Sage's speed is incredible. If you were to look down from high above, you'd see wind blades slicing in one direction through the trees, though only cutting about a third before immediately changing course and surging from a different direction.
Relying on the special nature of Foreseeing the Future, he can observe his own movements to determine if anyone will eventually be in that direction.
The wind blades swiftly cut through, constantly altering Sage's course under the foreseen insights, until he reached the central position.
In the highest rocky mountain, concealed by the trees, a cave behind a waterfall was swept open by wind blades, carrying trees and water along, as an afterimage darted swiftly into the narrow slits of the cave.
Soon, a lush green area, like a land out of this world, interspersed with a deep Sea of Trees, appeared in Sage's sight.
Compared to the desolate and ruined lands occasionally glimpsed outside, this area, though also shrouded by trees, still exuded a paradisiacal vibe.
Although inside the impenetrable Sea of Trees, Sage instinctively looked in a certain direction, feeling there was something there.
"You've come so quickly?"
Suddenly, at a gigantic root ahead, a whirlwind stirred up, revealing Jekai's form as the wind dissipated.
He lightly waved a Feather Fan and chuckled, "I thought you'd be slow enough for us to defeat your subordinates before it was your turn."
Buzz!
No sooner had he finished speaking, a grand black-red stream of air rushed over, pressing against Jekai's robe, making his hair dance wildly.
"Oh dear..."
He stepped back slightly, still smiling, "That's truly a terrifying Haki. I almost couldn't stabilize my ability."
Sage glanced at him disdainfully, "Not just a rat in the gutter, more like a Mouse King at least."
Being able to withstand a Supreme King shock was within his expectations. Without such capability, they wouldn't have dared ambush him.
"You've exceeded my expectations too. Turns out, you're not just a brute..."
Jekai smiled, "According to the original plan, this island should have been destroyed."
Sage squinted slightly at his words.
Destroying this island is too easy. Even if the Death Star is lost, Sage himself could effortlessly obliterate the island.
But hearing these words implies his subordinates really are on this island, and the other side has means to prevent the island's destruction,
which would only subject his subordinates to suffering.
"Never mind, it doesn't matter, it's within my planning."
Jekai smiled, "Whether or not the island is destroyed, the outcome won't change."
Sage grinned, "You're really amusing me. You're not qualified to..."
Boom!
An abrupt Haki Shock, like a pillar made of black fire, blasted towards Jekai, destroying the trees beneath him and punching a large hole in the dense trees behind.
Sage gripped his black-flame-encircled fist, eyes fierce, "Talking to me with such an assured attitude!"
"It's not like I'm unprepared either."
On the other side, trees whipped up a whirlwind again, revealing Jekai's form. He shook his Feather Fan and said:
"No one wants to offend a stalwart hero like you. As I said, if you're willing to protect us, the Country of Cyan will follow your orders...but only if you treat us like those pirates."
Whoosh!
As soon as he finished speaking, Sage's body turned into an afterimage, quickly appearing before Jekai. In his visibly tightened pupils, a hand grabbed his face.
Bam!
Haki penetrated as five fingers clenched tightly, crushing the grand head by Sage.
"I'll do whatever the hell I want!" Sage snarled with a grin.
The headless body swayed briefly, enveloped by a whirlwind, transforming into a guy in Pirate Captain attire, falling to the ground.
"He's really fast..."
Jekai's voice rang out behind Sage again, and when he turned his head, he saw his body manifested by a whirlwind on a higher tree.
He continued shaking his Feather Fan, grinning broadly with a mix of pride and ferocity, chuckling:
"That guy was quite a formidable captain too. I believe his bounty was two hundred million, right? To be taken out with one blow."
"Stand Type? A peculiar ability... What is your ability?" Sage asked, turning his head.
"If I told you, it'd make dealing with you harder. I'm not the type to reveal my abilities."
Jekai laughed, "Sometimes the unknown is what instills fear, isn't it?"
"You're still a rat. On the open sea, such tricks are meaningless."
Sage growled, "Anyway, I'll beat you to death sooner or later!"
"Of course."
Jekai readily admitted it, not feeling there was anything wrong with that.
"I alone can't match you. The strength of a Great Pirate is different, but..."
He lifted his head, spreading his arms wide as if relishing something, "Oh mighty hero complacent in your power, let me show you the feast I've prepared for you. Come forth, Divine Concealment·Turn!"
The Feather Fan waved, stirring up a whirlwind on the trees to Sage's left side first.
In the whirlwind, two sturdy arms reached out, seemingly tearing through the wind to reveal a form.
It was an elder in a worn Martial Arts uniform, muscles knotted, hair and beard all white, tied in a high bun.
"I am Ogrin, here to challenge you, said to have the strongest Body Techniques, Extreme Boxer of today's great sea!" the elder declared, clenching his fist, voice deep and resonant.
The Great Pirates, known by many names on the high seas, aside from their own titles, also earn new titles based on their actions and traits.