A powerful resonance swept through the Whitebeard Pirates' territory, far different from the previous transmission. This time, the sound itself carried Conqueror's Haki. Invisible and penetrating, the vibrations transformed the voice into a tangible attack.
The pirates, deep in sleep, suddenly felt dizzy and disoriented, as if struck by an invisible hammer. Many scrambled to put on their shoes, yet it felt as if immense weights pressed down on their bodies, leaving them stiff and trembling.
Atmos the Water Buffalo, relying on his formidable physique, managed to stand, his expression puzzled.
"This sound… it's… unsettling. And the speaker claims to be Imu… could it be true?" He paused, glancing around. "Also… it feels like I've been hit by Conqueror's Haki!"
The others, mostly sober, nodded or stumbled similarly, stunned by the sheer intensity of the attack.
In his dormitory, Ashveil stirred, awakened by the voice. He rarely narrowed his eyes, yet now they glimmered with solemn focus.
"This technique… Overlord Conqueror's Haki. It requires extreme precision and power to wield. I only recently learned it myself…" He paused, assessing the situation. "If that's the case, there is no doubt—the person who arrived is Imu."
With a single glance, Ashveil estimated the strength of his opponent. There was no question that this entity's power surpassed even that of the Sword Saint. Ordinary fighters could be fatally harmed by such an attack.
Swiftly, Ashveil deployed his Golden Conqueror's Haki, forming a protective wall that completely isolated the Whitebeard Pirates from the external sound waves. A radiant barrier rose, blocking the invasive vibrations.
Imu's expression remained unbothered. Her purpose was not to eliminate these low-ranking pirates, but to confront Ashveil himself. The emergence of his Golden Conqueror's Haki wall confirmed that he had noticed her presence and was ready.
As expected, Ashveil levitated, employing the same Overlord Conqueror's Haki technique, matching Imu's height in the sky.
The Whitebeard Pirates' lower ranks emerged from their dormitories, dazed and staring at the figures above.
"Is that… Imu? Did that attack just now come from them?"
"I didn't expect Imu to appear so directly. I thought they would remain hidden, scheming, yet here they are, confronting us openly!"
The pirates' morale soared, reinforced by Ashveil's repeated victories. Many were confident that he could overcome Imu.
Yet the veterans—Whitebeard Edward Newgate, Golden Lion Shiki, and Hawkeye Mihawk—remained grave, faces etched with concern. Even through the brief interaction, the sheer force of Imu's presence sent chills down their spines. Her Conqueror's Haki subtly pressed down on Ashveil, signaling the incomprehensible scale of her power.
A tense silence blanketed the Whitebeard Pirates' area. Even the captives were on edge, aware that their fates were entwined with the outcome. Some, still loyal to the Celestial Dragons' influence, quietly wished Imu would prevail.
Bickley the Sword Saint, his swollen face comically pronounced, shouted eagerly below.
"Imu-sama! Avenge me! Destroy that brat, Ashveil!"
Imu's cold gaze swept over him, her dark golden eyes piercing and unyielding.
"Silence, you useless wretch! You have disgraced me! I even granted you the gift of immortality, yet you failed to even handle a mere boy!"
Bickley lowered his head instantly, trembling. Despite his noble status, before Imu he was nothing. Her wrath could annihilate him without hesitation. Memories of countless clansmen executed under her judgment filled him with dread. He covered his mouth, no longer daring to speak.
Saint Mars, observing the scene, quickly stifled his own words, sensing the danger of misstep.
In the sky, Ashveil and Imu locked eyes. The chill in Imu's gaze radiated lethal intent. Her lips curled slightly, and her voice, rich and commanding, echoed once more.
"Hmph hmph hmph. Impressive… to form such a massive Golden Conqueror's Haki wall with a mere flick of your hand."
Ashveil, calm and composed, leaned forward slightly, mimicking her tone.
"Your technique is formidable as well, Imu. To infuse sound with Conqueror's Haki and inflict damage… clever."
His eyes narrowed, assessing, calculating.