In terms of strength, Diamond Jozu definitely belonged to the first echelon of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Among his crewmates, only a few like Marco could be considered his equals. The other division commanders were not on his level at all. After all, during the Summit War, Jozu had even managed to exchange blows with a Marine Admiral—proof of his extraordinary power.
But the opponent Jozu now faced was no ordinary old man.
No, standing before him was an "old monster" whose terrifying aura ran bone-deep.
Whether it was martial skill, combat experience, or reaction speed, Bang (Silver Fang) crushed Jozu in every respect. The difference between them was enormous.
Fortunately, Jozu possessed the powers of the Diamond-Diamond Fruit, which granted him a body as hard as the toughest mineral. Without that ability bolstering his defense, he would have already fallen under Bang's relentless assault.
Even so, after an hour-long battle, Jozu's stamina was nearly drained.
His body was struggling to hold together, and though he still stood tall, he knew it was only a matter of time before he collapsed.
From a distance, others might mistakenly believe that Jozu still had strength left, that he could hold on longer. But Jozu himself knew the truth better than anyone—his Haki was nearly depleted, and his arms felt like lead.
How could he possibly continue fighting an opponent like this?
He clenched his fists, despair weighing on his chest.
How is he supposed to fight?
No matter what he did, he couldn't win.
"Father… are you from the Rocks generation?" Jozu suddenly asked, his voice heavy.
"Otherwise, how is it that I've never heard of someone like you?"
It didn't make sense. A warrior this powerful should have been a household name, not an unknown who had suddenly appeared in the world as part of the Kamui Pirates.
The mystery was unsettling.
Bang squinted, his expression unreadable.
"If you're willing to leave the Whitebeard Pirates and join us… then perhaps this old man might tell you everything."
"After all," Bang added with a calm smile, "I treat my own people very well."
Jozu spat in disdain.
"Don't flatter yourself. I'll never betray my father to join Kronos. Only a fool would agree to such a thing!"
Bang sighed and shook his head slowly.
"A pity. A talent like you is worthy of being on our side.
But since you refuse… then that makes you our enemy. And I do not hold back against enemies."
His eyes sharpened like blades.
"Are you ready to die?"
Every word dripped with killing intent. Jozu, though a battle-hardened warrior himself, felt cold sweat running down his forehead.
Clenching his jaw, he roared and pushed his Devil Fruit to its absolute limit.
His entire body gleamed with the brilliance of flawless diamond.
"All my power… for defense!"
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