Chapter 18: Dark Slash Of The Soul

**Chapter 18: Clash of Titans**

Amidst the raging storm, Akainu was propelled skyward by Lkira's devastating strike. Surprised by the sheer force of the move, he quickly retreated, a vigilant expression etched across his face. Simultaneously, magma billowed from his chest, leaving a hole reminiscent of Lkira's figure, emitting a steady stream of white smoke. As the magma writhed and the hole slowly closed, Akainu looked visibly discomforted, clutching his chest with urgency. Even after a full recovery, his breaths came in ragged gasps, struggling to regain composure.

"What manner of attack is this? I was already elementalized, yet it struck my very soul. He wields no Armament Haki," Akainu pondered, perplexed. Logia Devil Fruit abilities typically allowed one to evade all physical assaults, a power intrinsic to the fruit itself. To defeat a Logia user without Armament Haki was considered wishful thinking. Yet, Lkira defied this convention. The prior attack felt as though his very soul had been torn asunder.

With a calm demeanor, Lkira addressed Akainu, "Do not be so presumptuous. Do you truly believe I cannot breach Logia defenses without Armament Haki? Thousands of years ago, I stood by His Majesty's side as we conquered realms and vanquished countless Logias."

Hearing this, Akainu couldn't maintain his earlier arrogance. He had to admit that he had gravely underestimated Lkira. A look of shock overtook his face, and he couldn't help but inquire about Lkira's Devil Fruit. "What Devil Fruit do you possess? How can you effectively counter my Magma-Magma Fruit?"

Lkira shook his head with a tinge of disappointment. "It's not as simple as a mere Devil Fruit. This power is called Riotsu. If you do not comprehend it, experience it."

As Lkira extended his right hand, green Riotsu coalesced at his fingertips. However, in that very moment, Akainu struck. His right hand had transformed into molten magma, swiftly surging towards the ground.

"You're distracted," Lkira observed. The ground fractured, spewing forth a deluge of magma that engulfed Akainu and the surrounding area.

Akainu, undeterred, leapt skyward. His arm, now a seething mass of lava, took on the shape of a canine's head, lunging towards Lkira, enveloped in the molten tide. With a forceful bite, the area erupted in a searing sea of flames.

"Is that the extent of your assault?" Lkira inquired calmly amidst the relentless lava. To his surprise, Akainu's eyes widened, fixated on a singular point.

"What?" Akainu whispered, eyes transfixed on the unexpected sight unfolding before him.

In the heart of the raging inferno, a pure white figure emerged, shrouded in magma. Though wisps of white smoke emanated from his body, the scorching temperatures failed to breach his impenetrable exterior. Tattered remnants of his cloak revealed a chest etched with a symbol—a Sun, Moon, and a Chinese Dragon.

Akainu's astonishment held him captive for a moment before he managed to speak. "Attend, human."

Emerging from the molten maelstrom, Lkira spoke with a calm resolve. "These symbols represent His Majesty. Millennia ago, under His rule, all lands beneath the Sun and Moon bowed, alongside his comrade, Drake the Dragon, forging an empire. It was His Majesty's honor to bestow this mark upon me."

Akainu scoffed, unimpressed. "Such 'glory.' Lkira, your time is running out. There is no sanctuary in this world for you. Attack the World Nobles and face your fate."

With those words, Akainu lunged, his right hand surging towards Lkira with volcanic intensity. The colossal eruption seemed to reshape the very terrain, leaving an indelible mark of terror.

"Humph. Once you're dealt with, it will be Rayleigh's turn, and then the World King himself," Akainu declared, convinced of his impending victory. "My Magma-Magma Fruit wields the mightiest force upon the seas. Even with Armament Haki, Lkira will be left severely injured, if not vanquished entirely."

Yet, Lkira remained unfazed, raising his right hand calmly, gripping his wrist with his left. In an instant, a surge of shocking Riotsu gathered in Lkira's palm.

Akainu's complexion shifted dramatically. While the attack was formidable, the Great Eruption had already been unleashed, irreversible. Akainu was resolved to bear the consequences.

Lkira's lips curved into a subtle smile as he spoke calmly, "Dark Slash Of The Soul."