The shockwave of the great explosion subsided.
Saitama looked at Im, who, though battered and clearly wounded, was still alive. A flicker of unwillingness flashed in Saitama’s eyes. That last attack had been his strongest.
"You've been beaten quite badly," Im remarked. "But I am a god, how could I possibly be killed by a mortal?"
Im surveyed his torn clothes and marveled at Saitama’s power, still amazed. But that was all it was. This bald man, who made him feel a sense of danger, could not kill him.
"A god?" Saitama murmured upon hearing Im’s words, then issued a fierce vow. "One day, even if you truly are a god, I will be able to destroy you."
However, as he finished speaking, Saitama’s strength gave out, and he plummeted from a thousand meters in the sky.
Im naturally heard Saitama’s words. He could not deny that perhaps Saitama could grow to reach that day. But for someone who threatened him, Im could not allow him to grow. Thus, Im extended his hand, aiming at the falling Saitama. A silver light shot out.
Saitama’s gaze shifted. He watched the descending silver light, but was powerless to act. However, he wasn’t worried. As expected, in the next moment, Bennidict appeared beside him. With a mere wave of his hand, Im’s attack was dispersed by Bennidict. Bennidict then tossed Saitama towards Kenshiro. Kenshiro, with a simple jump, caught him easily and offered Saitama a Senzu bean.
After consuming the Senzu bean, Saitama was revitalized. He looked up at the sky and said, "That guy can only be dealt with by the Fleet Admiral." Kenshiro and the others nodded in agreement.
In the void above.
Bennidict looked at Im and smiled, "It’s surprising that you, who always hid behind the scenes, would actually come out."
"You know who I am?" Im raised an eyebrow, looking at Bennidict with surprise. In Im's view, besides the Five Elders and a few Celestial Dragons, no one else would know of his existence. But clearly, Bennidict was an exception.
"The man who sits on that cold throne, Im."
"Am I not mistaken?" Bennidict did not deny it, stating frankly, "Knowing of your existence can be traced back 800 years."
Upon hearing this, Im pondered slightly and said, "It seems you’ve collected a lot of historical texts and have deciphered them. Then you should also know that you are no match for me." Im was very confident; there was no one in the current world who could kill him. Even the one from the past had ultimately died at his hands.
Bennidict chuckled and then asked, "How did my punch feel just now?"
"It barely piqued my interest, but that's all," Im replied calmly. Seeing Im dismiss Saitama so easily, Bennidict also smiled. The current Saitama was, after all, somewhat different from the Saitama in the One-Punch Man world. In the One-Punch Man world, Saitama had already transcended divinity. But here, he was merely a super expert with a limit. He was still very, very far from godhood.
"You're quite confident."
"However, you will soon regret it."
Bennidict flickered, appearing before Im. His seemingly ordinary, yet imbued with terrifying power, fist suddenly unleashed. Im’s expression turned grave, not daring to show any slightest contempt. This person, whom he initially found amusing, had, in a very short time, grown into a powerful being that required him to be completely vigilant.
Bang!
Im responded with a punch of his own. The power unleashed by this punch was no weaker than Saitama's super ultimate punch. This single blow caused Saitama and the others on the ground to marvel. Truly worthy of being the Fleet Admiral; this strength was terrifying.
In the void above, Bennidict had not yet entered the Eight Gates technique. He was fighting Im purely with his physical body and skill. Their battlefield gradually moved away from the Xuanwu Navy Branch, heading towards the higher void. Otherwise, the residual shockwaves from their battle would be monstrous waves, bringing destructive impacts to the first half of the Grand Line.
Ten minutes later.
The entire Xuanwu Navy Branch trembled amidst the storm. Sengoku, Garp, Kenshiro, Saitama, Shinpu, Yaso, and others watched the hundred-meter-high rogue waves constantly crashing towards them. Their faces were solemn, and they began to act, dispersing these monstrous waves, lest the entire Xuanwu Navy Branch be completely wiped out. The combined efforts of eight SS-class powerhouses were also effective. The rogue waves were weakened. However, it was clearly difficult to prevent the seawater from surging into the Xuanwu Navy Branch, and most of the Xuanwu Navy Branch was still submerged.
Within the Azkaban of the Xuanwu Navy Branch.
"What is going on?"
"Seawater backflow?"
"Is it really that crazy?"
Buggy hovered in the air, clinging to the wall above. He watched the continuously surging seawater and cursed incessantly. But he was helpless. He had to break in and rescue Shanks as soon as possible. This was an order from Noxus Saint. To be honest, Buggy did not want to act. Doing so would quickly expose his identity. Unfortunately, he had underestimated Shanks' position in Noxus Saint's heart.
Deep within Azkaban.
The seawater backflow did not affect the movements of the Dementors. The pirates imprisoned here, however, felt terror and were thus very noisy. The members of the Red-Haired Pirates, after enduring the torment of the Dementors, now appeared somewhat dejected. After all, having their joy drained and only sad memories left, not many could remain optimistic. In addition, the commotion of the battle outside and the terrifying energy signatures that made them tremble also contributed to their low spirits. It was too dangerous outside. Although they didn't know what was happening outside, they were certain that people like them would only be going to their deaths. The cold seawater surging in now dampened their clothes, bringing them a little clarity.
"Vice-Captain, what exactly happened outside?" Lucky Roo couldn't help but ask.
Bennbeckman, tied up beside him, had his mind racing. Finally, he said helplessly, "The only thing I can imagine with a battle like this is the scene when Bennidict killed Baroque, but the current scene is clearly grander."
"I don't know who they are fighting."
"But, this might not be a good thing for us."
Lucky Roo listened to Bennbeckman's words with some helplessness, then shifted his gaze to their dispirited captain, Shanks. Bennbeckman also felt helpless. Having chosen Shanks as their captain, they naturally supported his decisions. But the outcome was regrettable; they were almost powerless to resist.
Just then, Buggy's voice sounded. He arrived at Shanks' cell door and opened it with a key.
"It's really dangerous."
"Fortunately, there's still a chance."
"Shanks, if you're still alive, hurry and leave."