On the Rocks Pirate Ship inside a cabin of the ship's main body.
Wang Zhi was leaning against the window, gazing towards the sea. Silver Axe sat on a chair beside him.
At that moment, John pushed the door open and, seeing Wang Zhi and Silver Axe, chuckled.
"Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, so you two are here. I just heard something interesting on the ship!"
"Something interesting?"
Both Silver Axe and Wang Zhi turned their heads towards John and spoke simultaneously.
"Just now, I heard from the crew that Golden Lion and Bob are about to have a big showdown!"
John seemed very excited, his whole demeanor animated as he spoke about it.
"Wasn't Golden Lion always trying to recruit Bob into his squad?"
"I remember they had a pretty good relationship! How come they're about to have a big fight?"
Wang Zhi was skeptical of the news, frowning with a look of doubt. Previously, Golden Lion often watched Bob train, so why would he suddenly make such a move?
Silver Axe, sitting beside him, also nodded in agreement.
"I was also surprised when I heard it, but it's definitely true!"
"Those crew members wouldn't dare joke about the two commanders!"
John replied calmly, very certain of the news's authenticity.
"Well, that's interesting!"
Wang Zhi narrowed his eyes, a playful expression on his face. A fight between Golden Lion and Bob was something the other commanders would be happy to see. After all, life on the ship was too boring, and a good show could spice things up.
Moreover, it could also answer the lingering question in everyone's minds just how strong is Bob? Using Golden Lion as a benchmark, they might get a rough idea.
"Let's go check it out!"
Without further hesitation, Wang Zhi pulled Silver Axe along and led by John, hurried towards the deck.
The news spread quickly, and many had already heard about it.
Charlotte Linlin and WhiteBeard, who were enjoying some sweets.
Kaido, the tall man still training, hoping to surpass Bob.
.............
At this moment, a crowd had already gathered.
Among them was Whitebeard, nearly six meters tall. But unlike the others who were there for the spectacle, his expression was serious. His presence was overwhelming.
"Golden Lion, have you no shame?"
"A long-established commander challenging a new ccommander!" Whitebeard shouted towards Golden Lion.
He was very angry about Golden Lion challenging Bob, seeing it as a blatant attempt to humiliate Bob—a master swordsman and a Devil Fruit user.
Challenging a newcomer. The outcome was obvious. Although he believed that given enough time, Bob could surpass Golden Lion.
But now… Even though he had always been optimistic about Bob, Whitebeard didn't think Bob could defeat Golden Lion.
"Gihahaha!" Golden Lion picked his nose, his face full of arrogance, laughing loudly. His demeanor was one of defiance.
Seeing Golden Lion's reaction, Whitebeard was furious.
The next moment, he was about to swing his Murakumogiri directly at him.
"Edward, let me handle this!" At that moment, Bob suddenly spoke. He gave Whitebeard a confident smile.
Hearing this, Whitebeard could only sheath his weapon. He was grateful to Whitebeard for standing up for him at this time.
Bob was deeply grateful. But the ship couldn't withstand a single blow from the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
A battle between Golden Lion and Bob ensued.
Through word of mouth, almost everyone on the ship gathered around.
John started a betting pool nearby. On the left, bets were placed on Bob's victory; on the right, bets were on Golden Lion's win.
The pirates, who had just looted the Marine base were now have pockets bulging with treasure, eagerly joining in the betting.
After a round of bets, the treasure on Bob's side was barely noticeable.
This situation was expected by commanders like Wang Zhi. It also reflected the general opinion on the outcome of the duel. Few believed Bob could win.
Compared to Bob's inexperience, Golden Lion's strength was deeply ingrained in everyone's minds. After obtaining Captain Rock's permission, they found a small island to serve as the venue for the duel.
After all, a battle between two commanders couldn't possibly take place on the ship.
Arriving at the center of the island, the two stood on opposite sides. Other pirates stood on their flanks, several dozen meters away from the center.
At this moment, Rocks also arrived. This duel between commanders was of great interest to the usually arrogant captain. Under the gaze of hundreds of eyes, Bob and Golden Lion stood facing each other.
"Gihahaha!"
"Bob, it's not too late to admit defeat now."
"When the fight starts, swords have no eyes!"
Golden Lion crossed his arms, his eyes half-smiling. Looking at Bob, he seemed confident of victory.
"Let's fight first!"
Bob replied calmly, not engaging in verbal sparring.
"Gihahaha!"
"Then don't blame me for not holding back!"
A glint flashed in Golden Lion's eyes as he used his Devil Fruit ability to rise into the air.
Seeing this, Bob's eyes sharpened. He adjusted his breathing, entering a combat stance.
The Golden Lion before him was one of the strongest during the Rocks era, ranked alongside Whitebeard and Roger as one of the three legendary pirates. His strength was not to be underestimated.
"Bob!"
"Take this!"
As soon as the words fell, Golden Lion's aura erupted. His black robe fluttered without wind.
In the next moment…
Oto and Kogarashi at his waist were drawn, the two great swords gleaming with a cold light under the blazing sun. Crossing his arms in an X-shape, he slashed out.
"Slash Wave!" Golden Lion shouted.
Two golden sword beams tore through the air, shooting towards Bob.
"So fast!" Bob's eyes flashed with intensity, his expression serious. This was on a completely different level from his previous opponents.
In the next moment, Bob didn't retreat but instead advanced. A powerful aura burst from his body.
Pushing off the ground with his toes, he leapt straight up. Instantly, the ground cracked, revealing a three-meter-wide crater, with dense fissures spreading in all directions.
His figure shot through the air like a cannonball.
"Damn! That speed is insane, can't even see it with the naked eye!"
"The sound is like thunder, deafening!"
"Look at that huge crater on the ground, holy crap! Is that human strength?!"
"…"
As the two began their fight, the surrounding pirates exclaimed in awe. The duel between the commanders had already showcased their terrifying strength.
Not just them, even the other commanders looked grave. Such explosive power was truly frightening.