Chapter 39 : Eliminate Enel?

"Red-Haired Pirates!"

Shanks gazed at the image on the Den Den Mushi, his expression grave.

"Stay in one place and monitor every movement on that entire island."

"Could this be... Haki?" Beckman mused aloud.

As Beckman, Jesus Burgess, and the rest heard this, contemplation overtook their faces.

Enel's power did bear a striking resemblance to Haki—a latent ability found within all humans. 

It's an innate power, yet not everyone can unlock it; it requires a certain level of awakening.

Enel's capability to monitor everyone's actions, even their thoughts, resembled the Observation Haki's sense and perception. 

It felt similar, as it allowed him to detect the strength of his opponents and deduce their positions beyond the range of sight. 

With enough mastery, one could even foresee an opponent's immediate future actions.

However, this depth of ability required substantial strength.

Once someone mastered Haki, they could become one of the mightiest on the Grand Line.

But what puzzled Shanks and his crew was...

"Can Haki cover such a vast area?"

"I've never heard of it..."

Doubt filled Shanks' expression.

Regardless of whether Enel's ability was Haki or something else entirely, it presented a significant problem for Luffy and his group.

"Luffy, will you surprise me in this battle as you did in the last one?"

---

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters...

The concerns raised by Shanks and his crew were also noticed by Garp, Sengoku, and others.

As the highest-ranking officers within the Marines, the Admirals, the Fleet Admiral, and even the Warlords were well-versed in the knowledge of Haki. 

They too believed that Enel's abilities were linked to Haki in some way.

Yet, there remained a lingering uncertainty—how could his Observation Haki extend to cover the entire island?

Questions swirled in their minds.

Perhaps this was a unique aspect of the sky island's inhabitants...

Regardless, Enel's formidable power, coupled with this peculiar ability, posed a significant threat to the Straw Hat Pirates.

"Garp, your grandson is in danger!" Sengoku shook his head with a tinge of worry in his eyes.

As the image on the Den Den Mushi revealed, Enel, the self-proclaimed god of Skypiea, grew increasingly powerful. 

His displayed abilities became more terrifying with each passing moment.

Could the Straw Hat Pirates, with their current strength, confront such a formidable adversary?

Moreover, they were treading on Enel's home turf.

The question was no longer about winning the battle but whether they could escape this terrifying foe with their lives intact.

Garp didn't utter a word in response but headed straight for the exit.

Sengoku questioned, "Where are you going?"

Garp, his expression steely, replied while walking away, "I'm going to Skypiea."

Upon witnessing this, the Admirals—Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji—as well as the Seven Warlords, were left perplexed.

Skypiea? Why go to Skypiea?

However, as Garp's old comrade, Sengoku suddenly comprehended his intentions.

Garp may appear jovial and carefree, but only when nothing threatened what he held dear. When it came to protecting his family and homeland...

His sense of justice, personified by his iron fist, would become abundantly clear.

Over the years, whenever Garp returned to the East Blue, he captured numerous pirates. 

This was one of the reasons why, in contrast to the other seas, the East Blue remained relatively pirate-free. All those pirates had been apprehended by Garp himself.

Others may not understand Garp's motivations, but Sengoku did. Garp's actions were driven by his desire to safeguard his homeland and family from the threat of pirates.

When Luffy fought Moria earlier, despite the odds being against him, there was no need to panic. However, facing a foe as formidable as Enel...

Even Garp, Luffy's grandfather, believed Luffy had little chance of victory and that his life was at stake.

Thus, Garp moved to Skypiea with the intent to confront Enel head-on, to eliminate the threat before it reached his grandson.

Upon hearing Garp's declaration, the atmosphere tensed. Sengoku intervened forcefully, stopping Garp in his tracks.

"Garp, don't act impulsively!"

Garp's face remained stern, and his voice carried anger and determination.

"Enel will die, I will make sure of it!"

With these words, the truth became clear to everyone present.

Garp intended to eliminate Enel, the source of the danger, before his grandson faced a grave peril.

The most effective way to address the threat was to eliminate it at its root.

This was non-negotiable.

Even the likes of Kuma and Mihawk had their mouths twitching, astonished by Garp's resolve.

Was this the same old man who habitually wore a dog-faced hat, munched on rice crackers, and took naps?

Such was the extent of his unwavering determination.

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