One Piece: Only for Me

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Noticing Zephyr's gaze, Borsalino shuddered and instinctively tried to dodge by transforming into light.

But Zephyr was already in front of him, delivering a powerful punch.

Borsalino barely managed to block with his arms but was still sent flying.

Akainu unleashed a torrent of magma at Zephyr, but Zephyr dodged effortlessly, showcasing his mastery of Admiral-level physical skills. Unlike before, the serious Zephyr was a force to be reckoned with, and his focus was entirely on Borsalino, making him the first target of his relentless assault.

Borsalino fired several light beams from his fingers, but Zephyr evaded every shot and landed more punches.

Seeing this, Akainu transformed his lower body into magma, rushing at Zephyr with explosive force. As he closed in, his magma arm stretched and morphed into a massive attack of molten rock, snapping at Zephyr like a living beast.

The ferocity of the Magma Fruit was not to be underestimated. Zephyr momentarily turned his attention away from the bruised Borsalino to avoid Akainu's attack.

However, the magma did not dissipate after missing; it twisted around, relentlessly pursuing Zephyr. Unable to dodge, Zephyr struck directly at Akainu instead.

Akainu roared in fury, withdrawing his arm as his entire body turned a crystalline red. He swung a fiery fist at the advancing Zephyr.

"Hell!"

Since the incident with Whitebeard, Akainu had trained intensively for nearly two years, significantly boosting his strength. If Oden had been on the receiving end of this attack, even with his dual swords, he would have been more than just pushed back.

The Hell technique brought the Magma Fruit's immense heat and explosive force to its peak, making even Zephyr wary of engaging it head-on. Upon contact, Zephyr released a powerful shockwave coated in Haki, repelling the magma.

The impact echoed through the sky as Zephyr and Akainu collided, their fists crashing against each other with tremendous force. Zephyr winced as searing pain shot through his hand. His arm muscles bulged as he reinforced his fist with Haki, then delivered a punch that sent Akainu crashing to the ground.

Akainu gritted his teeth, cradling his injured arm as he struggled to rise. Zephyr slowly retracted his shaking arm, noting the burned and blistered skin on the back of his hand.

Suddenly, a dark vortex appeared beside him. Carl lunged forward, demon sword in hand. Zephyr dodged, but his footing slipped. The ground beneath him had transformed into a dark swamp, the gravity pulling him down.

Carl's expression was focused as he warned, "Teacher Zephyr, watch your footing. Dark Falls Funeral!"

Despite Carl's warning, Zephyr had already reinforced his feet with Haki, but the overwhelming dark force made him groan in pain. He leaped out of the swamp but staggered slightly upon landing, realizing his foot bone was fractured.

What he didn't know was that Oden had suffered even worse under similar conditions, losing the use of an entire leg.

Zephyr, hardened by countless battles, brushed off the pain, though his mobility was slightly impaired. Borsalino and Akainu regrouped beside Carl, both visibly exhausted. Launching an effective attack on Zephyr now seemed beyond them.

Carl turned to his companions and calmly instructed, "Take a breather. I'll handle this."

In a flash, Carl vanished, reappearing above Zephyr. Anticipating the move, Zephyr launched an uppercut just as Carl descended.

Carl absorbed the blow with his palms against his abdomen, and darkness surged from his hands, forming seven sharp, blade-like spikes that shot toward Zephyr.

Zephyr braced himself, crouching slightly as he fortified his body with Haki.

"Tekkai!"

The dark blades struck Zephyr's armored skin with a resounding clang, leaving only shallow indentations. Carl blinked in surprise, silently acknowledging Zephyr's superior mastery of Rokushiki techniques.

Though Carl's attacks were swift, Zephyr's defenses were nearly impenetrable.

However, Carl wasn't deterred. He dispersed his darkness, and his body crackled with electricity. He surged forward, landing a direct punch on Zephyr.

Surprised, Zephyr noted the sudden spike in Carl's strength.

"Hm? You've gotten stronger. Holding back on me, were you?" Zephyr remarked.

Carl grinned. "I wouldn't dare. I'm just using electricity to boost my body."

Carl's unique ability allowed him to enhance his speed and strength while numbing his pain, enabling him to engage Zephyr head-on without fear of the double-edged effect of his Dark-Dark Fruit.

His confidence wasn't misplaced—Carl was a formidable combatant even without his Devil Fruit abilities.

As their fierce duel continued, the two warriors clashed like wild beasts, each punch echoing with explosive force, shattering the ground beneath them.

On the high platform, Sengoku and Garp watched intently, their expressions serious. Even Fleet Admiral Kong clenched the armrest of his chair, unable to contain his excitement.

"Magnificent!" he roared.