84. Evolution Of All Crew, Lively New World

"Four thousand points and just a day?" Sanji mused, considering the implications. Having undergone evolution almost simultaneously with Zoro, he now had a clear understanding of its effects.

"I think I've figured something out," Sanji began, addressing Luffy and the others. "Each of us strengthens in a different direction, determined by our individual qualities. Consequently, the consumption of evolution points varies."

He elaborated, "Broadly speaking, there are three aspects of enhancement: physical fitness, Haki, and physical skills or Devil Fruit abilities."

"For instance," Sanji continued, "I focus on enhancing kicking skills, Zoro sharpens his swordsmanship, Usopp refines his sniping, Jinbei perfects his Fishman's karate and jujitsu, while Chopper and Luffy amplify their Devil Fruit abilities."

"Currently, there seems to be a limit to physical fitness enhancement. Luffy, Zoro, and I can hold our own against Admirals, relying on evolved Haki and our skills. However, there may be discrepancies due to differences in basic physical fitness. Usopp, for example, isn't as physically capable as us."

"Haki-wise," Sanji continued, "Luffy's Conqueror's and Observation Haki surpass mine and Zoro's. While our Armament Haki is comparable, there's a significant gap in Observation Haki proficiency, with Luffy's ability to see into the future far surpassing ours."

"Chopper's case is more pronounced. His Conqueror's Haki is weaker, and while he's mastered Observation Haki, Usopp lacks it entirely. His focus is on improving Armament and Observation Haki."

"Additionally, Devil Fruit powers generally have more potential, hence requiring more evolution points. Luffy's Gommu Gommu no mi Fruit, with its powerful upper limit, enables him to confront Admirals head-on."

Sanji concluded, "This explains the varying consumption of evolution points. Jinbei's lesser consumption is understandable given his strong physique and focused evolution."

"The first aspect is physical fitness, limited by pre-evolution conditions. The closer one is to their evolutionary peak, the fewer points are needed. Jinbei's superior physique necessitated less expenditure."

"The second aspect is Haki evolution. Jinbei's already proficient in Observation and Armament, so his focus is on Conqueror's Haki and further honing the others."

"The third is Fish-Man Karate, requiring a higher degree of enhancement."

"And if I'm correct," Sanji added, "the next evolution point should suffice for Nami and the others, with moderate point consumption."

"Of course," Sanji admitted, "it's unlikely they'll reach Admiral level after enhancement."

His analysis wasn't baseless. Observing the remaining crew members, he noted their unique circumstances. Brook lacked flesh to strengthen, Franky's body was incomplete, Nami lacked combat abilities, and Robin appeared well-rounded.

Luffy applauded, "You're sharp, Sanji! Haha, who knew you had it in you!"

Chopper chimed in, "Sanji's amazing!"

"I thought your brain was all about perversion, Sanji, but you've got brains when it counts," Usopp quipped, joining Luffy in congratulating Sanji.

Sanji winced as they vigorously patted his shoulders. "Ouch, you jerks!"

A swift punch from Sanji sent Luffy and Usopp sprawling, and Chopper was hiding behind Zoro.

"See what happens when you get serious?" Sanji remarked as the crew settled down after the brief commotion.

Nami was left speechless by the crew's discussion.

"Isn't this a positive development?" Robin offered a gentle smile.

After the initial excitement, Luffy and the crew settled down to discuss their next steps.

"I suggest we strengthen a few more members. The upcoming battle with the Four Emperors' pirate cadre will be chaotic and dangerous. Everyone should be able to defend themselves," Jinbei proposed.

The BIGMOM Pirates boasted numerous strong cadres, some even rivalling Shichibukai in strength. Luffy and his crew would undoubtedly be prime targets for siege.

Facing an array of elite cadres and New World pirates, Nami and the others needed sufficient strength for self-defence. The chaotic nature of the impending battle across BIGMOM's territory demanded it.

Their plan involved sneaking into Cake Island disguised a necessity given Luffy's elevated status and the expansive battlefield.

Luffy took charge, selecting Franky, Brook, and Nami for evolution.

"Brook requires 3,500 evolution points, Nami needs 1,000, and Franky needs 2,000," Luffy reported after scanning their avatars.

As Sanji predicted, the combined evolution cost totalled 6,500 points.

Brook's evolution focused on strengthening his Devil Fruit, swordsmanship, and Conqueror's Haki. Franky's enhancements targeted his remaining flesh and Armament Haki.

Nami's evolution included flesh and Haki enhancements, albeit less potent due to her non-combatant status. Her Observation Haki was robust, but her Armament Haki was lacking. However, her physical enhancement was minimal, given her role.

With 1,500 points remaining, Luffy turned his attention to his own evolution, which required 6,000 points.

"You don't need to worry about me; I know you'll protect me," Robin reassured, declining further evolution.

The crew prepared for the impending battle, knowing they needed all the strength they could muster to face BIGMOM's forces.

Robin smiled gently, reflecting her trust in her crewmates—a far cry from her past self, who relied solely on her own abilities. The Enies Lobby incident transformed her perspective, instilling unwavering trust in her companions, who once stood against the world for her sake.

Chopper blushed while Usopp chuckled and rubbed his nose in embarrassment. Luffy, as usual, declared he'd protect Robin from any harm with his fists. Sanji, now back to his usual antics, proclaimed himself as her loyal knight.

Jinbei, witnessing the camaraderie, couldn't help but smile warmly.

With the decision made, they planned to set sail for Cake Island in three days.

Meanwhile, at Marineford, Sengoku, no longer holding the title of Fleet Admiral, was busy overseeing the repairs after the Summit War. Despite his dismissal, he remained involved in Marine affairs, mediating between Aokiji and Akainu, who vied for the position of Fleet Admiral.

Sengoku favoured Aokiji for the role, believing him to embody a more just and honourable approach compared to Akainu's extreme methods. However, he faced opposition from the higher-ups who seemed intent on wielding Marine as a tool for their own ends.

As Garp entered with the results of the World Conscription, Sengoku eagerly awaited news of any formidable recruits.

Sengoku prioritized attracting strong individuals over merely expanding the army, recognizing the importance of recruiting real powerhouses from the populace. The Summit War highlighted the vast gap between the Marine's top forces and the strongest pirate crews, including the Straw Hat Pirates and the late Whitebeard Pirates, along with other formidable groups like the Red Hair Pirates and Byrnndi World's crew.

Garp brought news of two exceptionally strong individuals who lived in seclusion within their respective countries, possessing strength close to that of an Admiral. Sengoku reviewed their profiles and decided to list them as Admiral alternates, pending the resolution of the dispute between Aokiji and Akainu for the position of Fleet Admiral.

Just as they discussed these matters, a Marine soldier burst in with urgent news: the Straw Hat Pirates had declared war on the Big Mom Pirates. Garp chuckled at Luffy's audacity while Sengoku admonished him for his grandson's role in stirring up trouble.

Their conversation was interrupted by another report: the Cross Trade Union, led by Byrnndi World and Douglas Bullet, had appeared in the New World. Sengoku expressed concern over this group of dangerous pirates, consisting of powerhouses like Bullet, World, and Hawkeye Mihawk, along with former Shichibukai Crocodile and the newest member, Gekko Moria. Their unpredictability and destructive potential made them a significant threat, causing more headaches for Sengoku than even the Straw Hat Pirates.

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