Chapter 91

Noticing the look from Zephyr, Borsalino shuddered and instinctively tried to dodge by transforming into light.

However, Zephyr was already in front of him, delivering a powerful punch.

Borsalino managed to block with his arms but was still knocked back.

Akainu unleashed a torrent of magma toward Zephyr, but Zephyr dodged effortlessly, showcasing his mastery of Admiral-level physical skills. Unlike before, the serious Zephyr was a force to be reckoned with, and his focus was entirely on Borsalino, who was the first target of his relentless assault.

Borsalino fired several light beams with his fingers, but Zephyr evaded every shot and managed to land more punches on him.

Seeing this, Akainu transformed his lower body into magma, rushing at Zephyr with explosive force. As he closed in, his magma arm stretched and morphed into a massive atack of molten rock, snapping at Zephyr.

The ferocity of the Magma Fruit was not to be underestimated. Zephyr briefly turned his attention away from the bruised Borsalino to avoid Akainu's attack.

However, the magma did not dissipate after missing, it twisted around, pursuing Zephyr relentlessly. Unable to dodge, Zephyr struck at Akainu's body instead. Akainu roared in fury, withdrawing his arm as his entire body turned a crystalline red. He swung a fiery fist at the advancing Zephyr.

"Hell!"

Since the incident with Whitebeard, Akainu had trained intensively for nearly two years, significantly boosting his strength. If Oden had been on the receiving end of this attack, even with his dual swords, he would have been more than just pushed back.

The Hell technique brought the immense heat and explosive force of the Magma Fruit to its peak, and even Zephyr was wary of engaging it head-on. Upon contact, Zephyr released a powerful shockwave coated in Haki, repelling the magma.

The impact echoed through the sky as Akainu collided directly with Zephyr's fist, both fighters clashing with tremendous force. Zephyr winced from the searing pain in his hand, his arm muscles bulged as he coated his fist in Haki, then struck Akainu with a punch that sent him crashing to the ground. Akainu gritted his teeth, cradling his injured arm as he struggled to rise. Zephyr slowly retracted his shaking arm, noticing the burned and blistered skin on the back of his hand.

Suddenly, a dark vortex appeared beside him, and Carl lunged with his demon sword. Zephyr dodged, but his footing slipped. The ground beneath had transformed into a dark swamp, and the gravity from it pulled Zephyr's feet down.

Carl's expression was focused as he warned, "Teacher Zephyr, watch your footing. Dark Falls Funeral!"

Despite Carl's warning, Zephyr had already reinforced his feet with Haki, but the overwhelming dark force made him groan in pain. Zephyr leaped out of the swamp but staggered slightly upon landing, realizing his foot bone was fractured. What he didn't know was that Oden had suffered even worse under similar conditions, losing the use of an entire leg.

Zephyr, seasoned by countless battles, brushed off the pain, though his mobility was somewhat affected. Borsalino and Akainu regrouped beside Carl, both visibly exhausted. Launching an effective attack on Zephyr now seemed beyond them.

Carl turned to his companions, calmly instructing, "Take a breather. I'll handle this."

In a flash, Carl vanished, reappearing above Zephyr. Anticipating the move, Zephyr launched an uppercut as Carl descended. Carl absorbed the blow with his palms against his abdomen, and darkness surged from his hand, forming seven sharp blade-like spikes that shot toward Zephyr.

Zephyr braced himself, crouching slightly and fortifying his body with Haki.

"Tekkai!"

The dark blades struck Zephyr's armored skin with a resounding clang, leaving only shallow indentations. Carl blinked in surprise, silently acknowledging Zephyr's superior mastery of Rokushiki techniques. Though Carl's attacks were swift, Zephyr's defenses proved impenetrable.

However, Carl wasn't deterred. He dispersed his darkness, and his body crackled with electricity. He surged forward, landing a direct punch on Zephyr. Surprised, Zephyr noted the sudden spike in Carl's strength.

"Hm? You've gotten stronger. Holding back on me, were you?" Zephyr remarked.

Carl grinned. "I wouldn't dare. I'm just using electricity to boost my body."

Carl's unique ability allowed him to enhance his speed and strength while numbing his pain, enabling him to engage Zephyr head-on without fear of the double-edged effect of his Dark-Dark Fruit. His confidence wasn't misplaced, Carl was a formidable combatant, even without his devil fruit abilities.

As their fierce duel continued, the two warriors clashed like wild beasts, each punch echoing with explosive force, shattering the ground beneath them. On the high platform, Sengoku the Buddha and Garp watched intently, their expressions serious. Even Fleet Admiral Kong clenched his chair's armrest, unable to contain his excitement.

"Magnificent!" he roared.

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+74 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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