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Chapter 172: The Power That Shatters the Air Stuns the Ninja World
On the battlefield.
Gaara was analyzing how Whitebeard had broken free from the sand so effortlessly. Whitebeard, conversely, was marveling at the force contained within the sand.
It wasn't simple sediment. Ordinary sand could never bind him so tightly. There was a unique energy infused within the grains—likely the "Chakra" mentioned by the other world's inhabitants.
Injecting energy to control the sand for attacks... Whitebeard sighed internally. It was good I realized this early. If I had treated it as normal sand, I might have suffered a disadvantage.
"Sand Binding Coffin."
Swipe!
Although his initial attack had been shaken off, Gaara didn't hesitate. After a split-second pause, he launched a continuous offensive. The scattered sand regrouped, slithering toward Whitebeard's legs like agile snakes.
Whitebeard scoffed. He wasn't the type to be caught by the same trick twice.
Along with his derisive snort, a wave of invisible Haki erupted from his body. The approaching sand was blasted away before it could even make contact.
The attack was interrupted, but Gaara remained unfazed. The volume of sand surging behind him was increasing.
Whitebeard noticed the change immediately. It was a subtle increase, but his Observation Haki had not dulled with age; if anything, his senses had become keener. No detail escaped him.
He also noted Gaara's position. The boy was hovering at a high altitude, seemingly unconcerned about defense. In Gaara's eyes, an old man like Whitebeard likely couldn't reach him in the air, let alone close the distance fast enough to strike.
It was as if floating made him invincible.
Cocky brat... Whitebeard thought, his grip tightening on his weapon. Do you really think I can't touch you up there? Attacking so recklessly without considering your own defense... I'll have to teach you a lesson. Don't underestimate the elderly!
A tidal wave of sand swept forward, blotting out the sky and obscuring Gaara's vision. He began mobilizing his Chakra, preparing for a massive burial technique.
However, the spectators could see clearly what was happening on the ground.
Whitebeard held Murakumogiri with both hands, thick blue veins bulging on his shoulders. A wide, ferocious grin split his face, and his eyes burned with a vitality that betrayed his age. He looked nothing like an elderly man entering his twilight years; he looked like a monster.
Everyone knew he was about to unleash a technique, but no one knew what it would look like. The people of the Pirate World watched with bated breath, while the Ninja World stared in wide-eyed confusion.
Suddenly, a strange fluctuation emanated from the blade of Murakumogiri.
Transparent vibrations coalesced, forming a sphere of white, glowing energy around the weapon's striking point.
In the Ninja World, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other Kages felt a sense of dread.
What is he doing? Is that attack powerful? But even if it is, Gaara is high in the air. He should be able to dodge it.
While they rationalized, Whitebeard swung Murakumogiri.
He didn't strike the sand. He struck the empty air.
The glowing sphere of vibration rushed forward. It didn't look particularly fast, yet it obliterated the incoming wave of sand instantly.
Gaara frowned. Seeing the attack trajectory, he didn't even attempt to dodge. The strike was completely off-target; it couldn't possibly hit him.
Just as Gaara prepared to command the sand to counter-attack the stationary Whitebeard, the sphere of atmospheric vibration hit an invisible wall.
BOOM!
The air itself seemed to shatter.
Like a spiderweb on a pane of glass, eye-catching cracks spread rapidly through the void. Gaara froze, stunned by the sight.
What... what is this power? He shattered the air?
What kind of force could break the atmosphere? Even Ninjutsu didn't operate on such bizarre logic!
Crack! Crack!
The fractures spread. It felt like an eternity, but it happened in less than half a second.
While the world watched in shock, a devastating shockwave erupted from the other side of the atmospheric fracture. It raged directly toward Gaara.
Before he could blink, the impact slammed into him.
Puff!
Completely defenseless, Gaara coughed up a mouthful of blood.
A scene that defied the Ninja World's comprehension unfolded. High in the sky, the sand platform beneath Gaara's feet disintegrated. The Absolute Defense—his Armor of Sand—shattered instantly. The blood he sprayed turned into a red mist in the violently shaking air.
Gaara plummeted toward the ground at breakneck speed.
Boom!
The ground shook as Whitebeard took a single step, launching his massive frame forward like a cannonball. He rushed straight toward Gaara's landing point.
Almost the instant Gaara hit the ground, a large hand clamped around his throat.
The speed... it was inconceivable. For a man of that size to move that fast was terrifying.
The people of the Ninja World were awe-struck not just by Whitebeard's speed, but by the power that could split the heavens. This old man was a true monster.
Meanwhile, in the Pirate World.
At the Holy Land of Mariejois, Sengoku and Garp watched the screen with heavy expressions.
"Whitebeard," Sengoku murmured. "It seems his condition has recovered significantly. His chronic illness appears to be gone..."
Garp nodded slowly. "Yes. He's back in fighting shape. While I wouldn't say he's returned to his absolute prime, a Whitebeard without health issues is a terrifying prospect."
The strength of the pirates was growing. Sengoku worried not just about the inter-world war, but about the balance of power back home. The equilibrium between the Pirates, the Marines, and the World Government had been shattered. With the emergence of the "Five Emperors Alliance," the Marines were in a precarious position.
Sengoku sighed. "The enemy underestimated Whitebeard. Giving him an opening like that... fatal. With Whitebeard in this condition, that sand kid has no chance. The outcome is set."
.....
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