163. Golden Lion, Shiki!

A large ship was floating alongside the clouds.

"Shiki-sama, we-we lost contact with ship #5."

A man said nervously. Seated infront of him was a large man. He wore traditional red and black kimono with a tattered haori. He had hair like a lion's mane. The most eye catching feature were his legs, he had swords in place of them.

This was one of the three legends of the past era, Golden Lion, Shiki!

Shiki raised an eyebrow and asked, "When?"

"Just half an hour ago."

Shiki went silent for a moment and waved his hand, "Forget about it. Let's return."

"Ye-yes!"

The man heaved a sigh of relief and immediately left.

The ship sailed through the clouds and finally reached a huge piece of land floating above the clouds.

It didn't stop and continued on in it's path. Soon large buildings appeared in their view.

Shiki who was resting in his chair raised his head. His kenbunshoku haki was picking up a strong presence inside his base.

When he swept the entire base scowl appeared on his face, he noticed his men on the verge of death.

He immediately flew out the ship and yelled, "You got balls to attack my base and injure my men, get the hell out!"

Under his furious gaze a good looking young man walked out. A pair of piercing blue eyes stared at Shiki.

"A baby marine?"

Shiki noticed the justice cloak Leo wore and was stunned for a second.

"Golden Lion Shiki. It's an honour to finally meet you."

Leo said apathetically.

Shiki glared at Leo, "Baby marine, what gave you the courage to come here? Let alone attack my base?"

Leo pulled out his sword and replied, "We will find out soon."

He suddenly waved his hand. Two streaks of light flashed.

Puff! Puff!

Blood sprayed. Shiki's subordinates, that clown and the gorilla were killed instantly.

Shiki wanted to block him but Leo's attack was sudden and incredibly fast. In a split second his strongest cadres were killed.

A vein popped on Shiki's temple. His eyes narrowed and they were filled with murderous intent.

"Good one, baby marine."

Just as his voice faded haoshoku haki burst out of his body and crashed towards Leo.

Leo was calm and stood straight against the incoming storm.

"You are not the only king."

Boom!

An overbearing haoshoku erupted from Leo and clashed against Shiki's. The sky darkened and lighting flashed.

Shiki was momentarily taken back and said, "Haoshoku haki? A marine has the markings of a King?

Shing!

Leo's sword hummed. The blade turned pitch black with waves of red on it's edge.

Shiki also turned serious.

Both of them stared at each other for a moment and attacked.

Shiki swiped with his legs. Sword rays flew at Leo.

Leo also slashed out.

Sword rays collided and created a storm, destroying the building and it's surroundings.

Shiki was forced back as was Leo.

In a frontal collision both of them were evenly matched!

His physical condition isn't that great and his sword realm isn't at it's peak either. He is far from his strongest and yet I can only evenly match him.

Leo said to himself.

He grew incredibly after his battle with Big Mom, however even still he could only tie with a damaged relic from the past.

Battle intent sparked in his eyes. He wanted to trample this legend, he wanted to break and surpass him. Only by defeating the strong could he go further.

Geppo!

Leo kicked the air and shot towards Shiki.

"Don't get cocky marine!"

Shiki grabbed towards the earth below. The ground trembled and cracked apart. Pieces of earth started to float towards him.

"Stay down, boy!"

He waved his hand. The pieces of rocks shot at Leo like bullets.

Leo waved his sword. Sword rays filled the sky and welcomed the incoming rain of rocks. The rocks were slashed apart and destroyed.

Shiki suddenly appeared behind Leo and kicked with the swords.

Leo's kenbunshoku haki had already captured his movements. Using Geppo he dodged.

Soru!

In a flash Leo closed in on Shiki and slashed down his sword.

Clang!

Shiki slashed with his leg. One of the sword clashed with Leo. He grinned and spun in mid air before slashing with the other.

Soru!

Leo kicked the air and dodged.

Shiki clenched his fists. The earth down below cracked apart and floated towards him. It took the shape of two lion heads.

"Lions Roar!"

Shiki slammed his fist down.

The rock lions flew at Leo with incredible momentum.

Leo barely dodged one when the other fell upon him. He crossed his sword infront of his chest and blocked it.

Bang!

The rock lion crumbled upon impact and Leo was thrown far away. A trail of blood leaked out from the corner of his mouth.

Somersaulting in air Leo managed to gain his balance and slashed out.

Sword rays shot at Shiki.

"You ain't the only sword grandmaster around here, kid!"

Shiki swiped with his legs several times.

Sword rays filled the sky as they clashed against Leo's sword strike.

Soru!

Leo kicked the air and flashed towards Shiki.

Ha!

Shiki laughed arrogantly and clenched his fist. His fist got clad in busoshoku haki, the black colour had a hint of purple to it as he punched out.

Top class armament Haki!

Leo's eyes turned solemn. He focused his intent on his sword. The black colour on it deepened as he swung it down.

Slash!

Fist and sword met.

The air cracked. A storm brewed with them at its center. Shiki took a step back and Leo was blown back.

"Ha! Kid, I ruled the seas when you were sucking titties!"

Leo didn't reply and blasted forward.

He completely withdrew his sword rays and converged them on the edge of his blade. A terrifying power was being condensed on it.

Shiki suddenly stopped laughing. His eyes grew solemn. He felt threatened by that sword.

"Looks like you got some tricks up your sleeve."