"Yemu! Take a good look at this island!" Bullet's grin widened, his voice booming through the storm. "This frozen wasteland will be the stage for our battle!"
The howling wind whipped around them, but neither man wavered.
Yemu's gaze swept across the icy landscape. The ground beneath their feet was layered with frost so thick it reflected the faint light filtering through the clouds. The entire island felt lifeless, sealed in eternal winter.
Bullet clenched his fists, the sound of cracking joints echoing like gunfire. "No interruptions. No distractions. Just you and me." His eyes blazed with excitement. "I've waited too long for this!"
Yemu exhaled slowly, white vapor drifting into the air. "You talk too much," he replied evenly. "Show me what you've got."
The air between them grew tense. The snow that had been swirling moments before suddenly scattered outward, blown away by the sheer pressure radiating from the two men.
Then, without warning—Bullet moved.
The ground exploded beneath his feet as he launched forward, his body cutting through the air like a cannonball. His fist, packed with raw power, swung straight for Yemu's face.
Yemu didn't flinch. His foot slid back a fraction, and in that instant, his figure blurred. With a sharp sound, he vanished using Soru, reappearing behind Bullet. His counterattack came just as fast, a blow aimed at Bullet's side.
The impact resounded like thunder. Ice shattered in all directions, sending shards flying across the field.
Bullet staggered back a few steps, then broke into a wild laugh. "That's more like it!"
Yemu's expression remained calm, his breath steady. "If that's your best, this will end quickly."
Bullet's grin only widened. "You'll regret underestimating me." His muscles bulged, steam rising from his body as his power surged. The very air seemed to vibrate from the force of it.
The storm above roared louder, lightning flashing through the clouds as if the heavens themselves were reacting to the clash below.
Two titans stood ready once more, their auras colliding like fire and ice, shaking the frozen island of Reykjavik to its core.
"Sky Pirates Crew · Captain · Yemu, what do you think... of this burial ground I've chosen for you?"
Bullet's lips curled into a faint smile, clearly pleased with his selection. He stamped his foot on the thick ice beneath him and declared triumphantly,
"I spent all night scouting to find this perfect grave for you. This island is called Reykjavik. It was once a stunningly beautiful Ice Island, highly advanced technologically. But 700 years ago, it was destroyed for refusing to join the World Government. The sea submerged the island, burying this nation completely beneath our feet."
"So... an entire nation lies buried beneath us?"
"Indeed. That's why I chose this spot. Though I can't change the fact that I killed you, having this city as your burial ground shouldn't leave you, the heir to Roger's will, feeling wronged."
"Heir to Roger's will!?"
Yemu frowned. This was the second time he'd heard that damn title, but...
"True. If I could make this my grave, it would indeed be a beautiful place..."
"Hehe... Kahahahaha... You really are my kind of guy... What a pity..."
Bullet's laughter grew more frenzied. For he sensed no fear of death in Yemu—only a steadily rising fighting spirit and a courage that embraced death. Though the outcome remained unchanged, at least the battle ahead wouldn't be dull.
Bullet clenched his fists, making a crisp cracking sound in his bones. He shook his head, then struck a sumo wrestler's pose, spreading his broad arms wide. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the Twin Goddesses anchored in the distance.
"Well then... since you've given me such pleasure up to this point, after I kill you, I'll spare the lives of your weak little companions..."
Yemu clenched his fists as well, flung his arms out wide, and spread his body. The blood surged faster through his veins, muscles twitching rapidly as his battle intent flared.
"Well, thank you for that. But if you want to kill me, you'll have to try harder..."
"Rest assured, I won't hold back. It's you who shouldn't disappoint me..."
"Then, let's begin..."
"Then, let's begin..."
As their voices echoed in unison, time itself seemed to freeze on the icy, howling island of Reykjavik. Everything fell silent. Then, a towering aura erupted from their bodies, radiating outward in all directions.
Instantly, the thick, dark clouds above were torn apart by the Conqueror's Haki unleashed by the two. Waves began to churn on the sea surface. Marine creatures, sensing the terrifying, hellish aura, fled madly into the distance.
Far out at sea, the Twin Goddesses began to rise and fall with the waves, rocked by the surging ocean and howling gales.
"Amazing... Is this really our captain?"
Erik's eyes shone brightly. Until now, Erik knew little about his captain or the pirate ship. Though he sensed his new captain was extraordinary, he had no idea just how powerful he truly was.
But now, no explanation was needed. Witnessing the sheer force emanating from just the two of them create such an overwhelming spectacle sent shivers down his spine.
"This is the realm of strength true men pursue!"
With his sister Ayala healed, he could finally resume his quest to become a great swordsman.
Compared to the other three, Flare was utterly clueless about combat, so she had no idea what was happening.
"What kind of strength is this... Neither of them even moved..."
Enel and Tiger, witnessing this, were about to explain when suddenly Dr. Kureha, who was also on their ship and had come to watch the battle, spoke up.
"Hehehehe, Conqueror's Haki. Looks like this brat might actually be of the D lineage..."
Tiger froze instantly, staring at Dr. Kureha in utter disbelief.
"D...."