The crescent moon hung high over the sea.
Six colossal lion heads materialized in the sky, their presence blotting out the stars. The very sight made hearts tremble across the East Blue.
On the floating island, the Golden Lion Shiki hovered in midair, encircled by the six massive lion heads formed of pure white ice. Each exuded a crushing aura that made the air quake.
A smug grin spread across his face. "Boy, this is where it ends for you."
Across from him, Kaito's eyes gleamed with calm intensity. "Yeah," he said softly, "it's over."
The scarlet tomoe of his Sharingan spun wildly. Azure energy erupted from his body, shooting into the heavens. The air vibrated as an enormous spectral figure took form — first armor, then wings, and finally a towering giant that stood a thousand meters tall.
The Tengu-faced warrior, clad in dark blue armor and holding twin blazing swords, loomed like a god above the battlefield.
Within the forehead of the colossal Susanoo, Ayanami Kaito stood with arms crossed, a faint smirk curling on his lips. "It's time to end this."
A crushing wave of pressure burst from him, sweeping in all directions. The air howled as the very sky trembled.
Hum!
The two auras collided. The resulting shockwave overturned the clouds, splitting the heavens apart.
The dark clouds surrounding the crescent moon were torn to shreds, revealing a field of glittering stars.
Thunderous booms echoed as violent gusts ravaged the floating island below, tearing roofs apart and uprooting trees.
In a distant corridor, Fujitora lifted his head, sensing the clash above. He smiled faintly.
"Such power… To think mere pressure can shake the heavens like that. Looks like our captain's about to finish this."
He rose to his feet, stepped outside, and vanished into the air with a sonic burst.
Above, the might radiating from Kaito's complete-body Susanoo dwarfed even the six colossal lion heads that surrounded Shiki.
If Shiki's pressure was a stream, Kaito's was an ocean — vast, crushing, absolute.
The Golden Lion's confidence faltered. His eyes twitched as he realized the imbalance.
"Damn you!" Shiki roared. "Die, brat!"
He swung both palms downward. The six lion heads roared in unison, their cries shaking the atmosphere. The air froze, snowflakes spiraling in a blizzard that enveloped the entire sky.
Each lion's mane turned to ice, their bodies gleaming under the moonlight. The cold aura pouring from them made the very void shudder.
The lions closed in, surrounding Kaito's Susanoo in a ring.
"Lion Majesty: Earth Coiling!" Shiki bellowed.
The beasts lunged. The world went white.
An explosion tore the heavens apart. Ice spread across the floating island in waves, freezing everything in its path. In mere moments, the entire island became a frozen wasteland.
The shockwave rolled outward like a storm, freezing sea spray midair. Trees shattered like glass. Houses collapsed beneath the weight of the frost.
Shiki threw his head back and laughed madly.
"Jie ha ha ha ha! You're finally dead! To think you could force me to use my ultimate move — you're not dying in vain, boy!"
But then, as his laughter echoed through the icy silence, a shadow loomed above him.
Shiki froze. Slowly, he looked up.
There — unscathed, unyielding — stood Susanoo, its armor gleaming like sapphire fire beneath the moonlight.
Kaito's eyes met his. "There's more you don't understand," he said coldly. "Goodbye, Golden Lion."
He raised one massive sword of blue flame and swung.
Slash!
The air split. Shiki's eyes widened, disbelief etched into his face.
Hot blood burst forth, scattering through the night sky as the legendary pirate was cleaved in two.
Golden Lion Shiki fell from the heavens, his final roar fading into silence.
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I'll be dropping a 50% discount code for my Patreon membership on the 15th, in celebration of the upcoming Christmas season.
The code will be active from that day until the end of the month.
Stay tuned