Chapter 4: Grizzly Bear (II)

"Is this the power of the Magu Magu no Mi?"

Gazing down at his hands, Sakazuki's heart pounded with excitement. While he anticipated inheriting Akainu's abilities and the Lava-Lava Fruit, he hadn't expected to wield them so proficiently, especially upon witnessing his hands exude magma—a sensation both familiar and natural to him.

"That's right, I am Akainu now!"

Sakazuki's confidence surged astonishingly. Though he hadn't walked the same path, he had glimpsed Akainu through the lens of the One Piece anime. Coupled with the body's physical memory, he hoped to harness Akainu's formidable strength.

"Stand back!"

Sakazuki motioned for the Marines beside him to retreat, fixing a cold stare on the approaching Pirate Bear. 

"Since you're here, cherish your last moments."

"Sakazuki, today I'll end you for sure!"

The ferocious pirate bellowed, hurtling towards Sakazuki.

Unperturbed, Sakazuki underwent a transformation from ordinary civilian to a formidable Marine, shedding all traces of anxiety and fear that held Lucas hostage.

"Great Eruption!"

Naturally, Sakazuki thrust his fist forward. Though his first strike, it felt instinctive. A colossal fist of lava materialised, colliding with the bear.

Initially swift, the bear recoiled upon witnessing the massive lava fist hurtling towards him. He attempted to retreat, yet found himself caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place, unable to outpace the onslaught. The lava fist struck him.

This blow epitomised Sakazuki's full might, its potency unmatched. The bear howled in agony, sent hurtling backwards.

"Hmm?"

Sakazuki didn't linger on the bear's fate but instead scrutinised his hands. While his earlier punch felt natural, its sheer force exceeded his expectations. Despite merely inheriting Akainu's body, lacking experience, he delivered a devastating blow. It demonstrated how scary Akainu's innate strength really was.

"How is this possible? Such a vast disparity!"

Grizzly Bear, rising from the ground, adorned with burns, roared furiously.

"For two years, I endured relentless training, endured unimaginable suffering, and yet my strength pales in comparison. Why?"

Recounting his harrowing encounter with Akainu, the bear shuddered. Two years prior, Akainu single-handedly decimated his pirate crew. By sheer luck, he had narrowly escaped.

Driven by vengeance, he joined Golden Lion's Flying Pirates, investing heavily to acquire the means to defeat Akainu.

Upon their assault on Marine Headquarters, he anticipated a confrontation, but the gulf between them remained staggering. Even his newly acquired Armament Haki seemed futile against Akainu's magma.

Unaware of the bear's inner turmoil, Sakazuki rejoiced at the fear value emanating from him.

Fear value from Grizzly Bear: +152, +96, +53.

Eyes gleaming, Sakazuki's interest piqued. Gradually deciphering the enigmatic vision, he realised the fear value's centrality to everything.

"I refuse to believe in such a vast disparity!"

The pirate bellowed anew, crimson eyes fixed on Sakazuki, unleashing Armament Haki honed over two years. "Prepare to meet your end, Sakazuki!"

Unfazed, Sakazuki welcomed the challenge. With a mere thought, his right arm transformed into molten lava, a deluge engulfing the bear.

Yet, to Sakazuki's surprise, upon contact, his magma failed to scorch the bear, blocked by an invisible force.

"Hmm?"

Sakazuki furrowed his brow, realisation dawning. "This is Armament Haki?"

Seastone and Armament Haki posed grave threats to Logia users. The bear's lack of weaponry suggested Armament Haki. While he'd heard of the bear's mastery in Haki, witnessing it firsthand surprised him.

"I possess Armament Haki too."

Though formidable, Armament Haki didn't unsettle Sakazuki. Focused and undistracted, he conjured it forth.

"Boom!"

As the bear charged, Sakazuki swung his left arm, meeting the bear's palm head-on.

"Boom!"

Sakazuki stood firm, but the pirate fared less favourably, propelled backward, more pitiable than before.

"Armament Haki can be used as an offensive and as a defensive measure."

Having experienced the disparity firsthand, Sakazuki's confidence swelled. The encounter, though formidable, felt like second nature, a stark contrast to his former self.

"Spurt!"

The bear spat blood, collapsing to the ground. Marine Lucas, trailing Sakazuki, drew his blade, poised at the bear's throat.

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, what shall we do with him? Execute him on the spot, or...?"

Lucas, unsurprised by Sakazuki's swift victory, deferred to his superior for guidance.

Fear value from Grizzly Bear: +286, +188.

Terrified, the bear acknowledged his insignificance before Sakazuki. Despite honing his skills for two years, his proud Armament Haki proved futile. The encounter shattered his resolve, body, and soul, leaving him utterly defenceless and in despair.