Under the gaze of all present, a curtain of purple flames descended from the sky, instantly engulfing the three ancient robots that were sprinting across the battlefield.
The extreme heat, far surpassing ordinary flames, caused the seawater to evaporate instantly, forming large clouds of white steam. Even the steel bodies of the ancient robots couldn't withstand such intense temperatures. In mere moments, they melted into pools of glowing red molten iron within the raging purple flames.
As the fire dissipated, the three ancient robots were completely incinerated. Witnessing this, the Marines aboard the warship erupted into cheers.
"Admiral Hakutsuru!!"
Lucia brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, spread her wings, and transformed into a streak of purple light, returning to the deck.
Under the watchful eyes of the Marine guards, Lucia approached Carl and spoke softly, "Young Master, the enemy has been completely eliminated."
Carl smiled faintly and replied, "You did well, Lucia."
Saying this, Carl gazed down at the now tranquil sea and said calmly, "Joy Boy, how long do you plan to keep hiding?"
Lucia, standing beside him, added, "Young Master, I will have all the Fish-Man soldiers continue their underwater search. If Joy Boy is lurking beneath the waves, we will surely find him."
Carl nodded and then turned away, saying, "Alright, Lucia, let's return to Mary Geoise."
"Yes, Young Master."
...
Figarland Family Estate, Training Hall
"Mero Mero Gust!"
"Mero Mero Gust!"
Two heart-shaped beams of pink light clashed in midair, creating a series of soft popping sounds before two figures intertwined in combat.
"Perfume Femur!"
"Perfume Femur!"
Boa Hancock and S-Snake mirrored each other's high kicks, their legs colliding with force. A faint petrification effect spread across their skin where they made contact.
Swish!
The two women simultaneously leaped back, landing on opposite sides of the training ground.
Hancock glanced at the partially petrified skin on her leg. With a gentle stroke of her hand, a pink light shimmered, restoring her skin to normal.
S-Snake did the same, successfully dispelling the petrification on her own leg.
Since both possessed the same Devil Fruit abilities, they could counteract each other's effects without relying on Haki.
Watching from the sidelines were Monet and the others, including Robin and S-Robin. Unlike the fierce battle unfolding before them, these two appeared much more relaxed, sipping tea as they observed the match.
In truth, there was no real conflict between Hancock and S-Snake. Their fight stemmed purely from their competitive nature—a clash of pride and strength.
After their initial exchange, both acknowledged each other's power.
S-Snake locked her gaze on Hancock, the flames behind her flickering before vanishing. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared, leaving behind a few afterimages.
Hancock's eyes narrowed. Her Observation Haki warned her just in time, prompting her to raise her arms in defense.
In that instant, S-Snake reappeared before her, her fist—wreathed in flames—slamming against Hancock's crossed arms, sending her flying backward.
Midair, Hancock twisted her body, planting her hands on the ground and flipping multiple times before landing in a half-crouch. The slit in her purple cheongsam fluttered open, revealing her snow-white legs.
S-Snake gave her no time to recover. In mere moments, energy had already gathered in her palm—a blinding laser beam shot forth.
Boom!
A massive explosion erupted amidst golden light. S-Snake watched the billowing smoke with an impassive expression, as cold and mechanical as a lifeless automaton.
Robin, witnessing this, turned to S-Robin and asked, "Little S-Robin, can you do that too?"
She was referring to S-Snake's laser attack, which had genuinely shocked her. Even Monet and the others looked surprised.
After all, that laser bore a striking resemblance to the abilities of Admiral Borsalino. Seeing S-Snake use it so effortlessly was unsettling.
S-Robin casually twirled her teacup and extended her palm, revealing a golden energy sphere.
"Of course I can. But I don't like using it—it's too noisy."
Her small face scrunched up in distaste before she mimicked a twisting motion and added,
"If I encounter an enemy, I'd rather just snap their neck."
Robin nodded in agreement. That was indeed her preferred combat method as well.
At that moment, Sugar voiced her concern, "Do you think Boa Hancock will be alright?"
Monet responded, "That level of attack is nothing to Hancock. She's incredibly strong."
As soon as Monet finished speaking, a powerful aura surged forth, dispersing the lingering smoke, revealing Hancock standing tall in the center.
Like a proud peacock, she exuded an overwhelming presence. Conqueror's Haki radiated from her in waves, expanding outward.
Though she had yet to master Conqueror's Haki infusion, Hancock's raw Haki was far superior to that of an ordinary awakened user. The sheer force of it carried a tangible impact.
Feeling the pressure of Hancock's Conqueror's Haki, S-Snake frowned and muttered,
"Tch, Conqueror's Haki, huh..."
As a Seraphim—one of Dr. Vegapunk's ultimate biological weapons—S-Snake was born with unparalleled combat capabilities.
Compared to Hancock, she not only possessed the same Devil Fruit ability but also inherited the Lunarian tribe's innate durability and Admiral Borsalino's laser abilities. On top of that, she had mastered both Armament and Observation Haki within an astonishingly short time.
However, there was one thing she could never replicate—Conqueror's Haki. It was a power that could not be artificially created.
Hancock had already deduced that S-Snake lacked this ability. Given her personality, if she had Conqueror's Haki, she would have already used it to challenge Hancock's dominance.
S-Snake flicked a strand of her white hair and charged at Hancock once more.
Having learned from their previous exchange, Hancock was fully prepared. With her Observation Haki honed, she firmly blocked the incoming attack.
Anticipating this, S-Snake immediately switched to a defensive stance. The flames at the back of her neck flared up as she endured Hancock's counterattack with her resilient body.
A sharp gleam flashed in Hancock's eyes. She leaped high into the air and unleashed a powerful kick. Her black high-heeled shoe, lined with red soles, struck S-Snake squarely in the abdomen.
"Grande Perfume Femur!"
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