Chapter 77: The Clash of Giants

**Chapter 77: The Clash of Giants**

For Carl, Aokiji was undoubtedly a valuable combatant worth recruiting. After all, he had the potential to become an Admiral. In the original timeline, Aokiji had been deeply influenced by Garp, but now, Carl intended to intercept this process and steer Aokiji toward his own path.

Encouraging words cost nothing, so Carl simply offered a few more, which moved Aokiji deeply. Finally, Aokiji retreated to the sidelines without protest.

In the sky, Aramaki, the user of the Woods-Woods Fruit, recovered quickly under the sunlight. Of course, this was partly because Carl hadn't used his full strength, allowing him time to heal.

Aramaki glanced at Aokiji, who had already stepped back, and became intrigued. *Lord Carl actually appreciates that popsicle idiot so much. I have to work harder…*

He turned to look at Dragon, who was hovering nearby.

Dragon was in bad shape. He looked disheveled, still suffering from the effects of Carl's *Shinra Tensei.* Otherwise, he would have already reformed his body.

Aramaki sneered. He had never liked Dragon in the first place. *Tolerance? Equality? What nonsense. People are inherently divided into different levels. Some are born to be kings above all others. That's an unchangeable fact!*

After Dragon finally stabilized himself, Aramaki taunted, "Hey, are you still okay? Maybe you should just give up now!"

Dragon shot him a cold glare. "If you want to surrender, go ahead."

"Tsk, you're really stubborn. Fine, let me show you my strength."

With that, Aramaki's expression turned serious. The dandelion-like structure behind him retracted into his body as he plummeted toward the ground.

In mid-air, he transformed into his elemental state, expanding rapidly. With a loud crash, a massive tree-like giant, several stories tall, landed heavily.

Carl crossed his arms, watching with interest—until a sudden tornado roared in, sweeping him away.

Dragon, smiling from above, muttered, "Getting distracted in a battle is a big mistake…"

"You're right."

"Nani?!"

Dragon's pupils shrank as a dark vortex appeared behind him. Carl stepped out of it and delivered a powerful punch to Dragon's lower back.

Whoosh!

Dragon's body shot down like a meteor, crashing into the ground and leaving a deep, human-shaped crater.

Carl followed, landing beside the pit. A large shadow loomed over him as an enormous fist came crashing down.

"Senior Carl! Watch out!"

Aramaki had no intention of sneak attacking Carl; he even shouted a warning. However, Carl didn't bother dodging.

Aramaki's fist smashed into the crater where Dragon had landed, shaking the ground with a deafening roar.

Aramaki knew his attack wouldn't affect Carl, but he continued swinging his tree-sized fists, enlarging the pit with each impact.

A breeze suddenly lifted from the crater, and Dragon reappeared, battered and clutching his lower back. He glared at Aramaki and snapped, "Have you smashed enough?"

Aramaki stopped and replied in surprise, "Huh? You're tougher than I thought. I figured you were unconscious in there."

Dragon was infuriated, nearly passing out from rage. As an elemental being, Aramaki's attacks hadn't physically hurt him, but the repeated vibrations kept breaking his body into wind currents, preventing him from reforming properly.

Aramaki shrugged, unconcerned by Dragon's anger, while Dragon gritted his teeth, summoning a gust of wind to clear the dust. Only then did he realize Carl was missing.

Grinding his teeth, Dragon muttered, "Damn it, he's using the Dark-Dark Fruit in such a bizarre way. How am I supposed to hit his real body?"

Just as he spoke, Carl's voice echoed behind him.

"Trying to hit me? Sure, I'll give you the chance later."

Carl's elusive movements frustrated Dragon to no end. Hearing his voice, Dragon transformed into a gust of wind, retreating without hesitation.

Carl didn't bother chasing him. Instead, he shrugged and said, "Why so tense? I'll deal with you last."

Turning to Aramaki, Carl smiled. "I'll give you the same chance."

"Thank you, Mr. Carl!"

Carl blinked, taken aback by Aramaki's enthusiasm. His attitude reminded Carl of a certain sycophant—Spandam.

Aramaki crossed his massive fists, coating them in dark Armament Haki. Due to their sheer size, maintaining the Haki was draining his reserves.

He raised his fists and slammed them down at Carl, roaring, "Sky Burial Tree!"

Carl narrowed his eyes, his expression turning serious as he activated his own Armament Haki. Unlike Aramaki's brute force, Carl's Haki flowed elegantly down his right arm.

Among the onlookers, those unfamiliar with advanced Haki techniques mistook the swirling black aura on Carl's arm for his Dark-Dark Fruit powers.

However, seasoned Admirals recognized the technique immediately and were stunned.

Garp, a master of Armament Haki, was particularly impressed.

"Flowing Haki? Incredible! He's already mastered it to this level at such a young age!"

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Carl, appearing minuscule compared to Aramaki, threw a punch with his right fist to meet Aramaki's massive hands.

Before Aramaki's fists could make contact, Carl's Haki condensed into a concentrated point and exploded outward.

Crack!

The impact shattered Aramaki's wooden fists into pieces, and the residual force forced him back into his human form, sending him tumbling across the battlefield.

Aramaki landed heavily, his arms completely numb. Even photosynthesis wouldn't heal them quickly this time.

Carl extended a hand, pulling Aramaki to his feet.

Aramaki, his arms limp, smiled wryly. "Senior Carl, you're so powerful that my arms are practically broken!"

Carl twitched at the exaggerated statement but offered a few encouraging words.

After comforting Aramaki, Carl turned to face Dragon, who remained tense and wary. In an instant, Carl disappeared.

Dragon, on high alert, immediately reacted when Carl reappeared, slashing with his Dragon Claw technique at Carl's right fist.

To Dragon's surprise, Carl's punch felt much weaker than expected. For a moment, Dragon was elated—*Is he running out of stamina?*

However…

"The Swordless Style: The Ultimate Ruler."