Chapter 87 The Showdown Between Overlords

"Dragon's Claw!"

Dragon's voice echoed, low and menacing.

His five fingers darkened like ink. The index and middle fingers pressed together, the ring and little fingers followed suit, while his thumb extended outward, shaping into a sharp claw.

In addition to his Armament Haki, layers of Conqueror's Haki coiled around his fingers. Black lightning crackled violently across Dragon's claw, whipping up fierce winds as he struck towards Carlos!

The sheer force of the blow was overwhelming, as though it could tear apart space itself, and the momentum was terrifying beyond words.

The two stood so close, there was no chance for Carlos to dodge.

At that critical moment, Carlos didn't hesitate. In a flash, he unsheathed His sword from his waist.

Clang!

The sharp blade rang out with a sound resembling a dragon's roar.

Carlos's sword intent, fierce and destructive, surged forth, responding to his will. His Conqueror's Haki exploded from him, surging into the sky like thunderclouds, swirling around the blade.

Ain and the others didn't even have time to shout a warning.

In the blink of an eye, Carlos whirled and swung his sword, with the momentum of cleaving through anything that stood in his way. He struck back at Dragon's attack.

Boom!

A deafening sound shattered the silence, roaring in everyone's ears.

Even though their blows hadn't made contact, the sheer power from their Conqueror's Haki clashing was like the impact of a meteor. Violent, unstoppable. Red and black lightning burst forth, battling fiercely between them. It was as if an invisible vacuum formed in the space between their two bodies.

The ground shook. The floors cracked. Walls began to crumble under the force of the two titans' collision.

Amidst the chaos, the research institute groaned and trembled, as if on the verge of collapsing.

After a moment of intense stalemate, both combatants stepped back cautiously, locking eyes.

"As expected from a man who dares to challenge the World Government," Carlos muttered, his expression growing grim. "You've got skills, no doubt about it."

Even though it was just a brief clash, Carlos had clearly felt the immense strength Dragon wielded. There was no mistaking it—Dragon's Haki was on par with his own, likely even at the highest level.

But considering Dragon's lineage, Carlos wasn't surprised. After all, this man was the son of Marine hero Garp, and the father of the future Pirate King, Luffy. His talent and ability were undeniable.

In strength, he might even rival Gol D. Roger himself.

Looks like this is going to be a brutal fight...

Dragon, on the other hand, was equally shaken. His supposedly invincible Dragon's Claw had not only been stopped—it had been cut so deeply by Carlos that bone was visible.

Carlos's swordsmanship filled him with unease.

Hiding his trembling right hand behind his back, Dragon kept his voice steady as he spoke, "With strength like that, it seems you're more than worthy of the title 'Marine Marshal.'"

He took a deep breath and continued, "Carlos, stand down. I have no desire to fight you or the Marines."

Carlos sneered, his tone defiant. "You're right—this has nothing to do with the Revolutionary Army or the Marines. But…" He pointed toward the ruins in the distance. "Whether it's a Warlord of the Sea or a Revolutionary Army officer, once they've attacked me, they become my enemy."

His eyes narrowed. "I'd advise you to abandon the idea of taking him out of here."

Dragon's face darkened, his expression grim. Bartholomew Kuma wasn't just a Revolutionary Army officer. He was a trusted comrade, a partner he had fought alongside for many years. There was no way he'd leave Kuma behind to suffer inhumane modifications any longer.

"Carlos, you're strong. Even I can't guarantee victory against you," Dragon admitted. His voice was low, but determined. "But uprisings are breaking out all over the world. People who once accepted oppression have awakened. The wheels of history are turning, and the tides of this era can't be stopped!"

Dragon's eyes glinted with resolve. If he could defeat Carlos here, not only would it deal a blow to the World Government, but the Marines would be left without their leader, unable to counter the Revolutionaries' movements.

His hesitation evaporated, and his aura surged once more, growing even fiercer. The dark green cloak around his shoulders fluttered, though there was no wind, and his presence became suffocating, as if the air itself trembled under his might.

Carlos pointed the tip of his sword directly at Dragon and said calmly, "If I help the Five Elders solve their little problem, I should expect a handsome reward, right?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the air seemed to thicken with murderous intent, so intense it felt almost tangible. The temperature inside the research institute plummeted, turning it as cold as an ice cave.

"Ain, get them out of here. The next battle will get serious," Carlos ordered, his tone unwavering.

Ain's expression hardened. Without a word, she grabbed Vegapunk by the collar and made a run for the exit.

"Wait! The data hasn't been transferred yet!" Vegapunk protested in a panic.

Ain shot him an angry glance, her tone sharp. "How can you still think about that? Once Marshal Carlos goes all out, we won't just be in danger—this entire island might be wiped out!"

"What?! No!" Vegapunk froze, shocked by the realization. He suddenly found strength he didn't know he had, breaking free from Ain's grip.

"Dragon, stop! These are the fruits of my life's work!" Vegapunk shouted desperately.

"Shut up, you lackey of the Celestial Dragons!" Dragon snapped back, his voice filled with contempt.

Desperate, Vegapunk pleaded, "I didn't completely erase Kuma's memories or emotions! He can be restored! The transformation isn't complete yet—his flesh, his consciousness, and the AI haven't been fully integrated. If you take him away now, I guarantee Kuma will die within a month! I'm the only one who can save him, the only one who can restore him fully!"

"Don't worry," Vegapunk continued, "once the Pacifista project is finished, I'll return him to his original self."

Dragon frowned, clearly conflicted.

"You think I'll believe you?" Dragon said, his voice cold.

Vegapunk shook his head and spoke with conviction, "You may not trust me in other things, but when it comes to science and technology, I would never lie to you!"

He paused, his tone softening, "You're right, Dr. Clover was a brilliant scholar, a man to be respected. He didn't deserve to die for the sake of knowledge and truth. But to reach the pinnacle of science, I need funding—billions, tens of billions. Only the World Government can provide the resources I need to make my dream a reality!"

At that moment, this small, frail old man exuded a powerful presence that was impossible to ignore. He was the world's greatest scientist, an unparalleled authority in the field of science. Even Dragon and the others couldn't help but fall silent.

After a long pause, Dragon cast a deep, conflicted look at Vegapunk. He knew the truth. With Carlos standing guard, getting Kuma out of here was impossible. Meanwhile, uprisings had already started in six countries, and the revolution couldn't afford any more delays.

"Fine. I'll trust you one last time," Dragon said quietly. "But if anything happens to Kuma, I will make sure you pay."

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