In terms of physique, this guy named Ogrin is not that strong. Although his muscles look well-defined, compared to someone like Garp or Zephyr, there's indeed a significant gap.
"Let me tell you first, your current physique is stronger than my usual state. You don't need your abilities to take effect on me; I'll let you rely on your physical strength for a bit."
Sage gestured with his hand, "Come, let me see what you've got."
"Don't underestimate me!"
Ogrin's veins bulged around his temples in anger. He clenched his fist with force, causing the veins on the back of his hand to pop out.
He stomped heavily on the ground, spraying wood chips and dirt. As he charged forward, the wind generated was like a tiger's roar, and he aimed a punch at Sage's heart.
Without using Haki, it was purely a physical attack, but as the fist advanced, apart from explosive force techniques, it also carried a strange vibration.
If it hit, it would likely cause the heart to become irregular, perhaps even come to a halt due to the vibration.
"Heh heh heh..."
Sage chuckled softly, likewise not using Haki, only extending a hand, "Watch carefully, let me show you what true technique is."
As soon as the fist came over, Sage extended his hand, slicing the edge of his palm against the fist. With just a subtle movement, Ogrin's powerful strike immediately became light and powerless, brushing harmlessly past Sage's side.
"You..." Ogrin's eyes widened in shock.
"North Star Soft Fist."
Sage smiled and said, "The technique has been used, so next comes the strength!"
His hand, which was attached to Ogrin's fist, opened with five fingers, gripping his wrist. Ogrin, greatly alarmed, tried to exert force to break free, but no matter how much strength he used, Sage's hand remained as still as iron tongs.
"See, my physique itself isn't as strong as yours, but my strength exceeds yours. This is the wonder of body techniques. Through training, one can achieve an increase in strength, gradually surpassing one's own limits."
Crack!
As he spoke, Sage squeezed tightly, and the wrist he held sank inward, as if it were soft cotton being compressed.
"Ah!!" Ogrin cried out in pain.
"You can't think this is due to my natural talent, right? I wasn't born with great strength. Compared to me, you're the one with natural might, given your body and physique."
In the sea, a person's body is as formidable as it is tall; otherwise, giants wouldn't be considered the strongest race.
This is natural talent, which can't be changed.
"So, by rights, you should be stronger than me, able to break my technique and crush my strength. But why can't you do it?"
Sage released his grip and said with a smile, "It's because your willpower is lacking. Beyond Haki, the will can manifest itself. As long as your belief is strong enough, you can surpass your own limits!"
On the sea, everything else has limits of aptitude, except will.
So willpower becomes exceedingly important; it's the only thing that can make all beings equal, whether they're giants or small people, willpower is the same.
Sage's North Star Divine Fist merely provides a practice cheat and doesn't outright bestow him with all its power. He achieved it completely through his training.
Similarly, it's due to his indomitable willpower.
"The so-called self-limit is really just talent!"
Ogrin launched another punch, but Sage didn't move. Just as the punch came forward, he kicked Ogrin's wrist, causing the other hand to drop weakly.
"This is my reaction speed, also faster than yours, so in every way, you are inferior to me."
"You've trapped yourself in a box, thinking the world should be as you imagine it, yet lacking the ambition to change it, relying on your abilities, assuming others should be like you..."
"Such a person, in my eyes, is a complete weakling. Your title of 'Body Technique Expert' isn't qualified in my book. You're decent at techniques, but in terms of willpower, you're a complete weakling."
Sage shook his head, "That's it for now. I thought you'd have some high-level theories, but with this performance... you don't even give me the desire to attack. That's it."
Pop!
He stepped forward, his fingertip touching Ogrin's chest, causing Ogrin's expression to freeze, uncontrollably retreating.
"No, that's wrong!"
Ogrin's face twisted fiercely; clearly, neither of them used Haki, it was purely physical combat, and he didn't even seem that tall.
But after just a few moves, why is there such a chasm of difference?
"This isn't right, you're relying on talent again; you're just naturally gifted, not on the same level as me. Otherwise, my techniques would definitely outshine yours! Body techniques are about skills, not something else!"
Ogrin shouted loudly, his body constantly struggling, his face flushed red, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't regain control of his body.
"Hahahaha, such words have a bit of stubbornness, but this meaningless stubbornness serves no purpose. You better not regret it in the end, since the technique I gave you..."
Sage sneered, "Is the Regretful Accumulation Step Fist."
To say Ogrin is weak would be an exaggeration.
This guy on the sea, with his skills and Haki, is by no means weak.
But unfortunately for him, Sage is stronger in every way.
Against other people, he might hold his own for a while, but with Sage, surpassing means crushing.
Whether in physique or Haki, it is the same.
Originally, I hoped he could bloom an unusual flower, bringing me some joy, but now I see he's just a flower about to wither and decay, beyond revival.
Such a presence doesn't interest me at all. No matter how strong his physique or characteristics, in my eyes, he's still a weakling.
Boom!!
As the words fell, Ogrin's head twisted and swelled like a balloon unable to contain air, bursting open in a spray of red and white.
His body swayed briefly, as if wanting to reach out, then abruptly collapsed.
"Now it's your turn."
Sage looked up towards Jekai.
"Ah, found it."
Just as he was about to make his move, a voice sounded from behind. Sage turned to see Marika emerging from the deep forest, holding a Life Card.
Her appearance also puzzled the observing Jekai, who, for some unknown reason, had not attacked together with Ogrin.
"Oh... it seems the plan has more than a little difference, it's actually quite significant. No battle traces, so you didn't encounter Vista?" Jekai chuckled.
"Perfect timing."
Sage's fingers paused as he said, "I'll leave this to you, Marika. It's just as well to serve as a touchstone for how much you've grown recently."
"I'm not a combatant, you know."
Marika said with a smile, looking at Jekai, "But the captain's orders are not to be ignored. All right, I'll fight."