Every time the volcano erupted, Dorry and Brogy would engage in a life-and-death duel.
This group, hiding within the dense jungle, had long witnessed the strength of Dorry and Brogy firsthand. It was precisely because of this that they clung to a sliver of hope, choosing to remain and wait for an opportunity to reap the benefits of a fisherman's catch.
However, after lurking for over a month, the chance they imagined never materialized.
Instead… they were greeted with a scene that left them utterly shocked.
And with that shock came a new concern—what if Maude ended up stealing their prey?
If Maude knew what they were thinking, he would likely scoff in disdain.
Anyone with a shred of insight could see that Dorry and Brogy were equally matched in strength.
In other words, without external interference, no matter how long they fought, they would never reach a decisive outcome.
And yet, these cowards, unwilling to become that "external force" themselves, were actually worried about someone else stepping in?
On the battlefield.
Maude maintained his stance after swinging his blade.
That direct strike, which had forced Brogy back, had cost him some of his Haki and stamina.
But the effect was undeniable, drawing astonishment from Dorry and a look of uncertainty from Brogy.
Maude withdrew his arm and gave a slight twist of his wrist, positioning Shusui's blade horizontally across his chest.
"Cavendish, can you move?"
Without turning around, Maude casually asked the question while keeping his gaze fixed on Dorry and Brogy.
"I can!"
Cavendish gritted his teeth and forced out a response despite the searing pain wracking his body.
However, despite his words, his body failed to obey. No matter how much he struggled, he could barely manage to turn onto his side, using his elbow to prop himself up slightly.
"Looks like you can't."
Without even looking back, Maude could tell through his Observation Haki that Cavendish was stubbornly trying to rise but simply couldn't.
Brogy's attack earlier had been imbued with Armament Haki, not to mention the sheer brute force natural to giants.
Even though Cavendish had blocked with his sword, the impact transferred through the weapon had left him severely injured.
Had Durandal not lived up to its reputation as a famed blade, Cavendish might have lost both his weapon and his life in that moment.
Hearing the teasing tone in Maude's voice, Cavendish remained silent, clinging to his futile defiance.
But given the situation, Maude had no time to wait for Cavendish to recover. Without hesitation, he turned and grabbed Cavendish by the back of his collar.
Feeling himself lifted, Cavendish's expression shifted as he realized what was coming next.
"Maude, you're not seriously going to—"
Before he could finish, Maude hurled him through the air, sending him flying toward Gaya and Philo, who stood at the jungle's edge.
The precise control over his strength and the flawless accuracy ensured that Gaya caught Cavendish effortlessly.
"Philo, check on him."
Gaya gently lowered Cavendish to the ground.
"Alright."
Philo nodded and stepped forward to examine him.
Meanwhile, Cavendish, his pride shattered, wore an expression of utter despair.
This wasn't how things were supposed to go!
Only after confirming that Gaya had safely caught Cavendish did Maude turn his attention back to Dorry and Brogy, who had remained motionless.
"Just now, that was your only chance to defeat me easily."
Maude was referring to the moment he had turned his back to throw Cavendish—a rare opportunity where he had left himself open to attack.
"Hmph! Don't underestimate us!"
"Elbaf warriors always fight with honor! Gaining victory through a sneak attack would bring us no satisfaction!"
Dorry and Brogy's expressions were solemn.
As warriors, they found disgrace in underhanded tactics.
"Fair enough."
Maude nodded, then raised his blade toward the giants, his presence exuding a chilling aura of bloodlust.
"I don't mind taking you both on at once, but you clearly won't do that. So, who's first?"
"..."
Hearing Maude's audacious words, Dorry and Brogy's eyes flickered with a subtle shift.
They glanced at each other, their gazes confirming a shared realization—Maude's aura matched the overwhelming presence they had sensed earlier from the eastern shoreline.
"This presence…"
"So it was you!"
Their fighting spirit surged, their expressions growing even more serious.
"Human, what is your name?"
"Bacardi Maude."
The act of formally asking for a name before battle gave Maude a sense of ceremony.
It was a testament to how much Elbaf warriors valued and yearned for combat.
Come to think of it, dying in battle was likely the ultimate pursuit of every Elbaf warrior.
"Bacardi Maude…"
Brogy murmured, then turned to Dorry with a deep voice.
"Dorry..."
"Go ahead."
Before Brogy could finish his request, Dorry had already agreed.
He knew what Brogy was about to say.
"Gahahaha! Thanks!"
Brogy hesitated for a brief moment, then burst into laughter.
Dorry cast one last glance at Maude, who remained utterly composed, before stepping back, exiting the battlefield.
With Dorry withdrawing, Brogy stepped forward, immediately assuming a combat stance.
His battle intent surged like boiling water, transforming into an overwhelming pressure that bore down on Maude without restraint.
Yet, standing before that suffocating force, Maude remained unaffected, gazing up at Brogy with calm eyes.
"Well then, let's begin."
Maude swung his blade, unleashing a black and red slash that soared toward Brogy's face.
"A flying slash, huh? It's been a while since I've seen one!"
Brogy's eyes gleamed as he watched the incoming attack.
Although he had time to react, he chose not to dodge.
Evading would only expose an opening!
Grinning, Brogy raised his left arm, positioning the round shield on his elbow directly in the path of the slash.
"Boom!"
The sword energy crashed into the shield, dispersing into shockwaves that rippled outward.
At that moment, Maude flashed forward, stepping onto Brogy's shield.
"Too naive!"
Brogy had anticipated this move. He roared and swung his massive axe at Maude.
"Not Observation Haki… just sheer battle experience?"
Catching the incoming axe from the corner of his eye, Maude abandoned his attack and raised his blade to block.
Clang!
The colossal axe clashed against Shusui, erupting in a burst of sparks.
The sheer force of the impact sent Maude flying backward.
"Gahaha! So you managed to block it, huh?"
Brogy smirked, watching Maude soar through the air.
But the next second—
Maude vanished mid-flight.
And in the blink of an eye—
He reappeared atop the shield.
Everyone, including Brogy, was stunned.
Without hesitation, Maude swung his sword, sending a deadly slash straight at Brogy's vitals.
"A Devil Fruit user?!"
Brogy barely had time to defend before the attack struck.
Blood sprayed from his chest near his neck.
As the crimson tide splashed through the air, Brogy's massive body staggered before crashing to the ground.
"Brogy!"
Dorry's shocked voice echoed.
And in the jungle, the hidden onlookers gaped in disbelief.
"This is insane…"
Their only thought in that moment.
Watching Maude stand victorious, Cavendish, now breathing steadily, smirked.
"So that's what he was planning… Maude… is terrifyingly strong."
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