Chapter 80 : Gear Second!
[Blueno, now looking at Luffy, his eyes still filled with contempt.]
[Even back when we were at Water 7, utilizing the Navy's Rokushiki techniques, we could render the Straw Hat Pirates helpless.]
[Just Tekkai was enough to make them lose hope...]
[That's why we were able to capture Robin and Franky so easily!]
[Even if you come to Enies Lobby now, the outcome won't change one bit!]
However, despite Blueno's disdain, Luffy remained calm and responded earnestly.
["I'm different now!"]
As soon as he uttered those words, Luffy unleashed his power, and a rubber boomerang shot out instantly!
Blueno attempted to block it with Tekkai, but...
Boom!!!
He was sent flying.
This tremendous force flung him back several meters, causing him to slide across the ground.
What was even more terrifying was that his expression contorted in intense pain upon hitting the ground, and he coughed up blood instantly.
Many onlookers who witnessed this scene were equally astonished.
They had observed the battle in Water 7...
During that time, Luffy struggled to land a hit on the CP9 members.
How could the situation change so drastically now?
Had he undergone such a rapid transformation following his previous defeat?
It was hard to believe!
Could he be a combat prodigy?
This notion crossed Blueno's mind as well.
["How is this possible..."]
Blueno gazed at Luffy in disbelief, his eyes now reflecting surprise.
["Back during Water 7, I could easily repel his attack with my Tekkai. But the power behind this punch is overwhelming!"]
["It's far greater than before!"]
["How did his strength suddenly soar like this?"]
["When we fought before, this kid was clearly not this powerful. What's happening..."]
Naturally, Luffy had no intention of explaining to him. He didn't stand still either.
He charged forward with a rubber pistol.
Blueno, having just been pummeled, understood that Luffy was now a force to be reckoned with.
He knew Luffy was no longer the same as before, and he couldn't afford to be reckless.
Without hesitation, he employed "Soru," a Rokushiki technique, to make a swift getaway, aiming to find another opportunity to strike.
However, Blueno was in for an unexpected surprise.
Luffy had already anticipated his move the moment he made it and rushed forward with a fist.
"Boom..."
The impact sent Blueno and the others crashing through a wall.
This time, Blueno sustained even more severe injuries, with blood once again spurting from his mouth.
"Oh."
"Luffy has grown significantly in terms of combat power since his time in Water 7!"
Shanks commented while watching the events unfold.
"Yes, he possesses remarkable fighting talent!"
Even the usually reserved Beckman couldn't help but praise Luffy.
Everyone was thrilled for Luffy, and they raised their glasses in celebration.
After all, within the Four Emperors Pirate Group, only the Red-Haired Pirates were as eager as Ace to see Luffy succeed.
The entire crew had grown fond of Luffy, that young lad.
[Meanwhile, Nami, Sanji, Chopper, and Sogeking, along with many others, arrived at Enies Lobby.]
[Though they lagged slightly behind Luffy, upon setting foot on the island, they launched into fierce combat.]
[Even in the face of thousands of Marines and CP9 agents, none of them faltered.]
[Before coming here, the Straw Hat Pirates had already steeled themselves.]
[Even if it meant death, they were determined to rescue Robin and Franky from captivity.]
[With more and more comrades joining the fray, Enies Lobby descended into chaos.]
[In the innermost office, Spandam, the head of CP9, displayed a golden Den Den Mushi (Transponder Snail) in front of Robin and Franky, who were restrained.]
[This Den Den Mushi could directly activate the Buster Call and deliver a catastrophic blow to any location.]
[This superweapon was no ordinary tool; it required authorization from the World Government's higher-ups.]
[Of course, only those with the approval of an admiral could wield such power, just like this golden Den Den Mushi.]
"I don't understand why the World Government would entrust a buffoon like you with the golden Den Den Mushi!"
Robin stared at Spandam with contempt in her eyes.
However, her words and disdainful gaze infuriated Spandam.
"You, the criminal, dare to say such things!"
"I represent the chief of CP9 and the justice of Enies Lobby. When I'm here, I have the authority over everything!"
"Even if you're innocent, if I say you're guilty, then you're guilty!"
"Once you're here, you're automatically a criminal!"
The justice of the World Government was beyond questioning, according to Spandam.
With these words, Spandam began to physically abuse the two prisoners, relishing in their suffering.
He repeatedly acted as though he would press the Buster Call button on the Den Den Mushi, trying to intimidate Robin and Franky.
However, he nearly triggered it by accident when he tripped, sending a shiver down his spine.
If he had actually activated it, it would have annihilated the entire Enies Lobby.
Including himself, there would be no escape.
At the Marine Headquarters...
Marshall Sengoku, along with the admirals and other high-ranking Marine officers, watched in dismay as they witnessed Spandam's actions and words.
They were all deeply troubled by his behavior.
How could someone like him, who was so incompetent and misrepresenting the World Government's sense of justice, have been entrusted with such power?
Sengoku sighed, shaking his head slowly.
"In the World Government, there are far too many individuals like him who are utterly incapable and bring disgrace to our name."
When the World Government officials heard this, they also shared a common concern.
"If there are more individuals like him, it could lead to unimaginable consequences. It's no surprise that there may be revolutionary forces rising."
Having said that, Sengoku turned their attention to Admiral Aokiji.
"Kuzan, how did you allow such a crucial item like the Golden Den Den Mushi to fall into the hands of someone like him?"
Hearing this, Aokiji remained silent.
Truth be told, I'm not sure why I handed over the Golden Den Den Mushi to that man.
After all, this event occurred in the future, and my present self had no knowledge of a person named Spandam.
But one thing is certain, now that I see that detestable face, if I encounter it in the future...
Not only will I refuse to give him the Golden Den Den Mushi, but I'll seize the opportunity to teach him a lesson!
Meanwhile, in Water 7...
Lucci and the other Cipher Pol members were racing toward the Galley-La Company.
When they caught sight of Spandam's face, they couldn't help but sneer in disdain.
To be honest, they couldn't fathom one thing: why would such a self-absorbed and inept individual become their direct superior?
He possessed neither strength nor intelligence, and his arrogance knew no bounds.
Frankly, if it weren't for the fact that he held a high position, they would have gladly parted ways with him.
Lucci averted his gaze and gazed at their imminent destination, issuing cold orders to the team.
"A few more minutes until we reach Franky's House!"
"After we arrive, we'll eliminate anyone suspected of having the Pluto Blueprints, except for Franky."
"Leave no survivors!"
[At this moment, Zoro and others along with Franky's younger brothers were clashing with the Marines on the outskirts.]
[And, of course, Luffy wasn't idle either. After punching Blueno, he intended to chase after victory.]
[But Blueno was equally determined...]
[CP9 Member]
[Would he really be bested by a mere ten Straw Hat Pirates?]
[Impossible!]
["Rankyaku!"]
[Blueno unleashed a vacuum attack with a powerful kick, sweeping aside everything in its path.]
[Luffy swiftly evaded several of Blueno's powerful kicks, adjusting his straw hat with a serious expression.]
"I came here for one reason, and one reason only - to retrieve Robin and rescue my crewmate!"
"When I was in Water 7, I felt utterly powerless. At that moment, I pondered..."
"If I can't protect my comrades, what right do I have to be their captain?"
"Furthermore, I realized that more perilous challenges await us in the future. So, I must become stronger!"
"Only then can I safeguard my crew!"
As Luffy spoke to himself, Blueno's perplexed expression slowly transformed.
He didn't entirely grasp Luffy's words until the following moment...
"In order to protect my crew, I came up with this!"
"Gear Second!"
At that instant, Luffy's skin turned red, and his aura grew even more intense!
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