Roger's speed did not diminish despite his enormous size. Carl, already mid-air, had no way to dodge the devastating punch and took it head-on.
Even with the Lunarian bloodline factor coursing through his veins, Carl spat out a mouthful of blood the moment the blow landed. He pressed both hands against Roger's massive fist, trying to push it away. But Roger's strength now far exceeded Carl's, and he was sent hurtling downward at breakneck speed.
Gritting his teeth, Carl's right sleeve suddenly burst apart, revealing a glowing crimson arm beneath. Strange black spiral patterns surfaced on the limb, crawling up to his neck. An overwhelming surge of bloodlust erupted from Carl, who now resembled a blood-soaked demon of the underworld. With a furious roar, the swirling blood gathered onto his right arm, forming a massive crimson hand that gripped Roger's fist tightly.
Roger's expression changed slightly as he recognized the power that Carl had briefly unleashed when he had gravely wounded Whitebeard before. This time, however, Carl's strength was even greater.
Carl's eyes glowed a menacing red. The massive blood hand tightened its grip, sharp spikes protruding from its fingertips and piercing Roger's skin. Blood poured into Carl's crimson construct, causing a faint, black sword-shaped mark to quiver on its surface. The mark was minuscule compared to the enormous blood hand, going unnoticed by all.
Roger felt a sudden wave of weakness surge through his arm and was flung downward by Carl. As Roger descended, Carl followed, his giant blood hand aiming for Roger's heart.
However, Roger began pounding his chest and shouting, the force repelling Carl's blood hand. Roger's open palm then interlocked fingers with the crimson construct, holding it at bay. With his other hand, Roger struck Carl directly, only for Carl to withstand the blow using the power of his bloodlust.
The black patterns on Carl's neck crept further upward, now reaching his jaw. His consciousness grew hazy, but he bit his tongue, the sharp pain granting him fleeting clarity. With another roar, he tightened his grip on Roger, hurling him aside before unleashing a frenzied assault.
The sky roared with thunderous clashes as their battle shook the very heavens. The icy ground below trembled, rifts spreading far and wide. Kuzan was forced to temporarily disengage, repeatedly using his abilities to stabilize the ice.
After what felt like an eternity, the sounds of their battle gradually ceased. Then, a figure plummeted like a meteor, shattering the ice and leaving a massive crater as seawater gushed upward.
It was Carl.
Kuzan hesitated to repair the ice, as Carl's submerged figure remained missing. Akainu barked orders for a rescue, but none of the dispatched Marines could locate Carl. Their efforts were in vain.
Boom!
A resounding crash announced Roger's landing. The icy surface trembled like a trampoline under his colossal feet, sending shockwaves that flung Marines and pirates alike into the air. After a moment of confusion, the pirates erupted in cheers.
To them, the outcome was clear: Carl had fallen into the sea, and everyone knew the fate of a Devil Fruit user in water.
Roger had won.
Yet, those closest to Roger noticed his fatigue. His once-radiant skin now appeared dry and dull. His body shrank dramatically, standing less than 100 meters tall. Even so, Roger maintained his Nika form, fully aware that reverting would spell the end of his life.
Roger spat out a mouthful of black mist, his gaze sweeping over Akainu and the others below. Determined, he resolved to use his remaining time to weaken the Marines and cripple the World Government's strongest arm.
But before Roger could act, Akainu charged forward, abandoning the wounded Bullet. Fueled by fury over Carl's uncertain fate, Akainu's body erupted with black smoke as he propelled himself toward Roger with a burst of magma.
"Great Eruption!"
A massive magma fist filled Roger's vision, but his expression remained unchanged. He raised a hand, effortlessly catching Akainu in his grip.
"Urgh!"
Akainu spat blood as magma oozed from his body, sizzling against Roger's hand. Roger tightened his grip, the sound of cracking bones filling the air.
Despite the searing pain, Akainu gritted his teeth, refusing to utter a sound. Immobilized, he glared defiantly at Roger.
Suddenly, a blinding golden light illuminated the battlefield, heralding Borsalino's arrival. His rare, furious expression was evident as he shouted,
"Let him go! Yasakani no Magatama!"
A barrage of light bullets rained down, striking Roger's back. Though Roger staggered forward slightly, he swung his free hand backward, forcing Borsalino to retreat using his Glint-Glint Fruit, flashing to Akainu's side. Borsalino slashed at Roger's hand, but even his sword could only leave a shallow cut on Roger's resilient skin.
Irritated, Roger locked onto Borsalino with his advanced Observation Haki. Before long, Borsalino too was caught and held in Roger's other hand.
The weakened Akainu and Borsalino, having recently endured fierce battles with Barrett, were no match for Roger in his current form.
Seeing their comrades captured, Kuzan and Aramaki immediately unleashed their abilities. Ice and vines surged upward, entangling Roger's legs.
Kuma and Lucia attacked in unison. Roger faltered slightly, his massive frame collapsing onto the ice. Borsalino and Akainu seized the opportunity to escape his grasp.
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