For some, the lack of Observation Haki might be seen as an advantage, but it's relative, and it can also turn into a disadvantage.
The development progress of Moriah's abilities hasn't yet reached the level where he can freely control shadows.
He can only use the shadows of non-living objects around him, using them as his own shadows for attacks.
However, there are too many shadows in the forest, so many that with a casual grasp, he can grab shadows. His own shadow was used to bind Jozu, but the countless shadows could still serve as his means of attack.
Whether it's the enhanced version of 'Shadow Box', the 'Shadow Coffin', or his casual use of 'Shadow Warrior', or the sudden 'Shadow Mage' that pierced through someone's chest, there's enough shadow for him to use.
Vista, as one of the top Great Sword Masters on the seas, and Jozu, with his long-standing sea battles and defense known to be invincible, cannot be considered weak.
Even though Urouge defeated one of the Four Generals, and Hawkins might be even stronger than Urouge, if the battle drags on, their defeat is inevitable.
Even with Moriah, it would take a lot of time and some sacrifices to defeat the two of them.
But in this setting, Moriah has enough shadows to bind Jozu and enough shadows to cause severe damage to Vista.
A swordsman without Observation Haki, no matter how sharp his senses, once wounded and focused on Moriah himself, cannot detect the shadow attacks coming from behind.
Shadows inherently possess stealth, and swordsmen...are not really the physique-dependent types, their sensitivity to the body isn't as high as that of body technique experts.
And Moriah isn't holding back at all, directly going for the kill.
This is also him showcasing his revival and broadening his capabilities, using two heads to declare to the world...
The Heroes of the West Sea still exist!
Some are pleased, others are troubled.
For instance, Renedia...
In another deep part of the Sea of Trees, Renedia smashed the interwoven roots that looked like a barrier in front of her with a hammer, the blow unleashing kinetic energy that shattered and scattered the roots.
"It's driving me nuts, why are there so many trees!"
She hoisted the Mechanical Hammer, showing her little fangs, face full of anger.
Around her, an area had already been cleared.
She had arrived here inexplicably, and then a large number of trees started growing and even attacking her; if she hadn't reacted quickly, she would have been hit.
Besides her Observation Haki, she can't use Armament Haki at all, relying purely on her abilities to attack. In this deep Sea of Trees, she couldn't see the end of it.
If she wasn't concerned about other companions possibly being in this Sea of Trees, she might have torched the whole place.
"Boss, do we keep clearing?"
From behind, Weevil walked over with a long knife used temporarily as a weapon, looking silly.
Besides Renedia, coming along with her was Weevil, who had been seated on her shoulder at the time.
"You idiot!"
Renedia angrily hammered his head, exclaiming, "Can't you disable your ability?!"
Weevil, after being invited by Sage, directly joined the ranks as one of the three Supreme Officers, now rumored to be part of the 'Three Phases of Disaster'.
The Three Phases of Disaster, of course, relate to disasters, with Sage's signature being Thunderbolt, storm, and whirlpool.
Whether or not bad luck played a role, this thing is now iconic.
Thunderbolt's power increased as Sage entered the New World due to increased misfortune.
Codenamed 'Thunder Phase', it was given to Lily.
The whirlpool arises during travel due to weather, causing the sea to spawn gigantic whirlpools, symbolizing the endless torrential rain.
Codenamed 'Rain Phase', it was given to Moriah.
It seems unrelated, but his now endless shadow usage and ability to produce endless zombie-like shadows fit well.
It's just an internal code name; externally, they still call him 'Shadow Mage'.
The storm has been ever-present since Sage had a ship, symbolizing intense pressure and power, also representing strength.
Codenamed 'Wind Phase', given to Weevil.
Sage personally said that Weevil's Observation Haki is average, but his Armament Haki can use extreme power.
At this level, no matter whose ability, resisting it would still be easy.
So, even sitting on Weevil's shoulder, Renedia should be guarded by this level of Armament Haki.
And what happened?
Not only did she get transported to the Sea of Trees, but Weevil himself was as well.
"It hurts."
Weevil scratched his head, saying with grievance, "I forgot to use Haki, Boss."
Bang bang bang!
Renedia, angered, hammered him three more times.
"How come you haven't forgotten your head!"
Renedia exclaimed, "The scar on your neck is really from stitching your head back on, right? Did someone replace it with a dumber one?!"
"If you can forget to use Haki, next time will you forget how to attack? I think you might as well forget your head too! Let the enemies on the seas take your head for bounties!"
"It really hurts... I know I was wrong, Boss."
Weevil held his head, squatting down, his seven-meter tall body now curling up like a giant hamster.
"Next time you forget, put your head in the sea, let the seawater spark your brain clean!"
Renedia glared at him and took out a Life Card, saying, "Forget it, let's go find Sage."
Bang bang!
Just as she said this, a burst of fire suddenly appeared from deep within the forest.
"Hmm?"
Hearing the sound, Renedia turned her head to see two cannonballs flying out from the Sea of Trees, already reaching her front in no time.
"Power Braking!"
At this moment, Renedia stretched out her small hand, opening it up, and sparks flickered from her fingers. Under the ability's influence, the two inertia-driven cannonballs lost momentum, momentarily suspended mid-air.
"Powerful Home Run!"
Renedia extended the Mechanical Hammer, twisted the handle, and the hammerhead also burst into sparks, smashing onto the two cannonballs.
Whew!
The cannonballs, refueled with momentum, sped into the woods faster than before, exploding in a great blaze and cloud of smoke.
"Who is it!"
She stared ahead like an angry little beast, shouting, "Sneak attack, I'm going to let Sage strike you down!"
Amidst the flames, the deep forest was illuminated, revealing a dense crowd.
One quickly approached, entering Renedia's view, standing on the tree trunk.
This guy wore a helmet like a watermelon rind, a green jacket, guns at his waist, carrying two cannons, the extensively burned face full of anger.
"'Blast Hammer' Renedia and Weevil! You people frequently target us; planning to attack our old man's hometown again, we won't forgive you!"
Renedia tilted her head, "Who are you? Covered in burns... Burned Man?"
The only thing that matched was the so-called 'Burned Man' mentioned before, reportedly having some Poneglyph.
"I am the Whitebeard Pirates' Captain of Squad 10, Curiel! Here specifically to settle scores with you all!"
As he finished speaking, people continuously appeared behind him.
A round and fat man, with two pocket-like marks on his chin, walked out, calling out:
"Captain of Squad 6, Blamenco."
Next to him was a man with messy brown hair and a mustache, holding a chain Meteor Hammer.
"Captain of Squad 7, Rakuyo."
There was also a man with a fish-like protrusion on his forehead and teeth showing outside his lower jaw.
"Captain of Squad 8, Namur."
One by one, in the circular clearing Renedia created, the group surrounded them.
Each of them, dressed as captains and with captain-like attire!