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Chapter 15 - Breakthrough!

Although his opponent went all out right from the start, catching Ian a little off guard, Ian didn't say anything more.

Bathed in the afterglow, he was completely absorbed in the battle. This was, after all, the first time in years he had fought against someone so much stronger than himself.

Strong!

So incredibly strong!

It made his blood boil.

At this moment, immersed in the battle, he held nothing back, unleashing the strength honed over nearly 20 years.

He relied neither on systems nor on devil fruits, but rather on the strength he had diligently trained day and night.

Perhaps he hadn't reached the extreme levels like someone who pushed himself 200-fold, but Ian, too, had once given his all, striving to make it into the final saga within two and a half years.

With Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and an axe in hand, facing the Marine Headquarters' strongest force, Ian unleashed every ounce of his might at this moment. His shirtless upper body, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, trembled with every movement of Ian's muscles, as if coated in a layer of golden armor.

Unconsciously, he seemed to forget everything that had just happened and savored the sheer thrill of battle.

Kuzan also sensed Ian's change, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.

From initial helplessness, to fighting with all his might, to now… This kid was enjoying the battle!

He seemed to understand why Captain Enchi, the 315th Branch's base commander, felt sorry for this kid's early retirement.

Perhaps this kid was still very immature, and even his claim of chopping down Sakazuki with a single chop was laughable, but it was undeniable that this kid was truly a genius.

He's a rare talent.

He had learned the Iron Body, Finger Gun, and Tempest Kick from the previous and current 315th Branch base commanders, and had even independently mastered Armament Haki and Observation Haki while honing his axe skills to this level. 

Remember, that's just within the Branch!

Even though the West Blue branch's overall combat strength isn't weak due to various reasons, it's still undeniable that this kid has been able to train to this level within a mere branch. He's truly an astonishing talent.

If he joins Marine Headquarters, in a few years, he might even become an Admiral Candidate.

Especially after consuming the Light-Light Fruit, this kid has surpassed his own limits: his strength, speed, and stamina have all been enhanced!

Remember that Light-Light Fruit isn't very powerful. 

Zoan-type Devil Fruits can also enhance physical qualities, including strength, speed, and recovery, but these effects are permanent, while the Light-Light Fruit's effects only take effect during the day.

Additionally, Zoan-type Devil Fruits possess three transformations: Human form, Human-Beast Form, and full Beast Form.

Once transformed into either Human-Beast Form or full Beast Form, they acquire animal-like horns, teeth, claws, fur, or tail, while all body parts are strengthened. 

This is why the Zoan-type Devil Fruit is the strongest in both close combat and physical combat.

The Light-Light Fruit didn't have those advantages.

What the Light-Light Fruit has, the Zoan-type also has, and what the Zoan-type has, the Light-Light Fruit lacks.

The Light-Light Fruit is incredibly pure.

But it must be said, this Devil Fruit truly suits this kid!

Watching Ian quickly master the Light-Light Fruit and masterfully utilize his enhanced body, Kuzan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

But… He still has to get beaten!

"Ice Block: Pheasant Beak."

With Kuzan's lazy voice, a massive wave of ice in the shape of a pheasant flew towards Ian, freezing everything in its path.

At this moment, the entire back mountain was engulfed in an Ice Age. Frigid winds and solid ice formed a net, blocking Ian in every direction, preventing him from dodging.

The cold was so terrifyingly sharp that even Ian felt it pierce his bones, as though his very blood was freezing solid.

Had he not consumed the Light-Light Fruit and basked in the warm afterglow, he might have been frozen solid by now.

Kuzan's ability could even freeze the world's strongest man, Edward Newgate.

Thus, Ian has no doubt that his current body could not withstand the utterly terrifying cold.

As for why he was able to block it now, it wasn't just due to the afterglow, but also because the other party had let him off the hook.

But Ian ignored it. He remained immersed in the battle, wielding his one-handed axe to pierce any attack.

The axe, radiating with the afterglow, slices apart the incoming massive wave of ice in the shape of a pheasant.

With a hissing sound, the terrifying, massive ice pheasant was cleaved in two, scattering past him into countless ice shards.

Feeling the changes in his body, Ian raised his head and glanced at the setting sun. He knew… It was getting late.

Thinking of this, he didn't hesitate. Holding his one-handed axe in his right hand, he looked across at Kuzan and said calmly: "One last move. Do you dare take it?"

As soon as Ian finished speaking, without waiting for the other party to say anything, Ian spread his legs and stood still. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

The right side of his upper body and waist twisted backward to the right with an indescribable intensity.

At that moment, countless rays of light enveloped Ian's body, especially the falling afterglow… As if he had truly absorbed it, even the one-handed axe in his hand was coated in a golden glow.

Kuzan watched Ian with interest, as if he knew what move this boy was going to use.

Or perhaps, according to his research, this boy… Had only learned this one move in nearly twenty years. 

The rest of the time, he basically just swung his one-handed axe to kill his opponent. 

However, this move was somewhat different from the two he had seen previously.

Armament Haki and the setting sun's radiance wrapped around the axe.

Could this be the full form of this move?

To be honest, he was a little curious.

Could this axe really cut Sakazuki in half?

And Ian, on the other side, didn't let him wait long.

With the aid of the sunlight, Ian rapidly gathered strength, even surpassing his previous limits, reaching the very limits of his current capabilities.

Just as the sun completely set and the last rays of light faded…

His tightly closed eyes slowly opened.

"Afterglow: Particle Slash!"

As Ian's cold voice fell, his body, previously twisted into an unimaginable state, instantly recovered, and he swung his right hand, which had been extended backward, forward.

He swung with all his might.

Just as the one-handed axe pointed at Kuzan, a terrifying flying slash erupted from it.

Unlike the previous flying slash, this one was a golden one.

Even more massive and powerful than before, the flying slash struck Kuzan, melting the ice and dispelling the freezing winds. It was as if a faint ray of sunlight had brought a touch of warmth to the frigid Ice Age.

Instantly, it shattered Kuzan's frozen domain, stirring up clouds of mist.

Boom!

Watching this move, Ian, who has been exhausted, revealed a look of satisfaction.

If this move had been used back then… It would have been enough to completely cleave the entire ship.

Even though he had exhausted all his strength, there was no doubt that he had finally taken a step toward becoming a great swordsman.

However, in the blink of an eye, a lazy voice echoed: "That was a good strike."

With those words, another wave of frost swept through the surroundings, instantly turning the rising steam back to freezing point.

Ian looked at Kuzan, who emerged from the ice. His once smiling face froze again, and he sighed helplessly: "It seems it's not enough! Whatever."

Wearily, he dropped his one-handed axe and sat down. 

With a lost tone, he said: "You win."

No more fighting!

Let it end like this!

He had already surrendered. After a few casual words from Kuzan, he could probably go home and eat.

Just as Ian was waiting for Kuzan's approval and a quick departure, something unexpected happened.

"Of course, I will win."

Kuzan nodded matter-of-factly. But then his tone shifted, the laziness turning into icy menace. "Now, what punishment should you face? Not only did you steal from a Marine's Admiral, but you also attacked one. Retired Lieutenant... Now you'll taste the wrath of a Marine Admiral."

Ian: "...?"

Before Ian could say anything, he was stunned. 

"Ice Glove."

A fist covered in solid, thick ice instantly smashed into Ian's face.

Ian: "..."

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