Ryo and Kizaru continued their relentless clash across the skies of Egghead, lightning and light carving violent streaks through the air.
Below, Zoro's swords rang out against Lucci's claws in a constant metallic storm. Sparks burst with every collision as the two warriors refused to yield an inch.
A short distance away, Luffy stood with his arms folded, lower lip jutting out slightly.
He was pouting.
Still waiting for his turn.
High above, Ryo slid backward through the air and calmly put his lightning blade away. The katana dissolved into crackling energy that faded around his hand. He hovered there, golden eye locked onto Kizaru.
Without warning, the Admiral raised his hands.
A barrage of light erupted from his fingertips—rapid-fire beams streaking forward like gunfire.
They tore through the air in dense volleys.
Ryo didn't even tense.
He moved.
Left. Right. Tilt. Drop.
Each beam passed inches from him, but none touched him. He weaved through the assault with almost insulting ease, his movements fluid and precise, as if he were dancing through a rainstorm.
Ryo: Come on! I know you can do better than that!
He suddenly shot off into the distance, lightning trailing behind him.
Kizaru dissolved instantly, reforming as a beam of light and chasing after him.
The Admiral's voice carried irritation now.
Kizaru: Look, I don't know why you're doing this, but I've got orders to follow.
Ryo halted mid-air, electricity crackling violently around him as he turned back.
Ryo: Like I told you! I've got orders from my captain to kick your ass! So sorry, light boy, but they seem to counteract each other! So let's see which one of us gets to complete our mission!
They launched at each other.
Both swung their legs simultaneously.
The collision detonated.
A gigantic shockwave ripped outward, shaking the island below and sending debris skittering across rooftops. The ocean surface quivered from the pressure alone.
Kizaru narrowed his eyes slightly.
He had noticed it.
One of the attributes of Ryo's Kyokitsune form had activated fully.
Ryo's strikes were heavier now.
Stronger than they had been at the start of the fight.
Kizaru disengaged and shot upward once more, light gathering around his leg as he began charging another devastating kick.
Kizaru: If you'll excuse me! I have a mission to wrap up, and you're wasting too much of my time!
He descended again, turning into a concentrated beam of light.
But this time—
Ryo didn't react at the last second.
He saw it coming from the beginning.
Ryo: Predictable...
And then he wasn't there.
He slipped out of sight entirely—phasing from reality like he had never occupied that space at all.
