Free Web NovelChapter 44: Chapter 44
Chapter 44
"Barrier!"
Karina immediately raised a massive shield in front of them.
The sand blade slammed into the barrier and instantly turned back into sand, unable to leave even a scratch.
"Hmph, not bad. But if you think this is enough to kill me, you’re way too early," Crocodile sneered.
"Sandstorm!"
After reforming his arms, Crocodile created a small sand tornado in his hand and hurled it toward Karina.
"Hey, are you trying to destroy your own casino? You still have so many subordinates lying on the ground," Rorschach said, releasing Reiju from his arms. She leaped away as he drew his twin blades and sent out two sword waves that tore through the sandstorm.
"These useless subordinates can be replaced," Crocodile replied coldly. He sensed something different about the incoming sword waves and chose not to elementalize. Instead, he blocked them with his golden hook.
"External release of Armament Haki? Looks like I underestimated you. Not only have you mastered Conqueror’s Haki, but you’ve also reached the advanced applications of Armament Haki."
"You don’t seem like a rookie who just entered the Grand Line," Crocodile said, frowning at the marks on his hook.
"Hehe, there’s no rule saying a new rookie can’t know Haki," Rorschach laughed. "In my opinion, those who set sail before mastering the basics are basically asking to die."
Crocodile’s face darkened. He now understood that Rorschach knew exactly what he was after and what his plan for this country was.
That meant he absolutely couldn’t let him leave alive.
"Hmph. I don’t know where you got your information, but I can’t let you leave here alive now," Crocodile said, his expression turning vicious as he exhaled a puff of smoke.
He began forming an even larger sand tornado in his hands.
"Take this!"
"Heavy Sandstorm!"
He threw the tornado forward. The entire area was instantly engulfed in swirling yellow sand, even blocking out the sun. The scene looked like the end of the world.
"Desert Diamond Sword!"
In this sandstorm, Crocodile held absolute advantage. This was the source of his confidence. Few people could fight him effectively here, let alone a rookie who had just entered the Grand Line.
Rorschach’s Observation Haki immediately sensed the direction of the attack. He casually swung his blade and sent out a slash wave.
"Slash Wave!"
The sword wave collided with the sand, creating a hurricane that scattered the sandstorm.
Following the direction sensed by his Haki, Rorschach used Shave to instantly close the distance.
Crocodile saw Rorschach suddenly appear in front of him and gritted his teeth. He swung his golden hook downward.
Clang— Clang—
In an instant, the two clashed more than a dozen times.
Rorschach used the sword techniques Shiki had taught him, skillfully aiming at every vital point on Crocodile.
Crocodile relied on his rich combat experience to elementalize in advance, dodging some of Rorschach’s attacks. For those he couldn’t dodge, he blocked with his golden hook.
But the continuous barrage of slashes forced him to keep turning into sand and defending.
If this had been the original Crocodile, he would have lost long ago.
It was precisely because Rorschach’s Haki made him cautious that he didn’t underestimate his opponent like in the original story. He gradually began recalling his old fighting instincts during the battle.
His responses to the sword waves became smoother and more effective.
He had now evolved to 1.5-version Crocodile.
BOOM—
As the fight grew more intense, the aftershocks became larger and larger.
After a massive explosion, sand and dust flew everywhere, making the battlefield hard to see.
The center of the fight had also caved in deeply.
At the edge of the battlefield, the girls were watching the center.
"What terrifying power... Is this kind of disaster-like strength really something humans can achieve?" Nico Robin muttered with a dark expression.
"Hehe, there are countless monsters in the Grand Line, but these two are among those standing at the very top."
"Captain Rorschach still hasn’t used his full strength. He’s enjoying the thrill of battle," Reiju said with a smile as she looked at Robin beside her. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
In her view, Robin joining the crew was already set in stone.
Since Rorschach had already declared he wanted her, he would never let her go.
Especially a beauty with such personality — Rorschach definitely wouldn’t release her. She knew exactly how she herself had been brought aboard.
"Still... hasn’t used full strength?" Robin’s pupils widened in disbelief.
In her eyes, this level of battle wasn’t even at full power?
Recalling her previous provocations and what Rorschach had said to her, she broke out in a cold sweat.
Good thing she hadn’t actually attacked his crew back then. Otherwise, there was no way her strength could have escaped this man.
Of course, Robin didn’t know that even if she had attacked, she couldn’t have hurt Karina. Karina’s physical strength had already surpassed the power of the flower arms her fruit created. There was no way she could break Karina’s joints.
"How about it? Are you starting to worry that if your boss loses, you’ll be killed? Don’t worry. Since Rorschach said he wants you on the ship, he won’t kill you," Nami said with a smile, thinking Robin was scared.
"Hehe, if Rorschach really defeats President Crocodile, joining your ship would undoubtedly be the better choice."
"I can even tell you where all of Crocodile’s treasures are," Robin replied with a smile.
If what Nami said was true and Rorschach still hadn’t used his full power, then Crocodile, who was barely holding on right now, had no chance of winning.
In that case, joining Rorschach’s ship wouldn’t be bad — as long as she could fulfill her dream.
"Crocodile’s treasures? Great! I approve of you now," Nami said happily upon hearing about the money. She began to seriously consider Robin as a potential crewmate.
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