The reflected attack roared back toward its source with the force of a thunderbolt, carrying enough power to devastate everything in its path.
Jozu's massive frame shook slightly before he raised his head and fixed his blazing gaze on Marco nearby.
"Try this!"
His booming voice rang across the plaza like a war drum.
"Hit me with your blue flames!"
Marco frowned, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes.
Even so, he did not hesitate. He immediately activated his ability and thrust both hands forward, sending a brilliant wave of regenerative flames surging from his palms.
The blue fire swept toward Jozu like a living dragon, carrying a fierce current of energy.
Yet the moment it was about to touch his body, something incredible happened.
The blazing blue flames seemed to encounter some mysterious force and were instantly transformed into a deep-blue shockwave, which came roaring straight back toward Marco with overwhelming force.
Marco's expression changed sharply.
He had never expected anything like this.
He hurriedly focused his power and carefully neutralized the returning attack.
Once everything had settled, he could not help exclaiming,
"You can even analyze and convert the properties of an ability?!"
His voice was filled with disbelief.
Jozu stood proudly in the center of the plaza, his diamond body shimmering beneath the light like an unbreakable monument.
He lifted his chin slightly, boundless confidence shining in his eyes.
"Even if Uranus comes back now, I can fire its own attacks right back at it!"
Every word carried tremendous weight, revealing both his newfound strength and fearless spirit.
Watching from nearby, Ron slowly smiled.
He nodded in satisfaction and murmured,
"Looks like we've gained another Admiral-level fighter."
His smile carried both recognition of Jozu's strength and anticipation for the battles ahead.
Suddenly, the quiet sky was shattered by thunderous laughter.
It seemed to come from far beyond the horizon, spreading rapidly through the air with wild, unrestrained arrogance and making the entire region tremble.
At the same time, a deafening roar shook the heavens as enormous islands tore through the clouds, as though invisible hands were ripping apart the heavy curtain overhead.
Golden Lion Shiki stood proudly atop the largest floating island like a towering god.
His long orange-gold hair streamed wildly in the wind like a lion's mane, every strand gleaming beneath the sunlight.
Behind him floated more than a dozen islands of various sizes.
They stretched across the sky like loyal followers trailing behind their king, creating a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight.
Some were enormous enough to resemble colossal beasts, while others were far smaller, yet every one of them radiated a mysterious and powerful presence.
"Jihahahaha!"
Shiki threw back his head and laughed, his booming voice echoing endlessly between heaven and earth.
"Brats! I brought back some good stuff!"
At his command, the floating islands began descending.
Under Shiki's control, the enormous landmasses moved with the precision of a disciplined army, each one settling into the sea around the Divine Kingdom.
Their arrival sent gigantic waves surging in every direction.
The sea rolled like enraged dragons, throwing spray dozens of meters into the air, where the sunlight split it into dazzling colors.
Shiki then leaped lightly from the island, descending with the ease of a feather.
His feet landed firmly on the ground, and he planted his cane with a heavy thud.
He raised his head, a trace of regret entering his expression.
"I wanted to find a few more and complete the eighth layer of the island world. Then we could've built something truly unprecedented."
The bright smile on his face suddenly vanished.
A cold, murderous gleam flashed through his eyes like a blade in the night.
"But then I heard some blind idiot dared to bombard my home with Uranus?"
Ron approached him with an easy smile, his steps calm and confident.
"It's already been dealt with. Your timing is still perfect, Shiki."
"Bullshit!"
Shiki immediately flew into a rage.
"If I'd gotten back sooner, I would've torn that damned Uranus to pieces!"
He abruptly turned toward Jozu.
"I heard you took its attack head-on, kid. Nice work!"
Shiki stood at the edge of the shore like an imposing mountain, his powerful frame radiating an aura that demanded respect.
With a broad sweep of his hand, he gestured toward the scattered islands he had brought back.
Their shapes were clearly visible beneath the sunlight. Some were covered in dense greenery, while others were filled with towering, jagged rock formations.
"Take a good look!"
His voice boomed like thunder.
"Three of these islands contain massive Seastone deposits. You all know how valuable that stuff is to us.
"Another five are home to all kinds of rare plants and animals. Some of those species probably can't be found anywhere else in the world."
He paused, unable to hide the excitement and pride in his eyes, before pointing toward the largest island.
"As for that big one…"
A mysterious grin slowly spread across his face, as though he were hiding an incredible secret.
"Heh. I accidentally stumbled across an ancient ruin there!
"Based on my years of experience—and my excellent instincts—I'd say there's probably something unbelievable hidden inside."
Greed and anticipation gleamed in his eyes, as though he could already see mountains of treasure piled before him.
...
Marco could not hide his curiosity after hearing that.
"Golden Lion, how exactly did you manage to control so many islands at once? That can't have been easy."
He watched Shiki closely, waiting for an answer.
Shiki immediately lifted his chin with a smug expression, puffing out his chest like a king displaying his authority.
"Hmph! My Float-Float Fruit has already awakened!
"With this kind of power, controlling a dozen islands is nothing. If I wanted to, I could bring the entire New World under my control!"
His voice overflowed with confidence, as though the whole world already trembled beneath his feet.
However, while everyone was still taking in his bold declaration, Shiki's expression suddenly turned serious.
He frowned slightly, concern flashing through his eyes.
"Right, there's something else. On my way here, I spotted a massive Marine fleet sailing through the distance. They had some strange white figures traveling with them."
Ron's gaze sharpened the instant he heard that, and his expression became grave.
He already knew what those white figures were.
"Those are Seraphim. It looks like the World Government is finally getting serious."
The air immediately grew tense, carrying the oppressive feeling of an approaching storm.
Shiki threw back his head and laughed wildly.
His powerful frame leaned forward as both hands closed around the hilts of his swords. With one swift motion, he drew them from his waist.
The blades flashed brilliantly beneath the sunlight like twin bolts of lightning cutting through the sky.
"Perfect!"
His booming voice shook the heavens, overflowing with excitement and arrogance.
"I was just looking for something to test my blades on!"
He swept one hand toward the vast chain of floating islands stretching across the sky.
The gesture was forceful enough to make it seem as though he intended to seize control of heaven and earth itself.
"Those islands will become the Divine Kingdom's strongest shield!"
A fierce flame burned in his eyes, revealing unwavering determination and ambition.
At his command, the newly arrived islands slowly began to move.
Their enormous forms drifted through the air, stirring faint currents as they approached the existing island layers of the Divine Kingdom.
Gradually, the floating landmasses began joining together.
Their edges aligned with one another, producing deep, resonant rumbles like the earth recounting some ancient legend.
Shiki's return expanded the Eternal Divine Kingdom once again.
Its already vast territory stretched even farther outward, creating an increasingly majestic and imposing sight.
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