.
"Just Conqueror's Haki. It's common in the New World," Ren said.
Then he unleashed an extremely powerful Conqueror's Haki.
In an instant, it suppressed Hancock's Conqueror's Haki and clashed against Rayleigh's, causing a crack to appear in the sky.
Rayleigh was a bit surprised.
Ren's Conqueror's Haki was stronger and was already overpowering his.
Hancock, at the center of the storm, was uncomfortable.
Her Conqueror's Haki was instantly suppressed, and the pressure made her body sway.
She could faint at any moment.
"No way. If I pass out, how will I prove my strength?" Hancock gritted her teeth, refusing to give in.
Her Conqueror's Haki began to fight back.
Although still suppressed, it formed a small circle.
"Not bad," Ren nodded, acknowledging the strength of this pirate empress from the original story.
"Do you want to fight again?"
"Let her grow first," Ren said, continuing to release Conqueror's Haki without attacking.
A long time passed.
The two finally stopped using Conqueror's Haki and tangled together in combat.
Hancock sat down directly, drenched in sweat, blood at the corner of her mouth, clearly shaken badly.
Next, the two entered a long-lasting battle, and the ship started moving away from the center of the whirlpool.
Not far away, a reporter was buzzing excitedly.
"Big news, really big news! The fight between the Pirate King's vice-captain and a Celestial Dragon — just their identities alone are enough to grab the world's attention."
The reporter's eyes were wild as he flew closer like an insect toward the fighting whirlpool.
As the battle went on, scars appeared on Ren's body, but they healed very quickly.
Ren knew this was thanks to the Hokage Ren's power, so he fought even more recklessly, attacking without defending.
Ren's moves were fierce and fast, and because of that, Rayleigh also took many hits.
But with his strong Armament Haki, Rayleigh didn't suffer serious injuries.
"Who will win?" Hancock asked from the ship, still trying to catch her breath.
"Hard to say. Both sides have reached a stalemate. It's going to be a long fight," one of the guards answered.
As the two kept fighting, the island was completely destroyed, and both moved toward a nearby island.
The battle lasted a full day and night.
Ren's Armament Haki rose by one level, but he didn't know it.
At this moment, he was enjoying the fight, enjoying getting stronger.
Even with many deep, unforgettable wounds, he didn't care.
In the end, Ren completely wore down Rayleigh, and then he stopped.
"Haha, looks like I'm old now. I can't keep up with the younger generation anymore," Rayleigh said calmly.
"Yeah, let's leave it at that," Ren accepted his victory and turned to look at the warships.
Naturally, their battle caught the Navy's attention that day.
The news spread across the world, showing everyone the strength of this powerful Celestial Dragon.
"Sengoku, go back." Ren's tone left no room for refusal.
Looking at Rayleigh resting on the ground, Sengoku knew this was the perfect chance to capture the great pirate without using any troops.
But after seeing Ren's attitude, he realized the capture couldn't proceed.
"This is a prime opportunity to catch a great pirate." Akainu's face was dark. But as a soldier, he waited for Sengoku's orders. Once given, he would risk the World Nobles' punishment to kill the target.
"What? You want me to go to Navy Headquarters?" Ren's tone remained calm.
"Go back." Sengoku made up his mind. He truly didn't want the World Nobles to get involved at headquarters.
"Yes." The Navy began to turn their ship around.
"Kid, don't expect any thanks from me."
"Whatever. Hopefully next time you won't refuse my fight. Of course, since you kept your promise, I won't trouble anyone else." Ren said, then planned to head to Navy Headquarters.
Since Naruto Ren had brought him Taijutsu technique, he had no reason not to practice.
And at the Navy, there was a strong and experienced physical fighter in his prime.
At first, Sengoku thought they were heading to the Sabaody Archipelago, but judging by their course, it was the Navy Headquarters.
Knowing he couldn't avoid them, Sengoku contacted the headquarters to prepare and warned their loved ones not to go outside during this time to avoid trouble.
"Lord Ren, Doflamingo is calling for you." A guard holding a den den mushi came over to Ren.
"Hohohoho, I didn't expect you to be so powerful, Ren."
"Doflamingo? Speak quickly. Are you trying to use me to get to the Holy Land?" Ren asked bluntly.
Years ago, Doflamingo had tried to return to the Holy Land holding his father's head but was refused.
Hearing Ren's words, Doflamingo was silent for a moment before saying, "Hohoho, I'm not going back there. I have important matters to attend to now."
"Is that so? I wish you success." Ren said calmly and hung up without waiting for more.
Although he had left the Holy Land, Doflamingo still had sources of information.
Ren understood that Doflamingo was aiming for the Shichibukai's power soon.
"Hancock."
"Lord Ren." Hancock approached Ren respectfully.
"After the Marine Headquarters mission is over, you and your sister should leave." Ren decided on the next steps.
"But I haven't..." Hancock started.
"Staying by my side makes it hard for you to grow. From now on, you will sail under my name. When you feel strong enough, you are always welcome to come back to me and reclaim your freedom," Ren said calmly.
"Aren't you afraid I'll run away?"
"With your pride, you wouldn't do that," Ren shook his head.
"Alright. I will sail under Lord Ren's name. One day, I will come to you, take back my freedom, and sail under my own name," Hancock said firmly.
Her two sisters joined her and bowed respectfully to Ren.
Ren didn't say anything more. He already understood during the previous fight when he pressured Hancock.
After that baptism of the Conqueror's Haki, she became stronger, so there was no point in keeping her by his side—unless he trained her by fighting her seriously.
But Ren didn't like to do that. He preferred to let her grow freely and then challenge him.
That was the arrogance of becoming a Celestial Dragon.
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