Chapter 52: Dragon and Kuzan

Dragon and Kuzan stood at opposite ends of the training ground, their auras radiating immense pressure, like two towering mountains facing off. The atmosphere was thick with tension, almost suffocating.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on their figures. A gentle breeze swept past, carrying grains of sand that swirled around them. Their eyes were locked in a fierce gaze, neither daring to let their guard down.

Nearby, Ginny and the others sat munching on sunflower seeds, watching intently. They were well aware of Kuzan's strength, but the other man—Dragon—was someone they had only met once before. His true power would only be revealed once the fight began.

They were all eager to see how the two would fare against each other.

"This match is going to be interesting. It's hard to predict who'll win," Kuma said, sitting upright with a serious expression.

Both combatants were formidable. One had grown up under the tutelage of Vice Admiral Garp, learning things most people could only dream of. The other had fought alongside Renji in countless battles, gaining unparalleled combat experience.

Each had their own strengths and specialties, making the outcome of their clash uncertain.

Hearing this, Ginny and the others remained silent, focused on their snacks. This kind of sparring match was the perfect accompaniment to a meal—it made everything taste better.

The entire training ground was enveloped in a tense, heavy atmosphere, as if the air itself had frozen. The two stood at the center, their eyes meeting like sparks flying, igniting the air around them.

This moment of silence was the calm before the storm.

In this stillness, everyone could feel a delicate balance. But the upcoming battle would shatter that balance completely.

Unable to contain his fighting spirit any longer, Dragon made the first move. With a flick of his wrist, he launched a finger gun attack, a sharp burst of energy shooting toward Kuzan.

In contrast, Kuzan remained calm, his keen eyes tracking Dragon's every move. He sidestepped the attack with ease, dodging the initial probe.

"Sharp reflexes," Dragon remarked, standing his ground. A powerful aura erupted from him, like a roaring gale, pressing down on Kuzan.

The intense pressure made Kuzan's body tremble slightly, but he quickly steadied himself. He raised his head, and an equally formidable aura burst forth from him.

The two then shot into the air, transforming into streaks of white light as they clashed midair.

Neither used their Devil Fruit abilities, relying solely on their physical prowess and combat skills. If they had unleashed their powers, the sheer scale of their attacks would have devastated the entire area.

Moreover, despite their young age, their strength far surpassed that of their peers. Against most people their age, they could end a fight in a single move. Only a handful of individuals could make them fight seriously.

"..."

The two clashed in an instant, the sound of fists and feet colliding echoing through the sky.

Their attacks came in rapid succession, like a storm of blows!

Shanks, who had been happily munching on sunflower seeds, watched the intense sparring match with awe. He couldn't help but compare their strength to his own.

Even without using their Devil Fruit abilities, the sheer force of their attacks made him break out in a cold sweat.

"These two monsters... How am I supposed to keep up with them?!" Shanks screamed internally, feeling the pressure mounting.

As the battle raged on, the environment around them began to change.

At first, the training ground was calm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. But as Dragon and Kuzan's fight intensified, dust filled the air, and the scent of burning permeated the surroundings.

The ground began to crack, rocks flying in all directions from the shockwaves of their attacks. The soil churned as if it had been bombarded by artillery.

A storm began to brew, trees swaying violently as the training ground was reduced to ruins.

Dragon moved with lightning speed, engaging Kuzan in close combat. Every strike was a deadly attack, a sign of his utmost respect for his opponent.

Kuzan, calm and composed, met Dragon's attacks head-on. With a flick of his arm, he forced Dragon back.

"Dragon Claw Fist!"

A deep roar echoed through the air as a emerald-green claw mark erupted from Dragon's hand. The sheer force of the attack seemed to make the air itself cry out.

"Hey, hey, that move's a bit unfair, don't you think?"

Despite his words, Kuzan's counterattack was no less impressive. A icy-blue palm strike shot forward, colliding head-on with Dragon's attack.

"..."

The training ground had become their arena, a place where they could unleash their passion and strength, reveling in the thrill of the fight.

Their clothes were torn, their hair disheveled, but their eyes still burned with determination and excitement.

When their fists and claws met, a powerful burst of energy erupted, engulfing the entire area.

A shockwave swept through, uprooting everything in its path.

Finally, the two stopped, chests heaving as they caught their breath. They stared at each other, then burst into laughter.

Their bodies were covered in dust and bruises, but in their hearts, there was only respect and the joy of finding a worthy opponent.

"It's been a long time since I had such a good fight. Let's do this again sometime," Dragon said, ripping off his tattered shirt, a wide grin on his face.

While the two were thrilled, the spectators were left with headaches.

Kuma and Ginny exchanged glances, wondering how Renji would react when he saw the state of their home...

"..."

"What the hell happened to my house?! Who did this? Show yourselves!" A furious shout came from the front of the house.

At the sound of Renji's voice, the laughter in the backyard immediately ceased.

A fierce gust of wind swept through, clearing the dust that had settled on the house.

"You two! Couldn't you have fought somewhere else? Did you have to wreck my place? Who's going to pay for this?!" Renji's voice boomed before he even appeared.

Suddenly, an invisible force descended, pinning Dragon and Kuzan to the ground, rendering them immobile.

Renji then walked over, his deep, lake-like eyes exuding an overwhelming pressure.

Dragon and Kuzan exchanged wry smiles as they looked at the destruction around them.

They had come to visit Renji, but after talking for a while, they had felt a mutual respect and couldn't resist sparring. Unfortunately, they hadn't held back enough.

Renji surveyed the backyard, his heart sinking as he saw the damage. The flowers and trees he had painstakingly nurtured were now gone.

His face was cold, devoid of emotion, but the force with which he held the two down spoke volumes about his mood.

He raised his hand and delivered a sharp blow to their heads, leaving them dazed and disoriented.

"Great job, wrecking my house. Was the training ground not big enough for you two?"

As Renji continued to berate them, Dragon and Kuzan hung their heads, not daring to argue. They stood there, taking the verbal lashing without complaint.

The spectators—Kuma, Ginny, and Shanks—watched in awe.

The two who had been so powerful moments ago were now easily subdued by Renji. It was a stark reminder of just how far Renji's strength surpassed their own.

He was, and always would be, their idol.

...

---------INPORTANT_______

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