Under the cloak of night.
On a small island.
Ten nautical miles away from the Xuanwu Navy, this island also has a highest point, which is one of the highest points in the East Sea.
Sakata Gintoki quietly wiped his long sword in the cold wind, his eyes filled with sharpness.
His Kenbunshoku Haki, thanks to Benedict's re-granting, had grown even stronger.
Sakata Gintoki could clearly perceive that the coverage area of his Kenbunshoku Haki had extended further, and he could even see many things.
Foretelling the future, even if only for a second, was enough.
"Marshal, your guess was correct."
"Golden Lion Shiki is indeed a cunning old fox."
Sakata Gintoki squinted and drew his sword.
His sword pointed east, and his sword intent was everlasting, as if it could split the heavens and earth. A surge of energy also began to spread from Sakata Gintoki into the distance.
To the east, the early sun had not yet risen, but a colossal silhouette was rapidly passing by.
Even standing at the highest point of the East Sea, Sakata Gintoki, relying on his Kenbunshoku Haki, was still shocked beyond measure.
The Flying Pirates had appeared.
However, compared to the Flying Pirates, the massive islands were even more astonishing.
If, without any preparation in the night, the Xuanwu Navy base would have been overwhelmed by the giant islands, leaving no trace.
Moreover, they wouldn't have been able to leave the Xuanwu Navy base alive.
Golden Lion Shiki's treachery completely disregarded his reputation.
Or rather, what Golden Lion needed was a simple, easy victory that could generate significant renown.
The East Sea Navy base could not bear such a burden.
Having defeated a Marine Admiral, Kaido of the Four Emperors, snatching people during a Buster Call, and forcing the World Government to swallow its pride, the Xuanwu Navy clearly possessed the strength and could bear this weight.
The Flying Pirates, Golden Lion Shiki flew out from his throne.
Golden Lion Shiki gazed into the distance with profound eyes. As a great swordsman, he could clearly sense that intense sword intent.
Is it that kid who uses a sword in the Xuanwu Navy?
In Golden Lion Shiki's opinion, the only swordsman in the Xuanwu Navy that he would care about was the white-haired kid.
His powerful Kenbunshoku rapidly spread, and soon, Golden Lion Shiki located Sakata Gintoki.
Sakata Gintoki also detected Golden Lion Shiki and said, "I will not let these islands enter the airspace above the Xuanwu Navy, Golden Lion Shiki."
As he spoke, Sakata Gintoki, who had been accumulating power, made his move.
Shiroyasha form.
His imposing aura climbed once more.
"Rambu!"
Muttering in his heart, Sakata Gintoki swung his long sword. As immense sword energy flew, his figure weaved through the sword energy like lightning.
Sakata Gintoki's speed was remarkable, and thus, in Golden Lion Shiki's perception, Sakata Gintoki's attacks resembled a demonic dance, charging towards the four giant islands he controlled.
Crack! Crack!
Golden Lion had no time to control the massive islands to dodge their attacks, as they were too large to evade.
As such, these four islands, each capable of engulfing the Xuanwu Navy base, were sliced into pieces by the powerful sword energy unleashed by Sakata Gintoki.
However, in Sakata Gintoki's eyes, although these islands had their integrity compromised, they were not destroyed.
"Jie hahaha!"
Golden Lion Shiki flew out, looking at Sakata Gintoki and letting out a disdainful laugh.
"Kid, your swordsmanship is excellent."
"But you underestimate me too much."
"I am a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit user. Anything I touch will float. Even if you cut them into countless pieces, unless I touch them again to release my ability, they will continue to float."
Golden Lion admired Sakata Gintoki's strength at such a young age.
After all, even he, truly possessing the strength of a great swordsman, only achieved it in his forties after countless battles.
"Your name is Sakata Gintoki, right?"
"Join my Flying Pirates. We are the world's top pirate crew."
"I have high hopes for your potential. Follow me, and you will possess immense wealth, status, and power."
"Let us rule the seas together."
With splendid words and a hearty tone, any ordinary person would have been tempted.
This was because Golden Lion Shiki was a legendary figure, and his Flying Pirates were legendary, a top force that could contend with the Roger Pirates.
"Heh!"
"The world's top pirate crew?"
"If it were before, I might have been tempted."
"But now, your actions have posed a great threat to the Xuanwu Navy."
"Most importantly, you shouldn't have appeared in the East Sea and challenged the Xuanwu Navy."
"Because you will lose miserably."
Sakata Gintoki's sharp aura remained undiminished. Facing Golden Lion's temptation, he was unmoved and even issued a warning and a threat.
Golden Lion Shiki's expression immediately turned grim upon hearing this.
"Kid, I recognize your potential, which is why I extend this invitation to you."
"But my patience is very limited."
"Those who cannot be used by me must die."
Golden Lion lit a cigar, took a deep puff, and exhaled, speaking in a low voice.
"Too much nonsense."
"Life or death will be decided by a fight. Come down and fight."
Sakata Gintoki stared at Golden Lion Shiki and said coldly, "Coincidentally, I also want to see if a legendary pirate is as terrifying as rumored, or if it's all just an empty name."
Golden Lion, with a ship's rudder on his head and a cigar in his mouth, drew his weapons, 'Sakura Ten' and 'Koboku,' and sneered, "Your provocation won't work on me."
"But I also want to see where your confidence comes from, kid, that you dare to challenge me."
As he spoke, Golden Lion waved his hands, and two sword energies imbued with fierce intent descended upon Sakata Gintoki.
"Zanpa!"
Sakata Gintoki's eyes flashed with light as he quickly drew his sword, retaliating with two sword energies of his own.
The next moment, Golden Lion Shiki had already bypassed him from the side and was rapidly closing in on Sakata Gintoki.
On the mountaintop, the available space among the rough stones was only a little over two hundred square meters.
At this moment, it became Sakata Gintoki's battlefield.
Clang clang clang clang!
Their swords clashed continuously, emitting crisp sounds.
Golden Lion remained airborne, not landing. With his thoughts, he was more agile and nimble, and his attacks towards Sakata Gintoki were swift and fierce.
Riiip!
After a brief exchange, though how many rounds had passed was unknown, Sakata Gintoki's clothes were torn by streaks of sword energy, leaving behind several wounds.