In that instant, a vast Conqueror's Haki surged forth like a roaring tidal wave, erupting from his robust physique.
It coiled tightly around the blade like an agile dragon, the Advanced Conqueror's Coating manifesting with grace.
As this immense power emerged, the surrounding air seemed to churn and roil.
"Hoo..."
Rayleigh exhaled a turbid breath, his eyes—already sharp as a falcon's—now gleaming with a piercing light.
He bent his legs slightly, adopting a stance ready to strike.
His movements flowed seamlessly, executed in one fluid motion, like a peerless master seasoned by countless battles.
Seeing this, Lancelot's lips curled upward, revealing a trace of admiration.
Indeed, Rayleigh was no longer young, but as the saying goes, old ginger is hotter—this old-timer, despite his advancing years, remained as vigorous and formidable as ever.
The strength he displayed now was proof enough: the powerful Conqueror's Haki that made one's heart tremble, and the resilient Armament Haki covering his body, all testified to this legendary figure's unfathomable depth.
Even more frightening was that Rayleigh had yet to truly swing his sword, yet his entire being already radiated a sharp Sword Intent.
This Sword Intent felt tangible, permeating every inch of space, making anyone nearby feel a pressure as crushing as a mountain bearing down on an egg.
Without a doubt, this aura and pressure alone were enough to prove how powerful Rayleigh truly was!
A Great Swordsman.
Undoubtedly a Great Swordsman.
With just this Great Swordsman level combined with his fearsome Conqueror's Haki, the number of people in the world who could rival him could be counted on one hand.
"Tsk tsk..."
Lancelot let out an eerie laugh that seemed to crawl up from the depths of hell, sending chills down the spine.
In that moment, a new idea flashed through his mind.
Just think—Rayleigh, Whitebeard, Shiki, Redfield and the legendary Marine hero Garp.
Though time had left its mark on them, they remained as sharp and powerful as ever.
Each one was a figure who could make the world tremble with a single stomp!
Exactly!
These old-timers were all proud and arrogant; making them submit willingly would be nothing short of a fool's dream.
However, Lancelot possessed a secret weapon that no one else had—Artificial Devil Fruits!
Especially when combined with that miraculous Paramecia-type Millet-Millet Fruit!
It was bound to achieve miraculous effects.
Of course, for powerhouses like Whitebeard and Shiki who already possessed their own Devil Fruit abilities, the Millet-Millet Fruit would be ineffective.
But for experts like Rayleigh and Garp, who had no Devil Fruit abilities at all, once they were force-fed an Artificial Devil Fruit and then successfully controlled by the Millet-Millet Fruit's dango...
How could they possibly escape?
By then, these legendary figures would all transform into Lancelot's unstoppable forces.
They'd become like hidden blades in the darkness—unseen until unleashed, and deadly upon release.
And when the situation reached a stalemate, this unexpected force would surge forth like a raging torrent, breaking through enemy defenses with thunderous momentum and delivering a fatal blow at the critical moment!
At this thought, Lancelot's eyes gleamed with a greedy, maniacal light, burning like flames, as if ready to incinerate everything in sight.
It was as if he'd already seen clearly through the thick fog—the glorious moment when he'd reign supreme and dominate the world.
Redfield, the formidable figure with mysterious abilities, Jinbe, the undisputed ruler of the seas, Crescent Moon Hunter, elusive and terrifying, Colossal Battleship, like a moving fortress of steel, Heavy Drinker, who appears dissolute yet conceals hidden depths, Corrupt King, whose ruthless methods send chills down one's spine and Douglas Bullet, whose power is unfathomable, like a demon god descended to earth.
Add to that Garp, the Hero of the Marines, and Steel Bone Kong, whose authority ranks just below the Five Elders.
With such an extravagant assembly gathered together, who in the world could possibly stand in their way?
Even those proud powerhouse would likely flee at the sight of such a terrifying combination!
...
"Hmm..."
In the distance, Basil Hawkins stood quietly.
Suddenly, as if sensing something unusual, his brow furrowed.
He swiftly pulled out a mysterious deck of Tarot cards from his chest.
With practiced skill, he shuffled and cut the cards, then focused intently on the cards in his hand, murmuring under his breath as if engaged in silent communication with some unknown force.
As time passed, Basil Hawkins' calm expression gradually grew solemn.
Fine beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his fingers tightened around the fateful Tarot card.
When he finally revealed the last card, he froze, his eyes widening like copper bells, his face filled with disbelief.
"This... how is this possible?" he muttered to himself, his voice trembling with shock.
The cards displayed a 100% defeat rate and a 100% survival rate!
Such a result was unacceptable to Basil Hawkins, as he'd never encountered such a situation before.
However, despite his doubt and surprise, Basil Hawkins didn't give up easily.
He took a deep breath, composed himself, and decided to perform another divination, hoping to find a reasonable explanation or discover some hidden clue.
He reshuffled and cut the cards, pouring his entire focus into this contest with fate.
But no matter how hard he tried, no matter how many times he recalculated, the result remained the same—100% defeat rate and 100% survival rate!
This inexplicable outcome clung to Basil Hawkins' heart like a curse, leaving him perplexed.
What could possibly cause such a situation to occur? Could there truly be a power so immense that it could overturn all predictions?
Basil Hawkins sank into deep contemplation...
...
Having made up his mind, Lancelot placed his hand on Shusui's hilt.
As he slowly drew Shusui, a powerful Sword Intent burst forth from him.
He successfully formed a standoff with Rayleigh.
Clearly, their Sword Intent was nearly equal, and their achievements in the path of the sword were evenly matched.
But don't forget—Lancelot still possessed a trump card that others lacked.