Yamata no Orochi.
As one of the most powerful Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits, the eight heads of Yamata no Orochi each held unique elemental abilities:
Toxins.
Flames.
Ice.
Wind.
Soundwaves.
Strength.
Defense.
Speed.
Most importantly, these abilities could be freely exchanged among the heads or even combined into one, used simultaneously.
At this moment, Xiaoqi's eight heads acted in unison—some launching elemental bursts, others lunging to attack. Their powers rapidly converged.
"What is this?" Silver Axe's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of Xiaoqi. He hadn't expected a small snake to suddenly appear, nor for it to unleash such an intense aura.
With no time to think, Silver Axe reacted purely on instinct. He swung his axe and redirected his attack to clash with Xiaoqi's.
Boom!
Their powers collided—seemingly evenly matched—yet Silver Axe's eyes narrowed as frost suddenly formed across his axe. His instincts screamed.
If he'd delayed even a second longer, he would've been frozen solid—and that would have left him open to Mio's deadly blow.
The battle would've ended right then and there.
"Xiaoqi, go back to sleep," Mio ordered calmly.
Hiss~
At the sound of her master's voice, Xiaoqi's eight heads merged into one. She flicked her tongue once, curled back around Mio's neck, and slipped into his clothes without protest. She obeyed without question.
Mio then turned back to Silver Axe with a smirk. "Don't worry. I don't mind ganging up on someone when needed, but right now, I just want to see your strength."
"But if you don't show your full power—" Mio's eyes turned sharp, "—you'll soon become a corpse."
Buzz…
Flames and demonic power erupted around Mio. His body was instantly covered in Armament Haki, and the pressure around him intensified.
Then—Mio vanished.
But Silver Axe had been prepared.
The instant Mio disappeared, Silver Axe turned and swung his axe behind him. The killing intent roared as the blade sliced toward Mio's reappearing form.
Yet Mio remained calm.
With a flicker, he disappeared once more—this time appearing on Silver Axe's right flank and launching a devastating punch.
Boom!
The sheer force sent Silver Axe flying through the air. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he crashed into the ground and rolled several times before skidding to a stop.
"Damn this ability…"
Silver Axe pushed himself up, wiped the blood from his lips, and narrowed his eyes. That strange movement—appearing without warning—was incredibly dangerous.
It was almost like teleportation.
If he could only block it once or twice, there was no way to fend off a sustained assault.
He was cornered.
Keep fighting, and he would eventually lose.
But to retreat now… that option was no longer on the table.
While Silver Axe silently weighed his options, Mio smirked mockingly. "What's wrong? Planning to run?"
"Hmph." Silver Axe grunted coldly. He said nothing but adjusted his stance, gripping the massive axe in both hands, muscles bulging.
Then—
Whoosh!
He swung violently, sending a burst of slashing wind forward.
Clang!
Mio raised his right arm. Covered in Armament Haki, his fist blocked the invisible air blade cleanly. Sparks danced off his skin.
"Air blade?" Mio said flatly. "That's useless."
"We'll see."
Silver Axe replied icily and slashed again. This time, a massive arc of force cut through the trees, splitting them effortlessly.
The slash carried real weight. Its destructive force rivaled the techniques of high-tier swordsmen.
But Mio didn't waver.
He clenched his fist, scarlet demon energy surging and wrapping around it. As the slash neared, Mio stepped forward.
Boom!
A massive, crimson force in the shape of a fist exploded from Mio's hand, meeting the air blade head-on and shattering it with brute power.
But Silver Axe had been waiting for that.
His eyes lit up.
This was the opening.
With one foot, he crushed the ground below and launched himself like a cannonball toward Mio. The earth cracked beneath the pressure.
He raised the axe with both hands, his full strength surging.
"Susanoo Slash!!"
His roar echoed across the island.
The pressure alone could rend flesh from bone. The sheer destructive force of this technique could split a small island.
Mio simply smiled. "Impressive… but still not enough."
He didn't dodge.
Instead, he activated his full strength.
"Strength Limit—Burst!"
A massive, scarlet giant formed around him in an instant. Its fists clenched, coated in thick layers of Armament Haki and demonic energy.
Clash!
The axe and the giant's punch met mid-air.
Shockwaves erupted across the island and rippled over the sea, stirring massive waves.
And then—
"Get out!!" Mio roared.
His power exploded again, even stronger than before.
Silver Axe's expression froze in disbelief as his body was blown away again like a ragdoll.
But Mio didn't stop there.
Controlling the massive scarlet giant, he stepped forward and teleported to Silver Axe's trajectory.
The giant raised a colossal fist and struck downward.
Boom!!
The fist slammed into Silver Axe midair, sending him crashing into the earth like a meteor and burying him deep underground.
The battlefield fell silent—for a moment.