Whoosh!
Hyaku's figure vanished instantly after executing Soru.
"Rokushiki? Such incredible speed!" Sentomaru remarked with mild surprise as he recognized the technique.
Rokushiki was nearly essential for Marines, though not everyone could master all six techniques.
Sentomaru knew them well, but hadn't anticipated his opponent's Soru would possess such explosive speed. It ranked among the fastest Rokushiki he had ever witnessed.
What he couldn't know was that Hyaku's Rokushiki proficiency was at 100%, making his execution naturally superior to other Marines.
Back to Hyaku.
In a flash, he reappeared behind Sentomaru, the Ryūka in his hand already raised and slashing downward toward his opponent's shoulder.
"Your speed is impressive, but useless against me!" Sentomaru declared.
Whoosh!
Just before Hyaku's katana could cut into his body, Sentomaru lifted his giant axe with one hand and swung it backward without even turning his head.
The arc of the giant axe aligned perfectly with the trajectory of the descending katana!
Clang!
Blade met axe in that instant, releasing an ear-piercing sound of metal collision.
Amid intense sparks, both Hyaku and Sentomaru leapt back.
"Observation Haki." Hyaku murmured after retreating.
Clearly, Sentomaru had tracked his attack trajectory so precisely because of his Observation Haki.
According to Hyaku's memory of the original story, Sentomaru also possessed advanced Armament Haki.
His proficiency in both Observation and Armament Haki was exceptional.
"I know you also have Haki, and you've mastered all three colors." Sentomaru stated, "Show your full strength. I don't believe that with just the power you've displayed so far, you could have injured the old man."
Hyaku immediately understood the implications.
Sentomaru hadn't come merely as captain of the Science Unit. He was also Admiral Kizaru's subordinate — someone who had always referred to Kizaru as "Uncle".
It was clear now: Sentomaru had come to avenge Kizaru.
"The boss is like this, and the subordinates are the same. Are you Headquarters people always this arrogant?" Hyaku said coldly, his face showing displeasure.
Twice now they had attacked without even a greeting — utterly disrespectful.
"I'm fine with fighting." Hyaku declared, "If I lose, do with me as you will. But if you lose, whenever we meet in the future, you must address me as Shiro-otousama."
This title would take advantage of Kizaru as well.
"You...!"
"What? Afraid? If you're scared, then take your people and leave. Stop putting on airs."
Sentomaru was about to explode with rage but was mercilessly cut off.
Hyaku's words were sharp, clearly designed to provoke.
"Who's afraid?!" Sentomaru snapped, unable to withstand the provocation, defiantly accepting the challenge.
For a moment, the two stared at each other, both hands tightly gripping their weapons.
Hum!
Whoosh!
Hyaku focused his will.
The Azure Dragon Sword Intent transformed into tangible energy, flowing from his palms and completely enveloping Ryūka's blade in an instant.
With a whoosh, it ignited into blue-green flames. The dancing fire made the surrounding temperature rise several degrees.
✣ Seiryū Kōrin ⭄ Azure Dragon's Descent! ✣
Seeing the sword intent had condensed sufficiently, Hyaku raised Ryūka high above his head and slashed downward toward Sentomaru from a distance.
Boom!
Roar!!
A fierce slash launched from the katana's blade. Against the hot wind, it transformed into the shape of an Azure Dragon.
Accompanied by a faint, clear dragon's roar, it slashed toward the opponent at high speed.
"Such powerful sword intent!" Sentomaru exclaimed, feeling the sharpness contained in Hyaku's Azure Dragon slash.
Bang!
Despite his surprise, Sentomaru's movements didn't falter. He flipped his giant axe, pointed the head downward, and planted it firmly into the ground.
He then raised his hands with palms facing forward, arms extended parallel to his shoulders.
Hum!
Invisible energy rapidly concentrated toward his palms.
✣ Ashigara Dokkoi ⭄ Leg-Locked Heave-Ho! ✣
Whoosh!
As the Azure Dragon slash reached him, Sentomaru shouted, instantly releasing the concentrated energy from his palms.
Bang!!
The Azure Dragon slash hit what seemed like an invisible wall and exploded in mid-air.
The slash's flames gradually extinguished as both energies canceled each other out and dissipated.
Hyaku's expression changed slightly. The invisible energy Sentomaru had just released was unmistakably Armament Haki.
Armament Haki training could be classified into different levels based on proficiency and control.
The most basic Armament Haki achieved Hardening and Imbuement effects. It allowed attacks to harm the physical bodies of Logia Devil Fruit users and enhanced attack power.
Sentomaru used the more advanced Emission technique — projecting Armament Haki from a distance. This was considerably stronger than ordinary Hardening and Imbuement.
Mastering Emission required not just talent but also diligent, long-term practice.
Sentomaru's ability to master this technique at such a young age owed much to his early exposure to powerful fighters at Marines Headquarters.
"Same Haki, but my Haki isn't something you can compare to." After nullifying the slash, Sentomaru's expression turned smug.
"Is that so?" Hyaku didn't argue. Instead, he simply extended his hand and pointed at Sentomaru's right coat hem.
Following Hyaku's gesture, Sentomaru immediately looked down at his right side.
Pat Pat...
There on the corner of his right hem was a clean mark left by a sharp slash. On the tattered edge, a small tuft of blue-green flame continued to burn with soft, crackling sounds.
Seeing this, Sentomaru's expression instantly turned serious. He quickly patted out the small flame.
He hadn't even noticed when his coat had been hit.
"You may have mastered more advanced techniques." Hyaku smiled, "But my Haki is stronger than yours!"
Technique might be useful, but in a clash of Haki, victory came down to the quantity and intensity of each person's will.
Hyaku's three colors of Haki were bestowed by the system.
How could Sentomaru's Haki possibly compare?
✣✣✣
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