The Haki intensity covering the heavy sword was noticeably weaker after the slash.
Sage let out a low chuckle, directly facing William, whose arm bulged with veins as he pressed the heavy sword down fiercely.
Haki can't truly be used as a shield, after all, it is an amplification. Only someone like Sage would extravagantly externalize Haki.
Though the Haki on the heavy sword had weakened, combined with William's strength and the physical blade, it still broke through the black flame, slashing diagonally towards Sage's shoulder near the neck.
Clang!
A crisp sound rang out as the blade made contact. In this prolonged battle, the heavy sword clashed multiple times with Sage's flesh, causing numerous wounds that, although quickly healed by Life Return, still demonstrated significant power.
Yet now, the blade merely struck Sage's body, completely blocked by Haki, not leaving a scratch.
This level of Haki...
Sage raised his fist, grimly saying, "Can you still keep up with my punches now?"
Bam!
Just as he finished speaking, William's face visibly sank in, sent flying backward with tremendous force, blood streaming from his nose, splattering into the air as he flew.
He flew back several meters before landing heavily, face taut, gripping the heavy sword with both hands. However, upon closer inspection, his chest heaved irregularly, and the red dot representing Observation flashed in his eyes but quickly dissipated as he frowned.
"Oh... seems it's not working."
Sage laughed, "Exhausted too much energy, can't catch up?"
Hundred Times Speed is not easily kept up with.
Or rather, William could never keep up, only using Observation to prepare in advance, creating the illusion he could match Sage's movements in battle.
This is the usual tactic for strong individuals on the sea.
Against elusive enemies, whether fast or Ability Users, Observation is always handy.
Sage's speed under Hundred Times Amplification is so fast he can almost match Kizaru; not something ordinary folks can withstand with mere eyesight and body.
Unlike the momentum from speed augmentation, which can be resisted with Armament and one's strength, this guy's power isn't small, so fighting a whole day, he can still go toe-to-toe with Armament.
But speed that can't be captured can only be sensed with Observation.
Yet, Observation requires focus and concentrated willpower. When the will is tired, one can burst with Armament, but it's impossible to focus again for Observation.
This guy is obviously very tired.
"Not bad to last this long in my current state, commendable."
Still, Sage didn't show any contempt or disdain, reaching out to William:
"I rarely invite someone a second time. With your strength, it would be a waste to die here. Do you have any wishes? Speak up; perhaps we aren't in conflict."
William replied solemnly, "I also respond for the second time, my sea is this country."
"Is that so..."
Sage shook his head, "What a pity."
Snap!
"Meteor Shower!"
At this moment, the hand he extended suddenly grasped the air, black flames gathering in his hand, rapidly throwing out Haki Bullets like a machine gun.
William's pupils shrank, shifting to his left side to dodge the straight-line Haki Bullets. But just as his foot landed, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Too slow."
Sage swept with both hands, leaving afterimages, then vanished from sight.
Bang, bang, bang, bang!
William's body seemed to explode, feet off the ground, briefly suspended, his whole body marked with fist imprints.
Haki Defense crumbled!
"In an Instant, Hundred Splits."
To continue fighting with Sage, one must at least equal his strength and maintain it constantly.
But humans tire, and after a day of high-intensity battling Sage, William has expended enormous energy and willpower; it's irreversible.
Sage's energy is also largely spent, yet his Haki...
never speaks of depletion.
So... surpassing equals crushing!
Maintaining peak Haki intensity, he easily pierced through William's Haki Defense, his Haki penetrating the body with each punch, attacking internally.
Splat!
William's body spurted blood, each fist imprint like a small fountain, covering him in blood. The brief suspension ended, dropping him to the ground, his body leaning, but amid a shake, he forced himself to stand, gripping the heavy sword, charging at Sage with force.
Splat, splat, splat, splat!
But as the sword swung halfway, the action halted, William's body bursting into a greater flow of blood, as if his veins exploded, producing explosions within with each tremor, holding his posture stiffly.
"Impressive will."
Sage praised, "They all landed..."
Strong individuals on the sea are bloodthirsty, the Hundred Split Fist that can make people explode, only smashing the opponent's insides was normal, and Sage was not surprised, but this guy still standing was unexpected to him.
Just when he finished speaking, that half-swung heavy sword moved again, yet without even looking, Sage let the blade reach his neck and then suddenly stop.