Chapter 12 Shanks vs Satoru 2

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This is like Second Version of the same fight but trust me you will like it if you don't just tell me

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Shanks leapt back, a serious expression replacing his usual carefree grin. He stared at Satoru, who looked slightly relieved. The invisible barrier between them—Satoru's infinity—had not been broken.

"Was that your Devil Fruit ability just now?" Shanks asked, his tone genuinely curious.

"Who knows?" Satoru replied with a sly grin.

Shanks raised an eyebrow, momentarily stunned. "Playing riddles now, huh?"

Satoru shrugged, nonchalant.

"In that case," Shanks said, his lips curling into a grin, "let's see how you handle this."

Pitch-black energy wrapped around Shanks' fists as his Armament Haki activated. Satoru's expression turned sour, a mix of annoyance and disbelief flashing across his face.

"Hey, isn't it a bit much to use Haki against a kid?"

Shanks laughed heartily. "What can I say? I'm a doting father. You made my daughter cry, so it's only fair I make you cry too."

Satoru scowled as Shanks' grin widened, clearly enjoying himself.

"Fine," Satoru muttered, pointing at a nearby rock. With a casual flick of his hand, the stone shot toward Shanks like a missile.

"What the—?!" Shanks' eyes narrowed as he quickly realized the stone wasn't just flying randomly. It was being controlled, moving with unnatural precision.

He swung his fist, smashing the rock into countless shards with a single punch. The sound echoed across the clearing.

"Domineering really is an unfair power," Satoru muttered, a hint of envy in his voice. He knew his body wasn't yet strong enough to meet the physical requirements for Haki.

Still, his Six Eyes were sharper and more versatile than Observation Haki. That much he was certain of—unless someone blinded him.

Shanks shook the dust off his hand and grinned. "Alright, little ghost, your turn. Let's see if you can handle me now."

His casual swagger was almost insulting as he walked toward Satoru. To Shanks, this fight was already over.

Satoru frowned. "I guess I'll have to try something serious." He took a deep breath, channeling his energy as his mana wrapped around his right hand, creating a visible, swirling aura.

"Huh?" Shanks' easy demeanor shifted as his Observation Haki warned him of something dangerous. His gaze locked on Satoru's hand, where an ominous power was gathering.

"This kid…" Shanks muttered, his curiosity deepening. Satoru's strength and skill at his age far exceeded what Shanks had expected.

"Alright, Satoru," Shanks said, his voice steady, "show me what you've got."

Satoru grinned. "Don't regret it, old man. I'll show you the strength of my best move."

Both combatants readied themselves. Satoru's right fist glowed with black, blue, and transparent energy, while Shanks' own fist gleamed with the pitch-black sheen of advanced Armament Haki.

"Black Flash!" Satoru yelled, lunging forward as their fists collided with an ear-splitting crackle. Lightning-like energy exploded between them, shaking the ground and sending shockwaves rippling through the air.

Shanks' eyes widened in pain as the power of Satoru's attack surged through his arm. He gritted his teeth, forcing a grin.

"Damn, that's one hell of a punch, kid. If I hadn't reinforced my Haki at the last second, my arm might've been broken."

Satoru wasn't faring much better. His arm throbbed with pain, his muscles screaming from the impact. The force of Shanks' Haki had nearly shattered his bones.

"Man… that hurt," Satoru muttered, his face pale but determined. Though his arm felt numb, he used a reversal technique to ease the pain, the tingling gradually subsiding.

Shanks took a step back, flexing his hand. "You're something else, Satoru. Stronger than I was at your age. But that's enough for today. If we keep this up, one of us might lose an arm—oh wait, I've already done that."

Despite his jest, Shanks' tone was full of respect. He could see Satoru's potential and the sheer determination behind his blows.

"Why stop now?" Satoru taunted, smirking. "Weren't you avenging Uta? Or are you afraid I'll spread rumors that the great Shanks had to use Haki against a kid?"

Shanks' expression twitched, his lips curling into an amused grin. "You've got a nasty mouth, kid. Worse than mine when I was your age."

Satoru shrugged, his grin widening. "You've got no one to blame but yourself. You're the first shameless pirate I've met who's willing to bully a kid."

While bantering, Satoru carefully healed his arm, though he couldn't fully recover it.

"Tell me, Satoru," Shanks said suddenly. "Ever thought about joining my crew? The Red-Hair Pirates are like family. You'd love the atmosphere."

Satoru looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "Are you serious? I'm Garp's adopted grandson. Do you want him hunting you down?"

Shanks laughed. "It'd be worth it to recruit someone like you, even if Garp comes after me."

"Sorry, not happening. My dream is to be a Navy officer," Satoru replied. His tone turned serious. "And when that happens, you better watch yourself. I'll be the one chasing you."

Shanks chuckled, waving as he turned to leave. "Fair enough, kid. I'll see you on the seas someday. Just don't hold back when that time comes."