One Piece : Prince of Charlotte Family

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Clang!!

Amid the icy expanse of the Freezing Hell, two figures clashed relentlessly.

Each collision of blades sent sparks flying as Shiryu of the Rain used the immense force of their clashes to retreat quickly.

Although Wilhelm's incredible speed and unpredictable attacks were overwhelming, a swordsman of Shiryu's caliber was not completely outmatched. For him, it was far from impossible to adapt and fight back.

This wasn't going to be an easy defeat.

"Thunderstorm!" Shiryu shouted, his eyes sharp with determination.

Using Observation Haki, he locked onto Wilhelm's figure, who moved with lightning-fast speed, too quick to follow with the naked eye.

Shiryu swung his sword fiercely, unleashing a storm of attacks.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Countless green slashes filled the air like raindrops, raining down violently.

In mere moments, the slashes formed a dense curtain of rain, leaving no escape route. Every corner was sealed off, and the sheer intent to kill was enough to make one's skin crawl.

But Wilhelm was undeterred.

Moving like a streak of electricity, Wilhelm leapt into the air, soaring above the battlefield.

"One-Sword Style: Flying Dragon!"

Haki flowed along the Shichiseiken as Wilhelm swung it with immense power.

The resulting slash transformed into a massive dragon-shaped wave of energy, roaring as it charged forward with unstoppable force.

Boom!

The flying dragon tore through the dense rain of slashes, scattering them with ease.

Its momentum didn't stop there—it hurtled toward Shiryu, whose expression had darkened.

Keng!

Shiryu narrowly blocked the dragon-shaped attack, but the sheer force drove him backward. His boots dug into the icy ground, leaving deep grooves as the ice cracked beneath him.

"Get up!" Shiryu growled, veins bulging in his arms as he forced the blade upward.

With a burst of effort, he sent his own green slash soaring into the sky.

Boom!

The two powerful attacks collided, creating an explosion of blinding light.

The impact shook the frozen terrain of the Freezing Hell, causing ice that had remained undisturbed for centuries to tremble and crack.

Shards of ice scattered everywhere, adding to the chaos.

The aftermath was enough to make anyone break out in a cold sweat. If not for the thick layer separating the Freezing Hell from the Blazing Hell below—a structure reinforced to withstand extreme conditions—the commotion might have alerted Magellan, who had only just rested.

Clang!! Clang!!

The sound of clashing steel echoed loudly, piercing through the icy silence.

The two figures fought fiercely, their movements too fast for the naked eye to follow.

Powerful slashes occasionally escaped their battle, ripping through the icy ground and sending shockwaves outward in violent bursts of air.

However, Shiryu of the Rain was clearly at a disadvantage.

Wilhelm's swift, unpredictable attacks left him scrambling to defend, each movement laced with danger.

Chi!

A vicious slash came hurtling toward Shiryu, slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Keng!!

Though he held onto Thunderstorm tightly, Shiryu struggled to block the attack. The force of the blow sent him staggering backward, his posture unsteady and his breathing strained.

Boom!

The remnants of the powerful slash tore through the battlefield, slamming into an ice sculpture building in the distance.

The attack pierced the thick, heavily reinforced walls of the prison, sending shards of ice and debris flying everywhere.

It was clear—Wilhelm's power was not something Shiryu could take lightly.

The deafening crash shook the air. Smoke, dust, snow, and shattered ice filled the sky as waves of air rippled outward.

Phew... Huff... Shiryu of the Rain panted heavily, his breathing uneven. Though his energy was nearly drained, he gritted his teeth and held on, refusing to admit defeat.

Despite the freezing cold of the Freezing Hell, his body was drenched in sweat from the intense battle, and steam rose off him like a furnace. Yet, he didn't have the luxury of catching his breath.

Suddenly, his instincts screamed danger.

His hairs stood on end as Wilhelm's silver-white figure blurred into view, launching a swift attack from his side. Shiryu swung his sword to deflect the strike while retreating, but a biting cold hurricane swept over him.

Before he could react further, Wilhelm's blade was already at his throat.

"How does it feel?" Wilhelm asked calmly.

Unlike Shiryu's disheveled and exhausted state, Wilhelm stood poised, his breathing steady and unhurried. He showed no signs of strain, his strength seemingly endless. Holding the Shichiseiken, Wilhelm's expression was calm and unbothered.

The difference in their abilities was obvious.

"Hmph... I have to admit," Shiryu muttered, glaring at Wilhelm with a mix of frustration and grudging respect. "You're a remarkable opponent for someone so young."

Even so, he tightened his grip on Thunderstorm, his pride preventing him from surrendering. "But do you think you can make me submit that easily? Don't underestimate me, Shiryu of the Rain!"

Wilhelm remained indifferent.

"You think too highly of yourself, Shiryu," he replied coldly. "Do you really believe you've been fighting me on equal terms? I haven't even gotten serious yet."

"You—!"

Shiryu's face turned red with anger and humiliation.

He had always been confident in his strength. Even if he acknowledged someone stronger, he never saw himself as vastly inferior. Wilhelm's words were a direct blow to his pride.

"Not convinced?" Wilhelm asked, his tone unchanging.

He withdrew the Shichiseiken from Shiryu's neck and continued, "I'll give you another chance. From this moment on, whenever you feel ready, attack me however you like. Use any means at your disposal."

Wilhelm's restraint wasn't due to arrogance. He knew he could easily crush Shiryu with techniques like Elbaph's Spear. But unleashing such devastating power risked attracting the attention of Magellan, the warden of Impel Down, potentially jeopardizing Wilhelm's larger plans.

"Hmph! How arrogant," Shiryu scoffed.

But he didn't argue further.

After all, there was no point in throwing his life away unnecessarily. He still had much to live for.

Sheathing Thunderstorm, Shiryu steadied his breathing and carefully observed Wilhelm, who now walked casually toward the cells. With his sword sheathed and his back turned, Wilhelm appeared completely defenseless.

A glint of opportunity flashed in Shiryu's eyes.

He must be on guard... but my sword-drawing speed will outmatch any defense.

Convinced of his own skills, Shiryu made his move without hesitation.

Clang-lang-lang!

In a flash, the infamous Thunderstorm was unsheathed.

A bloodthirsty gleam flickered in Shiryu's eyes as he charged forward at lightning speed, swinging his blade with all his strength.

"Clang!!"

The clash echoed loudly.

Wilhelm had turned to face him, but he hadn't even drawn his own sword. He didn't dodge or block, allowing Thunderstorm to strike his neck.

To Shiryu's shock, the sharp blade—coated in Armament Haki—barely scratched Wilhelm's skin.

Not a single drop of blood fell.

"What?!" Shiryu's pupils shrank in disbelief.

Cold sweat began dripping down his face as his confidence shattered.