There is no disdain for targeting lower areas or underhanded methods. Body Techniques are just Body Techniques, and killing is just killing. There's no distinction of high or low, noble or base.
So Sage said something not bad.
"I don't want to hear you say 'not bad'..."
Ogrin said in a low voice, "My goal is to defeat you, not to listen to you arrogantly giving your critique!"
"No, no, no. You've got it wrong, I'm not arrogant."
Sage shook a finger, smiling, "Isn't there a rumor on the sea calling me the 'Extreme Boxer'? That's not false, nor is it an exaggeration. I am truly and genuinely..."
"A person who has reached the pinnacle!"
He grinned, "For me to say 'not bad' to you should be an honor."
From very early on, starting from the battles with Garp, he was certain that he was among the top in Body Techniques back then.
After such a long time, having fought three Pirate Emperors, he confidently confirmed that he had reached the pinnacle of Body Techniques!
It's not an exaggeration, nor bragging; it's genuine and authentic!
Whether recognized or not, Sage is there. In terms of battle strength, it's perhaps debatable, but in Body Techniques, he surpasses none.
Just like how Hawkeye is called the 'World's Number One Great Sword Master,' his battle strength isn't number one worldwide.
"It's just relying on a strong physique for amplification, I refuse to acknowledge it!"
Ogrin stretched out his finger, grimacing, "The peak of Body Techniques is only me. You people, relying on aptitude and physique, forcefully elevate yourselves. If everyone were the same, I would be the best!"
"Let me show you. When my first punch didn't use Haki but merely touched you, you were already affected by my ability..."
He spread his five fingers wide, Ogrin called out, "I am the 'Prohibit Person' who consumed the 'Ban-Ban Fruit', capable of prohibiting anything together with me into a uniform, primordial state!"
"So... let's prohibit! All those so-called talents and aptitudes in Body Techniques! Everyone on an equal footing, using the most exquisite combat skills, engaging in the most original battle!"
Buzz!
A peculiar light burst from within Sage's body, causing him to pause slightly and glance at his hands.
"Hehehe, indeed it is so, successful!"
Jekai clapped his hands, laughing from atop a tree trunk, looking down:
"For someone like you, I've been studying for a long time, since you captured Gares, I started studying you."
"At the time, I was wondering, a guy like you who could take down a Heavenly Celestial Dragon and penetrate the New World, occupying a kingdom, your ambition surely isn't just so little."
"Then you started conquering around, and I had to stay vigilant because you'd surely come for me."
"Long ago, I'd begun collecting methods against you, even having ways to counter your subordinates."
"Even this island was meticulously selected, you might not know... this is Whitebeard's homeland, and I've enlisted 'Phoenix' Marco to deal with you."
"Your subordinates were supposed to be initially attacked by Aramaki's forest; the original plan was to deplete half before you noticed. But you came quicker than expected. But that's okay, ordinary ones remaining won't affect the plan, and I've got people to handle your officers."
"For 'Devil Gin', it's high-temperature quartz that counteracts his ability."
"For the 'Magician' and 'Strange Monk', it's reversed curses and chains that bind the body, along with a little ability of mine."
"Battling 'Blast Hammer' and 'Wet Crow' are the incredibly tough 'Diamond' Jozu and 'Flower Sword' Vista. In terms of strength and power, they are restrained."
"Your deputy, 'Sword Princess', is dealt with by 'Phoenix' Marco, after all, no matter how sharp, she can't sever the undying."
"Former Seven Warlords of the Sea, Moriah, is a bit troublesome. I planned to deal with him myself, but thinking it over, it's more important to take care of you first."
"The newly joined Weevil is quite troublesome, targeting Whitebeard's remaining captains, so I've utilized those people too. Even one by one isn't an issue, he can't defeat the combined force."
"And you, a grand hero with high Body Techniques attainment, I've searched long to find a suitable Ability User like Ogrin to restrain your Body Techniques."
Jekai chuckled, "Though the plan seems a bit off, it's not far from it. After all, if I defeat you, everything can be back on track."
"I know you grand heroes like having banquets, so for this feast of death prepared for you... see if it suits your taste!"
Bang!
As soon as he finished speaking, that peculiar light suddenly shattered from Sage's body.
Boom!
An explosive torrent of black and red burst out, shattering the forest shadows overhead, and Supreme King's Haki manifested as black and red lightning, relentlessly destroying the surrounding forest.
Even as Aramaki attempted to regrow, trees would shatter upon approaching the Supreme King's range.
He cocked an eyebrow, looking at Jekai in puzzlement, "Are you saying you thought for a long time and decided to respond to me with ability? Or with damn ability effects?"
Can't be serious?
Ability Users are Ability Users, and ability effects are ability effects. They seem the same, but in practice are two different things.
If it were a straightforward ability with direct destructive power, then it's just a battle in combat.
However, with these ability effects... it becomes a contest of Haki against ability.
Unfortunately for them, Sage's Haki...
Completely crushes this ability of Ogrin's.
He couldn't even care less what Ogrin's ability is.
To him, possessing Supreme King Haki and having achieved Conqueror's Haki, it's utterly useless.
Not only could he destroy the applied ability, but he...
Buzz!
Sage glared at Ogrin, Supreme King Haki poured out, intimidating him into dripping sweat from his brow, and his body trembled slightly, his mind went blank for a moment. Forget about ability, even holding a fist became difficult.
"If you use ability, I can also use Supreme King Haki," Sage said playfully.
"Hey! I spent a lot of effort gathering methods to counter you!"
Jekai's forehead vein throbbed, but looking closely, his eyes revealed calmness, as if he had foreseen it.
"Is that so?"
Sage glanced at him, unfazed, he thought for a moment, retracted the Supreme King Haki, then turned to look at Ogrin, saying:
"Hmm, I'm thinking of the feeling from just now, physique? So you believe personal physique is unequal, pulling me to your level? No, it's about prohibiting the role of physique?"
Sage chuckled, "Your body's condition isn't too bad, how could you have such a wish."
A Devil Fruit chooses its host. It's due to such desires or obsessions that one is chosen by a corresponding fruit.
"What do you understand! The sea is destroyed by people like you! What Iron Fist! What Black Arm! It's all relying on physique and Haki to forcibly be crowned as Body Techniques! They're just meaningless punches, no skill at all!"
Ogrin grunted, "Including you, it's all the same, just sharper senses, better physique, greater strength! What's so pinnacle about those Body Techniques! I must reclaim that title!"
"You..."
Sage shook his head with a smile, "Oh, turns out you're a weakling."
"What do you mean! I'm not weak!"
"No, you are weak, a weakling shackled by technique. Do you think Body Techniques are what? An anything-goes murder art? Or a flashy array of martial styles? Body Techniques..."
"Of course, it's about stronger power, stronger physique, superior technique, quicker reactions—faster in using the body to kill, enhancing oneself better. These things are the essence of Body Techniques, not confining oneself to a specific realm."
Crackle!
Sage moved his entire body, generating a cracking sound from his bones, "Well, since it's rare to face someone using Body Techniques, I'll use a power level similar to yours, to demonstrate what true Body Techniques are."