https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-531-The-Martial-Arts-Tournament-A-Good-Start/12945154/
Chapter 530: Without a Fight, How Can One Become the World's Number One?
Chapter 530: Without a Fight, How Can One Become the World's Number One?
Blocked!
Not only that, the pirate's curved blade with serrated teeth on its back had a layer of tenacity wrapped around its edge, maintaining a distance from Mihawk's blade.
A ripple flashed through Mihawk's eyes as he swiftly slashed downward, his blade grazing the edge of the curved sword and cutting straight down.
Clang!
Sage simultaneously flipped his wrist, moving downward to where the black blade had cut, blocking Mihawk's strike.
Mihawk raised his blade again, and the black blade turned, deflecting the curved sword before slashing upward once more. However, Sage quickly blocked it again.
As the blades clashed and tenacity collided, a series of shockwaves rippled through the air, rapidly intensifying into a firecracker-like sound at the center of the two combatants.
Hsss!
With the shockwaves reverberating, the ground around them was torn apart, revealing smooth, raised, or sunken stone slabs with clean cuts.
Clang!!
With another dull reverberation, both Mihawk and Sage's bodies retreated, Mihawk leaping back and taking over a dozen steps before stopping. He stared at Sage, who had only retreated three or four steps, narrowing his eyes slightly.
The formidable body technique expert indeed possessed a powerful physique, and his reaction time to the shockwave's aftermath was swift, quickly adjusting his posture in a shorter time than Mihawk.
However, what was unusual was—
"Your tenacity has increased. Is this your plan?"
Mihawk panted slightly, surprised. "Relying on combat to enhance tenacity is indeed a fast method, but it's also extremely dangerous."
He was the world's number one swordsman, willing to nurture excellent swordsmen to challenge him, and in the realm of swordsmanship, no one could surpass him.
His combat perception was also exceptionally strong.
Based on the previous battle, it could be confirmed that this Four Emperor's tenacity strength was—
not particularly high.
Although considered a strong individual on the high seas, Sage's tenacity strength was not outstanding among renowned powerhouses. It was at least one level lower than that of Mihawk and the others.
Although it seemed like Sage was dominating the fight and suppressing Barrett, Barrett's tenacity strength was higher than Sage's. They were on the same level, with some being stronger and others weaker, but not by a significant margin.
Sage's tenacity strength was not as high as expected. He likely belonged to the same category as Crocodile and Hancock, relying on certain advantages and abilities to reach the level of renowned powerhouses.
However, these advantages and abilities seemed exaggerated.
His physique strength was even more formidable than his tenacity, and it could be confirmed that his body technique was undoubtedly the pinnacle on the high seas, deserving of the title 'Unparalleled' that was spread across the vast ocean.
In the realm of body technique, his skills might even surpass his reputation as the world's number one swordsman. In Mihawk's opinion, this guy's body technique was the strongest among all the powerhouses he knew, from decades ago to the present, and it was impossible to surpass.
His abilities were also exceptionally powerful, not just in terms of fully unleashing tenacity and abilities, but also due to his physical prowess.
The most bizarre aspect was his unremarkable tenacity strength. Each strike was delivered with maximum force, drawing on the power of will, which was a consumable that severely drained stamina and physical strength.
Even they couldn't maintain their full power for long.
This guy was different. Every strike was delivered with maximum force, yet his tenacity level never diminished; it remained at a fixed, maximum intensity.
However, Mihawk's previous tenacity strength, honed by his swordsman's edge, could break through a little. In contrast, the recent series of attacks were delivered with full force.
The difference was that Sage had blocked every strike, and not once had Mihawk's blade broken through.
Sage's tenacity level had increased by an entire level.
To achieve this, there was only one method.
Like Sage was doing now, he was forcing himself into life-threatening situations or engaging in fierce battles with formidable opponents to enhance his tenacity.
Willpower, by its very nature, grew stronger with each battle!
"Hahahaha! Dangerous? Did you pick up the title of the world's number one swordsman? Didn't you also defeat numerous swordsmanship experts and earn recognition from those on the high seas?"
Sage gripped the hilt of his sword, and black-red lightning enveloped the blade, accompanied by an incredibly powerful tenacity. Under the influence of Domination Wrap, the Color of Armaments no longer appeared as a 'color' but merged with the lightning. However, the willpower, stronger than ever before, was unmistakable.
"Fierce battles, growing stronger with each clash, fighting to the death! Shedding blood, displaying audacity, and unleashing the high seas' ultimate means, relying on strength—this is what we should be doing!"
Sage's voice thundered like a clap of thunder. "Without fighting, how will the high seas know that I am the true number one in the world?!"
It was a plan, but not quite a plan.
Before encountering these individuals, his original plan was to throw out a lure. With the upcoming World's Top Martial Arts Tournament, he intended to personally test the strength of any promising opponents and see if he could find any pleasant surprises.
If he encountered someone with exceptional strength, he might acquire a valuable asset for his crew. And if they refused to join, a satisfying battle could still enhance his Aura.
His Aura had always been his weakness, as he himself acknowledged. This was also the reason for Lily's concern when she heard that Sage was about to engage in battle with Kaido.
Despite Sage's rapid growth, he still fell short when compared to those who had dominated the Great Sea for decades.
Sage's victory over Big Mom was not solely due to his Aura but also his exceptional Body Technique.
In the Great Sea, strength had its counters.
Sage specialized in countering those with weak Physique or exceptional Physique talents.
Take Red Hair, for example, who possessed formidable Aura but lacked in Physique. When facing someone like Sage, they had less room for error.
No matter how strong one's Aura was, it wouldn't matter if Sage didn't kill them. But if Sage landed a hit, Red Hair wouldn't have the endurance to withstand it.
As for Big Mom, her 'Steel Balloon' reputation was completely ignored by Sage, and the only thing that could rival him was her Aura.
However, Kaido was different. While he had exceptional Physique talents, he was more about his abilities, including his Mythical Beast recovery, powerful Body Technique, and an Aura that seemed no less formidable than Red Hair's.
Whether it was offense or defense, Kaido was the strongest opponent Sage had ever faced, an enemy without any apparent weaknesses!
Sage was confident about facing Kaido, but he wouldn't be arrogant. In battle, strength didn't always guarantee victory.
The 'Full Power' he reserved for Kaido didn't guarantee a win, and he might even have to pay a significant price.
But now that the plan was set, there was no turning back, and hesitation wasn't his style.
Sage never stopped cultivating his Aura.
While he enjoyed his leisure, he knew where his rule was rooted, and indulging in both pleasure and combat was his preference, without conflict.
During his deadly battle with Big Mom, Sage had already made a breakthrough in his Aura, feeling that he was just a step away from reaching a new level.
His original plan was to go directly to the Land of Wonders and engage Kaido in a decisive battle, forcing out that final enhancement through the fight and completing his journey to become a truly flawless power.
But upon arriving at this island, he encountered Barrett, as well as Tig Hu and the Seven Seas Fleet Admiral, especially Eyes of the Eagle.
At that moment, a new plan formed in his mind!
Fight!
Reach the peak state through battles with these renowned warriors, strive for a breakthrough, and then face Kaido, the undisputed ruler of the Great Sea, with no weaknesses!
And then...
Defeat him face-to-face!
"It's done."
Sage waved his curved blade and chuckled softly, "You're all excellent warriors. A fight without holding back is what I need!"
"Even with your enhanced Aura, there's no guarantee of victory."
Mihawk gripped his sword hilt with both hands, crouched, and assumed a charging stance. A smile crept onto his lips, "It's been a long time since I've felt this thrill."
"Of course, just you alone are enough to make me take you seriously."
Sage didn't hold back his praise for Mihawk.
Compared to Kaido, he was more tolerant of other strong opponents.
"But I am now all-around powerful."
Suddenly, he lifted his head, his face contorting, "Let's see what you've got!"
A hole tore through the dark sky, and a massive object with a purple aura descended from above.
The overwhelming pressure it exuded was palpable even from high above.
"Ah!"
Bakki struggled to keep his head from flying off, barely managing to catch it and place it back on his neck. Before he could look around, his mouth hung open in sheer disbelief.
A meteor!
And not just any meteor, but one so massive that its shadow covered the entire island. At least half the size of the island, the giant meteor was rapidly approaching from above.
This attack was even harder to dodge than Sage's previous one!
"Here it comes, Tig Hu!"
Sage's hand moved, and the pirate's curved blade transformed back into a golden armguard on his wrist. He stomped his feet on the ground, kicking up a cloud of smoke, and quickly ascended.
"First, witness my ultimate Body Technique, 'Northern Dipper Evil Shears'!"
He held his hands horizontally across his chest, maintaining a loose grip, with one leg bent as he floated upwards, closing in on the falling meteor.
Below the meteor, Sage's figure appeared minuscule, but his aura was far more massive than the meteor itself!
"The application of Aura is also part of it, combined with my Body Technique, it is now one of the strongest moves."
With his hands crossed over his chest, a black-red orb of light formed. As it approached the edge of the meteor, he struck with lightning speed, delivering a powerful blow.
Explosion, penetration, impact, and true damage.
"Great Crimson Flame!!!"
Boom!!!
The air trembled violently, causing the entire island to shake. The island, already somewhat divided at its center, now split into four pieces under the force of this strike.
The arena at the center, the two islands on the left and right surrounded by the Navy, and the upper island occupied by the Catastrophe Fleet, along with the foundation beneath the sea, were all shaken apart by the aftershock of this attack.
The surrounding sea at the island's edge surged with towering waves, pummeling the interior of the island and triggering a tsunami that covered one-third of the island's area. Under this tsunami, the Navy and pirates lingering at the edge were all capsized.
Further out, a massive whirlpool formed, devouring everything in its path.
The power of the Overlord Aura manifested in the sky, capable of altering any sea.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Above, like fireworks, countless fragments fell, and when they hit the seawater, creating huge splashes, it became clear that these were not mere 'fragments' but enormous rocks!
The giant meteor above, cracked from the edge, spreading to the center and then to the back of the meteor.
Black-red flashes of light flickered within the meteor, followed by an explosion, scattering debris in all directions.
The entire meteor was destroyed by Sage's single strike!
"The Great Crimson Flame should hit the meteor, hahahaha!"
Below the 'fireworks,' Sage stood tall, his aura unmatched.
What?
Unrelated to the Supreme Constellation Fist?
In fact, after developing the Aura Bomb, half of his moves had little to do with the Supreme Constellation Fist.
But it's not related to the Hundred Ghosts either, just borrowing the move's name.
After being here for so long, of course, he used whatever names came to mind.
The essence of this move was the combination of his Body Technique and Aura.
Regardless of the move's name, it belonged to Sage's unique style!
"Then, this sword!"
As the meteor shattered, Tig Hu's voice boomed from above. A purple beam of light shot into the broken meteor, and with a reverse grip on his blade, he surged towards Sage.
The meteor was pulled down by his ability, and this sword strike was the follow-up move.
When facing a Four Emperor, he wouldn't be so careless!
"Gravity Blade - Meteor Descend!!!"
This move demonstrated his ability and the attachment of Aura, making it even heavier and sharper than the summoned meteor. It could easily slice the island in half, causing it to sink completely into the sea, and even the seawater erupted, forming a deep abyss that lasted for an extended period.
However, in that instant, Sage raised his eyes to look at Tig Hu, and with one hand, he struck out. Simultaneously, the golden armguard transformed into a pirate's curved blade, clashing with Tig Hu's staff-sword.
Boom!!
A massive shockwave rippled through the air, and under its force, Tig Hu, bearing the weight of extreme gravity, stood firm, showing no signs of gravitational influence!
No.
Sage forcefully blocked him!
"I not only know how to layer moves, I have other tricks too!"
Sage grinned at Tig Hu, and with the Momo Fruit's multiplier, the force he unleashed was no weaker than the impact of the sword strike. At that moment, his other hand extended, summoning a beam of lightning.
"Thunder Control!!!"
A thick pillar of lightning struck Tig Hu, engulfing him.
Sage's curved blade merged with the lightning, and with a sizzling sound, it slashed through Tig Hu's figure, sending him flying with tremendous force.
As he flew, a spray of blood erupted in the air, revealing a gaping wound from Tig Hu's shoulder to his waist.
"And then..."
Without glancing at the falling Tig Hu, Sage turned downward, his blade igniting with flames.
His cape fluttered, and the thunderclouds rose, rumbling in the sky.
The beads around his neck also ignited, contrasting with the flames on his blade.
"It's the power of the elements!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
