One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 78 Intelligence can be average, but strength must be twice as good.

Rita Deere, the commander of the 265th Squadron in the South China Sea and the overall leader, is known for his diligence, honesty, and loyalty. This is the assessment of those in the know, and he is indeed consistent in his words and deeds, not the kind of repulsive naval figure. Therefore, there is almost no possibility of him being bribed or secretly defecting to the enemy.

Based on the facial features of the Den Den Mushi and the photograph of Colonel Deer preserved at headquarters, it is indeed him. In this respect, Den Den Mushi is quite professional, and Roman naturally cannot question the science behind it.

However, it's really strange and illogical.

"Ah, it's Lieutenant General Kuzan from headquarters. Everything is fine here, we haven't been attacked..."

"Really? That puts my mind at ease..."

Oh no, the conversation is about to end.

Although the result was indeed good news, her heart told her that there was definitely something wrong.

Roman's brain started working at high speed again.

"Colonel Deer, according to Naval Headquarters regulations, you are required to report the situation of your islands to Headquarters once a week. Why haven't you reported for a month?" Roman had to interrupt abruptly.

"The communication equipment is damaged, so the report is delayed. Please..."

"He's not." Roman, who hadn't finished listening, looked at Kuzan and mouthed the words slightly.

……

The connection between the headquarters and the branch is not close. There is no report even once a month, let alone once a week. It is only possible that there is a report once a year. Dill has been the highest-ranking officer of the branch for five years. How could he not know this?

"So there's no such rule?" Compared to Roman, Kuzan was clearly still unsure.

It's really not Kuzan's fault. As a "monster" in the Navy, he almost always stays at headquarters. The Four Seas Branch is indeed a bit far from him. Moreover, Kuzan himself doesn't follow the path of strategy. He's passionate to the point of being lazy. He has always relied on his powerful forces.

"He just made that up, and obviously, he believes it completely. I don't think it's him. Of course, the Den Den Mushi did mimic his face, and although I don't know the specific reason, I still stick to my original opinion," Roman said very seriously.

"If you allow me, I'd like to go and take a look at that place. But let's not trouble the branch; this is probably beyond their ability to handle."

It might be more convenient to send branch members to investigate, but it's too dangerous, and there's no need to increase casualties unnecessarily.

"You should know that although this matter is indeed full of doubts, it is still difficult to directly dispatch headquarters warships to investigate."

“I understand. So it’s enough for me to go and check the situation by myself. If I’m overthinking things, I’m willing to accept the punishment. But this time, please trust me. My judgment is that Dorati is in a very critical situation.”

In Kuzan's eyes, Roman's gaze was firm and confident, much like his former self.

“I can talk to Professor Zephyr…”

However... there's usually a turning point at times like this, so Roman patiently waited for what would happen next.

"but……"

really……

“Although there are indeed rumors that you are also a monster, I haven’t seen it with my own eyes. If you insist on leaving alone, you should at least be able to withstand this one move from me.” After Kuzan finished speaking, the temperature in the room began to drop.

His body began to freeze, and his breath turned into icy air. His right hand even released ice cubes, and tiny ice particles fell onto the cold floor.

That's incredible power; no wonder it's a Logia-type Devil Fruit.

Roman could feel every cell in his body screaming for danger. The power of the Ice-Ice Fruit was no joke, and if the user was a monster, it would be even more difficult.

They should probably hold back their power, otherwise this office would probably be filled with ice.

"I understand. Please give me your guidance."

In Marineford's office, the two naturally couldn't engage in any fierce fight; the battle was actually exceptionally peaceful, warm, and brief.

"The Frozen Moment".

Kuzan gently placed his right hand on Roman's shoulder, while carefully wrapping his left arm around Roman's back. As he crouched down, he whispered in Roman's ear, "It's already started, be careful."

Even with the cautious contact, Roman felt the pain of being frozen. Although the words were gentle, the chill emanating from each breath traveled throughout Roman's body. Starting from his shoulder, the area of ​​Roman frozen grew larger and larger, spreading from his left hand to his left leg, and then beginning to spread to the right side of his body.

It's a hard feeling to describe. The process wasn't exactly agonizing, but it made me feel powerless.

His heart was beating slower and slower, his blood flow was gradually slowing down, and his breathing was becoming weaker and weaker. Roman knew that his life was coming to an end if he wasn't thawed in time.

She doesn't have the String-String Fruit, which can cut through ice on her body, nor the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, which can shatter ice. The best way for non-Devil Fruit users to resist Devil Fruit abilities is through their own Haki.

Armament Haki needs to be activated first.

"Hmm?" Kuzan keenly noticed that Roman in his arms seemed to be resisting, because although his ability was still active, the freezing speed had slowed down, no, it had stopped.

The parts of its body that were not yet completely frozen had already turned black, resisting the power of the fruit.

Has he truly mastered the power of dominance?

Roman clearly didn't want to be looked down upon by Kuzan. In universal values, you can have average intelligence, but your strength must be exceptional.

Since he began to regard Haki as a special kind of energy, Roman often adjusts his breathing to find points that stimulate the aggressiveness of Haki.

As for the results, who knows?

Now, isn't this a great place to try?

Roman began to regulate his breathing, focusing on the flow of energy, or power, within his body, searching for its explosive potential. The external threat posed by Kuzan's ice was already sufficient.

So now, break it apart.

"Bang bang!!!!"

Kuzan, who was still activating his power, sensed danger and instinctively took a few steps back. What he felt next was the invasion brought by the howling wind, and then he was met with shattered ice.

For Kuzan, who can transform into elements, this wasn't an emergency, but the situation certainly surprised him.

Because he was injured, it was Roman's domineering presence.

Although it was minor, he was indeed injured.

Conqueror's Haki? No, wait? Is it Armament Haki that can be unleashed? Its intimidating aura can not only neutralize Devil Fruit abilities but also harm enemies? The power of that burst just now wasn't great, but it seemed to be a precise strike?

"Is this acceptable, Lieutenant General Kuzan?" Stepping on the broken ice, Roman adjusted his breathing, allowing his body to return to its original state.

It seems to be a real monster.

Looking at the confident girl in front of him, Kuzan couldn't help but think.