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"Haha~ha~~~"
During the battle, Gambi gave off a nearly insane aura. This frenzied fighting state was nothing like the calm and steady swordsman of a year ago. With every swing of his broadsword, his wild laughter echoed out—surprising even Ace, who hadn't realized Gambi had also mastered Armament Haki.
Neither Gambi nor Vergo possessed Devil Fruit abilities, making their battle a pure clash of physical prowess, swordsmanship, and Haki. Although Gambi's Armament Haki was clearly weaker, his overwhelming raw power made up for it. And as his manic laughter grew louder, Gambi was able to fight Vergo to a standstill.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The broadsword in Gambi's hands danced wildly as he clashed against Vergo's Bamboo Staff, wrapped in black Haki. At times, Vergo was even pushed back by Gambi's relentless assault.
"Shigan (Finger Pistol)!"
With a snap, Vergo found an opening and thrust his finger forward, piercing Gambi's shoulder. But the wound only seemed to fuel Gambi's madness. Instead of pain, his eyes shone with greater excitement.
"Slash!"
A violent shockwave burst from Gambi's sword, slicing toward Vergo.
"Geppō (Moonwalk)!"
Vergo leapt high into the air, stepping on the sky itself. He took a deep breath, raised his bamboo staff to his lips, and blew sharply. The staff ballooned unnaturally.
"Air Cannon!"
Bang!
Compressed air blasted out like an invisible projectile, screaming toward Gambi.
"Slash!"
Gambi met the attack with a Haki-infused sword swing, splitting the air cannon in two. He kicked off the ground and soared upward—appearing before Vergo mid-air with his blade raised.
"He's fast!"
Vergo's eyes widened as Gambi's sword came crashing down.
"Tekkai (Iron Body) — Armament Mode!"
Vergo crossed his arms in defense, coated them with Armament Haki, and took the hit. The raw power of the strike drove him down, slamming him into the earth below.
"Haaaah! Chopping Wave Barrage!"
Gambi roared in laughter and unleashed a storm of slashes downward, targeting Vergo's landing point. Smoke and debris rose in a cloud.
"Rankyaku (Tempest Kick)!"
A sharp blue blade of air cut through the smoke, headed straight for Gambi. He blocked it with his sword, but Vergo's figure followed closely behind.
Boom!
A sudden punch slammed into Gambi's abdomen, sending him flying.
Yet before the dust settled, Gambi was already back on his feet. He dashed forward with reckless abandon, bringing his sword down hard.
Crack!
Vergo raised his hand and grabbed Gambi's broadsword mid-swing.
"Your power, speed, and rhythm have all been exposed," Vergo said coldly. "This ends now."
He coated his bamboo staff in advanced Haki, twisted it rapidly in his hand, and struck:
"Demon Bamboo — Whirlwind Strike!"
Boom!
The high-speed impact struck Gambi's chest like a hammer, cracking his ribcage and shredding his clothes.
"Whirlwind Barrage!"
Vergo struck again and again. Each hit sent shockwaves through Gambi's body. Blood spewed from his mouth. Yet instead of falling, Gambi laughed louder.
"Hahahaha! HAAHAHAHA!"
Scarlet light flickered in his eyes. He grabbed Vergo's wrist, pulled himself forward, and smashed his forehead into Vergo's nose.
Crack!
Blood poured from Vergo's nose and mouth.
"You're... insane!" Vergo muttered, taking a cautious step back.
Something was different now—Gambi's power was increasing. His strikes were faster, heavier. Even his Haki had grown more potent.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The two clashed again in a blur of steel and sparks. Vergo's precise Six Powers techniques met Gambi's wild, explosive slashes. Every time Vergo landed a blow, Gambi would laugh—feeding on the pain to fight harder.
As the fight dragged on, both men became increasingly battered. Gambi's body was a canvas of wounds, and his upper torso was covered in deep fist dents. Vergo, while still composed, had blood trickling from his arms and face.
"I see now..." Vergo adjusted his sunglasses, his voice calm again. "You've abandoned reason to break your limits. You've dulled your pain. So this is the madness behind the title... 'Crazy Swordsman'."
He exhaled—and with that breath, an enormous wave of invisible pressure radiated from his body.
Buzz...
A full-body coating of Armament Haki spread across Vergo like a living armor. It shimmered black in the sunlight, exuding raw intimidation.
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