Інформація
Адреса змісту:https://www.webnovel.com/book/one-piece-a-different-
luffy_28746786300698505###
One Piece: Другой Луффи
Аниме и комиксы
79 глав
1,1 млн просмотров
Добавить
Автора
4.24
(16 оценок)
Краткое содержание
Когда Луффи садится на Триллер Барк и получает чит, ускоряющий
рост, ситуация для Пиратов Соломенной Шляпы начинает меняться.
В предстоящих крупных событиях Мугивары не будут такими
слабыми, как раньше. В «Триллер Барке» Луффи использует Хаки
Завоевателя, чтобы оглушить своих врагов, даже заставив врасплох
гигантского медведя выстрелом с воздуха.
После прибытия на архипелаг Сабаоди Луффи представляет свою
форму Пятого Гира, известную как Четвертый Гир: Баундмен,
объединяя ее со своей формой Ника и овладевая Хаки Завоевателя.
Обладая повышенной физической силой, он без особых усилий
побеждает Пасифиста одним ударом и одним ударом отправляет
адмирала Кидзару в полет, оставив в изумлении даже Рэйли.
Во время Войны на высшем уровне Пираты Соломенной Шляпы,
теперь усиленные, совершают грандиозное появление. Каждый
участник демонстрирует впечатляющее боевое мастерство, что
усиливает их грозное присутствие. Когда они сражаются против
Дозорных и Ситибукаев, все взгляды прикованы к Эйсу, который
стоит на платформе казни.
В момент напряжения Луффи активирует свое Хаки Завоевателя,
заглушая хаос на поле битвы шепотом: «Я здесь, чтобы положить
конец этой войне».
Я буду обновлять одну главу ежедневно!!
Название MTL — «Открыта пятая передача на земле Сабаоди»,
Кидзару онемел
Общая аудитория
26. What Are You Going To Do To
My Partner?
Rayleigh's silver hair danced in the wind as he gripped a long sword
firmly.
Compared to the Admiral, his courage didn't falter one bit.
One was a Marine Admiral, the World Government's top fighting force.
The other is the Vice Captain of the legendary pirate crew in One Piece,
known throughout the world.
In this intense moment, the two faced each other, their presence akin to
two brewing storms.
"I'd heard rumours of this island being haunted before, but I didn't think
they were true," Kizaru remarked, looking down at Rayleigh. Despite his
usual casual tone, there was a seriousness in his eyes and demeanour.
"It's quite troublesome. I came here to relax," Rayleigh responded with a
relaxed smile, his sword angled towards the ground.
They locked eyes, and in an instant, their figures blurred.
Boom boom boom.
Two streaks flashed across the sky rapidly, unleashing countless waves of
energy that exploded above, leaving massive craters in the ground below,
invisible to ordinary bystanders.
To the common folk, it resembled a clash of titans, a monstrous duel.
The aftermath of their battle was devastating.
Energy streaks and sword waves filled the air, easily obliterating large
swathes of land and leaving deep gashes on the nearby terrain.
Nami and her companions had to retreat even further to find safety
amidst the chaos.
Not far from the ongoing battle, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji stood their
ground, showing no signs of retreat.
Luffy, however, wore a troubled expression. "What's Uncle Rayleigh up
to? Why's he stepping in now?"
He scratched his head, feeling a bit perplexed. He was all geared up to
face Kizaru when suddenly Rayleigh jumped in, making it seem like Luffy
couldn't handle the fight on his own.
It irked him a bit, but he knew Rayleigh meant well. Yet, it left him
feeling frustrated, unable to vent his anger.
"Kizaru's fast, but his swordsmanship doesn't match up to Uncle
Rayleigh's," Zoro observed, watching the nearly invisible battle in the
sky.
"Is that Moonwalk? Seems pretty basic," Sanji remarked, lighting a
cigarette with a casual flick of his hand. He took a drag and continued, "I
can do a lot with my kicks and footwork, I just need to break through his
patterns."
The trio stood nearby, observing the clash between the two titans of the
sea. They dodged the occasional energy streams and sword waves that
veered their way.
After a while, Kizaru and Rayleigh reappeared amidst the grassy field,
their blades locked in a fierce struggle akin to a wrestling match.
Both fighters seemed unfazed by their earlier intense battle, breathing
evenly as if it had posed no challenge.
Even Rayleigh, at the age of seventy-six, displayed remarkable physical
prowess, truly living up to his reputation as a formidable figure of the
sea.
"I never expected the Dark King to still possess such formidable strength
after retiring for so long," Kizaru remarked calmly, though a hint of
apprehension lingered in his tone.
According to Marine intel, Rayleigh was seventy-six, older even than
Whitebeard. Yet, he stood toe to toe with Kizaru, proving to be a
formidable opponent that couldn't be easily defeated.
It was a testament to his legendary status in the era.
"I refuse to accept ageing. If only I were twenty years younger, I might
have more vigour," Rayleigh quipped, smiling as he exerted pressure on
Kizaru with his sword.
However, the expressions on both combatants' faces soon shifted,
indicating a change in the tide of the battle.
On the contrary, Rayleigh's expression soured while Kizaru sported a
smug grin.
"It seems the Straw Hat Boy won't be escaping arrest today," Kizaru
remarked confidently.
Rayleigh remained silent, his frustration evident on his face. Thirty years
ago, he could have easily whisked away the current crew of Straw Hats to
safety. But time had passed, and now all he could do was stand against
Kizaru.
Meanwhile, Luffy, observing the battle nearby, glared fiercely, his
expression darkening.
Suddenly, Nami and the others, who had retreated to a safe distance, felt
an ominous presence looming behind them, sending shivers down their
spines.
Turning around, they were met with the imposing figure of a man, his
demeanour as cold as steel. Clad in black gloves and holding a Bible to
his chest, he exuded an intimidating aura.
"That's... a real Shichibukai," Nami whispered in horror, her pupils
dilating as memories of encountering Kuma holding a book at the Thriller
Bark flooded back to her.
This one's nothing like those imposters.
"If you were to journey anywhere, where would you want to go?" Kuma
asked, leaning in slightly to address Nami.
His immense presence engulfed her, weighing heavily on her heart.
"You scoundrel, show some respect!" Franky roared, lashing out with a
chain in his right hand.
But the attack missed entirely.
Kuma vanished in an instant, reappearing behind Nami as if by
teleportation. He removed the black glove from one of his palms,
revealing a pink, fleshy ball.
"Travel in peace," he said softly, patting Nami on the shoulder.
A sense of dread gripped Nami's heart as she recognized the power of the
fleshy ball.
In her moment of despair, she could only cry out as she had before.
"Luffy."
A figure cloaked in white steam materialized behind Kuma, its presence
unnoticed until now.
Under the glaring sunlight, his already imposing figure expanded,
overshadowing the Kuma entirely.
Kuma found himself frozen in place, overcome by the overwhelming aura
emanating from his adversary.
"What do you intend to do with my comrade?" boomed a deep, icy voice
filled with fury from behind Kuma.
The intense momentum, akin to a black shockwave, surged violently
outward, transforming the entire Sabaody Archipelago into a realm of
chaos.
Rippling like a tidal wave, the Conqueror's Haki, which tinted the world
with its hue, compelled even Kizaru and Rayleigh to halt their battle.
They turned their attention to Luffy in the distance, their expressions
serious.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
27. What The Hell Is This Bud?
"What a chilling presence. The last time I felt something like this was in
the presence of one of the Four Emperors," Kizaru remarked, his voice
grave. "To possess such a fearsome spirit at such a young age, Straw Hat
Kid."
"Is this Luffy?" Rayleigh couldn't help but be taken aback. While he had
witnessed Luffy's awakened Conqueror's Haki before, seeing him unleash
it with such intensity was beyond expectation.
Luffy's expression was deadly serious, his features contorted by the strain
of his Fourth Gear transformation, making him appear even more
formidable. His piercing gaze bore into the Kuma before him as if
attempting to pierce through him with sheer willpower.
In his foresight, he knew that if he hadn't intervened, Nami wouldn't have
been the only one in danger. Franky, Usopp, Chopper, Robin, and Brook
—all of them would have fallen victim to the Kuma's palm.
At that moment, he no longer concerns himself with Kuma's motives or
emotions. If he posed a threat to his crewmate, he was an enemy.
"Give her back," Luffy demanded, his massive, muscular fist adorned with
four swollen segments encased in a visible armoured coating of black
patterns. With fierce determination, he raised his fist backwards.
"Step away from my comrade."
With one punch, it seemed capable of shattering everything.
No one felt it more keenly than the Kuma facing the blow. To him, it
wasn't just a punch from the Straw Hat Kid; it was like being confronted
by a colossal beast, many times his size, bearing down on him like a
mountain.
A red light glinted in the Kuma's eyes, most of his emotions overridden
by mechanical control. Yet, in that moment, a long-forgotten fear gripped
him.
Adjusting his stance swiftly, he met Luffy's fist head-on with the palm of
his hand, hoping to deflect the attack.
A dull thud echoed, unsettling to hear.
In the space between Luffy's fist and the Kuma's hand, unseen forces
condensed and compressed, generating black-red lightning and
materialized Haki. Compressed and ruptured airwaves formed a turbulent
vortex at the collision point.
"It's that move again, striking from the air," Zoro remarked, his gaze
unwavering as he approached the intense clash.
He had witnessed Luffy's mid-air punch clash with a Kuma back at
Thriller Bark, but back then, Luffy's punch lacked the power it held now,
and the Kuma hadn't unleashed its full strength.
"It seems I can incorporate it into my swordsmanship," Zoro mused, his
mastery of Haki reaching new heights.
Sanji nodded in agreement beside him. "Indeed. How did he grow so
strong?"
The Kuma's heart was enveloped in shock as he observed Luffy's fist
descending upon his palm with incredible speed.
Despite his efforts to deflect it, Luffy's enhanced Haki and strength
overwhelmed him.
Their last encounter had been a mere ten days ago, yet Luffy's prowess
had surged exponentially since then.
"Get lost!" Luffy bellowed, his momentum surging endlessly as his arm,
coated in black-red Haki, swelled suddenly.
Boom.
Countless white air explosions erupted from Luffy's fist, spreading
outwards in all directions. A massive hemispherical crater formed on the
ground, sending grass and dirt flying into the sky with the shockwave.
It was like a lightning bolt, a streak of light streaking past Rayleigh and
Kizaru.
The Kuma's colossal form crashed into the grass hundreds of meters away
in an instant, triggering a massive explosion. The shockwave swept
through like a tempest, accompanied by billows of smoke and dust.
However, neither Kizaru nor Rayleigh spared a glance towards the
Kuma's direction.
Their focus remained fixed on Luffy in the distance, still poised in a
punching stance, his expression seething with anger.
The difference lay in the expressions on Kizaru and Rayleigh's faces.
Kizaru wore a sombre expression, while Rayleigh appeared genuinely
surprised, his pupils narrowing slightly and his jaw almost dropping in
shock.
"Conqueror's Winding... There's no mistaking it. It's definitely Conqueror's
Winding."
The awakening of Conqueror's Haki wasn't surprising in itself. While
there's a notion that Conqueror's Haki signifies a potential king, in
reality, its awakening is like a rite of passage in the sea. However,
mastering it to the point of utilizing Conqueror's Winding is a different
matter altogether.
Rayleigh couldn't help but be astonished by this revelation. It wasn't
something a rookie, barely a year into their journey, could achieve. Most
novices wouldn't even grasp the concept of Conqueror's Haki by then.
Furthermore, considering the Kuma's reputation as one of the formidable
Shichibukai, renowned for their strength even among the elite chosen by
the World Government, Luffy's ability to confront such adversaries head-
on spoke volumes of his strength.
"Is this the seed you mentioned?" Rayleigh murmured to himself, his tone
tinged with awe.
Kizaru gazed at Luffy in the distance, a sense of speechlessness washing
over him. "It's been many years since I've seen such a formidable young
man."
"Even Shanks, the Red-Haired, pales in comparison to him."
"Some saplings grow faster. It happens occasionally, Kizaru," Rayleigh
chuckled.
The reasons behind Luffy's exceptional strength remained a mystery, but
it hardly mattered. In this sea, strength was paramount. Luffy had
inherited the will and legacy of Gol D. Roger, and Rayleigh couldn't be
happier to witness his growth.
Monsters were nothing new to Rayleigh, having encountered many
during his time with the Roger Pirates. The more formidable Luffy
became, the better.
Without another word, Kizaru seized the opportunity presented by
Rayleigh's response and vanished in an instant.
In the blink of an eye, he reappeared before Luffy, Tiancongyun's sword
poised to strike. His earlier frivolous demeanour was replaced by a grave
expression, recognizing the immense threat that the Straw Hat wielded. It
was imperative to eliminate him here and now.
"I'm getting used to this speed, Admiral," Luffy declared, a red glint
flickering in his eyes as he foresaw the future unfolding before him.
With a slight pivot, he launched his thick arm directly into the path of
the slashing lightsaber.
"Fourth Gear: Bounceman!"
<em>"Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!"</em>
His enormous fist surged with boundless power, colliding with the
streaming lightsaber and the void of Conqueror's Haki in an instant,
causing the entire island to tremble slightly.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
28. Zoro's Asura Road, Fighting
Kuma
The sky crackled with black and red lightning, stretching across the
horizon.
Explosions echoed all around, shaking the Sabaody Archipelago.
The sky turned dark and grim as if heavy clouds had swallowed the sun.
The whole area felt the impact of the clash between powerful fighters of
the sea.
"It's not safe here. We should move away," Rayleigh said, swiftly blocking
attacks with his sword to protect Nami.
"Thanks, Rayleigh," Nami replied, shaking off her earlier fear and
standing up.
"But is that really Luffy? How did he become like this?" she asked,
puzzled.
"It's Luffy using his Rubber Fruit powers along with his new Armament
Haki form. He's doing fine. Surprisingly, he's quite skilled," Rayleigh
reassured her.
Rayleigh chuckled.
"Nami, you alright?" Zoro and Sanji had joined them, Sanji using
Armament Haki to shield his feet, and Zoro wielding a black sword
gleaming with Haki, easily cutting through the aftermath.
"Observing closely, these two members of the Straw Hat Pirates aren't
ordinary," Rayleigh noted, impressed as Zoro and Sanji effortlessly dealt
with the fallout.
Their mastery of Haki, swordsmanship, and physical abilities surpassed
typical rookie pirates.
"But it's odd. Despite their physical strength being on par with newly
awakened Haki users, their Haki skills are exceptional," Rayleigh mused,
slightly puzzled.
Comparatively, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji's strength was formidable, while
the rest of the crew seemed average.
"But that's not my concern," Rayleigh shrugged off the thought, recalling
his own experiences defying common logic during his legendary journey.
He attributed Luffy and the others' strength to their talent.
"Zoro, Sanji, escort Nami and the others to Shakky's place. It's best they're
not here to witness this battle any longer."
Rayleigh said with a faint smile.
"The clash between top fighters can even shake a large island. It's
dangerously close here."
He knew he had to remain. Luffy's strength seemed on par with Kizaru's,
or perhaps a bit less. So he planned to stay and intervene if Luffy
faltered. Even if Luffy managed to win, it'd likely be a close call, and he
wanted to ensure Luffy's safety from other Marines.
"Hey, lustful cook, you watch over Nami and the others," Zoro declared
firmly, adjusting his green headband and clenching his sword between
his teeth.
"I've spotted an old acquaintance I need to greet."
"I understand," Sanji replied, glancing towards the Kuma. He recalled
their clash at Thriller Bark over who would sacrifice themselves for Luffy.
Though he got knocked out, he witnessed Zoro's severe injuries,
understanding his current sentiment. It felt appropriate to offer a greeting
now.
Sanji, unusual in not bickering with Zoro, exhaled a puff of smoke and
escorted Nami and the rest away.
"Everything alright? Kuma is tough," Rayleigh asked Zoro, noticing his
excitement.
Despite Luffy's punch appearing to injure the Kuma, it wasn't seriously
harmed. Its abilities were formidable, even among the Shichibukai.
"Luffy aims to be a pirate king, and I aim to be the world's greatest
swordsman. Certain things must be acknowledged," Zoro affirmed.
Zoro clenched his teeth around the words "Wado Ichimonji" and spoke
with a grin, "The tougher the opponent, the better. I'll brave through hell,
cut through the weak, and endure any hardship. That's my way of Shura."
With these words, Zoro brandished his three famous swords and
approached the Kuma with determination.
"A swordsman following the path of Shura? What a remarkable
revelation," Rayleigh remarked, watching Zoro's confident stride, slightly
surprised.
If he once saw glimpses of Roger in Luffy, now he saw echoes of his own
youth in Zoro. That same fighting spirit, that same determination.
Being the first mate wasn't an easy role. In many ways, the first mate
often had a deeper understanding than the captain, especially when the
captain was as carefree and unassuming as theirs.
Meanwhile, the Kuma slowly rose, holding a Bible in hand, and spoke
calmly, "Roronoa, you shouldn't have come."
The Kuma wasn't an enemy; it had come for the Straw Hat Crew,
intending to rescue them from Kizaru.
Unexpectedly, Luffy now possessed formidable strength, almost on par
with an Admiral. Nonetheless, this outcome perfectly suited Kuma's
intentions.
He intended to stay until the battle's end. If Kizaru won, he wouldn't
interfere; Rayleigh would save the Straw Hat Crew. If Kizaru failed, he'd
step in, rescue Kizaru, and answer to higher authorities.
However, if Zoro entered the fray, then he'd have to join as well. It was
no longer a time for personal agendas.
"I owe you one from our encounter at Thriller Bark," Zoro remarked, his
tone light with a smile. "So I've come to offer my greetings."
"We're not enemies," he continued, meeting Kuma's gaze unwaveringly.
"I'm not Luffy's fool, and I've sensed your goodwill, but that doesn't
change anything."
Zoro's eyes remained fixed on Kuma's.
"Whether it's for me or for you, facing desperation, weakness, delivering
a single decisive strike, and stepping over it, it's all part of the journey."
"And considering you let us go once before at Thriller Bark, and now
you've let the water flow again, it can't be easy going against the World
Government, Kuma."
"So let's fight without reservations."
Kuma remained silent, deeply impressed by the man before him for the
second time. The first was when Zoro was willing to sacrifice himself for
Luffy, and now, for choosing to confront the battle, despair, and his own
weaknesses head-on.
"It's a shame my time is running out. You truly are something special,
Roronoa," Kuma said calmly, slipping the Bible into his pocket and gently
removing the glove from his other hand.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
29. Monsters Who Are Getting
Stronger
As soon as the Kuma removed the glove, a sudden wave of danger jolted
through Zoro.
In the blink of an eye, the Kuma's massive form vanished from sight. Zoro
felt a looming presence behind him, and before he could react, the Kuma
materialized, its palm carrying a seemingly innocuous meatball aimed
straight at Zoro.
"Santoryu Ichi Gorilla."
Boom.
A rush of force seemed to materialize within Zoro's body, causing his
arms to swell like balloons as he crossed his two swords above his head.
Boom.
The impact was devastating, shattering the ground beneath Zoro's feet
and driving him to his knees.
"That's quite the weight," Zoro grunted through clenched teeth. Even with
the power of "Three sword style" coursing through him, the oppressive
weight was overwhelming. Alongside the Autumn Water in his hand and
the mournful cry of the Third Generation ghost, Zoro faced a formidable
challenge.
If it weren't for his strong Armament Haki, the Third Generation Guiche
might have shattered under that blow.
Kuma was impressed by Zoro's resilience and decided to unleash his full
strength, a stark contrast to his earlier water-releasing stance.
"Your strength is truly formidable," Zoro remarked through gritted teeth,
excitement gleaming in his eyes. "This is what a fight should feel like."
"Save the banter for later, Roronoa. If this is all you've got, it doesn't live
up to your reputation," Kuma said calmly.
"Two Sword Style: Toro," Zoro called out, channelling his aura into his
blades.
A terrifying wave of energy surged forth, resembling a towering tornado
unmatched in power.
Using this force, Zoro resisted the Kuma's immense figure and propelled
himself out of harm's way, flipping gracefully through the air to create
distance.
"It's a truly unique and powerful ability. I nearly underestimated it," Zoro
observed, his gaze fixed on the Kuma with intense focus.
The Kuma's teleportation ability differed from Kizaru's pure speed. It was
true teleportation with no discernible trajectory. Despite the Kuma's large
size, its movement should have been slower, akin to Gekko Moria's.
But with its teleportation ability, combined with the meatball's repulsion
and its overwhelming power, it posed a formidable challenge.
"Nevertheless, I can still fight," Zoro declared, determination burning in
his eyes.
Zoro's face lit up with excitement, his focus honed to a razor's edge.
Teleportation merely dictated movement speed, not the speed of attack.
He could counter its power, narrowing the gap.
"Focus," Zoro muttered, shutting out external distractions and zeroing in
on his target.
With a keen sense, he anticipated the Kuma's teleportation, synchronizing
his movements with its appearance.
"Three Swords Style: Ghost Slash!"
A devastating cross-sword wave surged forth, meeting the Kuma's
meatball head-on.
Boom.
The silver-white blade was repelled by the resilient meatball, its armed
colour covering it completely, rendering it impenetrable. Despite its
seemingly soft exterior, the meatball proved incredibly tough, sending a
powerful shockwave back towards Zoro.
But this was expected. He allowed himself to give ground slightly,
dissipating the force.
Kuma was taken aback. Zoro had swiftly adapted to his movements after
just one round of combat. Moreover, the collision showcased Zoro's
strength vividly.
His Armament Haki and swordsmanship had undergone a remarkable
evolution since their encounter at Thriller Bark ten days ago. It was as if
he had reached full maturity.
Aside from a slight disparity in strength, Zoro was now undeniably
formidable.
"Roronoa," Kuma murmured with a hint of relief, though he didn't relent.
On the contrary, he intensified his assault.
"Infinite Pressure Cannon!"
With a sweep of his paws, the Kuma compressed vast amounts of air into
numerous air cannons, each adorned with a Kuma paw pattern. Their
destructive power and penetration were formidable, nearly sealing off all
avenues of evasion.
"Three Swords Style: Hundred Eight Troubled Winds," Zoro called out, his
blades slicing through the air with precision, effortlessly neutralizing the
barrage of pressure cannons.
Swiftly changing tactics, he executed the "Three Swords Style: Gyūki,"
anticipating the Kuma's counterattack.
In a split second, the Kuma reappeared behind Zoro, delivering heavy
blows. But Zoro was ready.
Multiple afterimages of the Kuma's teleportation surrounded Zoro,
showcasing the Kuma's astonishing speed.
Undeterred, Zoro unleashed the "Three Swords Style: True Sword,
Nothing," forming a black sphere with his blades, successfully blocking
the Kuma's assault.
Then, with lightning speed, he transitioned into the "Three Swords Style:
Extreme, Tiger Hunting," releasing a massive burst of energy resembling
a roaring tiger.
The purple tiger-like force, Jianbo, collided with the Kuma, catching it
off guard. With a thunderous boom, the airwaves erupted violently,
leaving behind a landscape marred by craters and destruction.
With a sudden burst of speed, Kizaru materialized behind Luffy,
delivering a swift kick to his waist.
Boom.
Luffy collided with the ground, emitting a bright laser upon impact. An
orange-red shockwave rippled across the surface, accompanied by a
scorching heatwave.
As the dust settled, Luffy rose from the massive crater, tearing off his
tattered shirt.
"Admiral, you're as tough as a monster," Luffy remarked, sounding
somewhat distressed. In their recent skirmish, he had been thoroughly
outmatched. While their attack powers were comparable, the difference
in speed was staggering. It wasn't that Luffy was slow; rather, Kizaru was
simply too fast.
Even Luffy's ability to predict the future proved inadequate against
Kizaru's overwhelming speed.
"I have something to say to you, Straw Hat Boy," Kizaru's expression
soured. Despite unleashing his full strength when Rayleigh refrained from
intervening, he failed to incapacitate Luffy. The opponent's physical
prowess and Haki's mastery made him feel like he was battling one of the
weaker Four Emperors. He had underestimated Luffy's capabilities, and
the encounter proved to be a humbling experience.
Luffy, however, remained undeterred, even finding enjoyment in the
battle with the Admiral.
"This form feels too cumbersome. I've thought of something interesting.
Let's give it a try, Kizaru," Luffy declared, reaching out to adjust his straw
hat with a grin. He relished the opportunity to face off against the
Admiral.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
30. A New Era Is Rising
As Luffy spoke, his body began to shrink slowly.
His body was now smaller than usual but not as bulky as before. Instead
of being all muscles and fists like before, now he looked more balanced
and sleek.
"This is Gear Fourth: Snakeman!" Luffy declared, his body surrounded by
swirling white steam. It was a refined form of Gear Fourth, honed
through his use of Observation Haki during his fight against Kizaru.
This version wasn't necessarily stronger than the regular Gear Fourth, but
it was better suited for battles against fast opponents like Kizaru.
"Here it comes, Kizaru!" Luffy shouted with a grin, his fist coiling tighter
than ever before.
"Gommu gommu no Yamata-no-Orochi!"
he exclaimed, and his fist shot forward with incredible speed, almost too
fast to see.
"The punch is even faster now," Kizaru noted calmly, though he was fully
aware of the danger it posed.
In an instant, Kizaru's entire body transformed into photons, disappearing
from sight. But just as quickly, his light-speed movement was halted by a
punch.
With a whoosh and a boom, Kizaru crashed to the ground like a laser
beam, creating a violent shockwave.
From the shockwave, photons scattered and coalesced back into Kizaru's
human form.
"This was quite unexpected," Kizaru muttered, his eyes flashing
dangerously as he wiped blood from his mouth. Luffy's punch had caught
him off guard, the fastest one he'd ever experienced.
"Heh, this feels a lot better," Luffy said, retracting his fist and chuckling.
His ability to foresee the future, honed through his observation Haki,
gave him an edge over Kizaru. If he could bridge the speed gap, he
wouldn't struggle against Kizaru as he had before.
"The elasticity of my rubber body, combined with the hardened
Armament Haki, lets my punches exceed my body's speed," Luffy
explained. "It's like a snake striking its prey."
Rayleigh, observing from the sidelines, remarked, "Luffy's growth in
battle is remarkable."
Indeed, Luffy's ability to adapt and improve in combat was exceptional.
However achieving this level of skill requires more knowledge and
understanding than one might think.
Yet, despite his progress, Luffy hadn't even revealed the full potential of
his Gear Fourth form.
And now, it seemed Luffy's Observation Haki surpassed Kizaru's.
"Straw Hat Kid," Kizaru said calmly, then vanished even faster.
For him, speed was a constant. But Kizaru's attitude could dictate his
initial speed and firing speed, and now, there was no doubt he had
pushed them to the highest level.
Yet, even though Kizaru unleashed his most serious attacks against
someone of Four Emperor's calibre, he couldn't suppress Luffy.
They clashed in the air, reminiscent of Rayleigh's battles with Kizaru.
Black-red light, coated in Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, clashed
fiercely. One moved like a rapid stream, flickering and sending out
countless piercing strikes.
The shockwaves changed the world's colours. Rayleigh watched from
below, relieved.
Luffy's strength exceeded expectations. From being initially suppressed by
Kizaru to now exchanging blows evenly, his growth was evident.
Of course, this was partly due to his exceptional qualities. His
Conqueror's Haki, physical prowess, and skill development left little room
for weaknesses.
The only lacking aspect was experience against formidable opponents,
but he was rapidly improving in that regard, too.
Rayleigh couldn't help but feel a twinge of age when he saw how far the
young ones had come.
Unlike Rayleigh's calm demeanour, Sentomaru, lurking behind the ruins,
wore an expression like thunderclouds.
"I never thought the Straw Hat Kid would become so formidable, even
surpassing the old man," Sentomaru muttered, retrieving a transponder
snail from his pocket.
Despite his reluctance, it was time to call for reinforcements.
They found themselves completely outmatched in the current situation.
If Rayleigh didn't hold back, joining forces with the Straw Hats and
Pluton, they could easily overpower Kizaru.
"I thought it would be a simple task, but it's spiralled out of control,"
Sentomaru muttered, feeling absurd.
Despite the high status of the Celestial Dragons, outside the Five Elders,
few took them seriously.
Admirals were dispatched to the first half of the Grand Line, thinking it
was an easy mission. Sentomaru sent Pacifistas as an experiment.
Kizaru came to Sabaody for a casual arrest of pirates, only to face
unexpected resistance from a Straw Hat who had barely been at sea for a
year.
It felt like something out of a fantasy.
"Moshi moshi," Sentomaru dialled the phone bug directly connected to
Marine Marshal Sengoku.
As he began to report the situation, a sword wave sliced through the air,
destroying the phone bug before he could finish.
"Brother, just observe the battle quietly. It's best not to interfere and spoil
the scene," Rayleigh advised calmly, appearing behind Sentomaru in the
ruins with a gentle smile on his face and a long sword in hand.
"Pluton," Sentomaru's expression darkened, but he dared not make a
move against Rayleigh.
"Look with your heart. Can't you see a new era unfolding?" Rayleigh's
voice held a hint of excitement, but Sentomaru couldn't share his
enthusiasm.
If he possessed Kizaru's strength, he might retort, claiming it to be the era
of the Marines, not pirates. However, faced with Rayleigh's
overwhelming power, he remained silent.
"Luffy and Kizaru are evenly matched. It seems Roronoa's side will
achieve victory first. That Vice Captain is quite formidable," Rayleigh
remarked, glancing towards Zoro with surprise.
Meanwhile, at the Marine Headquarters in Marineford, Sengoku listened
grimly to the distorted sounds from the phone bug.
At that moment, he knew something had gone awry at Sabaody.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
31. Garp Is Out
"What's up, Sengoku?" Garp asked casually while munching on senbei and
sipping tea. When he glanced up, he noticed his old buddy Sengoku
looking gloomy and serious.
Garp had been getting ready for a showdown with the Whitebeard Pirates
in the coming days, given the recent developments.
Sengoku had been occupied with something for the past couple of days,
and now his face looked even worse as if he was expecting a call from
Whitebeard at any moment.
"There's trouble brewing over at Sabaody," Sengoku said with a troubled
expression. "Just got a call from Sentomaru, but the connection was
abruptly cut off."
"But wasn't Borsalinosent there?" Garp inquired, a bit puzzled.
"Seems like whatever's happening there is beyond what Kizaru and
Sentomaru can handle alone. They've requested backup from
headquarters," Sengoku replied in a hushed tone.
Normally, Sentomaru wouldn't reach out to him directly using that secret
communication method unless the situation was dire.
"Maybe Borsalino got lost again? He tends to wander off," Garp chuckled.
"Garp," Sengoku shot him a stern look, the seriousness of the situation
sinking in.
Moreover, if it were a minor issue, Sentomaru wouldn't have contacted
them through such secretive means.
"What happened? Even Borsalino couldn't handle it?" Sengoku's
expression turned gravely serious.
Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't be this tense. But now, any
misstep from the Marines could be disastrous.
They were about to face the strongest man in the world, a legendary
figure from ancient times.
With this in mind, Sengoku quickly called the intelligence department of
Naval Headquarters, urging them to contact Sabaody directly for updates.
"Get me an immediate update on Admiral Borsalino's status," Sengoku
ordered firmly.
Unfortunately, the defenders at Sabaody were largely unaware of Kizaru's
situation. Everyone hadn't taken this recent incident at Sabaody
seriously.
When the Admiral was dispatched, there was minimal resistance.
Initially, the defensive force at Sabaody was weak, preparing for the
upcoming war. Kizaru had arrived alone, without any Marine soldiers
accompanying him. Headquarters had only connected him with
Sentomaru.
Meanwhile, other Marine soldiers had fanned out across the edges of
Sabaody Island, capturing fleeing pirates.
Due to various circumstances, communication between Kizaru and the
Marine soldiers broke down.
The only Marine present on the battlefield was Sentomaru. However, he
was preoccupied with his own battle against Rayleigh, while X Drake and
Zoro were engaged in combat as well. This made it impossible for anyone
to relay information.
Before arriving, no one could have anticipated that Sabaody Archipelago
would host two formidable forces duking it out.
With Kizaru under Rayleigh's watchful eye, the Marines found themselves
stretched thin. Even the pacifistas, once highly regarded, proved
ineffective against the Straw Hat trio.
"Should I head over there, Sengoku?" Garp offered, rising from his seat
with a laugh.
Sengoku glanced at Garp but remained silent. He wasn't keen on letting
Garp join the fray just yet.
The situation on Sabaody was still unclear. With an Admiral out of
contact, adding another potential wildcard like Garp could spell disaster
for the Marines.
However, Sengoku still had faith in Kizaru's abilities. At most, he might
be temporarily incapacitated. There was no need to rush into a decision
before receiving updates from Sabaody's defenders.
Moreover, dealing with Garp meant dealing with his past actions,
including his leniency towards Luffy and his history of letting criminals
off the hook.
At the Sabaody Archipelago, a powerful shockwave swept through the
area.
Dozens of Marine soldiers collapsed instantly, their eyes rolling back as
they hit the ground.
"We've failed again," a Marine Rear Admiral grimaced as he surveyed the
fallen soldiers before him.
Headquarters had urged them to gather information swiftly. However,
the Admiral was at a loss regarding who they were up against, and a
large portion of the area had become off-limits.
Suddenly, the overwhelming presence of Conqueror's Haki descended like
a tidal wave.
The company hadn't even caught sight of the two opposing forces yet.
They had only advanced to a certain point when they were completely
overwhelmed.
Even at the Rear Admiral level, it was a struggle to maintain composure.
Sabaody had previously been under the supervision of a Vice Admiral,
but they had been redeployed as the war approached, leaving the current
embarrassing situation.
With no formidable defenders among the locals, they couldn't even
approach the battlefield.
"We need to report the information we've gathered to headquarters
immediately and request reinforcements," the Marine Rear Admiral
declared decisively.
"Inform headquarters that there's a Grandmaster Conqueror's Haki user
battling Admiral Kizaru. We need support right away."
"Yes, sir," the soldier holding the communication device swiftly relayed
the message to headquarters, who then forwarded it to the Marshal's
office.
"A Grandmaster Conqueror's Haki user?"
Upon receiving the information, Sengoku let out a sigh of relief, though
he couldn't shake off a sense of puzzlement.
The relief stemmed from the fact that after the capture of Fire Fist Ace,
the Whitebeard Pirates had vanished from Marine surveillance. Sengoku
had feared that the Sabaody incident might have been a ploy
orchestrated by the Whitebeard Pirates to lure them into a trap. If the
Whitebeard Pirates were to quietly reappear at Sabaody, using Celestial
Dragons as bait, they could potentially take down an Admiral. This
dreadful possibility had only crossed Sengoku's mind after the call from
Sentomaru's phone bug.
However, it seemed that wasn't the case after all. Whitebeard's distinct
fighting style would have left Sabaody in a much different state if he had
intervened.
"But who could possibly fight Kizaru, wielding Grandmaster Conqueror's
Haki?" Sengoku pondered aloud.
"As expected of that man, huh?" Garp mused beside him. "There have
been rumours that he lived in seclusion on Sabaody before. Seems like
they weren't just rumours."
"You mean him?" Sengoku remembered.
"Who else but him?" Garp replied with a nostalgic glint in his eyes. He
tossed a senbei into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "That man they call
Drak King."
With a final gulp of senbei, Garp rose to his feet.
"Stop Kizaru. He's determined this time. Let me handle it, Sengoku," Garp
said with a smile. "Time to catch up with old friends."
"Good luck, Garp," Sengoku said, realizing there was nothing more to
add.
However, Garp had already slammed the door of the marshal's office
shut, much like he did when he heard the news about Luffy back then.
"This guy," Sengoku muttered, feeling a headache coming on.
Despite his frustration, Sengoku still arranged for a warship for Garp.
Given the circumstances, it might be for the best to let Garp go.
However, Sengoku couldn't predict what kind of impact Dark King
Rayleigh's involvement would have on Kizaru and the tense situation at
hand.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
32. Ghost Aura Nine Swords Style
Zoro coughed lightly, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
His body bore several bloody handprints like bear paws, and wounds
covered him, looking severe. His torn clothes hung loosely, revealing his
green bandages.
His opponent, Kuma, sported a massive knife wound across his chest,
exposing his dense wires.
In terms of injuries alone, Zoro found himself at a disadvantage. His body
hadn't fully evolved yet, with only a fraction of the expected progress
made in five days, and now only one and a half days had passed.
Compared to formidable foes like Kuma, Zoro's physical prowess still
lagged behind.
Despite this, Zoro's eyes gleamed with determination as if they could emit
sharp waves of energy at any moment.
"You're not as formidable as you think, Kuma," Zoro declared,
straightening up and allowing the blood to flow freely over his defined
muscles. He took a deep breath, a smile of determination on his face. "I
once saw you as an insurmountable mountain, but now I see I've already
surpassed it."
"This may be the final blow, Roronoa. Let's see if your skill matches your
confidence," Kuma's voice remained calm, tinged with a mechanical,
indifferent tone.
He extended his hand, compressing a massive bear paw-shaped air wave
in his palm with startling speed.
The fluctuating energy shook the air, creating an indescribable sense of
oppression as if the very atmosphere had thickened.
Yet, Zoro remained unfazed.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath before suddenly opening them.
A dark, ghostly aura emanated from his body, a fusion of malevolent
spirits, Conqueror's Haki, and other energies, almost tangible to the
naked eye.
"Perhaps you have your reasons, but we also carry our burdens. Let this
blade settle it all," Zoro declared.
As he spoke, a Shura-like aura seemed to rise from the depths of hell,
enveloping him. It surged upwards like a tornado of black energy, casting
a shadow over the entire sky.
At that moment, his aura even surpassed that of Kizaru and Luffy, who
were locked in their own intense battle.
"Such courage, Roronoa. The youth of today are truly formidable,"
Rayleigh remarked, taken aback by the sight before him.
"Ghost Aura, Nine Blades, Ashura," Zoro uttered, his voice resolute.
The immense, tornado-like black energy condensed around him. Behind
him, two ghostly heads appeared, followed by four arms. He resembled
the mythical Ashura, with three heads and six arms, wielding nine
renowned swords. His presence was more formidable than any ghost or
deity.
"Draw your sword."
Boom.
It was as if a bomb had detonated out of thin air or as if a violent storm
had erupted on calm ground.
The substantial ghostly aura cracked the earth, lifting huge boulders into
the air as if controlled by an invisible force.
"The play of the dead," Zoro declared.
In an instant, a brilliant flash of light swept through, reducing the
suspended boulders to dust.
"Farewell," Kuma's voice remained eerily calm as an indescribable knife
light gleamed in his transformed eyes.
A ghostly figure with three heads and six arms flashed before him.
Boom.
A massive, meatball-shaped air wave expanded and swelled, only to be
split open by the colossal Ashura.
The burst bubble unleashed a terrifying storm that rippled outward
explosively.
As the chaos unfolded, Zoro stood calmly behind the Kuma, his
expression neither joyful nor sorrowful.
"Farewell," he repeated.
The ghostly aura around him dissipated, revealing Zoro's bloodied form.
Despite his wounds, his posture remained resolute, his aura growing
sharper by the moment like a finely honed blade unsheathed.
Behind him, Kuma's towering figure flickered slightly.
The immense knife marks nearly penetrated Kuma's unimaginably tough
body, leaving behind a gruesome, gaping wound. The dense wires were
severed, electricity coursing through his form.
With a deafening explosion, Kuma's mechanical eyes dimmed, and it
collapsed to the ground.
"I owe you one from Thriller Bark. If I ever find out what happened to
you, I'll lend a hand," Zoro vowed solemnly, though the Kuma may not
have heard him in that moment.
Nevertheless, it was a promise.
Zoro sheathed his sword, exhaling slowly to calm himself.
Rayleigh couldn't help but marvel at the terrifying prowess of the Straw
Hat Pirates. Not only Luffy, who was currently battling Kizaru but also
Roronoa, who now approached him. All he lacked was a boost in physical
strength. With that and the skill he just displayed, he'd undoubtedly be fit
to rule the seas.
Meanwhile, on Future Island, Egghead, a small island adorned with
futuristic technology, a man sporting a high-tech mask received a distant
message.
"Oh? Kuma was defeated at Sabaody?" Vegapunk remarked calmly.
"After all, the transformation weakened him despite enhancing his
durability and laser power," Vegapunk mused thoughtfully. "But without
Haki, overall, he's still considerably weaker."
There was a predictable quality to Vegapunk's analysis. Haki, the
strongest ability stemming from the human body, surpassed any external
power, such as Devil Fruits. Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, and
Observation Haki, though seemingly defying scientific logic, wielded
incredible power.
Armament Haki could surpass the toughest composite materials, while
Observation Haki transcended the limitations of the fastest computing
machines. Conqueror's Haki, in particular, remained shrouded in mystery.
Without the aid of Armament and Observation Haki, Kuma's strength
would significantly diminish compared to before. Had he not been a
special race capable of developing stronger Pacifistas, transforming him
might have been a questionable decision in terms of combat
effectiveness.
"However, in the first half of the Grand Line, finding someone capable of
completely defeating Kuma piques my curiosity," Vegapunk remarked,
lightly tapping his black mask.
An illusory light curtain materialized, showcasing a significant portion of
the battle leading to Kuma's defeat.
"Roronoa Zoro."
"Straw Hat Kid."
Vegapunk fell silent as he observed Luffy and Kizaru's fierce battle. After
a moment, he spoke calmly.
"So, it's your son, Dragon."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
33. Shifting Gears · Fifth Gear
Sabaody Island.
Zoro approached Rayleigh, his body smeared with blood, and gave him a
nod.
On one side, Sentomaru avoided looking directly at him due to his
intense energy.
"Hey, Luffy, you've got about thirty minutes tops," Rayleigh shouted out
to Luffy in the distance after checking the time.
Despite Sentomaru's intervention, the Marines should have already
alerted Headquarters about the battle here by now, considering their
knowledge of Sengoku. They'd likely send Admiral-level reinforcements
soon.
It wouldn't take more than an hour for them to reach Sabaody
Archipelago from Headquarters. Taking into account the time needed to
slip away from Sabaody to avoid drawing too much attention, Luffy only
had around half an hour left to fight.
Rayleigh wasn't pressuring Luffy to leave immediately, though. This
remaining time was still precious. The chance to face off against an
Admiral one-on-one was exceptionally rare.
Suddenly, a loud boom echoed through the sky, and a spherical
shockwave erupted. Kizaru Mitsuko materialized on the grass, sporting
several fist marks on his body, and his yellow-and-white striped suit
appeared a bit crumpled. There was a noticeable scratch on his face.
Such injuries were uncommon for Kizaru. Now, his commitment to the
Marines seemed to be waning.
I'm beginning to regret my decision to take on a task that seemed simple
but turned out to be as tough as hell.
I mean, he's supposed to be here to chill out, you know? But instead, he
ends up facing two formidable opponents at the level of Admirals.
Of course, compared to Kizaru, Luffy looks way worse off. His body is
covered in scratches, his shirt is torn to shreds, and there's blood at the
corner of his mouth.
But strangely, his aura hasn't weakened one bit. In fact, it's getting
stronger and stronger. And that grin on his face? It's like he's loving every
minute of this fight.
"Hey, only half an hour left? That's not much time," Luffy exclaimed in
surprise.
"I know, but we've got to stick to it. This is Sabaody Island, too close to
Naval Headquarters. Whether the battle's over or not, we'll have to leave
in half an hour. Otherwise, things could get messy," Rayleigh explained
calmly, like a wise mentor.
"Alright," Luffy sighed with regret.
This whole situation left Kizaru, on the other hand, feeling a bit
speechless. He's known for conserving his energy, you know? He's used to
getting maximum results with minimal effort. But today, he's exhausted a
lot of energy, and despite his best efforts, he couldn't take down that
straw hat kid. Instead, the rookie just seemed to get more and more
pumped up with each blow, like some kind of battle-crazy maniac.
Kizaru couldn't help but feel like he just didn't mesh well with this kind
of fighting lunatic.
Actually, when Kizaru first spotted Rayleigh, he was already
contemplating sneaking away. But he never anticipated that the straw hat
kid would be so formidable. Not only did he hold his ground against
Kizaru, but he even engaged him head-on, leaving Rayleigh, who's on the
same level, free to observe from the sidelines. It relegated Kizaru to
nothing more than a practice partner.
"However, the remaining half an hour should suffice. I find myself in
quite an interesting state and I'd like to test it out," Luffy remarked.
"Oh, a new state?" Rayleigh responded, slightly surprised.
Luffy's growth and strength have surpassed all expectations, yet there's
still a new form left unexplored, which is incredibly exciting. Even
Kizaru, on the opposite side, couldn't help but become serious.
"In fact, it's my current strongest state and also the most intriguing," Luffy
declared, pressing down on his straw hat with excitement. "I call it Gear
Fifth."
"Gear Fifth?" Rayleigh and Kizaru's expressions instantly shifted, one
filled with anticipation and the other with solemnity.
"Let's have a good fight," Luffy grinned, preparing to activate his new
form. "Switching to Gear Fifth!"
With those words, Luffy's entire body seemed to liquefy, emitting a soft
white glow. The light, though not blinding, exuded a strange, optimistic,
and highly spirited energy capable of uplifting those around him.
Boom, boom.
Simultaneously, from within the rubbery mass, heartbeats reverberated
like war drums, passionate and brimming with power.
Meanwhile, in the New World, in the Mokomo Dukedom:
"Moo."
A thunderous cry echoed across the sea, sending shockwaves through the
area.
The slumbering Cat Viper jolted awake, leaping out of his resting place
and swiftly scaling the tallest tree in the giant whale forest. Duke
Inuarashi soon joined him.
"Is that Zou's cry?" Cat Viper inquired, his tone serious, setting aside past
grievances with Inuarashi in the face of this urgent matter.
"Perhaps," Inuarashi responded, feeling the ground tremble beneath
them, indicating something significant was underway.
Duke Inuarashi's expression mirrored the seriousness of the situation. It
was the first time they'd ever heard Zou roar since their birth, and it was
nothing short of terrifying. The giant elephant's roar reverberated
throughout the Mokomo Dukedom, causing the entire sea to tremble.
There was an inexplicable emotion embedded within the roar—was it
sentimentality? Relief? After a while, Zou ceased its roaring and resumed
its journey through the sea, as it had done countless times before.
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi exchanged meaningful glances. They both
understood that this matter required a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, on the sea surrounding the Sabaody Archipelago, the Sunny
sailed swiftly as if being chased by unseen pursuers.
"Ah, what an exhilarating battle! Facing Admirals, no less! Haha!" Luffy
exclaimed, seated on the deck, laughing heartily.
Opposite him, Chopper busily tended to Luffy's wounds, wrapping a thick
bandage around his chest. A large wound on Luffy's left chest still seeped
blood.
"It's a ridiculous power but undeniably formidable," Rayleigh commented
from his seat on Sunny's mainmast, his eyes still reflecting the shock of
the recent battle. Even though an hour had passed, his thoughts remained
entrenched in the fierce clash.
"Is this the power that will reshape the world and herald a new era? Is
this the person you've been waiting for, Roger?" Rayleigh directed his
gaze at Luffy, pondering the significance of the events unfolding before
them, particularly recalling the words spoken by the straw hat and the
red-haired man earlier.
Now, Rayleigh had fully endorsed the young man before him. This
endorsement wasn't just about recognizing Luffy's character and
determination; it carried a deeper significance. These factors led Rayleigh
to make a profound decision for himself.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
34. Big Events, Waves Are Coming
At the port of Sabaody Archipelago, a rather comical warship shaped like
a dog's head was slowly approaching.
In the concealed alleyways, pairs of eyes peered out at the warship, with
individuals clutching Den Den Mushi in their hands, relaying information
to underground factions.
"The Marines are making quite a splash today. First, Admiral Kizaru, and
now another warship. I wonder who's on board this time?" one voice
pondered.
"I'm not sure, but I fear it might be sailors sent to deal with Sabaody's
affairs," another voice replied.
"Have those Supernovas been apprehended?" came another inquiry.
"No, word has it someone formidable held off Kizaru. The Supernovas
and their crew slipped away from Sabaody half an hour ago," the
conversation continued in hushed tones.
However, when the dog-headed warship finally docked and a sturdy,
elderly man disembarked, their throats seemed to constrict, silencing
them instantly.
After a moment of stunned silence, faint whispers emerged from their
lips.
"Vice Admiral Garp?"
"How could it be him?"
"Has something happened to Admiral Kizaru?"
"That's impossible!"
"Scatter, the Marines mean business!"
The shadowy figures dispersed one by one as if fleeing for their lives.
First, the Celestial Dragons were targeted, and then Admiral Kizaru made
his appearance. Following that, the clash among the top powerhouses
shook Sabaody. And now, Vice Admiral Garp's presence added another
layer of intensity to the situation.
Under normal circumstances, if an Admiral is involved, it's unlikely that
individuals of the same rank would be dispatched to handle the situation.
Typically, even though Sabaody is close to Naval Headquarters, on a
regular day-to-day basis, only an Admiral oversees operations there.
However, the unexpected arrival of Kizaru, followed by Vice Admiral
Garp, who ranks just below Fleet Admiral Sengoku in the Marines,
indicates a significant deviation from the norm. Considering Kizaru's
swift arrival within two hours of the incident at Sabaody, coupled with
the fact that Marine forces had surrounded the battlefield early on, this
suggests a troubling situation.
It's highly probable that Admiral Kizaru, possibly injured, sent out a
distress call for assistance, prompting Naval Headquarters to deploy Vice
Admiral Garp for support. This startling revelation quickly spread among
the influential figures in the New World through underground channels.
While speculative, this news is bound to send shockwaves through the
underworld.
Simultaneously, an even more astounding piece of news than Kizaru's
potential defeat and injury in Sabaody is rapidly disseminating
worldwide, akin to a tsunami. The World Press Association's newspaper
birds scatter free newspapers from the sky, spreading the sensational
headlines far and wide.
Newspapers cascaded from the sky like snowflakes onto the bustling
streets of Sabaody Archipelago, a telltale sign for seasoned observers that
the seas were about to stir once more. It was only during significant
world-altering events that the World Economic News Association's
newspaper birds would blanket the sky with their free publications, and
the widespread distribution hinted at the magnitude of the impending
turmoil.
"Is the world heading for chaos again?" pondered an aristocratic man as
he led a young boy through the streets, his eyes reflecting a sense of
despair as he gazed upon the deluge of newspapers.
"What's wrong, Father?" the boy inquired, sensing his father's distress.
"A storm is brewing," the father replied, his hand gently tousling his son's
hair as he sighed.
Recalling the last time such a spectacle occurred—when Gol D. Roger
conquered the Grand Line and became known as the Pirate King—the
man couldn't help but wonder what momentous event was on the
horizon. It was reminiscent of the time the Marine arrested Roger,
leading to his impending execution in Loguetown.
Lost in thought, the newspaper slipped from the man's grasp, landing at
his feet. As he picked it up, his hands trembled, and his eyes widened in
shock at the headlines printed on the page.
On the seas outside Sabaody, "Master Kid, here's the latest newspaper
with the big news," a crew member announced, offering the paper to Kid,
who lay on the bed, wrapped in bandages, struggling to grab it with one
hand.
With a hearty laugh, Kid exclaimed, "Ah, so that's what's happening!
Marine, stirring up quite the commotion. Boys, it seems the world's about
to undergo a major upheaval. The tide of the new era is upon us."
His laughter was interrupted by a fit of severe coughing. "Captain Kid,
please mind your injuries," one of his crewmates cautioned.
"This is nothing," Kid brushed it off. "Straw Hat Boy, Kizaru, farewell to
the New World."
In Dressrosa, within a quaint seaside villa, Doflamingo reclined under a
parasol, chuckling as he perused the newspaper.
"So, Marine has finally made its move," he mused aloud. "Fascinating, this
world on the run."
"Dover, there's a word from the government—a mandatory summons for
the Shichibukai," Torrebol informed Doflamingo.
"Then let's answer the call. It's perfect timing. I'm eager to witness the
bravery of the world's mightiest," Doflamingo declared with a wicked
grin. "Perhaps this war will bring about the world's end. Hehehe, how
exhilarating."
...
In the New World, within the territory of the Four Emperors Shanks...
Shanks stood by the sea, his cloak billowing in the howling wind, yet the
haze in his eyes remained undispelled.
"Is it still this far, Ace?" he murmured, his hand gripping firmly onto his
renowned sword, Fingal, at his waist, his expression darkened with
gloom.
Shanks had attempted to warn Whitebeard upon learning that Ace had
recklessly confronted Blackbeard alone. However, his efforts were
rebuffed by the stubborn Whitebeard. As he had feared, the outcome was
irreversible.
Ace had been defeated by Blackbeard and handed over to the Marines.
Strangely, Marine's stance was unusually rigid, opting to publicly execute
Ace in Marineford before the entire world.
Shanks couldn't shake the feeling of conspiracy looming over the
situation. No, it was more than just a feeling—it was a full-fledged
conspiracy.
Marine's actions seemed designed to provoke a decisive battle between
the Four Emperors, Whitebeard and his crew, and the Marines.
"What in the world is Marine thinking? Are they seeking to disrupt the
balance among the Four Emperors? Will they plunge the entire sea into
chaos once more?" Shanks pondered aloud, his frustration evident.
"Yet, executing Ace serves the government's interests more than engaging
in a direct conflict with Whitebeard or even destabilizing the world order
altogether," he concluded bitterly.
The newspapers scattered across the sky, lifted higher by the strong sea
breeze, danced behind Shanks.
Benn Beckman, Yasopp, and the rest of the core members stood silently
behind their captain, understanding the gravity of the moment. They
refrained from interrupting Shanks' contemplation and decision-making.
As the violent sea breeze whipped around them, Shanks turned and
strode purposefully down the rocky path, his hand resting on the hilt of
his sword, his gaze sharp and resolute.
"Let's go. We're joining the fray to save Ace," he declared.
The cheers that followed were louder than the roaring wind, filled with
unwavering determination and devoid of any hint of fear.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
35. Miserable Kizaru, Garp's
Shock
Sabaody Archipelago.
Even though chaos reigns outside and many big names are reacting to
Marine's announcement to the world, there's a moment of calm around
Naval Headquarters and Sabaody.
This calm is part of the Marine's plan, progressing steadily as intended.
The only unpredictable factor is the battle on Sabaody.
Garp, with steady footsteps, passes through the Marine soldiers' cordon to
reach the battlefield recently rocked by a great battle. He couldn't help
but sigh at the devastation before him.
"It was quite a fight," he remarked.
What once an island now resembles a vast lake, scattered with enormous
floating earth and rock fragments, along with broken pieces of layman
mangroves. The scene was even more devastating than an island hit by
Buster Call, resembling the aftermath of colossal Sea Kings crashing down
from the sky.
With a calm expression, Garp navigated what little remained of a path
amidst the wreckage. Though the sight would shock any Marine soldier
seeing it for the first time, Garp remained unfazed.
When he was younger, Garp encountered strong individuals who could
create the impressive battlefields he now beheld.
As a seasoned Marine hero, Garp had witnessed countless battles and
scenes. Yet, seeing Kizaru, he couldn't help but be taken aback.
The calm demeanour on Garp's face softened slightly, replaced by a hint
of solemnity.
"What a mess, Kizaru," he remarked.
Garp wasn't as detached as before, especially seeing Kizaru sitting amidst
the debris with blood staining his upper body and evident wounds on his
face.
Faced with a seriously injured colleague, even Garp refrained from
making any comments that might dampen the atmosphere.
"What happened? Who did this? Rayleigh shouldn't have been able to
cause such damage," Garp inquired in a deep voice.
He couldn't fathom who in the sea could inflict such harm upon Kizaru.
After all, Kizaru was one of the peak Admirals, the eldest among the
current trio. Although not as renowned among Marines as Akainu and
Aokiji due to his demeanour, his strength was arguably the greatest
among them.
Kizaru had risen to the rank of Admiral due to both his formidable
strength and his devil fruit ability.
Garp had never seen Kizaru so battered before. Even during battles
against the Four Emperors, Kizaru had never appeared this beaten up. His
clothes were only slightly disheveled then, nothing compared to his
current state.
What struck Garp the most was the short duration of the fight. Kizaru
had only arrived at Sabaody two hours ago, with actual combat lasting
less than an hour. For Admirals accustomed to battles lasting days, such
brevity was unheard of.
In such a short span, someone had managed to overpower Kizaru,
wielding the power of the Pika Pika no Mi fruit. This fact astonished
Garp. It couldn't have been Rayleigh, despite his legendary status. Garp
knew Rayleigh's strength intimately, having faced him numerous times
during his encounters with the Roger Pirates. Even in his prime, Garp
doubted he could have bested Kizaru, let alone now, when Rayleigh was
nearing eighty.
"Would you believe me if I said it was Straw Hat?" Kizaru asked, his tone
no longer jesting but tinged with a wry smile.
Garp burst into laughter. "Come on, Kizaru, I didn't expect you to tell
jokes like that."
But Kizaru remained silent, wiping a trickle of blood from his head.
Garp's laughter faded as he looked at Kizaru, a realization dawning.
"You're not joking, are you, Kizaru? How could I underestimate Luffy's
strength? He's nearly a match for two Shichibukai, even when he's
exhausted. How could I expect him to face you head-on?"
Garp, though sceptical, couldn't deny the truth, staring him in the face.
You should know that the Water Seven incident is less than a month
away.
Back then, in Water Seven, Garp had tested Luffy's strength, finding it
lagging behind most of the Shichibukai. To think Luffy could now face an
Admiral head-on and even defeat Kizaru like this—it was as believable as
claiming Lucci had suddenly returned to life.
"I'm not joking about this," Kizaru sighed. "Everyone underestimated
Luffy, the Straw Hat Kid. He's a true monster. His ability isn't just a
simple Rubber Fruit power; it's the most cunning and potent ability I've
ever seen."
"We'll discuss the details after meeting with Sengoku," Kizaru added,
rising to his feet.
An Admiral's defeat so close to Naval Headquarters was a serious matter.
Additionally, the escape of the Straw Hat Pirates, who had attacked the
Celestial Dragons, required Kizaru to report to Sengoku for an
explanation.
Kizaru inwardly sighed at the potential repercussions of Luffy's newfound
strength at such a critical juncture. After all, intelligence indicated a close
relationship between Luffy, the Straw Hat Kid, and Fire Fist Ace, who
was slated for execution at headquarters.
"Is there another Admiral-level force at play? This is truly troublesome,"
Kizaru pondered before making his way to the port.
Despite his injuries appearing severe, Kizaru's Admiral-level physique
ensured they weren't as serious as they seemed.
Kizaru couldn't shake off the feeling of misfortune as he made his way
back. He used to be known for his laid-back attitude, always finding the
path of least resistance at work. But this time, he had hit a wall.
Garp trailed behind Kizaru, still perplexed by what had transpired. He
pinched his nose, watching Kizaru's figure ahead of him.
A fleeting thought crossed his mind, one even he found hard to believe.
Could Luffy have really defeated Kizaru like this? But almost
immediately, Garp dismissed the notion with a shake of his head.
"No, no, it's impossible," he muttered to himself. "That kid, Luffy, no
matter how you look at it, it's just not possible."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
36. God-Like Ability
Marineford, Marshal's Office at Naval Headquarters.
"Are you serious, Kizaru?" Sengoku exclaimed, his disbelief evident.
"Hey, Sengoku-san, I wouldn't joke about something like this, especially
considering I got injured because of it," Kizaru replied casually, his
mouth forming a smirk.
Underneath his Admiral cloak, Kizaru was wrapped in thick bandages,
including around his head.
"But how could it be Luffy, the Straw Hat kid? He's just a rookie who's
barely been abroad for a year. It's impossible for him to have grown so
quickly, no matter how talented he is," Sengoku insisted, still struggling
to accept the news.
The man with the highest potential and the most dangerous lineage in
the sea, the one with the top Logia fruit and the blood of Gol D Roger,
was still locked away in Impel Down. To suggest that Luffy, at the age of
seventeen, had reached Admiral-level strength seemed like a joke.
But seeing Kizaru's wry smile, Sengoku realized he wasn't joking.
Moreover, the information from Sengoku's own sources aligned with
Kizaru's account.
This revelation left Sengoku feeling as if he had seen a ghost.
"Tell me the details of the battle," Sengoku finally requested, his tone
grave.
Kizaru's expression shifted, becoming serious in response to Sengoku's
request.
"The Straw Hat Pirates are far from ordinary rookies. Their strength is
formidable," Kizaru began, recounting the encounter. "Upon my arrival,
Roronoa and Blackfoot Sanji dispatched the pacifists with ease.
Additionally, during the brief skirmish that followed, the second and
third in command of the Straw Hat crew exhibited mastery over both
Armament and Observation Haki."
Listening to Kizaru's account, Sengoku couldn't help but ponder deeply.
Roronoa Zoro and Blackfoot Sanji's ability to swiftly defeat pacifists
indicated a level of strength on par with notorious pirates boasting
bounties exceeding 500 million berries. Moreover, their proficiency in
both types of Haki suggested their strength was not to be underestimated.
"I heard Roronoa took down Kuma alone?" Sengoku inquired suddenly,
referring to a severely injured Kuma found amidst the battlefield, later
sent for treatment on Vegapunk's island.
"Yes, in my assessment, Roronoa is a formidable individual. He likely has
a high chance of mastering Conqueror's Haki. Given time, he could
become a figure akin to Pluton Rayleigh," Kizaru confirmed.
Kizaru held Roronoa Zoro in high regard.
As the first mate and swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro had
briefly clashed with Kizaru. Kizaru couldn't help but acknowledge Zoro's
skill, especially witnessing the devastating final blow delivered to Kuma
during their battle—a strike capable of causing serious harm even to a
member of the Four Emperors.
"Is he really that impressive?" Garp pondered aloud as he sipped his tea,
finding Kizaru's description of the Straw Hat Pirates at odds with his own
impression.
Garp had encountered Roronoa before, finding him reliable and
remarkably driven. However, during their time in Water Seven, the entire
Straw Hat crew seemed inexperienced and fragile. While their potential
was undeniable, their current strength seemed insufficient for navigating
the treacherous seas.
Yet, Kizaru's account suggested otherwise. Each member of the crew
appeared to have grown significantly since then.
"Roronoa's strength is not to be underestimated," Sengoku interjected, his
expression serious. "To dispatch pacifists with ease and exhibit
exceptional proficiency in Haki—such feats warrant a bounty increase,
perhaps even surpassing 600 to 700 million berries. And defeating a
Shichibukai like Kuma alone could easily push his bounty to a billion."
Despite the potential repercussions, Sengoku decided to table the
discussion until after the war with Whitebeard. However, he couldn't
help but inquire about Luffy's current strength.
"But what about the Straw Hat kid? What level has his strength reached?"
Sengoku's tone was grave as he addressed the topic of the Straw Hat Kid.
At the mere mention of the name, Kizaru instinctively tensed, feeling a
dull ache in his chest—a physical reminder of the encounter.
"His strength is formidable, and his Devil Fruit ability is truly unique,"
Kizaru began, his expression serious. "While his base strength may still
fall short of an Admiral's, his mastery of his fruit's various states—such as
Gear Fourth, utilizing airflow to enhance his size, and harnessing the
elasticity of his rubber body with Armament Haki—elevates him to a
steady Admiral-level combatant."
"And with his exceptional proficiency in Observation Haki and the added
factor of Conqueror's Haki," Kizaru continued, "his destructive potential
surpasses even my own."
"Conqueror's Haki?" Garp interjected, visibly surprised. "Luffy has
mastered Conqueror's Haki?"
As a seasoned martial artist, Garp understood the immense difficulty and
power associated with Conqueror's Haki. Its mastery was a hallmark of
the strongest individuals in the world, typically associated with the Four
Emperors.
"Yes," Kizaru affirmed. "And not only that but his proficiency in
Armament Haki allows him to strike with incredible force, while his
Observation Haki has reached a level where he can predict the future."
"In all honesty," Kizaru admitted, "if it weren't for his lack of experience
with Haki and the limitations of my own Devil Fruit ability, he might
even be able to overpower me in his Gear Fourth state."
Kizaru's words were a testament to Luffy's exceptional abilities—a fact
that shocked Garp to the core.
"And you're saying this is all about Luffy?" Garp struggled to
comprehend, his astonishment evident.
Sengoku, however, honed in on a crucial point in Kizaru's revelation.
"You mentioned that just shifting to Gear Fourth is enough to overpower
you. Does that mean he has an even stronger form?"
Kizaru's expression turned grave as he clutched his wound, his
demeanour suddenly sombre. "That... that's an exaggeration. His next
form... it's like a god."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
37. Disaster-Like Five Gears
Kizaru reflected on the battle at Sabaody, finding it surreal, almost like a
dream shrouded in illusion. Even now, the memories of that encounter
left him with an inexplicable sensation.
"The Straw Hat Boy's ability can be shifted to five gears," Kizaru began,
recounting the events that unfolded on the Sabaody Archipelago. "After
those five gears, there was only around half an hour of intense fighting."
He described how, amidst the chaos, a figure emerged before him—Luffy,
clad entirely in white. His hair, clothes, and even his body radiated a
brilliant white hue, with his hair resembling flames of the same colour,
dancing around him like fairy ribbons.
In this state, Luffy exhibited unparalleled strength, speed, and agility,
executing manoeuvres effortlessly, almost as if they were second nature.
Yet, despite his formidable abilities, Luffy seemed somewhat unfamiliar
with this form, suggesting he had yet to fully master it.
"In just half an hour, I sustained serious injuries," Kizaru admitted. "If not
for Luffy's inexperience in combatting in this state, my injuries would
likely be even more severe."
"In other words, has his strength surpassed that of the Four Emperors?"
Sengoku questioned incredulously. After all, even the Four Emperors
would struggle to inflict serious harm upon an Admiral in such a short
span of time.
"If that's the case, we're in for a tough battle," Sengoku remarked, his
concern evident.
"Not necessarily," Kizaru disagreed, shaking his head. After a moment of
contemplation, he continued, "While it's undeniable that Luffy's new state
is incredibly powerful, it's also unsustainable for long periods of time."
"He expended a considerable amount of energy during our half-hour
skirmish, even exiting that state multiple times," Kizaru explained.
"However, once he fully masters this state and reaches that special fifth
gear, his strength could indeed surpass and even suppress the Four
Emperors in short bursts."
"That's why I believe Luffy's mastery likely extends beyond a mere
Rubber Fruit. It's possible he possesses a fruit with greater potential and
power," Kizaru concluded, his expression serious.
While all Devil Fruits harbour the potential for development, their
degrees of potential vary greatly. For instance, Logia fruits like Kizaru's
Sparkling fruit, Sakazuki's lava fruit, and Kuzan's Frozen Fruit are
inherently stronger than others. On the other hand, fruits like Smoker's
Smoke fruit have limited potential even after years of development.
"If Luffy's fruit were a normal Rubber Fruit, even awakened, its increase
in power wouldn't surpass what we've seen in his fourth gear," Kizaru
analyzed. "After all, his fourth gear already represents a perfect fusion of
body, rubber, and Armament Haki."
Kizaru's assessment reflected his amazement at Luffy's abilities and his
belief that they transcended the capabilities of a standard Devil Fruit.
"The fifth gear represents a fundamental shift, unlike anything we've seen
with a Rubber Fruit," Kizaru confirmed, emphasizing the uniqueness of
Luffy's new ability.
"I'll report this matter to the higher-ups. You need to focus on recovering
from your injuries, Kizaru," Sengoku instructed, his expression grave. It
was evident that the situation was dire.
Despite the limitations of Luffy's ability, it was clear that his strength was
on par with the Four Emperors. Moreover, the exceptional combat
prowess displayed by Roronoa Zoro and Blackfoot Sanji only added to the
Straw Hat Pirates' formidable reputation.
In the past, such power would have made the Marines wary. However, in
the current landscape, it poses a significant threat to the established
order of the world.
Sengoku's grim expression mirrored the gravity of the situation, and
Kizaru's own expression soured even further. He grumbled in protest, his
frustration evident.
"Hey, Mr. Sengoku, can't you see how seriously injured I am? Can't you
grant me some medical leave for the upcoming war?" Kizaru complained,
recognizing the perilous nature of the impending conflict.
Kizaru saw this as an opportunity to avoid further danger, and he was
determined to seize it.
Despite the presence of high-ranking Marine forces like Zephyr and the
two alternate Admirals under Gion, who were tasked with monitoring the
other Four Emperors, not all would be exempt from the upcoming battle.
"Stop with the unrealistic jests, Kizaru," Sengoku admonished sternly, his
gaze piercing. "Given our next opponent, and now with the Straw Hat
Boy in the mix, we'll need to mobilize more troops."
"Got it," Kizaru acquiesced, raising his hands in surrender and avoiding
Sengoku's intense stare, his expression sheepish.
In reality, despite his current injuries appearing severe, Kizaru knew he
would recover within a couple of days thanks to an Admiral's resilience.
He couldn't avoid participating in the war, but he intended to steer clear
of the most dangerous adversaries and contribute where he could.
Unlike Sengoku, who bore the weight of overseeing the entire operation,
Kizaru had confidence in Marine's preparedness. An additional Admiral-
level combatant, even one as formidable as the Straw Hat Boy, wouldn't
significantly alter the outcome of the battle. The government's might was
formidable, and Marine forces were well-prepared for the impending
clash with Whitebeard.
As Kizaru departed, Sengoku paced restlessly while Garp, unperturbed,
continued to enjoy his tea and senbei.
"Hey, Sengoku, quit pacing around, you're making me dizzy," Garp
chided impatiently.
Sengoku abruptly halted his pacing, seizing Garp by the collar and
shouting vehemently.
"Why do you think I'm in this state, Garp? It's not because of your
grandson's antics!" Sengoku's words were punctuated by flecks of spittle
spraying Garp's face.
Resentfully, Garp turned his head to avoid the spray, torn between
amusement and frustration. "I can't say I understand that kid Luffy
either," he admitted with a wry smile.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
38. The Fear Of The Five Elders
"Hey, Straw Hat! Pluton Rayleigh! The big showdown's on the horizon,
and it's getting more and more complicated."
Sengoku shouted at Garp, but it didn't seem to make a difference.
With the war heating up, the enemy's strength is growing beyond what
we expected.
"I'm thinking we might need to send reinforcements from the New
World," Sengoku said urgently.
Garp was taken aback. "Are you out of your mind, Sengoku? It took us a
lot to build up our forces in the New World. If we pull back now..."
"The Four Emperors would swoop in and take over our territory there.
The New World would plunge into chaos again," Sengoku interrupted, his
tone grim.
"I know that, but everything's riding on this war. If we fail, the
consequences will be dire. We've made our declaration to the world;
there's no turning back," Sengoku continued, his expression dark.
He was the top Marine officer, determined to win this war at any cost.
"I'll report this to the higher-ups. They'll have to make the call. Garp, you
stay at headquarters and oversee everything," Sengoku commanded
firmly.
"Understood," Garp replied, the hint of hesitation fading from his eyes.
Later, at the Holy Land, Mariejois on the Red Line...
"This is what happened. Both Kizaru and Momonga gave similar reports.
With the government's intelligence, we need to figure out what devil fruit
powers this Straw Hat kid has."
Sengoku stood before the Five Elders, his voice low and serious.
"The Straw Hat kid?" he inquired.
The Five Elders, their faces hidden beneath black caps, exchanged
glances, seeming to ponder something.
"It's the rubber fruit, Sengoku. Perhaps its powers are awakening," one of
the Elders, resembling the late Whitebeard, remarked.
"But..." Sengoku's expression soured. He couldn't discern the Elders' true
thoughts. There was clearly more to the Straw Hat boy than met the eye,
yet these elders insisted on secrecy.
"No 'buts,' Sengoku. You're just the Marine Marshal. Don't pry into
matters beyond your station. Your duty is to prepare for the impending
war," scolded the bald Elder wielding the demon blade.
"Furthermore, you failed to quell the attack on the Celestial Dragons.
Mind your Marines and don't bring shame upon the government," added
another Elder sternly.
Though reprimanded, Sengoku suppressed his retort and murmured,
"Understood."
Perhaps noticing Sengoku's unease, as the upcoming war hinged on his
leadership, the mustached Elder attempted to smooth things over with a
haughty tone.
"We've approved your plan to mobilize Marine forces. You have the
authority to decide. The Cipher Pol's support rests in your hands. As for
the Warlords, it's your responsibility to gather them. We won't meddle
too much," the Elder declared.
"Your sole focus should be ensuring victory in this war," the Elders'
resolute voices echoed in the chamber.
As Sengoku left, wearing a troubled expression, the Elders' faces grew
even more grim than his own.
"Has the true power of this fruit finally surfaced?"
"Throughout history, the World Government has sought to obtain the
rubber fruit, but to no avail. It's been this way for eight hundred years."
"This fruit seems to possess a will of its own. Perhaps it's true; Zoan fruits
are known to have their own consciousness, especially one bearing the
name of a deity."
"Zoan Type: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika."
There fell a profound silence among the influential figures in Mariejois,
as if even the Five Elders, who wielded unparalleled authority, were
uncertain how to address this fruit.
They were keenly aware of the magnitude of power symbolized by its
awakening. Moreover, compared to the Rubber Fruit, the threat posed by
the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the Four Emperors, was no less significant.
Especially their leader, Whitebeard.
He was once a comrade of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and held sway
over the secrets and history of the world.
He was a relic of a bygone era, one that needed to be laid to rest.
...
In the Calm Belt, the Sunny sailed smoothly.
"Miss Shakky's pets are incredible! This is my first time sailing on such a
tranquil Calm Belt, haha," Luffy remarked, reclining beside the ship's
railing and observing the two sea serpents swimming below, their
massive forms ensuring their peaceful journey through the treacherous
waters.
"Yeah, these two have been my companions for decades. Although they're
smaller than Sea Kings, their venom is potent enough to keep even Sea
Kings at bay," Shakky explained.
Miss Shakky let out a soft exhale, her smile brightening.
"This is the secret art of Kuja," she revealed.
"Kuja?" Sanji's ears perked up at the mention. "Isn't that the legendary
women's kingdom, the pirate crew from the Amazon Lily?"
"That's right," Shakky confirmed with a gentle smile.
"Do you know about that legendary kingdom?" Brook inquired, his
curiosity piqued.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh's brow furrowed slightly as he interjected, "What?
Didn't Shakky tell you? She used to be the former empress of Amazon
Lily and the captain of the renowned Kuja Pirates."
"Huh? An empress?"
"The captain of the Kuja Pirates? Weren't they the super famous crew of
the Warlord of the Sea?"
"That's incredible! Is Miss Shakky really that amazing?"
"That was decades ago. Now, I'm just a humble bar owner," Shakky
replied calmly, her eyes narrowing in a serene smile.
"Ah, here we are," Rayleigh announced, glancing at an island on the
horizon.
Rusukaina, the Island of Beasts.
Soon, the Sunny docked at a simple inlet on the island.
"We'll be staying on this island for a few days. Once the storm passes,
we'll return to Sabaody for coating, and then Hatchan will take you to
Fishman Island. From there, you can venture into the New World from
the depths of the sea, ten thousand meters below," Rayleigh explained
with a smile. "This island has a relatively mild climate in the Calm Belt
and is suitable for human habitation."
"However, keep in mind that this island experiences forty-eight seasons,
changing weekly, and is home to many large beasts. If you're not strong
enough, it's best to stay in a safe area."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
39. Ace Message, Luffy's
Determination
"Wow, the weather here in the Calm Belt is so strange," Luffy remarked.
"Definitely," Rayleigh agreed. "The weather in the Calm Belt is even
harsher than in the first half of the Grand Line. And the New World?
Well, it's even tougher than the Calm Belt. You'll see for yourself once
you make it there."
"Yep, every sea area has its own unique climate. Your navigator's skills
will really come in handy for that," he chuckled.
"Give it here," Nami said, her fists clenched tightly.
"Oh, Uncle Rayleigh, how come you know so much about the Calm Belt?"
Usopp asked with curiosity. "Were the Roger Pirates experts in navigating
through it, too?"
"Nah," Rayleigh replied, taking a sip of wine from his fancy cup. "It's just
a little hobby I picked up after retiring to Sabaody. Sometimes, I go for a
swim in the Calm Belt."
"Swimming in the Calm Belt?" Usopp and Chopper shuddered at the
thought of the monstrous creatures lurking there, remembering their own
terrifying encounters.
"Must be nice," Luffy sighed. "I used to be a great swimmer before I ate
the Gum-Gum Fruit."
"Yeah, Devil Fruit powers can be pretty handy," Rayleigh said, giving
Luffy a knowing smile. "Especially yours."
Luffy's strength might seem weaker without his Devil Fruit abilities, but
with them, he could easily hold his own against Admirals, even reaching
the level of the Four Emperors.
"With how fast you're growing, you'll probably catch up to Shanks soon,"
Rayleigh added, nodding at Luffy.
"I really miss Shanks," Luffy said, taking off his straw hat and holding it
in his hand. The memory of the man losing his arm flashed through his
mind. "We'll definitely meet again. That's a promise," he declared
earnestly, brimming with anticipation.
His crew felt the depth of Luffy's emotions, smiling at their captain with
warmth and understanding.
Suddenly, the sky filled with the chirping of newspaper birds.
"That's odd. Why are there so many newspaper birds?" Franky wondered,
peering up at the sky through his sunglasses. In the remote Calm Belt,
seeing even one newspaper bird was rare, but today, they were
swarming.
"Here's today's paper," Shakky said, launching a Berry bullet into the air
with precision, which landed in the pocket of a passing newspaper bird.
"Shakky sure loves her newspapers," Nami remarked, glancing at the
stacks of papers behind the bar at Shakky's place.
"As a former intelligence officer, newspapers are a vital source of
information for her," Robin explained. "And even though Morgans tends
to exaggerate, he doesn't fabricate important news."
Shakky smiled softly, having retired from the underground world and
relying solely on newspapers for information. She never missed an issue
of the World Economic News and had a knack for deciphering the truly
valuable information from Morgans' articles.
"Let's see what's in today's paper," Shakky said with a smile, opening the
newspaper in her hands.
But as soon as she glanced at it, her smile vanished.
"It's no wonder the Marines' defences on Sabaody are so weak lately.
Turns out they're planning to take on Whitebeard, one of the Four
Emperors, head-on."
"Whitebeard? That name sounds really familiar. I feel like I've heard it
before," Luffy mused, scratching his head in thought.
"Huh?" Rayleigh's expression turned serious upon hearing the news.
"Marines and Whitebeard at war? Is this for real, Shakky? How could the
Marines upset the balance of power in the seas?"
"Yeah, didn't they work so hard to maintain world balance a few years
back? What's changed?" Robin chimed in.
"It's highly likely to be true," Shakky confirmed. "This isn't just Morgans
speculating or fabricating. It's an official statement from the World
Government through Morgans."
"In four days, at Marineford Headquarters, they're going to publicly
execute Whitebeard Pirates' 2nd Division Captain, Fire Fist Ace, in front
of the entire world," Shakky continued.
Luffy froze in shock. "Ace? That's a lie," he protested.
Nami gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. "Luffy, isn't Ace your big
brother?" Usopp asked anxiously, turning to Luffy for confirmation.
"Could it be that polite guy, Luffy's brother, has been captured by the
Marines?" Sanji remembered the man who courteously lit his cigarette.
Zoro glanced at Luffy, his expression stern but resolute. Among the crew,
he was the least visibly shaken.
Even though Ace's visit to Alabasta was brief, he had left a lasting
impression on the Straw Hat Pirates. They were well aware of the strong
bond between Ace and Luffy.
Amidst the unfolding news, Luffy snapped back to attention and swiftly
grabbed the newspaper from Shakky's hands.
At that moment, formalities were cast aside as everyone understood the
gravity of Luffy's emotions.
"What happened to Ace?" Luffy murmured, gazing at the photo in the
centre of the newspaper.
The image showed Ace in the depths of Impel Down. His body was
weighed down by chains and shackles. Despite his predicament, there
was a calmness in his eyes tinged with regret and despair. This was his
big brother.
"This is troubling," Rayleigh commented, his gaze clouded with concern.
"Using Ace as a pawn to provoke the Whitebeard Pirates... It's a risky
move, and now that the World Government and Marines have made their
stance clear, it's evident they're fully committed to their course of action."
Indeed, the situation was far from simple.
With this announcement made, the likelihood of Fire Fist Ace's death
became incredibly high.
If Ace were to survive or be rescued, it would deal a massive blow to the
prestige of both the World Government and the Marines.
In other words, they had staked their reputation on this execution and
would spare no effort to ensure its completion.
"I'm heading to Marineford to save Ace," Luffy declared, his voice
resonating throughout Ruskaina.
His words ignited a thunderous roar of determination from those around
him.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
40. The Awakening Of The Straw
Hats
Luffy's sole focus was on rescuing Ace, oblivious to the daunting power
and determination of the Marines or the World Government behind them.
"Do you understand the strength of the Marines, Luffy?" Rayleigh
interjected solemnly. "Admiral Kizaru alone is a force to be reckoned
with. The Admirals from the previous generation, like Sengoku, Garp,
Zephyr, Crane, Aokiji, and Akainu, are all formidable opponents. Are you
still determined to go, knowing this?"
"I am," Luffy replied firmly.
"Even if it means facing your own grandfather? Even if it means defying
the entire world?" Rayleigh pressed, his voice filled with intensity.
"Yes," Luffy affirmed, his gaze unwavering. "No matter who stands in my
way, no matter the odds, I will save Ace, and nothing will stand in my
path."
Rayleigh observed the seriousness in Luffy's demeanour, sensing a
newfound determination that surpassed his previous carefree demeanour.
"This is a decision you must fully comprehend. Are you prepared for the
consequences? Are your crewmates willing to risk their lives? Are you
ready to defy the government and the entire world?" Rayleigh
questioned.
Luffy's resolve remained unshaken. "I understand, and I'm prepared for
whatever comes our way," he declared resolutely.
Luffy remained silent, grappling with the weight of his decision. He
trusted his crew deeply, but ultimately, this was his personal quest.
"Heh, been aware of this since I set sail, uncle. Don't underestimate us,"
Zoro stated, a calm smile playing on his lips. "I aim to be the world's
greatest swordsman. If the government or anyone else stands in my way,
I'll cut them down without hesitation."
"Exactly," Sanji chimed in, lighting a cigarette and exhaling slowly. "Our
experiences may not be as legendary as yours, but we've never lacked
determination."
"I've faced off against the World Government before," Usopp added with a
laugh. "And I've sailed through tougher waters than Marineford without a
hitch."
"I've been itching for another run-in with the government," Franky
declared confidently. "My ship's ready to take us anywhere, even straight
to the Naval Headquarters."
"Just let me play the anthem of battle one last time," Brook exclaimed
enthusiastically. "I'm ready for whatever awaits us!"
Watching her crew's unwavering resolve, Robin couldn't help but feel a
sense of warmth. They had once stood against the entire world to save
her from the grasp of the World Government.
"Let's set sail, Captain," they all declared in unison, their eyes filled with
determination, even the usually timid Chopper, Usopp, and Nami.
"Everyone," Luffy began, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination.
Luffy turned to face his crew, his eyes brimming with emotion. With a
determined grin, he clenched his fist and slammed it into his palm.
"Alright, let's set sail! Our target: Marineford!" he exclaimed loudly.
A chorus of cheers erupted behind him as his crew raised their arms in
solidarity.
Though the Straw Hat Pirates' strength might not be the greatest in these
seas, their resolve was unmatched by anyone.
"I miss you too. Your partner's unwavering belief and determination,"
Shakky murmured, a wistful smile playing on her lips as she held a
cigarette between her fingers, lost in memories of her youth at sea.
Rayleigh wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye, feeling a sense of
nostalgia wash over him. In the Straw Hat Pirates, he saw shades of his
former crew, the Roger Pirates— the same fearless captain, the same
composed vice-captain, and a crew bound by unbreakable trust.
As Luffy and the crew began to board the Sunny, Rayleigh halted them, a
sense of concern etched on his face.
"What do you plan to do?" he asked.
"We're going to Marineford to save Ace," Luffy declared, his voice ringing
with determination.
"The execution is in four days. What's the point of heading to Marineford
now? Ace is still in Impel Down," Rayleigh sighed, feeling a sense of déjà
vu with Luffy's impulsive actions, reminiscent of Roger's daring exploits.
"But Impel Down is heavily guarded. There's a special current blocking
the way out, and three massive Gates of Justice stand in the path. Unless
the Marines decide to open those gates, there's no way to reach Impel
Down," Rayleigh explained, his tone tinged with helplessness.
"Let's sit down and strategize," he suggested, recognizing the Straw Hat
Pirates' lack of a seasoned strategist.
While Sanji, Robin, and the others were intelligent, they lacked the depth
of knowledge and experience that Rayleigh possessed. As the former vice-
captain of the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh had extensive knowledge of the
world and had tangled with the Marines countless times.
"I'll give you a brief overview," Rayleigh began, taking a sip of wine from
his silver bottle. "Marine's motive for Ace's execution is likely to boost
their prestige. They've weighed the consequences and are prepared for
the repercussions."
"Their aim is a direct confrontation with the Four Emperors and the
Whitebeard Pirates, with Marineford as their chosen battlefield," he
continued. "Marine's strength is formidable, and with the advantage of
defending their home turf, the odds are stacked against us."
"Since you're determined to rescue Ace, Luffy, your task now isn't to go it
alone, but to gather all allies who can aid in Ace's rescue and head to
Marineford together. That'll increase our chances of success," Rayleigh
advised, looking directly at Luffy.
Luffy tilted his head, processing Rayleigh's words. "So, Uncle Rayleigh,
what's our next move?" he asked.
"It's simple," Rayleigh replied. "We head to the New World and ally
ourselves with Whitebeard."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
41. A Ship Of Old Times, The Oro
Jackson
Join forces with Whitebeard.
Rayleigh often talks about how things taste.
But to the Straw Hats, it sounds surreal.
"It feels like this plan is so distant," Nami said, sounding dazed.
Compared to Luffy, who lacks common sense, the others are more
sensible.
The name Whitebeard is incredibly famous. Though not as renowned as
the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, he's still a legendary pirate known
worldwide.
It's the kind of name that can silence a room.
Many present grew up hearing legends about Whitebeard.
Including Usopp and Chopper.
It's unlike the Four Emperors, a name that's only surfaced in recent years.
Whitebeard's reputation as a legendary pirate surpasses that of the Four
Emperors.
While many people may not recognize the Four Emperors, they certainly
know of Whitebeard.
Remember, they were previously striving to defeat a Shichibukai.
Now, their next move is to ally with legendary pirates like Whitebeard on
a monthly basis.
"Think about it, isn't Uncle Rayleigh standing before us also a legendary
pirate? He's the deputy of the Pirate King, so it seems fitting for us to
team up with Whitebeard," Usopp exclaimed, his voice tinged with
excitement.
"Don't worry, Whitebeard is somewhat approachable, as long as he
approves of you," Rayleigh chuckled.
"Getting an endorsement from Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors," he
added.
Except for Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, the others' expressions turned
somewhat uneasy.
"Whitebeard? That name rings a bell from my time," Brook remarked
casually, sipping his tea.
"Almost forgot about you, Brook, you old, old pirate," Usopp joked,
lightening the mood.
Despite everything, the tension in their hearts eased a bit.
After all, they still had a pirate on their side who was older than
Whitebeard.
Although the difference in strength might be significant.
"However, Whitebeard is likely in the New World now. How do we reach
the New World, and how do we find Whitebeard there?" Sanji asked
calmly from the side.
There was silence.
Coating the Sunny will take at least three days.
Moreover, the Sabaody Archipelago is heavily guarded by the Marines
now. It's challenging to return, let alone get a stable coating.
Besides Sabaody, finding a place to coat the ship is difficult elsewhere.
Locating Whitebeard is also an issue.
The New World is vast, and as newcomers, can they really find
Whitebeard within four days?
No, not in four days.
Considering the time to return from the New World to Marineford, they
might have just a little over two days.
"Please, Uncle Rayleigh, help us," Luffy pleaded earnestly, bowing deeply
to Rayleigh.
At this point, no matter how tough his nerves are, Luffy knows that
Rayleigh is the only one who can help him save Ace.
Rayleigh remained silent.
The other members of the Straw Hat Pirates didn't speak, quietly
observing the scene.
They're simply following their captain's lead, committed to saving Ace.
Only Luffy's plea for help matters; they're not taking a stance.
And it's a request, not an imposition.
Rayleigh has already helped them so much.
Miss Shakky glanced at Rayleigh from the corner of her eye but remained
silent.
This is a crucial decision.
Before, they could ask for help as friends. However, seeking Whitebeard
in the New World means Rayleigh will be drawn to a major event.
It's a weighty choice, which is why Rayleigh has been pondering it for so
long.
Finally, after a prolonged silence, Rayleigh appeared to have made a firm
decision.
With a serious expression, he spoke up.
"Hey, Luffy, I can assist you, but you need to understand something.
From now on, you'll be under the scrutiny of the times," Rayleigh
warned.
"Everything you do will be monitored by the Marines and the
government. This includes your crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, and the
Admirals who may be tasked with arresting you."
"Your threat level to the Marines will escalate to that of the Four
Emperors or possibly even greater. Knowing this, do you still choose to
seek my help and go to Whitebeard?"
Rayleigh's demeanour was grave, and Shakky seemed to have realized
something.
"Rayleigh?" Shakky exclaimed in surprise, but she remained silent,
observing Luffy's decision quietly.
If her suspicions were true, then the world would truly be shaken.
The World Government, the wielders of the highest power in the world,
would undoubtedly be unsettled.
"I'm going, no matter what challenges await," Luffy declared firmly.
"Then come with me," Rayleigh responded, his expression a mix of
nostalgia and excitement. It was hard to imagine that such an
experienced and imposing figure could feel restless.
"Return to Sabaody. I left one of the world's finest ships there, fully
coated and ready to take you to the New World."
...
Moments later, at Sabaody Archipelago...
The Marines on guard watched as a mysterious pirate ship sailed out of
the port.
This ship, while not immense, exuded a mysterious aura that dwarfed all
others present.
It felt as though a true king was among them.
Constructed mostly of mahogany, with red sails billowing in the wind, it
bore the familiar skull flag.
At the bow, a grand ram and cannons flanked by exquisite mermaid
sculptures added to its mystique.
The ship possessed a beauty reminiscent of a bygone era as if it had
emerged from the mists of history.
"Look, that's Luffy of the Straw Hat Crew's ship."
"And could that be the legendary Dark King Rayleigh?"
"Alert headquarters and take photos. Rayleigh and the Straw Hats have
returned to Sabaody."
The next moment, the red pirate ship gradually disappeared beneath the
waves in full view of the Marines.
Meanwhile, at Naval Headquarters...
When Sengoku received the report from the Marine stationed at Sabaody
Archipelago, along with photographic evidence, he reacted with disbelief.
He crushed a ceramic teacup in his hand, splattering black tea all over
himself.
"How is this possible? Is Rayleigh out of his mind?"
Sengoku's expression was more dire than ever before, even surpassing
when Kizaru was defeated by Luffy.
His forehead veins bulged, his mouth twitched, and his teeth clenched.
The information before him was simply inconceivable.
"What's going on, Sengoku-kun? This isn't like you," Garp remarked
casually, picking up the tea-soaked photograph. But as he looked up, his
smile vanished, replaced by a complex expression.
He gazed at the red pirate ship in the image and uttered a few words in a
hushed tone.
"The Oro Jackson."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
42. Listening To The Voice Of All
Things
Oro Jackson.
For newer Marines and pirates, this name might not ring a bell. It's a part
of history that the World Government is eager to bury.
However, for veterans like Sengoku and Garp, it's a symbol of an era long
past.
It was the greatest ship in the world, the only one known to have
conquered the Grand Line.
The pirate ship of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.
A vessel that carried the weight of an entire era.
Originally presumed lost to history with Roger's death, its reappearance
was unexpected.
"At this point, are Rayleigh and the echoes of their old days attempting a
revival?" Sengoku growled, slamming his fist on the table.
The defeat of an Admiral and the emergence of the Straw Hat Boy hadn't
given him such a headache.
Because both Garp and he understood the significance of this ship's
reappearance.
Though Roger had died years ago, they never truly captured him or
dismantled his crew.
Those legendary figures vanished mysteriously overnight after Roger
found One Piece.
A year later, Roger turned himself in and died, and his crew remained
silent.
Except for Red-Haired Shanks, who rose to become one of the Four
Emperors.
The fabled Roger Pirates seemed to have vanished completely from
history.
After Roger's death, the Marines aggressively hunted down remnants of
the old era, effectively bringing it to an end.
Douglas Bullet, the Demon heir, was apprehended during that period.
And now, with the Oro Jackson resurfacing, what role does Rayleigh
play?
Is he summoning remnants of the Gol D. Roger Pirates for the next
battle?
Various thoughts raced through Sengoku's mind, all leading to grim
conclusions.
For the first time, Sengoku doubted the outcome of the impending
conflict. While the involvement of the Straw Hat Kid and Rayleigh alone
would be manageable, the presence of the Oro Jackson and remnants of
the Roger Pirates changed the equation drastically.
Their strength was formidable, even terrifying.
In the wake of the Oro Jackson's reappearance, it was highly likely that
numerous notorious pirates from the New World would flock to
Marineford to witness and join in what could be the era's greatest battle.
"Alert Zephyr and order his return to headquarters."
"All Marine Vice Admirals and above currently deployed must return to
headquarters immediately."
Sengoku's voice thundered with authority.
...
In the depths of the sea...
"I never imagined I'd set foot on this legendary ship," Nami, Usopp, and
the others murmured in disbelief as they cautiously explored the ship's
mahogany railing.
They couldn't fathom how they got here.
This was the pirate ship of the former Pirate King Gol D. Roger, a vessel
steeped in legend.
"Is this the work of Mr. Tom? What an exquisite masterpiece," Nami
remarked, admiring the ship's beauty.
Franky carefully examined the ship, recalling its appearance from over
two decades ago.
"It's incredible to think that this ship has endured for decades, weathering
countless legendary voyages and still remains as sturdy as ever," he
remarked.
"Are you Tom's apprentice? He was the finest shipwright. Though he
never set foot on this ship, he was always our ally," Rayleigh said with
emotion.
"Mr. Tom is indeed the greatest shipbuilder in the world. I've always
believed that. He mentioned more than once that he built the Oro
Jackson for Gol D. Roger. It's his crowning achievement in shipbuilding,"
Franky replied proudly.
"A shipwright takes immense pride in the vessel they craft to conquer the
Grand Line. The old man never regretted building this ship for the Roger
Pirates," Rayleigh reminisced.
Silently, he gave a relieved smile.
"This pirate crew has deep ties to us—Gol D. Roger's will, Tom's disciple,
the person Crocus is seeking," Franky mused.
The crew's unfulfilled purpose seemed to resurface on this ship, leading
them towards their ultimate destination after years of circling.
"You don't mind having them on board the Oro Jackson," Rayleigh
remarked lightly to himself.
"Of course not, Rayleigh. I've been waiting for this moment for twenty
years, to set sail once again," a distant, ethereal voice seemed to echo in
Rayleigh's heart like the chime of a bell.
For a brief moment, he envisioned a faint figure radiating light seated
atop the mainmast next to the Roger Pirates' flag.
But the vision faded as quickly as it appeared.
Rayleigh paused, then glanced at the Straw Hats; none seemed to have
heard the voice.
With a complex expression, he lightly patted the mainmast and
murmured, "So you've been here all along. I'm sorry for leaving you
alone, buddy."
And in that moment...
The Straw Hat Boy exclaimed from the bow of the ship, "Did you hear
that? It sounded like someone talking."
"Don't be ridiculous, Luffy. We're 10,000 meters deep. How could anyone
be talking?" Usopp retorted.
"But I swear I heard something. Hey, is anyone there?" Luffy called out
loudly, his voice echoing in the eerie silence of the deep sea.
"Roger," Rayleigh murmured, reminiscing about his own youth, recalling
similar experiences in the depths of the sea.
"It's like Luffy has the ability to hear the voices of everything," he added
with a nostalgic smile.
Luffy's momentary auditory experience was just a fleeting episode.
Soon, a bright light emerged ahead, revealing a massive island enveloped
in soap bubbles.
In the pitch-black depths of the ocean, this magical island with its vibrant
lights appeared before them.
Fish-Man Island, their final destination before reaching the New World.
The Oro Jackson set course for the port specified by Fish-Man Island.
As the ship approached its destination...
Suddenly, several colossal figures emerged from the depths, swimming
towards them.
Each of them was thousands of meters in size, their immense presence
leaving the crew awestruck.
"After more than 20 years, humans can hear our voices again," one of the
Sea Kings rumbled.
"That ship looks familiar. I remember a human named Gol D. Roger
riding on it over 20 years ago," another remarked.
"Is it Gol D. Roger? No, it's a similar-looking kid wearing a straw hat," a
third Sea King pondered.
"Can our purpose be fulfilled in this era?" came the uncertain query.
"I don't know. Let's wait and see," the others replied.
And just like that, the colossal figures vanished back into the darkness,
leaving the crew bewildered.
In just a few brief moments, the Sea Kings demonstrated intelligence akin
to humans.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
43. The New Evolutionary
Personnel, Chopper
"We're running low on time to restock up at Sabaody, so let's restock at
Fish-Man Island as quickly as possible, then head to the New World to
find Whitebeard," Rayleigh reminded from the deck.
"Then I'll go get ingredients and fresh water," Sanji said calmly, a
cigarette dangling from his mouth. Despite being in the mermaid country
he had longed for, he understood Luffy's uneasy mood and the urgency of
the situation, so he wasn't too impatient. Even as he walked through the
streets, he couldn't help but be captivated by the countless mermaids
passing by.
"Then I'll go buy medicine, and Zoro and I will go," Chopper said.
"Robin and I are going shopping for clothes," Nami announced as she
disembarked.
Leaving Luffy, Brook, and Usopp alone, Franky remained on the ship
along with Rayleigh.
"By the way, the points we earned from the previous battle should be
enough to upgrade a crew member again. Usopp, do you want it?" Luffy
asked casually as he glanced at the panel from their earlier exploits. He
had accumulated a significant number of points. Sanji's evolution was
already complete, and there were still over 2,000 points left. Clicking
again, the count increased to 12,000. Luffy examined the log of earned
points more closely.
Most of the points were earned during the battles on the Sabaody
Archipelago. Each of the two Pacifistas provided 500 evolution points.
Zoro defeated the bear and gained 3,000 points. His victory over Kizaru
directly earned him 6,000 points. But defeating either Kizaru or Kuma
alone would surpass the strength of all the foes they had faced before.
Such exceptional strength warranted the accumulation of so many
evolution points.
"Evolving points?" Rayleigh looked puzzled.
"Oh, it's an ability I acquired earlier. I earn points through battles and use
them to enhance my abilities," Luffy explained, not hiding anything.
Luffy considered Rayleigh a partner and always trusted him implicitly.
"You possess such a remarkable ability. Could it be that your current
strength is a result of this ability?" Rayleigh asked, a bit surprised,
recalling the extraordinary strength of Luffy and his crew, far beyond
what was expected for their age.
"Yes, I used to be very weak, struggling against Gekko Moria. But I've
reached my current strength, along with Zoro and Sanji, in just these ten
days," Luffy said with a laugh.
"It's quite an extraordinary ability, much like your personality," Rayleigh
remarked, his brow furrowing slightly. The ability seemed overly
dominant and exaggerated, capable of elevating a rookie pirate to
Admiral-level combat prowess in a matter of days. However, Rayleigh
didn't dwell on it too much. After all, he had seen far stranger things in
his life.
People who travel through time inhabit a unique space where time flows
differently from the outside world, with inexplicable phenomena abound.
While Luffy's ability is undeniably remarkable, it remains within the
realm of understanding.
"Can this evolution process raise everyone to Admiral-level strength?"
Rayleigh asked curiously, contemplating the potential advantage they
would have in the upcoming war if this were the case.
"I'm not sure. Zoro and Sanji haven't evolved yet," Luffy replied,
explaining the situation to Rayleigh.
"No wonder. The physical prowess of those two is much lower compared
to their mastery of Haki and combat skills," Rayleigh mused.
In this sea, physical strength is often linked to one's mastery of Haki.
Typically, higher levels of Haki correspond to greater physical prowess,
barring cases where age weakens Haki. The awakening of Armament
Haki is closely tied to physical conditioning and vice versa. Some
individuals are natural Haki prodigies from birth, or so Rayleigh had
assumed about Zoro and Sanji before learning of their pending evolution.
"Each person requires different amounts of evolution points, and the rate
of improvement varies. But based on Zoro's potential, once fully evolved,
he should firmly reach Admiral-level strength, which should suffice,"
Rayleigh concluded, acknowledging the potency of this ability.
With ample evolution points, the Straw Hat Pirates could boast Admirals
among their ranks, a force to be reckoned with. The collective strength of
members reaching or approaching admiral level would undoubtedly
surpass that of any of the current Four Emperors' crews.
"Since evolution takes time, I suggest you use the evolution points you
have now to enhance another person immediately. This way, by the time
of the war in four days, you'll have another fighter close to Admiral-level
strength," Rayleigh advised solemnly.
"The upcoming war is serious business. Since you've decided to join and
rescue Ace, you must understand that you'll be up against the full might
of the Marines," he continued, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
"This isn't like dealing with government lackeys at Enies Lobby. The
Marines, as the World Government's premier military force, will be fully
mobilized. Their strength cannot be underestimated," Rayleigh cautioned.
"I see," Luffy nodded in understanding.
"But that's not for me, Luffy," Franky interjected, pushing up his
sunglasses. "My path to strength isn't reliant on physical enhancement or
Haki."
"Same here, Luffy," Brook chimed in. "I won't waste this opportunity
because I don't have a physical body to improve," he chuckled.
"Nor will I, Luffy," Usopp added after a moment of silence. "As a sniper, I
face less direct danger on the battlefield. The evolution would be better
suited for Chopper and the others."
Usopp knew that allocating the evolution quota to himself would be the
biggest waste. Physical enhancement and Armament Haki didn't align
with his sniper style.
After a few hours, when all the Straw Hat Pirates had returned, Luffy
briefed everyone on Rayleigh's proposal, urging them to choose a
candidate for evolution as soon as possible.
Except for Zoro and Sanji, who had already evolved, Nami and Robin
naturally passed on the opportunity, as they weren't primarily fighters.
Chopper, being the fourth strongest fighter behind Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji,
was the most suitable candidate. Before Franky and Brook joined, the
quartet stirred up quite a commotion at Franky's base in Water 7.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
44. Fisherman Jinbei
"The individual scan was successful: Tony Tony Chopper, the doctor of
the Straw Hat Pirates."
"Evolution estimated at 7,000 points. Do you wish to proceed with
evolution?"
"Evolution."
"Comprehensive enhancement of physical fitness initiated, estimated
completion in five days."
"Full development of Conqueror's Haki initiated, evolution complete."
"Commencement of Devil Fruit ability evolution, ability development in
progress, estimated completion in three days."
"Seven thousand points? That's fewer than Sanji's," Luffy observed as he
watched the evolution points diminish.
"It could be a matter of potential. Demon Fruit powers inherently possess
greater potential than ordinary abilities. However, when combined with
other talents such as physical prowess or swordsmanship, the final
evolutionary ceiling varies greatly," Rayleigh explained. "Moreover, it
may also be influenced by the individual's baseline qualities. Chopper's
initial strength was quite low, so this evolution likely just raises his
abilities to this level."
Rayleigh speculated further, "Perhaps, once fully acclimated to this
evolution, another stage may be possible."
Though Rayleigh voiced this possibility, he harboured doubts. Elevating
someone to near-admiral or Admiral level was already fantastical. Many
talented individuals in the sea would never reach such heights in their
lifetimes.
Soon, Chopper's evolution was complete. His form instinctively shifted to
a human-like size, resembling a large orangutan, with a gleam of light in
his eyes. Rayleigh observed from the sidelines, a sense of wonder in his
expression.
"This ability truly is miraculous," Rayleigh remarked, observing the
transformation in Chopper. "What once seemed weak now exudes
strength visible to the naked eye. In the New World, this level of courage
ranks among the strongest."
"And this is just the beginning of the evolution process," Rayleigh
continued. "Once his physical fitness and abilities are further enhanced,
his strength will skyrocket."
Chopper, feeling the changes within him, clenched his fists tightly, a
newfound sensation coursing through him. Though his physical strength
hadn't drastically increased, his control had improved significantly. It felt
as if today was the first time he had full command over his body.
With the heightened perception of Haki, reinforced Armament Haki, and
the burgeoning power of Conqueror's Haki, Chopper felt reborn. Now, he
understood why Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and the others could face danger with
such calm confidence back in Sabaody. The strength they possessed
instilled an unwavering sense of assurance.
"Congratulations, Chopper," Usopp congratulated, envy evident in his
tone. "From now on, you're as strong as Luffy and the rest."
Despite the lack of external changes, Usopp could sense the aura
emanating from Chopper, akin to that of Luffy and the others—a mark of
true strength.
"Don't praise me like that, Usopp. It's embarrassing," Chopper chuckled,
displaying the humility characteristic of a true warrior.
Chopper quickly reverted from his strongman form to his normal civet
cat-like form, his face flushed with excitement as he waved his small
arms like noodles.
"When you're ready, we can depart," Rayleigh announced from the deck.
Suddenly, a large group of murlocks and mermaids appeared throughout
the port, with tall murlocks wearing seastone handcuffs at the forefront.
"That's Boss Jinbei! Don't you dare take him from Fish-Man Island!" the
murlocks protested, their emotions running high.
Luffy, aboard the Sonny, watched the scene with curiosity. "Who's that
guy?"
"That's Jinbei. He's a super famous figure, like Crocodile and Moria. He's
one of the Shichibukai," Franky explained, peering over at the
commotion.
"Jinbei," Rayleigh confirmed, recognizing the figure.
"Rayleigh, you know him too?" Luffy asked, intrigued.
"Yeah, I had connections with the Sun Pirates, the crew Jinbei was part of
before. Fisher Tiger led them to Mariejois to free the slaves. I helped
some of those escaped slaves return home," Rayleigh recalled.
A sense of nostalgia clouded Rayleigh's eyes. "It's a shame about Fisher.
Even though Jinbei is stronger, he'll ultimately have to yield to the World
Government."
"Why is the Shichibukai handcuffed?" Luffy asked, puzzled by the sight.
"The one escorting Jinbei, the Shichibukai, is just a Vice Admiral from
Marine Headquarters. While not weak, he's no match for a Shichibukai,"
Rayleigh explained.
Yet Jinbei seemed to be willing to cooperate despite the restraints.
"I'm not sure, but it likely has to do with Fish-Man Island," Rayleigh
speculated calmly.
"Oh, it's Hatchan," Luffy exclaimed, spotting Hatchan amidst the crowd.
He was conversing with Jinbei but was forcefully shoved to the ground
by the Marine escorting them.
Seeing the Marine raise his gun, Luffy vanished from the deck in an
instant.
"You guys," he called out to his crew, urgency in his tone.
Jinbei observed as the Marine soldier raised his hand, water droplets
forming on his palm, poised to strike. But before he could act, someone
else intervened.
"Don't harm my comrade," a voice boomed.
In an instant, a figure enveloped in white steam materialized in front of
Hatchan. Upon landing, a powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki emanated
from him, causing several Marines to collapse unconscious as if struck by
a powerful force.
Luffy's mastery of Conqueror's Haki was becoming increasingly
formidable, allowing him to precisely target his adversaries.
Jinbei, his cloak billowing from the force of the airwaves, squinted in
surprise at Luffy standing protectively in front of Hatchan.
"Straw Hat Kid," the Vice Admiral leading the Marine team,
Huoshaoshan, addressed Luffy. Despite his seniority and strength, he
remained rooted in place, sweat beading on his forehead. The
headquarters had just relayed crucial information: Straw Hat Boy,
alongside the legendary pirate Pluton Rayleigh, had set sail aboard the
Oro Jackson towards Fish-Man Island. Given this, Huoshaoshan was
under strict orders to monitor Jinbei's forced summoning on Fish-Man
Island.
Moreover, to heighten his vigilance, he had been informed of the
classified news: Admiral Kizaru had been defeated by Straw Hat Boy, a
fact currently kept under wraps. Faced with the Straw Hat Boy and with
Pluton Rayleigh likely watching from the shadows, Huoshaoshan dared
not make a move.
With an Admiral-level fighter present and Pluton Rayleigh nearby, not
even a Vice Admiral would dare act recklessly.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
45. Jinbei Boards The Ship
"Luffy, that's awesome! Save Boss Jinbei!"
Hatchan yelled loudly to Luffy, "He's been taken to Impel Down for not
showing up at the mandatory summons for the execution of Fire Fist
Ace."
"Ace?"
Luffy's face, once calm, changed instantly upon hearing Hatchan's words.
Meanwhile, the Vice Admiral felt a sudden, powerful aura pressing down
on him like a heavy mountain.
"This feels like Admiral-level pressure," he thought.
As an elite Vice Admiral of the headquarters, Vice Admiral couldn't be
overwhelmed by mere boldness, yet the weight of the pressure made his
heart sink.
"I'm taking him with me," Luffy told the Marines flatly, then left with
Jinbei.
"Hey, hold on, I haven't agreed to go with you, kid," Jinbei's expression
darkened as he spoke quietly.
He couldn't defy the World Government, not with Fish-Man Island
standing behind him.
Fish-Man Island sought legal recognition, and as a former member of the
Sun Pirates who fought against slavery, Jinbei had bowed to the World
Government to become a Warlord.
The same obligation applied to his mandatory summons this time.
He couldn't attend Ace's execution, so he accepted arrest and
imprisonment in Impel Down.
That was his choice.
But Luffy, always impulsive and uninterested in explanations, moved
faster than his thoughts.
Jinbei didn't finish his sentence before Luffy's hand had already grabbed
his cloak, and another hand reached for the railing of the Oro Jackson.
"Let's go, Jinbei!"
Luffy yelled loudly, shooting out like a rocket in an instant.
"Hey, hold on a minute," Jinbei tried to resist, pushing against Luffy's grip
with his legs.
But Luffy's strength, combined with the power of his rubber elasticity,
was overwhelming.
The cloak snapped taut in an instant, freezing Jinbei for a moment before
he was yanked into the air with a deep cry.
"That's classic, Luffy," Hatchan smiled, slipping into the crowd unnoticed.
This was 10,000 meters deep in the sea near Fish-Man Island, a place
where even the Marines couldn't easily reach.
"Shouldn't we pursue them, Vice Admiral ?" a Marine soldier reminded.
Vice Admiral merely gave the soldier a cold look and said, "What's the
point in chasing them?"
"Notify headquarters. Tell them the Straw Hat boy has indeed come to
Fish-Man Island, snatched Jinbei, and is likely headed to the New World."
Once the soldiers departed, Vice Admiral let out a sigh of relief before
muttering to himself, "That Straw Hat kid... such a formidable presence."
At the port of Fish-Man Island, atop a high vantage point, the mighty
Neptune gazed towards the port with a nostalgic gleam in his eyes.
"Oro Jackson, it's been a while," he mused, recalling the first time the
Roger Pirates docked at Fish-Man Island. Neptune had believed then that
men could change the world, and in a sense, they did, though not as he
had imagined.
While Neptune theoretically should harbour resentment towards Roger
for ushering in the era of the Great Pirates, which posed great danger to
Fish-Man Island, he couldn't help but admire Roger as a friend. Roger had
indeed initiated a truly remarkable era.
"Let's go. Jinbei shouldn't encounter too many issues," Neptune declared,
turning away. His sons followed suit.
"He's heading to the New World this time. Rayleigh should be with
Newgate by now," Neptune pondered as they journeyed back. His bond
with Whitebeard was stronger than with Roger, and he hoped
Whitebeard would stay safe. The more support Whitebeard had in the
impending war, the better.
Out on the sea, aboard the Oro Jackson's deck...
"You, kid," Jinbei's face contorted with anger. But when he spotted
Rayleigh standing beside Luffy, his fury quickly dissipated, replaced by
surprise.
"Mr. Rayleigh?" he exclaimed.
"Ah, long time no see, Jinbei. Why are you bound up this time?" Rayleigh
greeted casually.
"Because I refused the government's summons for the Warlords. I can't
bring myself to act against my brother Ace; it goes against my principles
of honour," Jinbei explained calmly.
"My father has been kind to me and to Fish-Man Island, and Ace is my
friend. Morally and ethically, I can't betray them. I'd rather face Impel
Down," Jinbei's resolute words left a strong impression on those present.
In this era, people of true righteousness were a rarity. Jinbei's willingness
to sacrifice rather than compromise his values struck a chord with
everyone.
"On another note, why are you here, Mr. Rayleigh?" Jinbei asked with
curiosity.
He recalled that Rayleigh had retired completely. If it weren't for the
Fisher Tiger incident, Rayleigh wouldn't have intervened.
"I'm here as a guide, also for Fire Fist Ace. Luffy is Ace's brother, and I'm
helping him reach Whitebeard to discuss Ace's rescue," Rayleigh
explained with a chuckle.
"Ace's brother? I think I've heard him mention that," Jinbei glanced at
Luffy, the anger in his eyes softening into admiration.
"Since he's Ace's little brother, he's a friend of mine too," Jinbei,
committed to the path of chivalry, admires Luffy's bravery in defying the
World Government to rescue Ace.
"Hey, Jinbei, you're quite interesting. Want to join my crew?" Luffy asked
with a sudden grin.
"You're too casual, Luffy," Nami and the others looked surprised.
"What a troublesome guy," Zoro sighed, shaking his head.
"Haha, I already have a ship to sail on, and I won't be leaving it for a
while. I'm sorry, Luffy, but go find pops and rescue Ace. I'll do my best to
assist you," Jinbei laughed heartily.
Behind him stood the remnants of the Sun Pirates, left by their former
leader, Fisher Tiger. Although meeting Luffy for the first time was
enticing, joining his crew wasn't a decision to be made lightly.
"Well, that's a shame," Luffy said, disappointment flickering briefly across
his face.
Amidst laughter and conversation, the Oro Jackson sailed into the deep
sea, passing through the massive hole beneath the Red Line, officially
venturing into the New World.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
46. Arrival, Moby Dick
In the New World, a Marine warship cruises through the sea, serving as a
training vessel for new recruits.
"Teacher Zephyr, there's a call from headquarters," Marine handed
Zephyr a communication device.
"I'm Zephyr," Zephyr replied, a piece of wood clamped between his teeth,
speaking in a deep voice.
After a moment on the call, Zephyr disconnected with a peculiar
expression.
"Sengoku wants me to return?" he mused.
"Teacher, why? We've always had freedom of movement," Ain asked,
confused.
The reason lies in the past incidents where former Shichibukai attacked
the training ship, and families of recruits were targeted and killed by
pirates. Headquarters failed to provide adequate protection, leaving a
debt owed to Zephyr.
Moreover, Zephyr held significant connections within the Marine ranks,
allowing him to commandeer a warship single-handedly and hunt pirates
relentlessly. Despite Headquarters' awareness, they turned a blind eye as
long as Zephyr continued to capture pirates.
"In light of Oro Jackson's appearance, Sengoku fears remnants of Roger
pirates may join the fray. Hence, all forces must be recalled," Zephyr
explained calmly.
"Things have gotten serious," Ain acknowledged. "I'll inform everyone to
head back to headquarters."
"Good," Zephyr nodded in agreement.
Among the Marine's elite combat forces stationed outside, Vice Admirals
Gion and Tokikake, alongside the tea-loving pig, are also receiving urgent
calls. Essentially, all available combat power that the Marine can muster
is being summoned back, with only stable frontline bases remaining
untouched.
This mobilization is in preparation for an imminent conflict, one that
involves facing both the Whitebeard Pirates and remnants of Roger's crew
simultaneously. Marine is gearing up for war.
While this buildup hasn't gone unnoticed by observers at sea, such as
pirates and other factions, details remain scarce due to the tight control
of information by the World Government. The recent sighting of the Oro
Jackson has caused a stir, but the events at Sabaody Archipelago have
been shrouded in secrecy.
Two days later, in an ordinary stretch of sea within the New World, the
weather is surprisingly mild and calm, a departure from the region's
notorious conditions. The distinctive red sails of the Oro Jackson cut
through the waters.
Rayleigh, holding Whitebeard's Vivre Card from his younger days with
the Roger pirates, marvels at the tranquillity. "Is this truly the New
World? It seems oddly peaceful."
Nami, perched on the deck, shares the sentiment, noting the lack of
conflict even as they pass by islands. Jinbei explains, "It's because this is
Whitebeard's domain. There's a certain order in the New World, one
that's not dictated by the Marines or the World Government, but by the
countries here, most of which are under pirate protection. These nations
aren't recognized by the World Government."
"The Four Emperors, think of them as the rulers of the New World. Each
essentially controls a portion of islands or countries," Jinbei explained.
Nami, taken aback by this revelation, contemplated the power wielded by
these pirates. "It's astonishing. They're like kings of vast territories," she
murmured, reflecting on her humble origins in a small island village.
"Whitebeard, among the Emperors, treats civilians with the utmost
kindness. Without his protection, many of the islands you see would fall
prey to pirates and slavers," Jinbei praised, speaking of Whitebeard's
honourable nature.
He continued, "Even my home, Fish-Man Island, benefits from
Whitebeard's flag. It deters any pirate foolish enough to approach."
Jinbei admired Whitebeard's code of honour, contrasting it with the other
Emperors' methods. While Red-Haired Shanks enjoyed freedom and
exploration, Kaido ruled over Wano, and Big Mom absorbed various races
into her empire, Whitebeard stood apart, opposing the World
Government's tyranny.
"The World Government paints Whitebeard as a criminal, but in his
territory, he's revered as a saviour," Jinbei remarked, highlighting the
government's hypocrisy compared to the gratitude and love Whitebeard
receives from his subjects.
Rayleigh, chiming in, acknowledged the complexities of the world. "It's
not simply good or evil. You'll understand as you see more of it," he
advised. "But always stay true to yourself."
Rayleigh understood firsthand the government's ruthlessness towards
non-compliant kingdoms and non-member states. Despite their claims of
righteousness, their actions often belied darker motives.
The balance of power between the World Government and the Four
Emperors was delicate, but Rayleigh knew where true justice lay: in
following one's conscience, regardless of the world's complexities.
The superiors manipulate the world, using their positions to steer events
as they see fit. In response, some individuals strive to seek true freedom
by sailing the seas.
This viewpoint, however, is merely one interpretation, as everyone
perceives the world differently, even when faced with the same
experiences.
"Whether it's the government or the Four Emperors, I aim to be the freest
person on the sea. Anyone who stands in my way will face my fist," Luffy
declared with a grin. "One Piece won't be bound by the World
Government or the Four Emperors."
Rayleigh chuckled at Luffy's declaration, finding his words reminiscent of
the adventurous spirit of the past.
Meanwhile, Zoro listened in silence, his eyes closed as he focused on his
swords. He understood the gravity of facing an Emperor like Whitebeard;
mere words wouldn't suffice. Only by proving their strength could they
earn the right to be heard as equals.
Suddenly, a call interrupted their contemplation. Zoro's eyes snapped
open, a newfound determination coursing through him. He could feel his
strength growing with each passing moment.
Three and a half days had elapsed since his evolution, and already Zoro's
physique had been bolstered by fifty per cent. Alongside the physical
enhancements came a newfound mastery of Haki and heightened
perception.
As they continued their journey, Rayleigh's gaze shifted towards the
Vivre Card, drawn to a colossal whale-like vessel looming on the horizon.
Even from a distance, the distinctive outline of the ship, known as the
Moby Dick, was unmistakable.
"I've spotted it. The flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick,"
Rayleigh announced, his tone tinged with anticipation.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
47. Whitebeard's Attitude
On board the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat upon his imposing throne, his
gaze fixed on the horizon.
"They're approaching, Dad. Rayleigh and Jinbei are with them, along
with Ace's brother, the Straw Hat," a pirate reported, peering through a
telescope.
In truth, they had been spotted the day before when the Oro Jackson
entered Whitebeard's territory. Given the significance of Ace's connection
to Whitebeard, unfamiliar ships were typically intercepted before
reaching the Moby Dick.
"It seems they've finally arrived," Whitebeard remarked, his voice
resonating with authority as he opened his eyes, a glint of curiosity
flashing within them.
"It's intriguing that Rayleigh has involved himself, not for Ace, but for the
Straw Hat crew. And to bring out the Oro Jackson for a newcomer," he
mused, pondering the strength of Ace's younger brother that compelled
Rayleigh to make such a gesture.
Whitebeard doubted whether Rayleigh knew Ace's true identity; such
sensitive matters were likely entrusted solely to Garp, a man of similar
character to Ace's father, Roger. Even if Rayleigh were aware,
Whitebeard doubted he would pursue Ace.
As Roger's right-hand man and most trusted confidant, Rayleigh wasn't
one to retire easily. He harboured a sense of duty, a mission far more
significant than mere retirement.
What was he waiting for? The inheritor of Roger's will? Or perhaps
someone even more crucial—the person Roger had been anticipating.
"Roger," Whitebeard murmured softly, his mind drifting back to their
final moments together beneath the Sakura tree.
"Hey, Newgate, I'm on my deathbed," Roger had said with a serene smile,
accepting his fate with the same ease one might drink a cup of tea.
"How much time?" Whitebeard had asked, concern creasing his brow as
he downed a bowl of wine in one gulp.
"I can't say for sure, perhaps a year," Roger had replied.
"Newgate, do you know my true name?" he had inquired.
"Isn't it Gold Roger?" Whitebeard had responded.
"No, that's the name the World Government uses to conceal a certain
truth. My real name is Gol D Roger," Roger had revealed with a laugh.
Their conversation had turned to the enigmatic "D" that appeared in
certain names.
"We've reached the final island and learned everything about this world.
Do you want to know?" Roger had offered.
"I'm not interested in that. I just want my family," Whitebeard had replied
flatly.
"That's just like you, Newgate. You have the power to change the world,
yet you seek only your loved ones," Roger had remarked.
"In the future, a person with the initial 'D' will ignite a massive war that
will reshape the world entirely," Roger had foretold. "Unfortunately, I
won't be here to witness it."
"Hey, Roger, are you drunk?" Whitebeard chuckled, looking at his friend
lying peacefully on the grass.
Memories always tinged with a sense of nostalgia, retained their beauty
as if viewed through a filter of fondness.
"Is he the one you were waiting for, Roger?" Whitebeard's eyes opened,
filled with memories and a hint of sentimentality. His expression
softened, a rare occurrence for the imposing figure.
"Father," Marco, standing nearby, spoke with concern.
"I'm fine. Just reminiscing," Whitebeard replied in a calm tone.
"Marco, Jozzy, for now, don't view the Straw Hat boy simply as Ace's
brother, understand?" Whitebeard's demeanour suddenly shifted his
presence, commanding attention like a raging storm.
"Father..." Marco hesitated but quickly grasped Whitebeard's intentions.
Whitebeard intended to test Ace's younger brother's mettle.
"I want to see if he's truly worthy of coming to me on the Oro Jackson,"
Whitebeard explained. "Do you remember how you faced Roger and the
others?"
"Dad, isn't that a bit harsh? Ace's brother is just a rookie," Marco voiced
his concerns.
"Just do as I say," Whitebeard replied calmly, closing his eyes in
contemplation.
"Understood, Dad," Marco, Foil, and Diamond exchanged glances before
nodding in agreement. They would follow their father's directive, albeit
with the hope that Ace's brother would prove strong enough to endure
the trial.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh shared insights with Luffy and his crew.
"I know Whitebeard all too well. He's majestic, stubborn, and proud.
Despite his age, he admires youth with potential and strength," Rayleigh
explained, offering a glimpse into Whitebeard's character.
"You don't need to hold back, just show your arrogance," Rayleigh
chuckled.
Jinbei, feeling slightly offended, interjected, "Mr. Rayleigh, Whitebeard
has a noble personality."
"Good? He's only good to those he acknowledges. Have you not seen how
he deals with enemies?" Rayleigh retorted with a smile. Turning back to
Luffy, Zoro, and the others, he continued, "Don't underestimate him. He'll
surely test you soon."
"This 'test' will assess your strength and courage, and it'll be more intense
than usual, especially since you're aboard the Oro Jackson," Rayleigh
explained further. "He may even confront you as he once did with us."
"What happened when you met the Whitebeard pirates?" Nami inquired,
trying to fathom the encounter between two legendary crews.
"There was a battle, of course," Rayleigh replied, his eyes narrowing as he
recalled the fierce clashes of his youth with the Whitebeard pirates. "So,
if you approach with the intention of peaceful dialogue, you'll be at a
disadvantage from the start."
"Let's fight, let's show our strength. The stronger, the better. It'd be ideal
to defeat Whitebeard directly; then negotiations will be much simpler,"
Rayleigh advised with a hint of mischief.
"A fighting spirit? That's exactly what I'm after," Zoro grinned, readying
his sword at his waist.
"I'm in," Luffy declared, tightening his grip on his straw hat, his gaze
sharpening.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
48. Boarding, Luffy's Resignation
Luffy wears his straw hat.
Zoro holds his long sword ready.
Sanji lights a cigarette.
Chopper turns into a big, strong human form.
Luffy leads the way, followed by Zoro and Sanji, with Chopper bringing
up the rear.
The Oro Jackson ship approaches the Moby Dick, and a set of stairs
lowers from the Moby Dick to connect the two ships.
Luffy takes the lead, walking towards the Moby Dick.
"You don't have to go. The upcoming clash isn't something you can
handle."
Rayleigh sits on the Oro Jackson's rail, holding a silver flask, his head
slightly bowed, the light glinting off his glasses.
His voice stays calm.
Though he smiles a little, his aura becomes sharp.
At this moment, it's not the laid-back Rayleigh from Sabaody Archipelago
before everyone, but the real legendary pirate, Dark King Rayleigh.
"You don't need Jinbei to join either. This is a negotiation between us and
Whitebeard."
Rayleigh speaks calmly, halting Jinbei, who is about to follow.
"But, Mr. Rayleigh, if I'm there, maybe Dad won't be as aggressive,"
Jinbei says, worried. He knows Whitebeard's stubbornness when dealing
with newbies, especially after Rayleigh's recent confrontation. Luffy's
boldness boarding Moby Dick might irk the old man.
"If I'm there, things might not get so bad," he adds.
"No need. Luffy and the crew are much stronger than you think. After all,
he's the one who inherited that hat," Rayleigh says calmly, nodding
slightly.
After that, he doesn't look at Jinbei again.
Instead, his gaze fixated on Luffy's back as he uttered softly, "Don't
disappoint me, Luffy."
"Your era starts today."
Boom.
The sound of wooden steps echoed crisply on the stairs.
Boom.
With each step, an unmatched vigour radiated outwards.
The formidable Conqueror's Haki, resembling a tide of black and red,
engulfed the surroundings as if painting the world into Asura's purgatory.
An indescribable weight pressed upon everyone's hearts instantly.
"What an intense spirit. Is this Brother Luffy's Conqueror's?" Jinbei stood
on the Oro Jackson's deck, stunned, watching Luffy exuding a fearsome
aura.
The Luffy, who usually seems carefree and rough, now stands as a
sovereign of the sea.
Boom.
Another step descended.
Though he exerted little force, the wooden stairs groaned as if under
immense pressure.
An invisible storm surged forth.
Bang, bang, bang.
It wasn't the sound of Luffy's footsteps but the splintering of wooden hulls
throughout the Moby Dick.
The deck seemed to be swept by an unseen blade, resulting in small
explosions. The railings threatened to snap outward.
"What's happening?"
A pirate in the Moby Dick struggled to speak before collapsing with
vacant eyes.
"Why does it feel like when the redhead was here last time? It's
Conqueror's."
Someone exclaimed, but in the next moment, he too slipped into
unconsciousness.
"Isn't that Rayleigh's aura? Ace's brother is here, isn't it the Sea Emperor?"
Marco sat on the railing, his expression slightly grim. He managed to
maintain his composure, but inside, he was shaken.
This kind of bravery is almost on par with when the Shanks came aboard.
It's as if a true overlord has descended.
Even during the Shanks's visit, I wasn't this shocked. Back then, I was
mentally prepared. But now, I was just trying to relax, maybe even
offering some food, but Ace's younger brother came with a big impact.
"The newbies should stay hidden on deck. This is beyond your league,"
Diamond Joz bellowed.
If he had hesitated about dealing with the Roger pirates, as he mentioned
to his father before, he's fully committed now. They're the Whitebeard
Pirates, after all. How could they be frightened by a young pirate, even if
he's Ace's brother?
"Hmph, interesting kid, decent spirit," Whitebeard remarked, visibly
surprised but quickly regaining his composure with a disdainful snort.
Boom.
Another powerful surge swept across like a shockwave, causing the
massive Moby Dick to tremble slightly.
Dark clouds gathered in the sky, obscuring the sun, and the sea around
them rippled as if some giant beast were about to emerge.
On the Moby Dick, aside from the old man, some newcomers either
collapsed or were ushered into the cabins.
"Here he comes," Marco said calmly, blue flames flickering around him.
A radiant glow enveloped Diamond Joz as he casually drew two long
knives.
Finally, I ascended the stairs.
Luffy is already standing on the Moby Dick's deck.
"You're Whitebeard, I'm Monkey D. Luffy."
Luffy adjusts his straw hat with one hand, tilts his head slightly, and
gazes up at the towering figure seated on the massive chair across the
deck.
The man stands over six meters tall, remarkably imposing and robust.
Clad in a white cloak that exposes his muscular upper body, adorned
with countless scars—a testament to his battles.
Most striking is the crescent-shaped white beard beneath his nose.
Though the man appears aged, the sheer presence he exudes, even in
repose, is overwhelming.
Luffy didn't sense this level of pressure from Kizaru.
"Rayleigh mentioned you could help with Ace's situation. I'd like to
discuss it with you," Luffy says, his voice deep.
"Little devil, I'll handle Ace's matters. Forget the discussions. You, brat,
just follow along and do your part. Frontline battles aren't for kids like
you," Whitebeard says from his massive chair, his voice resolute and
commanding, laced with undeniable Haki.
"However, if you're adamant about talking, you can approach me, and
we'll discuss," he adds calmly, observing Luffy with interest, almost as if
regarding a curious junior.
"Strange old man, it's just a matter of standing in front of you," Luffy
replies, lifting his foot to step forward.
Boom.
Like the crackle of burning flames, a blue figure materializes before Luffy
in an instant.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
49. Monsters Of The Straw Hat
Pirates
"Ace's little brother, allowing you to walk in front of Pops like this is
disgraceful for us," Marco exclaimed, his relief evident.
With a sweeping motion of his arms, enormous wings materialized out of
thin air, giving the impression of a legendary creature taking flight before
him.
Massive claws descended, aiming for Luffy's head.
The air rippled with a whirring sound as cyan flames enveloped the
claws, and an unseen aura condensed around them.
"Phoenix Seal."
Yet, Luffy remained unperturbed, continuing to stride forward without a
hint of reaction.
"Two-Sword Style, Taka Nami."
Just as the burning claws of Pheonix were about to descend upon Luffy's
head, a bright sword wave sliced through the air from an angle.
Boom.
The cyan flames clashed with the sword wave, scattering in all directions
like fragments.
An invisible shockwave rippled like a storm, causing Luffy's clothes to
flutter, but his expression remained unchanged as he focused on
Whitebeard ahead, steadfast in his advance.
At his side stood a dependable ally, ensuring he wouldn't be deterred.
Clang.
The sword wave and blue flames dissipated as the claws met a sharp
black blade, producing a metallic clash.
"Captain against the captain, vice-captain against the vice-captain. How
dare you interfere with our captain," Zoro declared, a smirk playing on
his lips as he clenched the words "Wado Ichimonji" between his teeth.
"You...?" Marco's surprise was palpable as he eyed Zoro standing before
him.
He could sense the immense power emanating from the man's black
blade, along with the overwhelming aura he projected.
The oppressive sensation, akin to that of an Admiral, though not quite as
potent, was unsettlingly close.
Honestly, Marco didn't know much about the Straw Hat Pirates, a crew
that had only recently emerged onto the seas.
His knowledge of them stemmed mainly from Ace and their connection.
But what caught everyone off guard was the fact that Ace's younger
brother not only possessed the fearsome Conqueror's Haki but also had a
subordinate displaying such formidable strength.
It didn't feel like facing a group of rookie pirates; it was more akin to
confronting the second-in-command of one of the Four Emperors' crews.
No, it was even more daunting and oppressive than facing a typical
second-in-command among those crews.
"I'm Roronoa Zoro of the Straw Hat Pirates," Zoro announced, flashing a
grin. "And you? You seem tough to slice through. Are you the second-in-
command of the Whitebeard Pirates?"
"I'm Marco, Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates," Marco replied, his smile
gentle. Then, his blue flames surged suddenly, his strength multiplying
several times over.
"One Strength Force, Two Strength Force, Two Strength Cut," Zoro
muttered as the muscles in his arms bulged like balloons. Crossing his
swords, he exerted force.
A forked sword wave sliced through the air, its terrifying power causing
the atmosphere to tremble around him.
Marco was struck directly by the formidable force, but he swiftly
unfurled his blue flame wings, skillfully dispersing the impact in the air.
"The guy with the swords is no pushover. He's holding his own against
Marco," someone observed.
When Zoro emerged, Whitebeard couldn't help but stare, filled with
admiration.
He knew Marco's strength well. While Marco's Devil Fruit ability didn't
directly enhance his physical prowess, his combat skills and Haki were
honed to perfection. What Marco truly lacked was the ability of a
Conqueror.
If he could master Conqueror's Haki, Marco would become a formidable
force on par with an Admiral.
Strength, speed, resilience—he possessed them all. In a real showdown
against an Admiral, he would hold his ground.
However, this powerhouse was being held back by an unknown member
of the Straw Hat Pirates—a fact that surprised even Whitebeard with its
display of strength and courage.
"Roronoa Zoro? It's intriguing that such a man would pledge allegiance to
you, Straw Hat Boy. No wonder Rayleigh sees potential in you, entrusting
you with the Oro Jackson," Whitebeard remarked, eyeing Luffy as he
strode forward with unwavering determination.
In truth, Whitebeard had grown fond of Luffy, even admiring the young
pirate.
Luffy's powerful Conqueror's Haki, his indomitable spirit, and now Zoro's
formidable strength—all of these qualities resonated deeply with
Whitebeard.
Yet, he kept his thoughts to himself.
He sensed that this wasn't the pinnacle of Luffy's potential. He wanted to
witness just how far the man Rayleigh had placed such high hopes on
could truly go.
"Jozu, Vista, go ahead and test his limits," Whitebeard chuckled.
"Yes, Father," Joz responded, a shining light emanating from his body.
Despite his imposing stature, he vanished in an instant, reappearing at
Luffy's side as if teleporting.
"Don't underestimate Luffy," he warned, his voice resolute.
"Rumble Ball, Wrist Strengthening," Chopper murmured, tossing a blue
wave ball gently before crushing it.
His muscles swelled with terrifying power, coated in a formidable
Armament Haki.
"Carved Hooves, Colorful Fallen Flowers," Chopper declared, his deer
hooves infused with the same potent Armament Haki, causing the air to
explode momentarily.
Countless airwaves in the shape of deer hooves adorned with falling
cherry blossoms surged towards Jozu.
"Ah, ah, ah," Chopper grunted, his evolution still recent, putting him at a
disadvantage in wrist strength.
Despite this, he roared, leveraging the strength of the blue wave ball and
his exceptional Armament Haki to slow Jozu's charge.
Boom.
With a final, dull thud, Chopper's feet embedded deeply into the deck,
leaving a trail behind.
Simultaneously, Jozu's charge came to an abrupt halt.
"This guy," Jozu muttered, gazing at Chopper with a smile that resembled
the Chopper of the Mink Tribe, his eyes filled with astonishment.
Despite his own strength and abilities, he found himself restrained by
Chopper's force, a mere member of the Straw Hat Pirates.
What's more, Chopper's mastery of Armament Haki was undoubtedly at
the highest level. Even Joz's diamond body couldn't fully withstand the
impact of Chopper's Armament Haki.
The presence of just one Roronoa was surprising enough, but to
encounter another individual who was equally formidable was
astonishing.
"What's the deal with the Straw Hat Pirates?" Jozu wondered. "Didn't Ace
mention that his little brother had only been at sea for a year?"
Could it be that within just a year at sea, they had managed to gather
such terrifying monsters?
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
50. I Am Whitebeard
"Everyone here knows how to dash ahead, one by one," Luffy's crew
moved swiftly, leaving only Sanji lagging behind. He strolled, shielding
himself from the sea breeze and lighting a cigarette with practised ease.
In an instant, he vanished.
A sharp clang echoed as his black shoe met the intersection of two long
knives.
Boom!
A bulky figure was sent flying, leaving a mark on the deck.
"Another pesky swordsman left for me?" Sanji exhaled smoke, hands in
his pockets. He stepped into the air effortlessly, fixing his gaze on the
moustached man in the distance.
"Clumsy footwork," Vista, with a gentlemanly smile, straightened up,
impressed by Sanji's display of power.
"Straw Hat Pirates' cook, Sanji," he introduced himself, taking a drag from
his cigarette.
"Leave our captain be. This is a matter between captains. It does not
concern you," Sanji retorted.
Vista, undeterred, smiled, "Surprising to find such skill in a rookie crew.
But remember, we sail under the Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors."
"Vista, Captain of the 5th Division, Whitebeard Pirates," Vista declared
elegantly before disappearing.
"Dangdang!"
Invisible shocks crackled through the air, spherical transparent shock
waves exploding without a visible source. Moments later, torrents of fiery
molten iron and sword waves cascaded down, illustrating the intensity of
the battle.
"These are Ace's little brother's crew? How did they amass such young
talents?" One of the remaining Whitebeard Pirates marvelled.
The rest of the Whitebeard Pirates stood back, merely observing. With
only four Straw Hat Pirates present, this wasn't about revenge; it was
merely a test. They were too proud to resort to besieging tactics.
But even in this limited confrontation, the Whitebeard Pirates were
astonished by the Straw Hat crew's strength. The three captains they sent
were among the strongest in their ranks. Marco, Vista, and Jozu were
formidable figures, well-known even in the treacherous New World.
Yet, the Straw Hat crew members effortlessly held their own. Roronoa,
the swordsman, matched Marco, nearly a match for the Four Emperors.
The reindeer stood toe-to-toe with Diamond Jozu, and the self-
proclaimed chef even outdid Vista, a master swordsman.
And these were newcomers, barely a year at sea, all in their early
twenties. Young, yes, but monstrously powerful and terrifyingly skilled.
"Are rookies supposed to be this scary?" Captain Izou couldn't help but
remark.
They mused over whether they'd spent too long in the New World. The
outside world had changed. Newcomers, barely a year at sea, could now
stand toe-to-toe with the Whitebeard Pirates. The crew was already
formidable, so what kind of leader could command such monsters?
A chilling thought raced through everyone's mind as they gazed at the
imposing figure with a calm demeanour, sharp eyes, and overwhelming
presence. He strode purposefully towards the mightiest man in the world.
Whitebeard, towering before them, sat upon his massive chair like a king.
But Luffy didn't approach like a subject meeting a monarch. This felt
more like a confrontation between two kings.
"You're a funny kid," Whitebeard's voice softened, but a hint of
condescension lingered in his smile.
With each step, Luffy's footfalls echoed, resonating through the hearts of
all present. An invisible shockwave swept through, leaving everyone
momentarily breathless.
"I'm here. Can we talk?" Luffy removed his straw hat, meeting
Whitebeard's gaze with unwavering determination.
"What do you want to discuss, kid?" Whitebeard's tone was lofty, his eyes
flickering with silver-white light, his aura bearing down on Luffy like an
impending catastrophe.
Luffy recalled Rayleigh's advice. "Use your strength to convince him. Be
assertive," he reminded himself.
"If we want to save Ace, we'll need more than just a few of us.
Whitebeard commands vast troops and possesses immense power. If we
can persuade him to help, our chances of success are high," Rayleigh's
words echoed in Luffy's mind, accompanied by a knowing smile.
But Luffy paid no heed. He trusted Rayleigh implicitly and knew he
wouldn't steer them wrong.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's booming laughter rang out in response to
Luffy's bold declaration. "It's been ages since I've seen such a gutsy kid,"
his laughter, filled with heroic spirit, seemed to suffocate those around
him.
The overwhelming pressure seemed to freeze the very air, halting even
the nearby skirmish.
"Dad's a bit riled up," Marco observed, retracting his flame wings and
landing on the railing, eyeing Whitebeard's hearty laughter.
"Is this the power of the world's strongest man? It's truly monstrous,"
Zoro remarked, a mix of shock and excitement evident in his voice.
"Did you just give me an order, boy?" Whitebeard's laughter ceased
abruptly, his gaze condescending as he peered down at Luffy.
In his eyes, the silver-white glow intensified.
"Old Man, aren't you interested in saving Ace, too? Then lend me your
strength," Luffy insisted impatiently, donning his straw hat.
He sensed an urgency in the air as if the odd uncle before him was
running out of time.
"You brat, do you even know who I am? I'm Whitebeard!" Whitebeard
roared, his voice shaking the very sea.
Rising to his feet, he tore off the tubes and bottles, seizing his massive
sword from nearby. With terrifying strength and fury, he swung it
towards Luffy like a raging tsunami.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
51. The Collision Of The Old And
The New Era
The Sword wielded by the world's strongest man was truly terrifying.
Every soul present could feel it keenly. It felt as though the sky was
collapsing, pressing down on their hearts like an impending tsunami,
ready to devour the world.
Despite not being in his prime, Whitebeard still exuded a terrifying aura.
Only one person among them seemed unaffected by the overwhelming
oppression.
"You've been blabbering since earlier, old man. Too much talk," Luffy
bellowed.
A black-red aura emanated from him, spreading out like a hemispherical
shockwave. In an instant, the oppressive atmosphere dissipated, swept
away by Luffy's forceful presence.
With astonishing momentum, Luffy stepped directly onto the massive
sword.
Boom!
A shockwave, even more powerful than the initial collision, rippled
outwards like waves on the sea. Though it was an airwave, it felt like
water, suffocating those nearby with its force.
Despite no visible contact between Luffy's foot and the sword, it was as if
an invisible barrier separated them. Yet, everyone knew that the two
forces had clashed fiercely.
This distortion in perception, both visually and psychologically, left
everyone stunned and shaken to their core.
The black and red lightning twisted and contorted wildly around the
focal point of the collision, dissipating and reemerging in a chaotic
dance.
"It's an aerial battle, just like the clashes between Dad and Roger,"
remarked an old man from the Whitebeard Pirates, astonishment evident
in his voice.
"It's Conqueror's Haki. The straw hat boy has mastered Conqueror's Haki,"
Marco's expression was complex. Though renowned as a formidable
figure at sea, the distinction lay in mastering Conqueror's Haki, the
pinnacle of strength.
"Conqueror's Haki, the hallmark of the Four Emperors," someone
explained.
"The symbol of the Four Emperors?" Zoro pondered.
Meanwhile, the clash between the two forces continued unabated,
sending invisible shockwaves rippling outwards, disturbing the sea
around the Moby Dick.
On the Oro Jackson, Nami's gaze shot upward suspiciously. "Why has the
sky suddenly darkened? The sea's agitation feels like the precursor to a
storm, yet there's no storm in sight."
Only Rayleigh wore a knowing smile.
"Look up! What's that? The sky's splitting!" Usopp exclaimed, shielding
his head as he gazed up in disbelief.
At some point, amidst the thick black clouds, a massive crack had
appeared in the sky, seeming to cleave it in two.
Thick black clouds billowed upwards along the massive crack, and from
within, a faint light emerged, filling observers with an inexplicable sense
of wonder and awe.
"This is the celestial phenomenon caused by a clash at the level of the
Four Emperors," Jinbei explained gravely. "Who could Whitebeard be
facing?"
With determination etched on his face, Jinbei made a beeline for the
Moby Dick.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh remained still, his gaze fixed on the sky. His eyes
sparkled with excitement and anticipation as if a long-awaited dream was
finally coming true. It felt as though decades of waiting had culminated
in this moment.
"This is the collision between the old era and the new," Rayleigh
murmured a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Roger, can you hear it? The
tide of the new era is upon us."
Rayleigh tilted his head slightly, closing his eyes as if lost in reverie. In
his mind's eye, a vision unfolded before him: Roger, standing proudly on
the bow of the Oro Jackson, facing the storm with a smile on his face.
"The will passed down through generations, the ever-changing times, and
the dreams of humanity—they are unstoppable," echoed a voice,
seemingly emanating from the ship's bow and reaching Rayleigh's ears.
"Straw Hat, he's the one we've been waiting for," the voice proclaimed.
Rayleigh's heart swelled with resolve. He had heard the call of the great
era.
"Rayleigh?" someone called, snapping him out of his reverie.
Robin regarded Rayleigh with suspicion as he spoke of the surging tide
and the changing times, his voice carrying a weight of experience that
seemed to transcend the present era.
"Listen to the sound of the changing times, the answer to humanity's
pursuit of freedom—it's truly magnificent," Rayleigh's deep, resonant
voice seemed to echo from a bygone era, casting an ethereal spell over
those who listened.
In the blink of an eye, Rayleigh vanished from the Oro Jackson.
On the deck of Moby Dick, the ferocious shockwave surged like a
monstrous wave, rendering the epicentre of the collision invisible to
ordinary eyes. Only blinding light and inexplicable fluctuations remained
as if the very fabric of space trembled and shattered like water.
"It's a collision akin to that of titans," Marco observed, his face composed
but his eyes reflecting horror.
"It's not just brute force," Zoro marvelled, his gaze drawn to the immense
rift in the sky. "Whether it's the Four Emperors or Luffy, their strength is
monstrous."
"I never imagined the straw hat boy could stand toe-to-toe with the old
man without faltering," the Whitebeard Pirates' captains exclaimed,
mouths agape and eyes bulging in disbelief.
Truly, who was Whitebeard? He was revered as the world's strongest
man, a belief magnified within the ranks of the Whitebeard Pirates. To
them, he was akin to a deity, wielding unfathomable power—a true
monster.
But now, someone dared to face off against the old man head-on—what a
monstrous feat.
"Is this all you've got, boy? Gurararara!" Whitebeard chuckled, swinging
his massive naginata with the force of a thousand warriors behind each
strike.
The invisible airwaves coalesced around the naginata, not mere
shockwaves but manifestations of Conqueror's Haki. As the world's
strongest man, Whitebeard had mastered not only his Devil Fruit ability
to its pinnacle but also wielded incredibly potent Conqueror's Haki.
"Your mouth may be loose, but you're undeniably strong," Luffy
remarked, now fully in his fourth gear. His black and red armoured
muscles, infused with potent Conqueror's Haki, clashed with Whitebeard's
might without yielding an inch.
Each collision unleashed explosions that seemed to rend the fabric of
space.
Boom!
Another clash and the two combatants were briefly separated.
Whitebeard wore an excited, approving grin, while Luffy's expression was
one of determination.
"This form seems a bit lacking," Luffy remarked with a smile, his body
shrinking as his grin widened.
"Time to switch gears—fifth gear."
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
52. Fifth Gear And Shock
Luffy's voice faded away as he spoke.
His entire body, now in his fourth gear, which was already larger than a
normal person's, began to shrink. But it wasn't so much shrinking as it
was transforming, like melting into a puddle of water.
It settled into this melted state with a series of booming drum sounds.
From within this melted form, a soft, gentle white light emitted,
accompanied by hearty laughter.
Anyone who heard this laughter couldn't help but smile, as if they were
caught up in its infectious joy.
"What's happening?" Marco asked, surprised by the scene unfolding
before him.
Zoro chuckled beside him. "Watch closely, Marco. You're about to witness
our captain's extraordinary state and his fascinating ability. It was thanks
to this that Luffy managed to defeat Admiral Kizaru in Sabaody."
"Defeat Admiral Kizaru?" Marco's eyes widened in astonishment.
The Admirals were formidable opponents, the pinnacle of the Marines'
strength. Even Marco himself could only hold his own against them, let
alone defeat one.
And yet, the Straw Hats had defeated an Admiral in Sabaody?
"I hadn't heard about that," Marco admitted.
"Well, the previous newspaper mentioned that the Straw Hats had
clashed with the Celestial Dragons. It's no surprise the Admirals were
called to Sabaody," Zoro explained.
Marco grasped the situation.
Given the Straw Hats' current display of power, it seemed impossible for
Kizaru to defeat them, especially considering the formidable crew
members among them.
If Luffy could still exhibit a stronger stance than what he was showing
now, then defeating Kizaru wasn't out of the question.
With this thought in mind, Luffy's transformation was now complete.
"Hehehe," Luffy chuckled contagiously, standing under the radiant white
light, almost resembling his original state. The difference was that his
entire body, even his clothes, had turned white. His white hair resembled
flickering flames, and the wisps of white steam surrounding him took on
the appearance of fiery ribbons, swirling around him like divine tendrils.
With a glow emanating from his entire being, Luffy grinned happily.
"Whitebeard, let's have a good fight."
In an instant, he vanished from his spot.
"His speed is much faster than before," Whitebeard noted, the silver-white
light glinting in his eyes as his Observation Haki keenly tracked Luffy's
movements. He was taken aback; Luffy's fourth gear had already granted
him impressive speed and strength, placing him firmly at the level of the
Four Emperors. But now, it seemed he could ascend even higher.
Despite his surprise, Whitebeard's reaction remained unfazed. His
massive, agile form wielded the sword with unparalleled skill,
preemptively positioning himself in anticipation of Luffy's next move.
In the blink of an eye, Luffy's fist, wreathed in white steam, hurtled
toward him.
With a resounding boom, another invisible blow struck from the air,
accompanied by swirling black and red lightning, causing shockwaves to
ripple out explosively.
The clash of fist and sword sent shockwaves rippling outward. Fragments
of shattered energy scattered like silver-white shards as the two weapons
forcefully collided.
Luffy withdrew his fist while Whitebeard, now holding his sword, took a
step back, appearing momentarily off balance. Surprisingly, he had been
pushed back in the exchange.
"What incredible strength," Whitebeard remarked, his face devoid of
anger, replaced instead by a sense of admiration and excitement. "From
such a slender frame, you unleash power greater than before."
"Boy, what else do you have?" he challenged, his laughter echoing boldly.
"But the real test is yet to come."
With a flourish, Whitebeard spun his sword in the air, creating a
mesmerizing display of skill. Then, gripping the weapon with both hands,
he brought it down in a chopping motion.
A hum filled the air as if the surrounding atmosphere had momentarily
frozen in place. A transparent, white halo rippled along the blade of the
sword, resembling water waves in motion.
"It's serious; Dad means business."
"Dad, please, not here. This is the Moby Dick. If you really want to fight,
let's take it to the island."
A group of elderly members of the Whitebeard Pirates couldn't help but
shout in horror as they witnessed the rippling halo on Whitebeard's
sword.
They knew all too well what that halo meant. It was a combination of
blade energy fluctuations and the Shock Fruit's ability, a terrifying power,
especially on the open sea and aboard a ship. They feared that a single
strike could obliterate half the vessel.
But Whitebeard seemed undeterred, his excitement palpable. The muscles
in his hands clenched around the sword, causing the water-like halo on
the blade to solidify, resembling cracked ice on glass.
Luffy, too, felt the overwhelming pressure from Whitebeard. The next
attack wouldn't be as easy to handle. Yet, at this moment, he harboured
no fear, only a fiery fighting spirit and an exhilarating joy for battle.
"Gommu gommu no, giant!" Luffy roared, his voice booming. Unlike in
his third and fourth gears, he didn't need to inflate his body with air.
Instead, he naturally expanded instantaneously.
Now towering tens of meters tall, Luffy appeared several times larger
than an average giant as he stood upon the Moby Dick, causing the ship
to tilt slightly.
"What a colossal beast," Marco exclaimed, gaping at the immense figure
before him.
The towering figure emitted a radiant white light, enveloped by thick
ribbons of white steam. At first glance, it seemed almost divine,
resembling a legendary god.
"Is that Luffy? He's huge!" Chopper exclaimed, his eyes widening even
more than when he consumed three Rumble Balls.
"That's the spirit, kid," Whitebeard remarked, the silver-white light glints
in his pupils growing more pronounced. His very gaze seemed capable of
tracing two shimmering trails in the air.
His muscular arms bulged with veins, and the air around him vibrated
with intensity.
On the other side, the colossal Luffy raised his fist high, its terrifyingly
potent Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki shrouding it.
Their collision was imminent, and everyone watched in either horror or
awe, knowing it would be cataclysmic.
But just before impact, a calm, authoritative voice cut through the
tension.
"Stop it, you two," Rayleigh's voice rang out, his figure appearing
between the two combatants in an instant, his posture commanding
respect.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
53. Marco's Confidence
"Rayleigh," Whitebeard muttered, a hint of disdain in his voice as he saw
the approaching figure.
Slowly, he sheathed his long sword, causing the intense vibrations and
fluctuations to dissipate as if absorbed by the blade.
"Uncle Rayleigh!" Luffy exclaimed in surprise, his body rapidly shrinking
as the white light vanished, his hair returning to its original state.
"Do you two remember what happened to Ace? Do you really want to
engage in a life-and-death battle here, right before our showdown with
the Marines?" Rayleigh's tone held a hint of exasperation.
He had anticipated some of Luffy and Whitebeard's actions beforehand,
but only to a certain extent. He understood Whitebeard's stubborn
temperament all too well. Despite his attempts to counsel them, it
seemed they were determined to clash head-on and gauge each other's
strength firsthand, a more pragmatic approach in their eyes.
However, Rayleigh hadn't anticipated their escalation to this extent. After
just a few exchanges, they were already on the brink of a serious
confrontation. One was prepared to unleash the Shock Fruit's power
aboard the ship, while the other was on the verge of activating his fifth
gear, both seemingly willing to risk life and limb in the process.
Rayleigh had to intervene swiftly. Allowing the situation to escalate
further would lead to a genuine battle, risking casualties before they even
reached the Marines to rescue Ace.
Fortunately, his intervention seemed to have had the desired effect.
Despite Whitebeard's stoic expression, Rayleigh could sense his growing
respect for Luffy. After all, Whitebeard admired two qualities above all
else: courage and strength, both of which Luffy possessed in abundance.
For Luffy, embodying both courage and strength, especially as Ace's
younger brother, seemed to earn him several layers of halo in
Whitebeard's eyes.
"Thank goodness, that was close," Marco breathed a sigh of relief as he
watched Rayleigh intervene.
Dad had clearly been in control just now. If their clash had escalated
further, the Moby Dick might have suffered severe damage. While ships
weren't scarce for the Whitebeard Pirates, the Moby Dick held special
significance—it was their flagship, the vessel they had sailed on since
Marco's earliest days with the crew. Plus, they were far from land, so
losing the ship here would pose significant challenges, especially for the
Devil Fruit users among them.
"Father always acts like this," Marco lamented. "Even when his body
clearly needs rest."
"Our captain is the same, always so stubborn," Zoro observed. He had
noticed that the Whitebeard Pirates harbored no hostility toward them;
their attacks had been more of a test than a genuine threat. In this
moment of harmony between the two crews, they couldn't help but
empathize with their own captain.
The second-in-commands exchanged sympathetic glances, knowing that
their captains' waywardness was the cause of this situation.
"Tell me, Whitebeard," Rayleigh addressed him seriously.
Whitebeard, frowning, took a seat in his massive chair and nodded
slightly, silent.
After a while, the deck of the Moby Dick was filled with fruits and meat.
Pirates emerged from the cabins, and the expansive deck accommodated
hundreds for a banquet.
Unlike the tension of the recent battle, the atmosphere now was
harmonious. Members of the Straw Hat Pirates mingled with those of the
Whitebeard Pirates, coming together for a celebratory feast.
"Indeed, Roronoa, you're truly formidable," Marco remarked, raising his
glass of wine to Zoro. "It's hard to believe that you've only been at sea for
a year, and with fewer numbers. In terms of strength alone, you're
already on par with the Four Emperors' crews."
"To mutual respect and the strength of the Four Emperors' crews," Zoro
replied, acknowledging Marco's praise.
It wasn't just a compliment; Zoro could feel the immense progress he had
made. Compared to his past self, he now saw his previous strength as
insignificant.
Even here among the Whitebeard Pirates, they couldn't be
underestimated. Sanji, Chopper, and he had each faced off against
formidable opponents. Zoro realized that without Ace's absence, it would
have been difficult for Luffy to confront Whitebeard directly.
To put it plainly, they had managed to hold off the strongest captains
from the remaining teams within the Whitebeard Pirates. The other
captains recognized Luffy's overwhelming strength, choosing not to
engage him one-on-one. Marco alone could have given Luffy a run for his
money.
This was the backdrop and strength of the Four Emperors' crews.
"Your swordsmanship is exceptional," Rakuyo complimented Zoro,
gracefully stroking his moustache. "Among the swordsmen I've faced,
only Hawkeye surpasses you."
"Hawkeye?" Zoro recalled their encounter in the sea restaurant, touching
the scar on his chest. The memory of the powerful swordsman who
seemed to belong to a different realm resonated within him.
"I will challenge him for the title of the world's greatest swordsman," Zoro
declared firmly.
"There will be an opportunity," Foil Sword chimed in with a smile. "With
the government's mandatory call for war, Hawkeye will likely appear.
With your skill and strength, you'll surely be able to give him a worthy
fight."
Zoro's swordsmanship and overall strength were already slightly superior
to his own, leaving only a small gap between them and the title of the
world's greatest swordsman.
"This is delicious. The seasoning on this sauce and the heat of the steak
are just perfect. You're quite the chef," Sanji praised one of the cooks
aboard Whitebeard's ship.
However, the chef's expression darkened. "Captain Thatch was the best
cook. Unfortunately, Captain Ace went after Blackbeard for Thatch's sake,
and we all know how that ended."
The surrounding Whitebeard Pirates fell silent momentarily at the
mention of Ace's fate.
The members of the Straw Hat Pirates understood the events leading up
to Ace's tragedy but found themselves at a loss for words.
"Don't worry, Ace will be rescued this time. Our fighting force is stronger
than ever," Marco reassured, attempting to lighten the mood.
Though his words offered some comfort, the tension lingered.
As the ship's doctor, Marco was acutely aware of his father's deteriorating
health. When Ace first joined the crew two years ago, Whitebeard
required medical attention. His condition had only worsened since then.
Despite their current strength, Marco couldn't shake his pessimism. His
father's illness was like a ticking time bomb, poised to detonate at any
moment. If it were to happen during battle, the consequences would be
dire. Additionally, facing the full might of the Marines on their own turf
significantly lowered their chances of victory.
But things were looking up. The Straw Hat Pirates had effectively
doubled their fighting power, with Luffy's addition essentially providing
an extra punch from a Four Emperors level combatant. With the support
of Red-Haired Shanks, they stood a fighting chance against the Marines.
However, it all depended on the intentions of those at the other end of
the deck—Whitebeard, Rayleigh, and Luffy. All eyes turned toward them,
awaiting their next move.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
54. The Largest War In History
On the other side of the ship's deck, Whitebeard settled into a towering
chair.
Rayleigh and Luffy didn't pay much mind; they simply sat cross-legged
across from Whitebeard.
"You seem to doubt our chances of saving Ace, Whitebeard," Rayleigh
remarked calmly.
Whitebeard remained silent.
"To your son, you're still the legendary Whitebeard, the strongest in the
world, capable of anything. But deep down, you know you're not as
strong as you once were," Rayleigh continued, taking a sip of his wine
and sighing softly. "Dealing with the might of the Marines won't be easy."
"Time spares no one. Even the mightiest can't defy its passage," he added.
"I may be powerful, but I'm only human, not some unstoppable force,"
Whitebeard muttered, lifting a massive wine jug to his lips and taking a
deep swig.
"Nevertheless, I'm determined to save Ace. I have absolute faith in that,"
he declared with resolve.
Rayleigh glanced up, observing Whitebeard's laughter, his expression
shifting slightly as he pieced something together.
"Whitebeard, you're not considering..." Rayleigh began cautiously.
"Why wouldn't I? Rayleigh, our time has passed. This new era belongs to
youngsters like him," Whitebeard replied, casting a fond gaze towards
Luffy.
"Just as you've chosen this young man, I have my successor in Ace. He's a
fine son, destined to carry on my legacy and soar across these seas," he
concluded with conviction.
"This is your resolve," Rayleigh realized, comprehending his old friend's
mindset completely.
He joined this war with the conviction that his life was forfeit. Few could
fathom the dread of marching into battle with such a belief. Especially
for Whitebeard, renowned as the strongest man alive, facing his twilight
years, igniting a war with his very last breath.
Rayleigh's thoughts turned to Roger. In their final moments, men of a
legend like them could summon forth a vigour surpassing imagination.
Sengoku, the World Government, and the rest—whatever schemes they
concocted this time, they'd likely crumble in the face of such
determination.
As Rayleigh peered into Whitebeard's resolute gaze, a plan formed in his
mind.
"Now that you've decided, I have a suggestion. What if we make Luffy the
centrepiece of this battle?" Rayleigh proposed with a smile.
"Him?" Whitebeard glanced at the puzzled Luffy before him.
"With his current strength, he's no mere side character wherever he goes,"
Rayleigh explained. "But if we concentrate our forces around Luffy, we
might fare better."
This was Rayleigh's purpose in coming here. The upcoming war would
surpass anything the world had seen. Admirals' prowess was formidable,
but they would hesitate even on such a battlefield. Luffy's unpredictable
nature could lead him astray from the main force, exposing him to the
risk of being besieged by multiple Admiral-level opponents. Even with his
formidable Gear Fifth, such a situation would be perilous, especially with
numerous Vice Admirals and soldiers nearby.
However, the Whitebeard Pirates boasted formidable strength. Their
captains and allies were renowned throughout the New World, a force to
be reckoned with.
Including those independent captains, the Whitebeard Pirates possess a
formidable fighting force, making them a significant power within the
Four Emperors group. It's a force the Marines cannot afford to
underestimate, and it's precisely this strength that gives the World
Government headaches.
Their core group, along with the combined might of their allied pirate
crews, forms an elite fighting force capable of waging large-scale wars.
With such substantial support, Luffy's position on the battlefield would be
greatly eased, as others would share the pressure from all directions.
"No way," Whitebeard observed Luffy intently. "He's a good lad, and I
hold him in high regard. But, Rayleigh, I need to know: What's your
assessment of him, and how far are you willing to go for him?"
Whitebeard's gaze bore into Rayleigh's.
Cooperation among seafaring men hinges greatly on mutual
understanding, especially for stalwarts like Whitebeard.
"Doesn't the Oro Jackson still stand for something?" Rayleigh chuckled
softly.
"Not nearly enough," Whitebeard replied tersely. "I'll join the fray, even if
it means risking my life, to aid Luffy in rescuing Ace and ensuring his
safe exit from the battlefield."
Rayleigh met Whitebeard's gaze, their eyes locking in a sharp, sword-like
intensity.
"You're spot on. Our time has come and gone. I've glimpsed the rising tide
of this new era, and I'm ready to be swept away in its tumultuous
currents," Whitebeard declared with a hearty laugh.
"You haven't changed a bit, Gurararara, Rayleigh," he chuckled.
It had been many days since Ace's departure, and Whitebeard hadn't
laughed this hard in ages.
"What about you, kid?" Whitebeard turned to Luffy.
"No matter what stands in my way, I'll punch through it. I'll save Ace,
even if it costs me my life," Luffy declared, rising to his feet. His straw
hat wobbled atop his head as he spoke loudly.
Whitebeard glanced at the determined young man, noting the hint of
Haki in his gaze and the familiar, slightly worn straw hat.
"This hat may be old, but it's always been there," Rayleigh remarked with
a smile.
"Gurararara," Whitebeard laughed boldly. "Then let's take on the Marines
in a grand battle!"
His heroic laughter seemed to uplift the entire gathering, dispelling the
sombre atmosphere.
After a while, Whitebeard stood before the assembled crew, flanked by
Luffy on one side and Rayleigh on the other.
"The war has begun, my comrades," Whitebeard proclaimed, raising his
long sword to the sky with a resounding roar.
Cheers erupted, echoing through the sky.
As time passed, two days flew by, and at dawn, Marineford, the port of
Naval Headquarters, bustled with activity.
Admirals Kizaru and Aokiji boarded the warship alongside the conflicted
Garp.
Today marked the government's public execution of Ace, a day they
couldn't evade.
"Let's set sail," Garp uttered, his expression heavy with emotion.
Aokiji let out a slight sigh, casting a glance at Garp before addressing the
Marine soldier.
Over a dozen warships sailed out of the port in unison, bound for Impel
Down, the prison facility.
Inside Naval Headquarters, in a spacious meeting room, Sengoku stood
atop a raised platform, watching the departing warships with a heavy
heart. Despite having meticulously planned for the impending war over
many days, he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty or absolute
confidence in their chances of victory.
"Is everything in order, Sengoku?" Tsuru, her figure slender, approached
Sengoku and inquired.
"Yes, all preparations that could be made have been made. Now, we must
simply wait and see how this war unfolds," Sengoku replied somberly.
"Aren't you concerned about Whitebeard heading straight for Impel
Down?" Tsuru pressed.
"The Three Gates of Justice. In the inner sea, there are unique sea
currents. When those gates close, ships are trapped. Headquarters
maintains absolute control. If Whitebeard attempts to assault Impel
Down, the Gates of Justice will be sealed shut. The Whitebeard Pirates
will be like a trapped turtle," Sengoku explained.
"What if they attempt to hijack the ship during Ace's escort?" Tsuru
questioned further.
"We're positioned so close to the Gate of Justice that if Whitebeard
hijacks the ship after it passes through, Borsalino and Aokiji will be
sufficient to hold him off," Sengoku asserted.
"With Aokiji's ability to freeze the sea, Whitebeard would be forced into a
defensive position. Additionally, if they do manage to hijack the ship,
they won't be able to bring their full pirate forces into play. It would be
akin to severing their own arm," he concluded.
Sengoku spoke with a deep, contemplative tone, having weighed all
potential scenarios.
"The optimal move for Whitebeard would be to snatch Firefist Ace right
from under our noses in Marineford. That would severely diminish our
chances of victory. However, facing Whitebeard, even with this
understanding, I can't muster an ounce of confidence."
Having clashed with Whitebeard numerous times, Sengoku understood
better than anyone the formidable challenge he posed.
"If only Whitebeard would attack Impel Down, we could relax a bit," a
bored voice chimed in from the side.
The waiting period before a war was excruciatingly dull, especially for
the powerful.
"He won't," Sengoku asserted with conviction. "Whitebeard is too cunning
to fall into such an obvious trap. He'll surely appear before me in a
scenario I haven't anticipated."
Having pursued Whitebeard in his youth, Sengoku considered them old
adversaries.
"And what about the other Four Emperors? If they join the fray, we'll be
completely on the back foot," Tsuru interjected, aiming to help Sengoku
navigate through the conversation and find clarity.
"The other Four Emperors? Those old timers up there took care of it,"
Sengoku replied. If the World Government hadn't offered such
assurances, they wouldn't dare to engage in war with Whitebeard.
Disrupting the delicate balance of power in the sea was no laughing
matter. If mishandled, it could result in catastrophe. While the Marines
held sway as the strongest force in the sea individually, even they
couldn't withstand a unified assault from the Four Emperors.
"Up there? Is it a case of trading favours among the elite?" Tsuru inquired
flatly as if seeing through the entire situation.
Red Line, Holy Land Mariejois.
Pangea Castle, at the intersection of powers.
...begging for a blossom...
Five Elders convened here, seated around a long table.
"Aren't we rushing into this war a bit too eagerly?" one Elder in a black
hat remarked calmly. "In my view, we could postpone this conflict for
about a year, giving us more breathing room."
"One year's worth of variables is too much," another Elder, clad in Taoist
garb and wielding a demonic sword, countered. "Timing is crucial in
wielding the blade of power. Now is the opportune moment."
"Speaking of which, didn't we foster this balance?" the blond Elder
interjected, resting his chin on his hands with a serene demeanour. "We
knew from the outset that this balance would eventually be shattered."
"The era of the Great Pirates has lingered for far too long. Our failure to
execute Roger back then has led us to this juncture. Ending the life of
another Great Pirate will mark the end of this era," the tall, gaunt Elder
resembling Whitebeard murmured.
The bald, moustachioed Elder chimed in sharply, "Through this war, we'll
assert the authority of the World Government to the entire world."
The Elder in the black cap remained silent. It was too late for further
discussion, and his earlier remarks were merely sentimental. Instead, he
inquired, "Are all preparations in place?"
"Shanks has arranged for Kaido to stand down, and Big Mom has assured
us of her non-involvement," came the response.
"Pirates will be pirates. They're easily swayed by the promise of profit,"
another Elder remarked. "If they weren't pirates, they'd pose a greater
threat. Despite their strength and ambition, their foresight and wisdom
still lag behind."
"In any case, after this war, the sea's balance will be upset, and we'll need
to undertake the necessary measures to restore order," the discussion
concluded.
"Prepare to usher in a new era, everyone."
The commanding voice resonated with authority, subtly dictating the
course of the world.
These were the Five Elders, the apex of global power, overseeing and
shaping the world's destiny.
Silent and watchful, they awaited the outcome of a war they believed
was already decided.
Somewhere in the New World, a stretch of sea.
"Is this the handiwork of the World Government?" Shanks on the Red
Force, gazing at the flag of the Beast Pirates opposite, his expression
veiled in uncertainty.
"Shanks, do you have what it takes to kill me?" Kaido taunted from the
approaching ship, standing boldly on the bow with a menacing mace in
hand.
"It seems passage won't be granted easily," Shanks responded calmly,
drawing his renowned blade from his waist and aiming it squarely at
Kaido with a determined look.
"Are you prepared to meet your end, Kaido?"
At Marine Headquarters in Marineford, warships encircled the island,
their cannons trained on the sea before Naval Headquarters.
But that wasn't all. In front of the execution platform, a tall wall had
been erected, topped with torches.
Within the enclosure, Marine soldiers stood in formation, their ranks
densely packed.
Atop the execution platform, three high-backed chairs sat prominently.
These were the Marine's foremost combatants, the three Admirals.
Kizaru, Akainu, Aokiji—each renowned in the seas.
Beneath them, the Shichibukai, with their composed demeanour.
Further ahead, Marine's top Vice Admirals—Giant Vice Admiral, Tsuru,
and Zephyr—stood resolute.
The sight of such formidable forces instilled a sense of despair in
onlookers.
Even Fire Fist Ace, seasoned by countless battles at sea, couldn't help but
feel overwhelmed. The might of the Marines here far surpassed that of
any single Emperor's crew.
At this moment, he couldn't help but wish that his father and his fellow
Whitebeard Pirates would stay away.
"If only I had foreseen this, I would have never let you set sail," a sombre
voice murmured beside Ace.
He turned to find the towering figure of the old man seated next to him.
"Grandpa," Ace muttered, surprised to see Garp beside him.
"Hey, Garp, you're not supposed to be here," Sengoku interjected,
scolding Garp.
"I know, Sengoku. Let me stay for a while," Garp replied softly. Though
Sengoku wanted to protest, he couldn't bring himself to when he saw the
anguish in his old friend's eyes.
"Hmph, suit yourself," Sengoku grumbled, ignoring Garp.
He understood Garp's inner conflict—torn between his sense of justice
and his familial ties. This war was, in a way, a torment for him as well.
Refocusing on the distant seas, Sengoku noticed a hazy fog obscuring the
horizon, making it difficult to discern anything. But as a massive black
silhouette emerged from the mist, everyone snapped to attention.
The Whitebeard Pirates had arrived.
The war had begun inch by inch.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion
Внимание! Этот перевод, возможно, ещё не готов.
Его статус: идёт перевод
http://tl.rulate.ru/book/100904/3938803
Готово:
Использование:
