Chapter 42: The Measure of Strength
"I underestimated you," Cavendish admitted, his earlier nonchalance completely gone, replaced by a sharp, wary focus. "For a boastful, spotlight-stealing fellow, you actually have some skill."
Having sailed across the Grand Line all the way to the Sabaody Archipelago, Cavendish was far more than just a pretty face; he possessed genuine and formidable combat prowess. Judging by Ian's commanding presence and the sheer pressure he exuded, Cavendish understood one thing clearly: he had, unfortunately, picked a fight with a truly powerful opponent.
"Commodore Ian!"
"Commodore Ian!"
Nami and T-Bone retreated slightly, falling back to Ian's side.
"Leave this guy to me," Ian commanded, his voice calm but firm. "Your task is to command the soldiers and carry away the unconscious civilians. At the same time, urgently evacuate any residents still hiding in the surrounding buildings. Move them as far away as possible. When Peacock's unit arrives, your two teams will form a perimeter cordon. No one is to be allowed within a one-kilometer radius. You have five minutes. If you don't want innocent people getting caught in the crossfire, move quickly!"
Ian issued the urgent orders, preparing to face Cavendish alone.
"Understood, Commodore Ian!"
"Yes, Commodore Ian!"
Receiving their orders, the two officers quickly sprang into action. In a clash between powerful fighters, ordinary people were just collateral damage waiting to happen. Creating an empty combat zone would not only protect the civilians but also allow Ian to fight without any restrictions.
In his previous battles, Ian had crushed Gladius, a top executive of the Donquixote Pirates, with a single, overwhelming move. He had used Peacock as a test subject for his newly awakened skills at Headquarters, completely dominating her. During his training with Garp, he had witnessed the sheer, raw power of a true master's Haki, knowing his own overall level was still far from legendary figures like his teacher.
But below Garp and above opponents like Peacock and Gladius was a vast range of power. To this day, Ian still didn't know his own precise limits. Was he at Vice Admiral level? Elite Vice Admiral level? Could he defeat a Warlord of the Sea, or at least hold his own against one? It was all very vague. He had never faced an opponent who forced him to go all out.
A Supernova with a 280 million berry bounty appearing on the island excited him from the bottom of his heart! The previous generation's Supernova, "Fire Fist" Ace, had personally defeated a Warlord. The next generation, blessed with protagonist-like luck, had taken down two Warlords before even reaching Sabaody. Even if this generation's Cavendish wasn't quite at the average Warlord's level, he was undoubtedly the most worthy opponent one could find just below that tier.
Shiiing!
Ian was willing to give his men time to evacuate the area, but Cavendish had no such patience. The moment he recognized Ian's power, he launched a proactive, aggressive thrust with his sword. Ian had anticipated this and was ready.
The first step: activate his superhuman visual and auditory abilities!
All irrelevant noise faded away. Ian's heightened senses precisely locked onto Cavendish as he lunged forward. His speed was impressive, but it was much slower than the breakneck pace Garp had subjected him to during training. It was a straightforward, un-telegraphed thrust, aiming to win with pure speed and sharpness. Ian saw through the intention completely.
"Elegant Sword: Blue Bird!"
The famed sword Durandal thrust forward with immense force and blinding speed, creating a sharp, whistling airflow as it aimed directly for Ian's throat. With a surge of will, Cavendish coated the tip of the blade in a concentrated point of Armament Haki, dramatically increasing its piercing power. He wasn't holding back. This wasn't a probing attack or an attempt to disarm; he was striking to kill.
"Very good. Fight with the intention to kill me, or be killed by me," Ian said, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "Hahaha! I'm very satisfied with an opponent like you!"
Ian's fist darkened as he activated his own Armament Haki. He met Cavendish's sharp thrust head-on, swinging his hardened fist directly at the incoming blade.
"Human Fist Storm!"
Ian shouted, naming his basic attack. It made no sense for everyone else to have named techniques while he didn't. Since he had eaten the Human-Human Fruit, his fighting style would naturally be the Human-Human Fist!
The second step: test the strength of their Haki!
Clang!
BZZZZZ—!
A brief but intense confrontation sent a shockwave of air sweeping outwards. The blade of Durandal vibrated violently, emitting a high-pitched hum.
"He... he stopped Durandal's thrust?!"
The famed sword bent slightly under the immense pressure, its legendary resilience tested to the limit. The terrifying force behind Ian's fist allowed Cavendish to hold on for only a moment before he was utterly overwhelmed.
BOOM!
A concussive blast erupted. Flames of impact sparked and scorching heat waves radiated outwards. Under the colossal force, Cavendish was sent flying backward more than ten meters. He skidded across the ground, his sword's tip scraping against the pavement as he fought to slow himself and regain his footing.
"This terrifying brute force... what in the world is going on?" Cavendish gasped, his hat gone, his eyes wide with shock as he stared at Ian. "And such powerful Armament Haki!"
There had been no fancy techniques. Ian had simply used his Observation Haki and speed to keep up with the sword strike, then completely suppressed him with the unreasonable combination of overwhelming Armament Haki and physical strength. During his journey on the Grand Line, Cavendish had once fought a giant pirate. The sense of raw, unstoppable power Ian gave him now was exactly the same.
I can't match him in a contest of pure strength!
That single exchange made the direction of the battle perfectly clear to Cavendish. If Ian was strong, then he had to be faster. He had to rely on a swordsman's speed and skill to find an opening in Ian's defense.
Shun!
Cavendish shot forward again, leaving a trail of golden afterimages with his incredible speed. Like a flash of light, he circled behind Ian in an instant.
"Elegant Sword: Swan Lake!"
Cavendish flipped backward, ending up poised upside down in the air above Ian. He unleashed a gorgeous, spinning slash aimed directly downward, locking onto Ian's position. A wide arc of terrifying sword energy shot forth, the pirate captain hanging in the air like a dazzling, deadly dancer. It was a shame his fan club was unconscious; the move would have surely drawn screams of adoration.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sword energy slammed into the ground frantically, shredding the stone pavement and slicing through massive trees lining the street. But it failed to connect with its target; the attack had completely missed.
"To the left! When did he move to the left?!" Cavendish thought, his mind reeling.
The moment his feet touched the ground, he attacked again, not allowing himself a moment to hesitate or think.
Boom! Boom!
Boom!
"..."