The desert sand swirled around Mr. 1 as he stepped forward, his body transforming with a cold, metallic sheen. Every inch of his skin was becoming a blade, a living weapon of hardened steel.
"I was told to find a merchant," Mr. 1 said, his voice as flat and sharp as a razor. "But all I see is a boy playing with shadows. Crocodile wants that Ledger back, and he wants your head as interest for the delay."
[Warning: Opponent is a 'Supa Supa no Mi' User.]
[Physical Resistance: 95%.]
[Spiritual Vulnerability: Moderate.]
"Vivi, stay back!" Kai commanded, his golden eyes narrowing. "Silas, keep those Millions at bay. This one is mine."
Kai didn't wait. He knew that against a man made of steel, standard physical attacks were useless. He needed to strike the 'Core' of the weapon.
[Skill Activated: Soul Infusion - Ethereal Edge.]
[Cost: 50 Soul Coins.]
Kai's dagger began to vibrate with a high-frequency violet light. He disappeared in a [Shadow Step], reappearing instantly at Mr. 1's side.
CLANG!
The sound of the impact was like a hammer hitting an anvil. Mr. 1 didn't move an inch, his arm—now a massive blade—blocking Kai's strike. "You can't cut steel with a toothpick, boy."
"I'm not cutting your steel," Kai whispered, a cold smirk appearing on his face. "I'm cutting the 'Will' that keeps it hard."
[Ding! Soul Friction detected.]
[Status: Inflicting 'Spiritual Corrosion' on the Target's Fruit Power.]
Suddenly, the spot where Kai's dagger touched Mr. 1's arm began to rust—not from age, but from a spiritual decay. Mr. 1's eyes widened as he felt a sharp, icy pain pierce through his invulnerability.
"What... what did you do?" Mr. 1 hissed, swinging his other arm in a wide arc. "Atomic Spurt!"
Kai flipped backward, the air where he stood a second ago being sliced into a thousand pieces. The battle was no longer just about strength; it was a race between the hardest steel in the world and the hungriest soul in the Grand Line.