Chapter 55: Chapter 55: The Barrier Begins to Dissipate
Shiro's Strong Performance
The intense battle forced Admiral Akainu to take things seriously. His expression was filled with trepidation, a few beads of cold sweat trickling down his forehead. As one of the most iron-blooded existences among Navy Admirals, there were few things in this sea that could make Akainu feel uneasy.
Before today, despite Shiro's terrifying potential, it was still just potential, and Akainu had not been afraid. But now, things had changed.
Shiro's sheer display of power was overwhelming. He wielded at least three terrifying Devil Fruit abilities! Could it be that he consumed three Devil Fruits himself? That should be impossible! Yet, aside from these abilities, Shiro also demonstrated exceptional swordsmanship and an incredibly strong Haki.
Although Akainu was full of doubts, his fear of Shiro remained. His initial goal of "eliminating Shiro today" was now wavering. The Shiro standing before him seemed to have surpassed the level that Akainu could handle with ease.
Damn it! Kuzan and Borsalino! If these two hadn't been derelict in their duties, Shiro would have been eliminated during the Celestial Dragon incident! There wouldn't be so much trouble now! They had even claimed that the former Rear Admiral Shiro must be either dead or gravely injured!
But now, it's clear that the World Government and Navy Headquarters had been utterly humiliated! Their reputation was in tatters!
If this war ended with the Whitebeard Pirates' victory due to Shiro's interference, it would be a great disgrace to the name of justice!
"Shiro, no matter what kind of power you've obtained, this old man won't let you go today. Justice will not be dishonored!"
The Navy's Admiral Akainu didn't hesitate. His two arms transformed into billowing lava, surging toward Shiro! In an instant, there was a flash of lightning, and Shiro's figure disappeared. His voice echoed from behind Akainu.
"Stop talking. If you're really that powerful, why waste time with words? Just kill me. Oh, you can't!"
Shiro sneered, a spear of thunder materializing in his hand. The spear, crackling with purplish-red fire, plunged toward Akainu's back!
Boom!
The powerful force exploded on Akainu's back. Although he could resist with elementalization, he still felt the sting of the thunder and the searing heat of the fire.
Shiro's growth was truly terrifying! Before the Celestial Dragon incident, Shiro's strength couldn't compare with an Admiral's. But now, he held the advantage in this skirmish, whereas Akainu seemed to struggle, reacting slowly and taking damage.
"Such a pity!"
Seeing his attack not yielding the desired result, Shiro felt a tinge of regret. If only he could further master the abilities of the seven elements. He could then gain the upper hand in his duel with Akainu.
He even had a vision: if he could develop his water element ability further, could he manipulate or even transform into seawater? If so, he would have an absolute advantage over Devil Fruit users!
However, Shiro knew such a bug-like ability was unlikely, as it would make him the nemesis of most Devil Fruit users!
"Shiro, don't get too cocky! Admirals aren't as simple as you think. My strength is beyond your understanding!"
Admiral Akainu turned to face Shiro once more. He realized that if he couldn't confine Shiro's movements, the latter would hold a huge advantage in this battle. After all, Akainu didn't possess the same speed as Kizaru. Approaching Shiro would be difficult, so he needed a strategy!
As Akainu's voice trailed off, his lower body turned into rolling magma, expanding rapidly. Soon, the lava surged within the magma barrier, engulfing Shiro's position.
With no other choice, Shiro used his thunder abilities and Geppo to suspend himself in the air. But Akainu, standing atop the lava, rose with endless magma, attacking him again! This time, Akainu not only used his Devil Fruit powers but also infused his attacks with powerful Armament Haki and Observation Haki, treating Shiro as a true enemy.
On the other hand, Shiro couldn't afford to be careless. Akainu was relentless, and as the future victor of the battle for the position of Fleet Admiral, defeating Aokiji made Akainu even more formidable.
Letting his guard down now would be suicidal. However, Shiro knew Akainu wouldn't go all out from the start. There were still other powerful figures on the battlefield, such as Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world.
This was Shiro's great opportunity to seize the advantage. Killing Akainu outright wasn't realistic, but teaching him a lesson and completing his mission was Shiro's true goal. Only three rounds remained, and Shiro planned to strike when the magma barrier dissipated, gaining a momentary advantage over Akainu!
With this thought in mind, Shiro used his fire and thunder abilities against Akainu. In the shadows, he activated his wind, wood, and earth abilities, waiting for the perfect moment. The battlefield Akainu chose was on the ground, but his magma would melt the ice in an instant.
Just when Akainu gained a slight advantage and prepared to attack again, Shiro's counterattack began!
At that moment, the ground beneath them suddenly rose. Countless vines, wrapped in purple flames, rushed towards Akainu. Surprised, Akainu tried to retreat, but the surrounding wind shifted into a vortex tornado, disrupting his movements!
Marinford Battlefield
Outside the lava barrier, two of the top beauties in the world, Hebihime-sama and Vice Admiral Momousagi, waited anxiously. Their eyes constantly monitored the powerful fluctuations of abilities emerging from the barrier, using their Observation Haki to detect the situation inside.
But the explosive movements inside made it impossible to discern anything! Hebihime-sama could barely contain her urge to rush into the lava, risking serious injury to support Shiro. But every time she recalled Shiro's firm instructions, she forced herself to stay put.
Shiro's mere voice had left her weak in the knees!
Besides the Admiral candidate Momousagi and the Pirate Empress, many other pirates and Navy personnel kept a close watch on the lava barrier. Few even noticed that Straw Hat Luffy had already reached the vicinity of the execution platform!
No one could tear their eyes away from the duel between Shiro, the Navy traitor, and Admiral Akainu, the most ruthless figures in the Navy!
Of course, almost everyone was sweating nervously for Shiro. After all, he was facing Akainu, the most unyielding of the three Admirals!
Finally, the moment they had been waiting for arrived. The lava barrier began to dissipate rapidly!
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