After losing the protection of Conqueror's Haki, the Heavenly King became astonishingly fragile against Ashveil's terrifying spatial pulling power. Even an entity hailed as an impenetrable fortress was rendered insignificant before him.
At the point of impact, space itself began to collapse, forming jagged spatial fissures. From these cracks, strange and ominous powers emerged, hissing and sizzling as they tore through the air.
Currents of wind compressed and twisted violently, some vanishing entirely into the void of another world. Streams of air surged into the emptiness, stirring the world's atmosphere into chaos.
The terrifying pressure agitated the seas, sending monstrous waves surging across the oceans, the splashes so massive that they reshaped coastlines.
Within a radius of one thousand kilometers, buildings collapsed instantly under the impact of the gale-force currents, and even small mountains crumbled to dust.
The Whitebeard Pirates, observing from afar, were stunned into silence. Marco's eyes widened as he scanned the destruction.
"Such terrifying power… it's as if the entire world is trembling. From my Observation Haki, this is definitely Ashveil's doing!"
Edward Newgate stared into the sky in the direction of Ashveil, face grim but filled with awe.
"You're right, Marco. This battle is nearing its conclusion. My sense tells me the final victor will undoubtedly be Ashveil."
Even Marine personnel felt the weight of the event. Sengoku's eyes narrowed, his glasses catching a white glare as he assessed the scene seriously.
"Since the broadcast from Holy Land Mary Geoise, the commotion has been extraordinary. The victor here must be Ashveil."
Vice Admiral Tsuru approached, expression grave but with a faint, approving smile.
"It is fortunate that Ashveil will be the final victor. Otherwise, we would have truly faced extinction. No one could withstand Imu's full wrath."
Meanwhile, Kaido of the Beasts, previously opposed to Ashveil, felt a secret relief.
Big Mom, too, worried, whispered anxiously, "I hope Ashveil prevails."
Kong clenched his fists with determination.
"Ashveil must win!"
On the battlefield, inside Uranus's cockpit, Imu watched helplessly as even the Heavenly King's toughest turrets shattered under Ashveil's devouring spatial power.
Panic overtook her as she realized that continuing the fight would likely drag her into the pitch-black chaos of his space.
Fear of the unknown, fear of death, completely disoriented her.
Residual shockwaves battered her body, causing severe internal injuries.
The once-omnipotent god of the Pirate World now pleaded desperately:
"No more fighting! Spare me! I submit, okay!! I submit goddamnit!! I choose to withdraw!"
Ashveil, slightly taken aback by Imu's pitiful demeanor, shook his head.
Even after centuries of dominance, she still feared death.
To the people witnessing this, the sight of Imu begging like an ant was unthinkable.
"You are not like the Gorosei," Ashveil said coldly, "You are the source of chaos in this world, and I will not spare you."
Imu trembled as Ashveil launched his final attack.
Under the blessing of Conqueror's Haki, the spatial power became even more uncontrollable.
The fissures widened, a terrifying aura rushing toward her.
The glass canopy of her cockpit shattered, and the realization of imminent death set in.
She leaped desperately into the void, screaming, "If I survive, I will have my revenge!"
At that moment, a strange pendulum appeared in the sky, ringing twelve times.
Ashveil detected the anomaly:
"Spatial data error… interdimensional fusion occurred. Space Guardian Battle officially initiated. Only the people of one world can protect their homeland. Duel arena mode activated. The final victor will protect their world."
The system notification chimed:
Congratulations, Host, for defeating Imu, God of the Pirate World. Reward: Infinite Conqueror's Haki.
Ashveil grinned.
Infinite Conqueror's Haki wouldn't make him invincible directly, but with every breath, his Haki grew stronger, doubling daily.
Excitement sparked in him.
Above, an image projected into the sky.
The first challenger from the Other World appeared: Might Guy, the proud azure warrior from the Shinobi World.
He struck an exaggerated pose, his green jumpsuit and quirky "Watermelon Head" hairstyle drawing snickers and disbelief.
From afar, the people of the Red Hair Pirates' territory reacted with disdain.
Kid sneered.
"This is what they call an Other World invasion? An ant dares challenge our world?"
Apoo beat his drums, laughing.
"Pathetic. I can kill him from afar!"
Hawkins, silent, drew his cards and looked increasingly grave.
When he finished, he declared,
"The final victor of this duel may be this Watermelon Head from the Other World."
Shock rippled across the group.
Kid grabbed Hawkins, incredulous.
"You're joking!"
Hawkins shoved him away.
"Do I joke about these things?"
Killer nodded solemnly.
"Hawkins' divination is never wrong."
Even the Red Hair Pirates stared at the sky.
Lucky Roux gnawed his chicken leg incredulously.
"This guy thinks he can challenge our World?"
Yasopp's smile was dismissive, but the unease in the air was undeniable.
From the shadows, Shanks' eyes narrowed.
"Do not judge by appearances, Beckman. These challengers may be stronger than they seem."
Even those who laughed quietly, mocking the new arrivals, felt a twinge of uncertainty.
The Other World's true power was still a mystery.