If it's just a hole, it's really nothing.
The main issue is the explosive damage caused after being hit, which seems to shatter every cell and cause an explosion. Only by reaching this level can one be obliterated.
Even Mihawk cannot withstand the damage from this strike.
Of course, Haki can resist each other, but taking this hit head-on and then using Haki to block will only lead to injury and consumption of Haki. It allows Sage to press the advance in better condition.
No wonder this condensed Haki is extremely quick, with immense power and imposing pressure. Even foreseeing the future, it's hard to make a corresponding move.
Even if a move is made, it plays right into Sage's hands.
He is a complete master of body techniques.
"Sa! Ge!!"
A huge smoke ring opens in the air as Red Hair rushes over, his eyes showing deep crimson, his expression tight with anger. He stands high above Sage, raises his blade with one hand, and cuts down with anger, making the red thunder on the blade even more dazzling.
Clang!!
The Haki-filled hand forcefully blocks the blade, but before the deadlock can set in, Red Hair swiftly retracts the blade and attacks from another direction.
Clang!
Sage raises a leg to block the blade, and Red Hair shifts his stance, continuing to attack.
He doesn't linger in attack; nearly every slash is withdrawn quickly, not allowing Sage a chance to bind his attack, moving agilely like a fish in the sea, though in the air, using Moon Step expertly. Every slash and every step lands on Sage, adjusting position as smoke rings open in the air.
"Oh... the death of your subordinates didn't completely anger you? Still staying calm."
Sage raises a hand to block Red Hair's incoming blade, his fingers tighten instantly, clawing towards Gryphon like an eagle but quickly evaded by Red Hair.
He doesn't even want to engage in a grapple with him.
Firstly, in terms of strength, he completely falls short against Sage.
Secondly...
"You've noticed, haven't you?"
Sage chuckled, "Worthy of being the Four Emperors, it's not an undeserved title. Red Hair, with just one strike, you've noticed the flaw in my move?"
Red Hair just keeps attacking, with no answer to Sage, instead shouting downwards:
"Beckman! Yasopp! Attack! Keep attacking constantly! Do not let this guy pause for more than two seconds!"
"Indeed, even the cooldown time has been found." Sage laughed heartily, "Very good indeed, Red Hair!"
Tenmago's Grand Collapse, or rather, when he puts forth all his strength, the only flaw is the immense power, with all Haki emptied in one go, making his Haki recovery unable to keep up.
It needs at least a two-second pause to recover.
Especially for this extremely compressed Tenmago's Grand Collapse.
Other techniques can control Haki output by reducing power, reaching equilibrium with his abnormal recovery power, allowing for continuous release like ordinary Haki Wave. Sage could wave to his heart's content to see someone grow old.
The Haki used with body techniques, though consuming more, doesn't heavily impact Haki. It mainly uses stamina.
Only this meticulously compressed Tenmago's Grand Collapse requires exerting full strength, and though he can use it freely in every part of the body, it must be full strength.
If the power is reduced, it becomes a normal, penetrating Pokeball Wave.
Only when using full strength, without slackening effort, does it become the Demon-Piercing Light Killing Cannon with super penetrating force, directly obliterating the weak!
No charging needed!
Primarily because Sage cannot charge power.
The so-called charging is just power accumulation, force skill for external power, Haki volume accumulation for internal.
Many need charging because they can't release all Haki at once, needing peculiar ways like charging, warming up, or preparing to try to accumulate Haki to a certain level, hence the concept of charging.
The present swordsmanship top expert, Hawkeye, can't claim he can coil Haki fully at once, then release it.
Even the most skilled at explosive attacks, Kaido, can't do that.
Just like a normal punch, no matter the exertion, angle, torso twist, it won't lead to complete exhaustion in one blow.
There's no concept of collapsing to rest due to a punch.
That's the limit.
Haki coiling can't break it.
In this world, only Sage can accomplish this!
Pinnacle body techniques can instantly concentrate all power, remaining after blocking even the recovery of Haki temporarily with 'Heaven-Breaking Fist,' a technique and danger.
Sage possesses the power of 'instant full strength,' making his techniques remarkably hard to block now.
Red Hair realizes this, aggressively attacking to deplete Sage's Haki.
He knows Sage's peculiarity, his horrifying Haki recovery allows him to release it without reservation.
And that move must be full strength.
It embodies 'extreme' perfection.
But breaking it means not letting Sage maintain full Haki, even slight consumption is imperfection, continually consuming means the recovery can't keep up even with his fast recovery after releasing that move's horror causing Haki recovery to lag behind.
Evidence is Sage's first blocked foot attack, not containing Haki.
It's not unwillingness; Sage has a dark humor but not now.
Just recovery lagging but seizing opportunity so attacking.
The relentless attacking Red Hair emits coldness, "Sage, no, Disaster! My Pirates have been destroyed by you, you must pay, if balance can't hold, then you'll disappear with me in this ocean!"
The undeniable is...
His flourishing Red Fos, along with recruited elite subordinates, are gone.
Even Lucky Roux is gone!
Part of the 'Three Musketeers' trio, a vital support!
"Pirate wars are inherently like this, if your Pirates aren't destroyed, would mine be? I said I'd repay favors!"
Sage punches away Red Hair's blade, grinning fiercely, "Your daughter is the favor! She's still alive, her rescue depends on how quickly I take you all down. Rest assured, I'll erect gravestones, letting you rest in peace. You are a top Joker, but also a top hero. I'll often pay respects!"
No threat whatsoever.
Sage doesn't need to use Uta for threats.
He's sincere, confident in exterminating Red Hair Pirates and saving Uta before she expires.
But that last line is precaution.
Anyway, these guys definitely won't escape this time!
"Troublesome indeed."
Sage keeps attacking Red Hair's blade, evading and repelling Beckman and Yasopp's attacks.
Opposite, they move agilely as eels, really curious about Red Hair's abundant Haki coming with such a technique style.
What's this all about?
Wear out his stamina?
Sage slaps away Red Hair's blade again, suddenly smiles, extends a finger pointing straight at Beckman and Yasopp.
It seems like he's just getting impatient.
"Opportunity! Kamusari!!"
Whoosh!
Emitting red thunder, seeming to tear through air, a stroke of 'Kamusari' suddenly hits Sage, the blade cutting into Sage's waist, deeply embedding and quickly pushing inward.
But after one stroke, Red Hair widens his eyes, seeing no shock or fury in Sage's expression, only a fierce grin of achieving his plan.
The black-red glow on his finger rapidly shifts to his mouth, with a tongue extension shooting out a Spiral Light Beam!