Boom!
As Ezra chanted, an overwhelming heat radiated outward, engulfing everything on the island and even reaching the nearby seas. For several kilometers, pirates and observers alike could feel the temperature rise dramatically.
"It's so hot!"
"Ugh… it's burning!"
"What… what is this?"
"That's the Navy Admiral's technique!"
"That heat… I'll never forget it!"
Even the Whitebeard Pirates remembered that scorching heat the kind that once seared everything in its path.
But the display was far from over.
As Ezra's spiritual energy surged, the dark clouds above the island were instantly blasted away. The air and all objects on the island radiated intense warmth. Flames ignited along the length of Rengoku, and the surrounding sea boiled violently physically, genuinely boiling.
Gurgle! Gurgle! Splash!
"Look at the water!"
All eyes shifted to the ocean. The waves hissed and steamed as the water evaporated under the blade's searing heat.
"No! Our ships can't withstand this! Retreat now!"
"Damn it! How can one man be this strong?!"
The pirates were forced to retreat, some scrambling to get as far from the island as possible.
On the island, Mihawk felt the sting of frustration. His slashes seemed meaningless. Not even close to Ezra, his attacks vaporized before reaching him.
Ezra's crimson eyes met Mihawk's.
"Mihawk, your growth is impressive," Ezra said calmly.
Mihawk smiled bitterly.
"But… I still cannot defeat you."
Ezra shook his head.
"Do not forget your goal. You are striving to surpass yourself and claim the title of the World's Greatest Swordsman."
Mihawk's body tensed. His focus sharpened.
"Then come! Admiral Vale! I will find a way to meet your strike!"
Ezra's lips curved into a confident smile.
"Good."
With a swift motion, Rengoku blazed forward.
"[Torch]!"
The air erupted a massive tornado of fire spiraled from the blade, a living inferno.
"Wh-what is that?!"
"Is that… a slash?!"
"Is this some kind of joke?!"
"No one's slash should be this huge!"
"Is this what a Navy Admiral's strength looks like?!"
The crowd went wild, their understanding of swordsmanship shattered. Many swordsmen felt their beliefs crumble in the face of such overwhelming power. Some, however, used this as inspiration to reach higher levels than ever before.
The fiery tornado consumed everything on the island, an unstoppable, destructive force.
Mihawk's eyes widened with shock. He exhaled heavily, gripping Yoru tightly.
"Hyah!"
He poured every ounce of strength into raising Yoru above his head, determination burning in his eyes.
"[Sever]!"
Whoosh!
A blade of deep green energy surged from Yoru, surpassing all of Mihawk's previous attacks a true ultimate strike.
It tore through the raging fire tornado with immense force.
Boom!
The clash was cataclysmic. The entire island trembled, the dome of sky itself tearing apart. The nearby seas roiled violently. Even those who had retreated far away felt the shockwave's impact.
"Is this for real?!"
"Can a swordsman even wield this much power?!"
The crowd clung to railings, screaming in disbelief, buffeted by the crashing waves and the immense energy from the battle.
KABOOM!
The fiery tornado exploded, consuming everything in its radius. Brilliant flames lit up the sky as the inferno raged. Spectators shielded their eyes instinctively.
Moments later, the waters calmed. The island itself had been obliterated nothing remained but the churning sea, silently bearing witness to the titanic battle.
"Where… where are they?"
"Can't see anyone!"
"Look! Up in the sky!"
All eyes turned upward.
Ezra stood calmly on the ruins of the island, holding Mihawk by the collar with one hand. His expression was serene, as if the battle had cost him nothing.
"The Navy Admiral has won!"
"Of course it's him!"
"The duel for the title of World's Greatest Swordsman has concluded!"
"The one who earns the title is… Admiral Ezra D. Vale!"
"YES!"
Morgan's excitement spread instantly through video communication networks, reaching every corner of the world.
In Windmill Village, people cheered, raising their cups in celebration. In Frostmoon Village, Koushirou smiled faintly. Guina and Zoro's eyes shone with admiration.
In Marineford, the atmosphere was festive, as if celebrating the new year. Marines danced and cheered. Sengoku, shaking with excitement, removed his glasses, wiping the lenses with trembling hands.
"Well done, Ezra!"
Even in Im's chamber, a faint smile played across her lips.
"I knew you would earn this ultimate honor."
In the kingdom of Alabasta, Robin clenched her fists, recalling the devilish smile of her opponent. She shivered. Such a swordsman was not to be challenged only avoided, indefinitely.
Thud.
Ezra descended onto the deck of the Marine ship, crimson eyes sweeping across all present.
"The battle is over. Are you really going to stay here?"
His calm voice cut through the celebration. The roles had shifted no longer swordsmen, but Marines facing pirates.
"Move! Retreat now!"
The pirates scrambled, scattering in panic.
Whitebeard looked at Ezra, tilting his head slightly, as if to say: Ready for another round?
He snorted.
"Let's go, sons!"
"Yes, Father!"