Chapter 213

The confrontation with Kalifa unfolded, presenting a unique challenge for Sanji. Due to her being a woman, Sanji refrained from attacking her, ultimately succumbing to Kalifa's Bubble Bubble-Fruit ability and getting defeated. And then, Nami and Kalifa engaged in a battle of strategy, and eventually, Kalifa succumbed to Nami's lightning strike.

Fukurou and Kalifa, realizing they had been defeated by Franky and Nami, were left in a sour mood. These two opponents, whom they had not regarded highly, managed to best them in battle.

On the other side, the duel between Zoro, Sogeking, Kaku, and Jabra took an unexpected turn. Zoro and Usopp, handcuffed by Seastone handcuffs, engaged in a comical sword fight. The sight of Zoro wielding his swords alongside Sogeking, who held the famous nose, left viewers amused and wondering if they were witnessing a serious battle or a comedic performance. The absurdity of the situation left many with mouths agape, struggling to believe that such an unusual fight was taking place on a global stage.

Zoro, watching the comical scene unfold with his face covered, felt a twinge of embarrassment. Accustomed to the others looking impressive in battle, it was now his turn to provide amusement, and his typically stoic demeanor was lost in the hilarity.

Feeling a sense of humiliation, Zoro directed his blame at Usopp. If it weren't for Usopp running to his battlefield and sticking with him, such a ludicrous situation wouldn't have occurred. Zoro now considered himself the swordsman with the most unconventional use of a sword in the world. The thought of this spectacle being witnessed by the entire world, including his teacher and rival, left him with a sense of gloom and embarrassment.

Usopp, on the other hand, was furious. Zoro being embarrassed was one thing, but Zoro was still a person. Now, he had become a sword—a sword with a nose. Usopp found the situation even more amusing. Fortunately, after this comedic interlude, Zoro finally managed to obtain the key to release Usopp, allowing Zoro to engage in a more serious battle against Kaku.

On the other side, Sanji managed to rescue Usopp, who was nearly defeated by Jabra once the effects of the Bubble Bubble-Fruit were lifted. Sanji then faced Jabra and emerged victorious, marking another significant triumph. Jabra held the third position in CP9's power hierarchy, and his defeat further solidified the notion that the Straw Hats' strength had surpassed that of CP9.

As Jabra fell, Lucci and the remaining CP9 members were forced to acknowledge the formidable power of the Straw Hats. The defeat of Blueno, Kumadori, Fukurou, Kalifa, and now Jabra highlighted the strength disparity between the two groups.

With Blueno, Kumadori, Otonashi Fukurou, Kalifa, and Jabra defeated, only Rob Lucci and Kaku remained. These two were considered the strongest in CP9, and they faced Luffy and Zoro separately.

The focus shifted to the battle between Zoro and Kaku, sword versus Giraffe. Observers found the fight amusing as the giraffe transformed itself into a square, its short limbs comically shaking. People couldn't help but wonder why every battle involving Zoro had such a humorous element. Zoro, frustrated, lowered his hand to his forehead, questioning the abnormality of both his teammates and opponents.

However, the amusement took a sudden turn as the giraffe, moments ago shaking and slashing in a comical manner, unleashed a barrage of slashes towards Zoro. Caught off guard, Zoro was struck all over his body, prompting viewers to realize that this seemingly funny giraffe held the second position in CP9's strength hierarchy, just behind Rob Lucci.

Zoro's slashes proved ineffective against Kaku's formidable Iron Body defense. The battle hung in the balance, with Zoro visibly damage while Kaku remained unscathed.

Just when it seemed Zoro might need assistance from his teammates to defeat Kaku, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Zoro successfully shattered Kaku's Iron Body with a powerful three-sword attack. The surprising twist continued as a phantom image appeared behind Zoro, transforming him into a surreal figure with three heads and six arms—a ghostly manifestation known as Ashura.

With this newfound power, Zoro unleashed a technique called " Asura: One Mist Silver" enveloped in a silver mist. He swiftly advanced towards Kaku, and in a flash, he appeared behind his opponent. Kaku, unable to withstand the assault, spurted blood and collapsed to the ground.

Standing with his back to Kaku, Zoro delivered a message from the foreman of Galley-la: "He said that you were fired." Kaku, lying on the ground, responded with some emotion, "No one who works as a killer has any work." Zoro nonchalantly suggested, "You can still go to the zoo to work." In response, Kaku laughed, then handed over the key and lost consciousness.

Witnessing Kaku being defeated and dismissed, the Galley-la members did not display a triumphant smile. Instead, they wore complex expressions. Kaku's final expression suggested that, over the five years of their association, he had developed genuine feelings for Galley-la and Paulie. However, as a member of CP9 and a killer, Kaku's involvement in the mission predetermined a less than favorable outcome.

After Kaku was defeated, his stoic face transformed into the smile of an ordinary person, revealing a sense of relief. It seemed that being knocked down might have been a welcome respite for him.

Within the group, there was a silent wish for Kaku to abandon his role in CP9 and return to Galley-la. However, everyone understood the impossibility of such a scenario. CP9, being privy to numerous World Government secrets, couldn't be allowed to walk away. The only fate for those who betrayed the World Government was death. It appeared that Kaku had come to terms with this inevitable conclusion.

As Kaku's eyes met those of Paulie and the others, he remained unresponsive, showing no reaction. Witnessing this scene, Kaku felt a mix of emotions.

On the other side, Lucci and the remaining CP9 members were visibly distressed at Kaku's defeat. With six out of seven members down, only Rob Lucci remained. According to the predictions, Lucci was also destined to be defeated, spelling the annihilation of CP9.

Initially, they had wondered if the Straw Hat Crew had some hidden tricks up their sleeves, but after witnessing several head-on battles, it became evident that the losses were genuine. Lucci fixed his gaze on the screen, aware that his confrontation with Luffy was imminent.

In a silent challenge, Lucci mentally prepared himself to face Monkey D. Luffy and witness the true extent of the young pirate's strength.

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