Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me

Zephyr really hit the nail on the head; in this respect, he is indeed inferior to Akainu and Aokiji...

Even Kizaru felt that the black-haired swordsman was more difficult to deal with than "Beast" Kaido and "Big Mom" ​​Charlotte Linlin.

At least those two, as strong as they are, can't catch up to me in terms of speed...

"If it weren't for these past six months, I wouldn't be a match for you."

Lox spat, "It took using this power to catch up with your speed. Clearly, cultivation is far less effective than fighting and killing stronger opponents..."

During his time on the Sky Island, while Rocks explored the state of "etherealization," he also attempted to cultivate high-level Haki.

The result is that we haven't even reached the threshold yet.

Observation Haki foresees the future, Armament Haki for internal destruction, and Conqueror's Haki for entanglement.

These three two-tone, imposing high-end designs are unlikely to be...

The ability to foresee the future using Observation Haki is too mysterious.

He couldn't even manage a smile.

Or rather, Issho isn't particularly skilled in this aspect of Observation Haki.

Rocks' Observation Haki excels in its range of perception and ability to sense emotions, so Rocks had to rely on himself.

However, it's very difficult to rely on yourself.

Without expert guidance, finding the knack requires a special opportunity...

The Armament Haki that is damaged internally is not mysterious.

Rocks failed to master it not because he lacked physical strength or Haki.

It's just that I haven't grasped the techniques involved.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Armament Haki's outward flow and internal destruction seem to be based on the same principle.

But Lox can tell you.

The principles behind both are indeed the same, but the techniques are different.

What's different about it?

It's like someone who just got their driver's license can drive, but would you ask them to try racing?

It all involves using the car's steering wheel, gear shift, accelerator, and brakes. Can a driver who has just passed his driving test go to the racetrack to challenge Schumacher?

No!

External streaming and internal damage are similar situations.

The principles are similar, but the skills and proficiency required are vastly different.

This requires time and experience to gradually explore.

Rocks was somewhat lacking in the fundamentals of Armament Haki...

As for the Conqueror's Haki, it is lingering around.

Yi Xiao seemed to understand this kind of ridicule, but since he lacked the Conqueror's Haki, he couldn't explain it clearly.

Even Rocks himself was baffled.

Even more perplexing than the internal damage caused by Armament Haki, he had never encountered such ridicule before.

I hope to meet Teacher Kai someday and "discuss" things with him...

This will reduce the time he spends figuring things out on his own...

In short, Lox felt, as always—

The improvement in strength gained through self-exploration and training is far less than that gained through fighting and battling with powerful opponents.

This situation is perfectly embodied in his body and in the rubber sun god!

"Although you look like you're seriously injured, you still have the strength to fight, right?"

The wings formed from dark green energy behind Lox spread out, just like the banner of the Blackwing Demon Adventurers.

His gaze was fixed on Kizaru, and he grinned, saying, "A dignified Admiral of the Marine Headquarters shouldn't lack even this kind of perseverance."

"For the sake of your subordinates, fight me to the bitter end!"

"If we keep fighting, I'll die here..."

Seeing Rocks's eyes still gleaming with fighting spirit, Kizaru took a deep breath.

He said slowly, "I have tried my best, but I still can't defeat you, not to mention there is another blind swordsman..."

"I admit defeat!"

"Let's talk terms, Black-haired Swordsman. What price do you need me to pay for you to spare my men?"

Kizaru didn't want to continue fighting.

He's really exhausted now, and if he continues fighting, he might not be able to beat his opponent.

Even... he himself might perish here.

However, he didn't want to abandon his subordinates, so he could only negotiate terms with them.

If we can't reach an agreement...

There was nothing he could do about it.

He has done his best, and his subordinates have seen that; they won't blame him.

And he was a Navy Admiral.

He cannot die here, much less die for the sake of some subordinates.

This is not something that can be discussed in terms of benevolence and righteousness...

The title of Admiral involves many things.

In situations where all else fails, he has to sacrifice some things, including the lives of his subordinates.

Even if it's a bit cruel, he has to do it...

Lox narrowed his eyes: "What if we can't reach an agreement?"

"If we can't reach an agreement, I'll have no choice but to retreat."

Kizaru has returned to his previous unreliable state.

He spread his hands, pouted, and said, "My subordinates don't want me to die here for them either; that would be irresponsible to the Navy..."

"Although I do not wish to threaten you as a defeated man at this time, I would feel guilty if my subordinates died here..."

At this point, Kizaru paused for a moment before continuing, "In the future, I might not care about anything else, and just focus on you Blackwing Daemon's...

However, when he saw Rocks narrow his eyes and reveal a fierce killing intent in his gaze, Kizaru's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly stopped speaking.

Such intense killing intent...

He had a feeling that if he continued to make threats, the other party might even dare to chase him all the way to Naval Headquarters.

This guy is insane...

Then Kizaru changed his tone and said with a forced smile in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "So... I'm begging you, sit down and have a proper talk?"

"There's no need to make things so tense, is there?"

"Even setting aside our differing stances, we don't necessarily have to be enemies. To be honest, old man... I quite admire you..."

What is face?

It was nothing to him.

If admitting defeat could save his subordinate's life, he wouldn't mind doing so...

His subordinates' lives were far more important than his own pride.

Despite his somewhat unreliable personality, he's a caring and supportive boss...

Chapter 161 The events that have happened at sea during this time... Please give this old man some face!

"..."

Rocks was speechless at Kizaru's admission of defeat.

Although I know this guy upholds an ambiguous sense of justice, he mostly just goes through the motions even when he has a mission.

I just didn't expect her to back down so quickly.

They even used the word "ask"?

However, the fact that a naval commander-in-chief bowed his head in submission pleased Rocks to some extent.

Rocks originally didn't intend to kill Kizaru.

If you want to, it won't just be a matter of you taking action...

Moreover, given Kizaru's speed, if he were determined to escape, they really wouldn't be able to stop him.

If they really killed Kizaru's subordinates, that old guy would definitely keep a close eye on the Blackwing Daemon Adventure Group from then on.

If a user of the Glint-Glint Fruit were to target and kill them, it would be a huge threat.

Where can one find a thousand days of protection against the scoundrels and wolves?

"Is it really okay for a Navy Admiral to be so shameless?"

Lox curled his lip.

He didn't attack again, sheathed the Seven Star Sword, and said to Kizaru, "You've really surprised me by asking a criminal like me for help..."

As Rocks sheathed his demon sword and withdrew his aura, Kizaru breathed a sigh of relief: "..."

I'm afraid this crazy guy is only focused on killing people...

Then he really can't guarantee the lives of his subordinates...

Kizaru pouted: "Well, shame is worthless compared to the precious lives of subordinates."

Lox raised an eyebrow and said, "You make a competent boss."

Kizaru shrugged: "This is what the Navy should be like..."

"We became friends after a fight, but it's only because you didn't show any murderous intent during the battle that I let it go so easily..."

"Since we've admitted defeat, we'll have to pay a price," Lockes said calmly.

"Don't worry, I'm not interested in your life."

"Although I don't like the Navy, I won't act indiscriminately. There are righteous people in the Navy, and you... could you be considered one?"

This chaotic sea certainly needs the navy to maintain order, and Lockes does not deny the navy's contributions to this end.

Some naval personnel are worthy of respect.

Rocks showed no mercy only to naval scoundrels and those who deliberately provoked him...

Kizaru did not show any murderous intent just now.

In fact, if he hadn't forced them, the other party might not have even fought with him...

"What do you mean by 'barely counted'? I'm working hard to maintain the stability of the sea!"

Kizaru refuted Rocks's words.

Although he upheld an ambiguous sense of justice, he made a significant contribution to the stability of the sea.

How can you say he can barely be considered a righteous navy officer?

Rocks smirked: "Heh..."

Kizaru: "..."

The laughter was full of sarcasm.

He, a dignified admiral of the Navy Headquarters, was ridiculed for saying that he was maintaining the stability of the seas?

"Let's get down to business."

Letting out a breath, Kizaru cut to the chase: "What price must I pay to save my subordinates' lives?"