"You might say that with Armament Haki to resist, plus your strong defense and recovery ability, and the magma's resistance to fire, you can withstand the damage from the Ennetsu Jigoku."
"only."
"Senior, do you know how big this island we're standing on is?"
Rosen abruptly changed the subject, asking Sakazuki a seemingly absurd question.
"It is about 70 square kilometers."
Upon hearing this, Sakazuki, though unsure why Rosen had suddenly asked such a question, still provided an answer.
With his Observation Haki, he couldn't cover the entire island beneath his feet, but because this place wasn't far from G-1 Branch, he knew every island near the naval base he was guarding like the back of his hand.
Because, after becoming the base leader of Grand Line's 1st branch, he had already personally sent people to conduct an on-site survey.
"If these ten pillars of fire were detonated together, they could turn an area with a radius of hundreds of kilometers into scorched earth in an instant."
"Just like the name of this move."
"Ennetsu Jigoku".
As soon as Rosen said this...
call out
Borsalino's entire body radiated golden light, and then, without saying a word, he vanished from the spot in an instant.
Using the speed of light, he instantly dashed off the island and hovered on the sea surface about five kilometers away from the island where Rosen and Sakazuki were.
"This distance should be safe enough."
"Even if Sakazuki remains stubborn, his junior brother will detonate the pillar of fire in a fit of anger, and this is the edge of the explosion zone."
"It's not a big deal."
Borsalino wiped the sweat from his forehead.
He knew Rosen quite well and was aware that his junior always spoke the truth.
Since it was stated that the explosion of ten pillars of fire would turn a radius of hundreds of kilometers into scorched earth, it must be true.
Moreover, Observation Haki doesn't lie.
Having witnessed the power of Ryūjin Jakka's attacks, and considering the sheer size of these ten towering fire pillars, he could roughly estimate the power of this move even just by looking at it and thinking about it.
"Borsalino!"
Sakazuki's eye twitched slightly as he sensed Borsalino's presence disappear from his Observation Haki range.
Just like eating melon seeds, you absolutely mustn't let it get to you.
Given Borsalino's consistently steady approach, he certainly wouldn't be affected by Ryūjin Jakka just because he was watching the match.
After all, he didn't think he had the same kind of tankiness as Sakazuki.
Even if I did, I wouldn't want to suffer Rosen's Ryūjin Jakka combo.
"And now?"
"Senior."
Do you still think you can hold out against me for ten days and ten nights?
Rosen didn't look at Borsalino, who was fleeing at the speed of light, but stared straight at Sakazuki.
Is Admiral Akainu weak?
Not weak.
In terms of overall strength, even if placed on the world's top stage and compared with many other overlords, he would still be a monster in the first tier, even without Conqueror's Haki.
This is true both before and after the Great Pirate Era.
However, this doesn't mean that Sakazuki can make him waste his time.
"..."
At that moment, Sakazuki fell silent.
He really didn't know how to answer.
Before witnessing the Ennetsu Jigoku burst forth and descend upon this island, he could confidently boast that he could spend ten days and ten nights with Rosen.
Even if he was beaten for ten days and ten nights, he could still drag it out for ten days and ten nights before being beaten to death.
But now, even Admiral Akainu couldn't utter those same tough words.
The Ennetsu Jigoku before him, with the heat and fire emanating from the ten towering pillars of fire, made it difficult for him to maintain a tough stance in front of Rosen.
"Yes."
"It really took me a lot of time and effort to talk to you, senior."
"However, it's not because of your Magma-Magma Fruit with the highest peak attack power, nor because of your combat strength that surpasses all three admirals, nor because of your will and Conqueror's Haki, but because of your identity as a Marine, the two words on the back of your clothes, and that you are my senior."
Rosen looked at the silent Sakazuki:
"I did."
"My sword is not meant to strike the Marine."
"And certainly don't try to kill your senior."
As soon as he finished speaking...
Sakazuki, who had kept quiet all this time, was finally moved and completely broke down.
"Why!"
Sakazuki glanced at Rosen, and surprisingly, he sighed, a rare occurrence for someone known for his ruthlessness and dominance.
It wasn't that after witnessing the gap between themselves and Rosen, they felt frustrated and powerless, or indignant and ashamed.
Instead, it was a feeling of relief, recognition, and admiration.
"Although we have only met for the first time and have not spent much time together, I have seen in you a determination to end the Great Pirate Era that is no less than mine, no, even greater than mine, and I have also seen that you have the ability to do so."
"So, when I left G-1 Branch, I had already given up my plan to compete with you for the position of Fleet Admiral."
"It's just like you said at the beginning, I want to try to get to know you and understand you."
Sakazuki shook his head, then frankly told Rosen:
"There's a reason why Borsalino would choose you over me."
"Junior! I am indeed not as good as you."
"In terms of strength, ability, and magnanimity, I am inferior to you."
For the first time ever, he opened his heart to someone and sincerely admitted that he was not as good as Rosen.
If the positions of the two sides are switched.
Sakazuki felt that if he possessed Rosen's strength, he would definitely overwhelm his opponent and every Marine Admiral without hesitation, using his overwhelming Haki and Devil Fruit ability.
Then, at all costs, destroy the Four Emperors and Shichibukai on the high seas and eradicate all evil.
Rosen.
When facing himself, he truly did not turn his sword against the Marine.
His magnanimity and breadth of mind impressed him.
"Some people are born to be kings."
Some people are born to be handsome.
"Some people are born to be generals."
"But whether it's a king, a Fleet Admiral, or a general, it's all just a title in the end, and it doesn't represent status."
Rosen sensed Sakazuki's thoughts and emotions:
"In my opinion, all you need to do is reach your own peak."
"Just like as a general, no one can be more outstanding than you, senior."
"Since you were born to be a king and have chosen the Marine, you must rule the world, otherwise you would be unworthy of being a king."
He also acknowledged Sakazuki's strength and excellence.
As a naval admiral, he is truly unmatched.
This can be described as the pinnacle of generalship.
"I never thought I would be comforted like this by someone."
Upon hearing this, Sakazuki couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle, but he immediately composed himself and adopted a serious expression.
"Rosen."
"If I had to choose someone other than myself to be the Fleet Admiral, it would only be you."
"So, I don't care what your reasons are for starting a war against the Ochoku Pirates at this time, and why you're so eager to do so, but you must come back alive."
"After all, you are the only Fleet Admiral I, Sakazuki, acknowledge."
After saying that.
Sakazuki removed his military cap for the first time, then faced Rosen and slowly lowered his head.
The general bowed his head.
It is a sign of respect, recognition, and obedience.
...
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