Buzz!
A terrifying wave of Armament Haki erupted.
Alongside the crackling black lightning, a massive, four-pointed black star flared in the sky—deep and foreboding, like an omen of world-ending calamity from myth itself.
"Fist Bone Impact!"
Garp roared with excitement as his body shot down from the heavens like a meteor.
The air shattered inch by inch, shrieking in protest.
"Shunkō: First Form!"
Blinding white light gathered around Soi Fon's fist, the terrifying surge of reiatsu no weaker than a fully chanted high-level Hadō!
Step!
Soi Fon launched upward, her figure flashing toward the sky.
She couldn't let Garp's punch hit the sea—if it did, the Desert Rose would be doomed.
Even the Soul King himself might be injured!
"Kuhahaha! Good!"
Garp laughed heartily, swinging his fist without hesitation.
White light and black light collided violently—
BOOM!
A blazing sphere of energy exploded midair. From afar, it looked like a second sun had risen in the sky.
Buzz!
A terrifying shockwave swept the nearby clouds away in an instant. The surface of the sea sank inward, leaving behind a massive crater-like depression.
"Prepare for impact!"
On the warship, Garp's adjutant realized things were going south fast and shouted for everyone to brace themselves.
On the Desert Rose, Oguro had already started preparations the moment Soi Fon dashed forward.
"Rangiku, Rukia—use Bakudō #81 to form a barrier!"
"The noble walls of iron, draped in the heavens and the earth, dragon's roar, lion's roar, tiger's howl, wolf's stride—seal the world before collapse! Bakudō #81: Dankū!"
Three translucent spiritual barriers flared to life, forming a wall to the side and above the Desert Rose.
Rumble!
The shockwave hit like a millstone grinding everything in its path.
The barriers trembled violently, creaking under the force—but they held.
Garp's warship wasn't so lucky.
Although there were no casualties, the hull was heavily damaged and the deck was riddled with cracks. Once they returned, it would definitely need serious repairs at the shipyard.
When the light faded, two figures came back into view.
Neither looked particularly great.
Garp's right arm was scorched, his uniform sleeve completely obliterated.
Soi Fon's right hand was clenched tight, blood slowly dripping from her palm.
"Oh ho! You can actually fly!"
Garp stared in surprise at Soi Fon, who hovered calmly in the air.
He himself could only use Geppo to keep afloat temporarily—not nearly as freely.
Soi Fon didn't reply. Her eyes narrowed, every nerve on alert.
This old man's strength— she could tell he still hadn't gone all out.
Garp noticed her wariness and scratched his head sheepishly. Maybe he'd gone a bit overboard.
He waved his hand with the trademark Monkey D. grin. "Don't get me wrong, lass! I didn't come here with bad intentions!"
Soi Fon let out a cold laugh. "No bad intentions? Then why attack us?"
BOOM!
Her reiatsu surged once more. She had made up her mind—she couldn't let such a dangerous man live. Even if it meant dying together!
"Wait, wait! That was my fault!" Garp quickly shouted. "I just got excited seeing a strong young lass like you and wanted to test your strength! But really—I came to see Sith Oguro on official business!"
Of course, he didn't mention that he was also here to gauge their power. Garp might act goofy, but he wasn't stupid. Saying that outright would only offend them, so better to take the blame himself.
Sensing that Garp carried no killing intent, Soi Fon's tension eased slightly—but she still wouldn't allow him to meet Oguro directly.
If a powerhouse like him suddenly attacked, she couldn't guarantee Oguro's safety!
"Whatever you need to say, I can relay it." Her tone was cold and firm.
Garp immediately shook his head like a rattle drum. "No can do! This is something only he can decide. I have to hear his answer personally!"
Soi Fon's face darkened. Why was this old man so stubborn? Who would let such a dangerous guy anywhere near the Soul King?
At that moment, she really regretted not bringing Byakuya along. With two captains, this would've been much easier.
"Captain Soi Fon, the Soul King commands—allow Vice Admiral Garp to come aboard."
Rukia Kuchiki appeared at her side, delivering Oguro's message.
Their entire conversation had been overheard through Oguro's Observation Haki. He was curious to know why Garp had come.
As for whether Garp would attack… if it were Akainu, Oguro would've been cautious. But Garp? No problem.
The old man might be reckless, but he wasn't dishonorable.
Hearing the order, Soi Fon reluctantly complied. She flew back to the Desert Rose, standing beside Oguro, ready to intervene at any moment.
Rukia then bowed politely to Garp. "Vice Admiral Garp, please."
Garp looked at her for a moment, then used Geppo to leisurely fly toward the ship.
Another one who could fly…
In the Grand Line, where flight was exceedingly rare, seeing this many in one place was unbelievable.
"Don't tell me… they can all fly? Is it a Devil Fruit ability, or something else entirely?"
Despite his carefree appearance, Garp was sharp, quietly gathering intel as he moved.
Once aboard, Oguro gestured for a chair to be brought over.
"May I ask what brings you here, Vice Admiral Garp?" he said calmly.
Garp laughed. "Hahaha, nothing major! Sengoku sent me to invite you to take Crocodile's place—as the new Warlord!"
Oguro blinked, then chuckled softly.
Unexpected, yet not surprising.
Given their immense strength and the fact they hadn't caused chaos, it made sense the Marines would want to recruit them.
But…
"Presumptuous! You dare ask the Soul King to serve the World Government like a dog?!"
Before Oguro could speak, Soi Fon snapped, her voice brimming with fury.
Garp raised a brow. "Soul King, huh? Sounds like you've got quite the ambitions."
Oguro smiled faintly. "Heh. Out on the seas, who doesn't have a bit of ambition?"
"Kuhahaha! Fair enough!" Garp's grin widened. "So I take it you're refusing, then?"
For once, his tone grew serious, a terrifying pressure emanating from him—enough to crush weaker souls outright.
Soi Fon moved to stand before Oguro, but he stopped her with a wave of his hand.
Still seated, Oguro met Garp's gaze unflinchingly.
Just as Soi Fon said—he was destined to become the ruler of a divine nation. How could he ever serve as the World Government's lapdog?
"That's right. I refuse."
BOOM!
An overwhelming aura exploded from Oguro, as if his will itself sought to dominate the world.
Garp's face hardened.
That… was unmistakable.
Conqueror's Haki!