As Charlotte Linlin's Conqueror's Haki clashed with Newgate's, Kurozumi Higurashi—standing closer to Linlin—bore the brunt of the blast. The aftershocks of two top-tier Conqueror's waves rolled over her like a solid tsunami.
She couldn't even scream; it felt as though countless steel needles skewered her brain. Her vision blacked out, her knees buckled, and she collapsed like a rag doll.
In stark contrast, Miss Bakkin, safely behind Newgate, seemed completely unaffected by the collision of the two Haki.
There are levels even within Conqueror's Haki. Though the two appeared evenly matched, the fact that Linlin had no strength left to shield Kurozumi Higurashi while Miss Bakkin stood unharmed behind Newgate proved who had lost this exchange.
Gurararara! Woman, your Haki's not bad—but it looks like you've yet to find a target worthy of that power!
Whitebeard Newgate's voice rang out again, admiration undisguised, yet blazing with ever-stronger fighting spirit and Conqueror's Haki.
Hmm!
Linlin's massive frame swayed under the pressure; the ground beneath her cracked like a spider's web. A flicker of shock crossed her violet eyes.
His aura was heavy, vast, immovable—like facing a towering mountain. Her own Conqueror's Haki was sharp, but against that white, mountain-like aura it was being steadily suppressed and pushed back.
Newgate's burly figure stood rock-solid, his golden mane whipping wildly in the surging Haki.
To take sixty percent of my Conqueror's Haki and stand—no wonder Rocks made you a great executive!
Old man! Who are you calling old!
Linlin's voice shot up, stung by the slight. Purple light blazed in her eyes as her Conqueror's Haki erupted anew, a violet tempest bursting outward like countless unsheathed swords hacking at Newgate's white mountain.
I'm only twenty! What part of me looks old to you, woman? Newgate roared, thoroughly annoyed.
Huh?
Linlin's surging Haki faltered. Only then did she realize she'd subconsciously overlaid this golden-haired giant in his prime with the image of the aged hero from her memories.
She could hardly admit it—could she say she'd seen him ancient and riddled with tubes? Her gaze swept across his face and settled on his mustache, instantly emboldened.
Because your mustache is white! she declared righteously.
You—hmph!
Newgate was momentarily speechless; with no retort he could only grunt, face darkening.
Feeling her still-rising Haki, his eyes sparked—he itched for a real fight. Yet a glance at Miss Bakkin, his crew, and the teetering houses behind him made him curb the impulse.
Enough—you didn't come here just to brawl, did you? His Conqueror's Haki snapped back like a tide, ending the standoff. Then why attack my people?
Captain's coat draped over his mountain-like frame, Edward Newgate planted the Supreme Grade sword Murakumogiri and fixed Charlotte Linlin with a piercing stare.
His Conqueror's Haki ebbed away, leaving only a faint layer around Miss Bakkin.
Feeling the sudden drop in pressure, Linlin also snorted and reined in her aura, shooting Miss Bakkin a sour glance.
Your woman is a pain, she muttered.
Now she half-regretted seeking Newgate out. She'd never expected this era's Newgate to keep such a jealous, trouble-making female companion at his side.
In her prior life she'd seen only highlight reels of the Pirate King's battles; she knew nothing of Stussy Bakin's early relationship with Newgate.
Newgate turned to Miss Bakkin and asked heavily, Miss Bakkin, what happened?
The moment he spoke, Miss Bakkin found her pillar of support and launched into a theatrical sob, jabbing a finger at Linlin and Mushi while tears flew.
Newgate! You're finally here! They—they bullied me! That Kurozumi Higurashi dragged the newcomer Charlotte Linlin into our turf, cursed me, even tried to crush me with Conqueror's Haki! Sob… you have to stand up for me!
Newgate looked from the calm, impatient Charlotte Linlin to the melodramatic Miss Bakkin, a trace of resignation on his rugged face—he knew Miss Bakkin's ways.
Instead of siding with her at once, he turned back to Linlin and asked, Charlotte Linlin—what did you come for?
Linlin's violet eyes flicked toward the still-acting Miss Bakkin, then she cut straight to the point: I came to get stronger.
Newgate's gaze flashed—he'd suspected as much.
Miss Bakkin shrieked at once: Newgate, don't believe her! She's just making excuses to get close to you—
Miss Bakkin, Newgate cut her off, voice flat but final. Go back first.
But—
Go. His eyes swept over her.
Miss Bakkin shut up as though throttled. She shot Charlotte Linlin and Kurozumi Higurashi a venomous glare, stamped her foot, and stalked off, kicking aside a grunt who'd been knocked cold by the Haki shockwaves.
Newgate frowned at the sight; Miss Bakkin's disregard for his men irked him.
Once she was gone, he turned to Linlin and laughed boldly: Gurararara… want to get stronger? Interesting. But—
Captain! Captain! a crewmate dashed up, panting.
Lord Rocks orders you to the port at once—he's leaving for Elbaf to visit an old friend and wants you along!
Interrupted, Newgate's eyes sharpened. Oh? Looks like Rocks has got the permanent log pose to Elbaf.
With Marine power in the New World crushed, Rocks's plan to court the giant kingdom of Elbaf was no secret among the great executives; Newgate just hadn't expected the move so soon—or that Rocks would name him.
As one of the original seven of the Rocks Pirates, he knew Rocks's nature: there had to be a mighty fighter Rocks coveted, and needing Newgate along meant the target could wound even Rocks himself!
Newgate looked up at the woman who stood a head taller than he—he, who was always the one others craned their necks to see. Somewhat irked, he said: Looks like our talk ends here for today.
Linlin frowned, about to speak, when a rapid chirp sounded from inside her billowing coat.
Purupuru…
Click.
Hello—what is it, Vina? Linlin answered the transponder snail.