pertwk 15: Edward Newgate
15: Edward Newgate
On the gray-brown surface of Treasure Island, hematite veins are exposed like dark red blood vessels. When you step on them, you can hear the "crack" sound of ore fragments being crushed.
Oro raised his hand and tugged at his collar, completely removing the golden bracers that had been wrapped around his wrists.
"Really not going to do it? Good lad! Gurarararar!"
Newgate's laughter came from across the way, and the anchor wrapped with iron chains was stuck in the ground in front of him.
This man, who would one day shake the seas, had shed all his superfluous emotions. The muscles on his bare arms were as solid as the roots of an old tree, and his eyes were filled only with excitement for the battle.
"Since we agreed on a fair competition, we naturally won't resort to any boring tricks."
Oro stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his fingertips slightly curled.
He also wanted to know what level his physical skills, honed by Elder Aruru during his seven years in Elbaf, and the Armament Haki techniques personally taught by Yoruru, had reached.
"Alright, let's begin!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Newgate vanished.
Without any warning, he shot towards Oro like an arrow released from a bow, his right fist flying straight at Oro's face with a fierce wind!
Oro's left arm was instantly covered in Armament Haki, and he raised his fist to take the hit head-on!
"Thump!"
A dull thud echoed across the empty island, and Oro's ankle sank half an inch into the ground, causing the rocky surface to crack like a spiderweb.
Newgate was also knocked back by the recoil: "Your Armament Haki is very solid. Its hardness is stronger than that of many famous pirates."
"It's just the basics."
Auro withdrew his arm, but the Armament Haki on his forearm did not dissipate; instead, it flowed slowly with his breathing.
This is a technique he learned while studying the Hegemony Kingdom, which allows him to maintain his domineering aura at its peak and avoid any breaks in his power during battle.
"Again!"
Newgate attacked again, this time even faster than before!
Instead of retreating, Oro advanced, blocking with his left arm.
"clang!"
The sound of fists colliding was not like flesh, but rather like two iron weapons clashing. The shockwave exploded outwards from the two men, sending rubble flying half a meter into the air.
Auro's Armament Haki suddenly tightened, and the Haki patterns became as fine as a net.
Before the opponent could retract his fist, his right fist, carrying a black aura, had already slammed out!
Newgate didn't even blink. He slammed his left hand down on Oro's fist, trying to use the force to deflect the blow. But as soon as he touched the layer of black energy, his palm went numb from being pricked.
"Oh? Interesting!"
As Newgate spoke, his body didn't stop. He suddenly took a half step forward with his left foot and rammed Oro's forearm with his shoulder!
Auro was slightly thrown off balance by the impact, but he used the force to twist his body, changed his right fist, and swept it down Newgate's shoulder. The entangled fist grazed the opponent's arm and carved a shallow groove in the rocky ground.
"Well done!"
Newgate gave a low shout, abandoning his attack with his right hand and instead grabbing Oro's wrist, trying to lock him in place.
But Oro was prepared. With a flick of his wrist, his domineering aura wrapped around Newgate's fingers, tightening like chains until Newgate's knuckles turned white.
Newgate remained calm, bending his left arm and striking Oro's ribs with his elbow, which was imbued with Armament Haki, forcing Oro to release his grip and retreat.
The moment the two separated, Newgate suddenly leaped up, his right leg whipping up a gust of wind as he slashed at Oro's head!
The kick was fast and heavy, and the pebbles on the ground were swirled around by the force of the kick!
Oro crossed his arms over his head, and with a "clang," he was forced to sink an inch, his knees slamming hard into the ground.
Auro seized the opportunity and, before Newgate could land, slammed his knee into Newgate's abdomen, forcing Newgate to flip in mid-air and jump away, stepping on Auro's arm.
"Young people are so clever!"
Newgate landed, laughing and shouting as he raised his fist and charged forward again. The Armament Haki on his fist was so thick it was almost black, clearly indicating he was serious.
Oro stopped holding back and instantly solidified the Armament Haki on his arms, as if they were covered with a layer of black iron. He also threw a punch!
"Thump!"
There was another muffled thud, but this time neither of them retreated. The rocks beneath their feet shattered into pieces, and the ground sank half a foot.
Auro gritted his teeth and persevered. He could feel a twisting force hidden in Newgate's fist, as if it wanted to crush his Armament Haki.
Newgate frowned as the kid's Armament Haki climbed up his fist and tried to get into his arm!
"Let me show you how a fight is fought on the high seas!"
Newgate suddenly exerted force, grabbing Oro's arm with his left hand and pulling him in front of him, while simultaneously thrusting his right knee forward.
Using the pull, Oro lunged forward, his forehead contorted with Armament Haki, and slammed into Newgate's chin!
Giants don't waste time in fights; they win first and then talk!
Newgate was stunned by the impact and loosened his grip on Oro's arm.
Auro took the opportunity to retreat, shaking his numb arm. The Armament Haki on his forearm had faded a bit, but it was still solid.
Newgate rubbed his chin and grinned: "Good lad!"
Then, in an instant, a powerful aura exploded from Newgate!
The overwhelming aura of Conqueror's Haki surged forth like a tidal wave, causing the pebbles on the ground to float up with a "hum".
"snort!"
Oro's momentum is also rising!
The moment the two powerful auras collided, there was no loud noise, only a heavy pressure on everything around them.
"Crack!" The floating pebbles were instantly pulverized!
Even the air seemed to freeze!
A standoff ensued, with neither side gaining the upper hand.
"That's enough, Oro!"
Newgate was the first to stop, and Oro also withdrew his Conqueror's Haki.
"Hey, Newgate, why aren't you calling me 'kid' anymore?"
For the first time since the start of the battle, Oro smiled.
Newgate pursed his lips. Although the result appeared to be a draw, with their Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki being evenly matched and his combat skills slightly superior, he still couldn't defeat his opponent.
"I lost. You're at least two or three years younger than me."
Newgate was decisive; he wasn't a sore loser.
"How about we fight again when we meet at sea next time?"
Auro didn't say much, but directly challenged his opponent to another battle:
"Next time, let's fight to the death. Weapons and fruits can be used. If I lose, I'll give you a ton of gold."
"How many?!"
Edward Newgate, only 20 years old, could hardly believe his ears.
"One ton, one ton of gold."
Oro held up a finger and repeated it earnestly, knowing that the other person always helped his hometown and was very short of money.
Newgate looked at Oro in disbelief, then at the magnificent, luxurious ship on the distant sea.
Thinking of the situation back home, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! If I lose, I'll be your sailor!"
Newgate had been at sea for so many years, and all the money he earned had been sent back home. Apart from that dilapidated ship, he had hardly any money left.
The only one worthy of this bet is himself.
"Okay! It's a deal!"
"Lingling! Gails! Bring down some good food! We'll treat our future captain of the escort ship to some fine wine and dishes!"
It's not convenient aboard the Golden Dawn. The people he's interested in are all huge. He'd rather just give the capable ones a ship. He's not short of money anyway.
"Hey! Oro! What do you mean? I'm telling you, I definitely won't lose next time!"