Chapter 319 : Gear Fifth!!!

Sengoku and Garp fell silent immediately...

As high-ranking members of the World Government, they were acutely aware of the government's obsession with the Nika Fruit. 

Though this matter was tightly guarded and unknown to outsiders, even individuals in their positions seldom grasped its full significance. 

Yet, the truth of its existence was undeniable.

Various factors hinted at its importance.

Simultaneously, there seemed to be some clues as to why Who's-Who was expelled from CP9 and subjected to the most severe punishment!

According to what Red-Haired Shanks had previously mentioned, the fruit that Who's-Who had been escorting was snatched away by him.

Logically, a top agent of the World Government would not face such harsh punishment for a failed mission. Especially considering the opponent he faced was Shanks, who would later become one of the Yonko!

The top leaders of the World Government surely understood that the mission's failure was not solely Who's-Who's fault. 

Even if there was a punishment, it shouldn't have been so severe as to ruin his future, forcing him to seek protection from Kaido.

The only plausible explanation is that the devil fruit Who's-Who was escorting...

was extraordinary!

Losing it enraged the World Government!

It's likely that after his expulsion, Who's-Who remained troubled by this incident and continued investigating it in secret. 

During the previous battle, he and Jinbe discussed the legend of Nika... and the fact that Shanks had stolen the fruit, which was then accidentally eaten by a young Luffy.

Garp knew this better than anyone!

All these unusual circumstances connected together, making the matter even more complex and bewildering!

Could it be that the fruit Luffy ate was truly...

a Paramecia rubber fruit?

"Garp, maybe we've been wrong about one thing all along~!"

"The reason your grandson is so strong is because he has developed super abilities one after another through his Devil Fruit."

"Maybe it's not just about how well he developed the fruit or how talented he is!"

"But perhaps we've misunderstood his fruit's ability. Maybe its real name isn't the Rubber-Rubber Fruit..."

Sengoku was speaking, while Garp remained silent, staring at the sky with narrowed eyes.

It was clear he was not at peace.

He was considering this possibility too.

The Red-Haired Pirates!

"Nika Fruit..."

As Shanks muttered, veteran crew members like Beckman looked over.

There was disbelief and shock in everyone's eyes!

Obviously, they were all aware...

As the captain and senior officers of the Four Emperors, they also had the same thoughts as Garp and Sengoku.

Moreover, as the ones who once stole the Gomu Gomu no Mi, no one understood the situation better than they did.

Who's-Who, a highly potential member of the World Government, had failed his mission and lost the fruit. How could he be punished to the point of fleeing for his life?

He had guessed from the beginning that the Devil Fruit he stole was special.

But he hadn't expected it to be this special...

"So, that Devil Fruit isn't the Rubber-Rubber Fruit?"

"Could it be the legendary Nika Fruit that the World Government has been searching for?"

When these words were spoken, not just the crew members, but even Shanks himself was shocked.

After all, the Nika Fruit is the most exceptional among the Zoan-type Mythical Beasts.

Its rarity can be said to have reached the extreme!

Hardly anyone has ever truly controlled him... not even Luffy. Even now, it's hard for anyone to fully believe that the fruit he consumed was the legendary fruit.

"Everything points to the possibility that the fruit Luffy ate might be the one the world government has been desperately searching for."

"After all, it has the potential to kill World Government agents without endangering its user..."

"I can't imagine what specific threat Luffy poses!"

"But, could the fruit Luffy ate really be the Nika fruit...?"

"We can only keep watching..."

...

[BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!!!]

[The dull sound of drums echoes throughout the world!]

[Just as everyone remains confused, not comprehending the so-called drums of liberation...]

[On the battlefield between Kaido and Luffy, Luffy, who had seemingly lost his life and breath, suddenly... moved!]

[His body was enveloped in countless white clouds, and everything, including his hair, transformed!]

[His entire being radiated a strange and terrifying power!]

[Luffy stood up. The dull drum sound was actually his heartbeat...]

["This feels so strange. Didn't I die? Why am I alive again? I feel so happy that I can't help but laugh!"]

["I don't know why, but I don't care, hahaha..."]

[Luffy smiled and murmured to himself.]

[Though he didn't understand what had happened to him, he had only one thought now: to defeat Kaido!]

[Luffy located Kaido, unleashed a terrifying power, and charged towards him!]

[At this moment, his power reached its peak!

[Gear Fifth, Nika Form, activate!!!