Chapter 69

On the boat, everyone stared in surprise at Arthur, who had appeared on the mast. 

Except for the powerful officers, no one saw how Arthur got there.

He was too fast, and only a few sensed something. Shanks, Beckman, and the other top members of the Red-Haired Pirates clearly noticed Arthur's sudden appearance.

"He's so fast. I think his speed is as quick as Kizaru's," Beckman said, glancing at Arthur before returning to his tasks.

Shanks found it hard to believe. Here, he was the strongest, known as the man with the world's most powerful Haki.

Not only was his Conqueror's Haki formidable, but his Armament and Observation Haki were also top-notch.

Though not as wide-ranging as Arthur's, his abilities were among the best.

"How did you find me?" Shanks asked, wondering if Arthur had detected him.

"I used my sight and smell," Arthur replied with a sly smile. "I'm not just strong in Conqueror's Haki. I doubt anyone can match my experience.

My Observation Haki covers over 280 kilometers. You didn't leave this range, so I sensed you."

Arthur spoke casually, but the pirates were shocked. The stronger they were, the more amazed they felt. They understood Haki well.

While everyone had the first two types, talent was crucial. Among the top powerhouses, a range of 50 kilometers was rare.

They never expected to hear such an incredible number.

"Over 280 kilometers? Is that even possible for a human?" they wondered.

"Red-Hair, let's fight. I want to see where I stand in the world," Arthur said, floating down from the mast.

Shanks still couldn't believe it but regained his usual composure. Seeing Arthur bring it up again, he smiled wryly.

"Well, it seems I can't avoid this fight. Let's do it! Let me see just how powerful your Observation and Conqueror's Haki are!"

For once, the usually carefree Shanks looked serious, with a battle-hardened glint in his eyes. As one of the Four Emperors, he didn't earn his position easily; it was through sheer strength against countless powerful foes.

"Beckman!" Shanks called out to his first mate.

"Huh?" Beckman looked up, surprised at his captain's seriousness.

"Find an uninhabited island. No island can withstand a battle between Arthur and me," Shanks instructed.

"Yes, Captain!" Beckman nodded, giving Arthur a serious look.

After half a day, their ship arrived at a deserted island with sparse vegetation within the Red-Haired Pirates' territory.

"Here. There's no one around, and no islands with villages or towns nearby," Beckman said, motioning to the island.

Shanks nodded, stepping off the boat with his sword, heading to the island. Arthur, ready for battle, donned his armor, revealing large wings and wielding a three-pointed, two-edged sword, then vanished from the boat.

On the island, Arthur appeared in its heart, watching Shanks approach without hesitation, filled with anticipation for the battle.

The time for a true clash of titans was near.

Finally, Shanks stopped nearly a kilometer away, looking at Arthur from a distance.

"I haven't fought in a long time. Since becoming one of the Four Emperors, no one has challenged me. Today, I get to have a proper fight with you," Shanks said.

On the other side, Arthur's fighting spirit soared. His breathing became heavy, and electricity crackled around him.

"Same here. Since reaching this level of strength, I've had few worthy opponents. Apart from the strong in the New World, I haven't found anyone suitable to fight.

Today, let me see how close I am to the top of the world!"

Without hesitation, Arthur attacked.

"One hundred million volts, Electromagnetic Slash Wave!"

A blade of lightning flew from Arthur's sword, reaching Shanks in an instant.

Ding~

Boom~

Red-Hair Shanks swiftly drew his sword and sliced Arthur's attack, shattering the blade into sparkling fragments that scattered and disrupted the area.

"Impressive trick, but not enough to handle me!" Shanks said, his mastery of swordsmanship rivaling even Dracule Mihawk's.

A powerful slash shot from Shanks' sword, tearing through the ground and heading straight for Arthur.

"One hundred million volts, Electric Puncture!"

A searing red to white-hot ray from Arthur's blade clashed with Shanks' attack, splitting it in two.

"Two hundred million volts, Blasting Heat!"

Arthur casually threw a bolt of lightning. It seemed simple, but as it neared Shanks, it exploded with extreme heat, causing a violent blast and turning the area into molten rock. However, Shanks had already moved.

"Cut!"

Using his incredible speed, Shanks appeared behind Arthur and slashed.

"Two hundred million volts, Repulsion Blade!"

Arthur turned quickly, surrounded by electricity. His three-pointed, two-edged sword emitted a strong repulsive force that met Shanks' attack. The collision was intense, the repulsion combined with the electric current being just as formidable.

Feeling the recoil, Shanks' right hand was forced up slightly.

"What? Repulsion?" Shanks was surprised by the Goro Goro no mi ("Thunder Fruit") abilities.

"Three hundred million volts, Vector Reversal!"

Arthur's next move created repulsion at Shanks' feet and gravity behind him. As Shanks adjusted to the repulsion, he felt a sudden pull, threatening to unbalance him.

However, Shanks, experienced and quick, took a step back, using the recoil to escape Arthur's trap.

Arthur was ready for this moment.

"One hundred million volts, Electromagnetic Cone Dragon!"

A bright orange-red light burst from Arthur's sword, aimed at Shanks.

Ding!

Shanks blocked the attack, using the force to propel himself out of Arthur's range.

"Your techniques are truly strange," Shanks said from a distance. "It's clearly the Goro Goro no mi, but it feels like you're using the abilities of two different Paramecia fruits!"

Arthur grinned. "That's why the Goro Goro no mi is one of the most powerful. There's no stronger fruit!"

"By the way, Red-Hair, are you warmed up yet?"

Despite his calm demeanor, Arthur knew this was just the beginning. The real battle was yet to come.

"Almost. Your strength is impressive. I'll have to get serious now!" Shanks replied, his aura changing drastically.

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