Chapter 325.5 : Rightful Owner!!!

The three Admirals—Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji—were each wearing expressions of deep astonishment.

At this moment, their shock was beyond words.

They had witnessed Luffy's growth from his earliest days, struggling to imagine that he was once just an inexperienced rookie.

Now, he has reached such incredible heights!

He had even defeated one of the Four Emperors?

Kaido, the Beast, who was known as the most formidable creature in the world...

No one understands the power of the Four Emperors better than the three Admirals.

No one knows more about the colossal threat they pose to the entire Grand Line!

Despite their esteemed status and their reputation as the strongest combat force within the Navy, even they are acutely aware of their own limitations.

None of them could defeat Kaido in a one-on-one battle like Luffy did!

Even combining their forces wouldn't guarantee victory...

At least three Admirals would be required to defeat Kaido with absolute certainty!

Kaido's power is so overwhelming that it instills fear in everyone...

Yet Luffy managed to do it. Despite repeatedly falling into Kaido's clutches upon arriving in Wano Country,

Each time he rose again, his strength would reach new heights!

Until He Is Completely Defeated!

"His fighting talent is truly astonishing. In just one battle, he has grown to such an extent. It's simply terrifying…"

Aokiji remarked slowly, his eyes wide with ongoing astonishment.

Even Kizaru, who was usually laid-back, wore an extremely serious expression.

"Yes, before coming to the Land of Wano, he was known as the Fifth Emperor of the Sea."

"But his actual strength might have only been at the level of an Emperor's deputy. Yet, in such a short period, he has risen to the level of a true Four Emperors!?"

"Or even beyond that…"

"This kind of person is just too frightening. He truly deserves to be Mr. Garp's grandson. He is indeed surpassing his master…"

Kizaru and Aoji did not hide their shock and admiration for Luffy.

While their words reflected awe, they were more about acknowledging and appreciating Luffy's abilities.

Despite being Marines and Luffy being a pirate, both had witnessed the peak battle from start to finish.

They knew that although Luffy was a pirate by title, his actions were far removed from typical pirate behavior.

From start to finish, Luffy had been defeating enemies and helping to liberate oppressed regions and kingdoms.

So even though Luffy was a pirate, the two of them did not hold too much animosity towards him.

On the contrary, they harbored a special feeling deep down, almost as if they saw Luffy as a junior...

However, Akainu was different from the other two.

The justice he upheld was absolute!

Even though Luffy didn't engage in the usual pirate activities of burning, killing, and looting, the fact that he was a pirate posed a constant threat!

Thus, this threat had to be eradicated!

He said nothing, not even a grunt.

He simply stared intensely at Luffy's figure in the sky, his thoughts unknown.

At this moment, Akainu had come to see Luffy as his greatest enemy!

No matter what, he was determined to eliminate him himself!

Akainu's perspective had drastically shifted. From initially dismissing Luffy, he now viewed him as a formidable adversary...

Whitebeard Pirates!

"It's incredible, absolutely incredible! Even Kaido has been taken down!"

"Yes, he's just like his father. What this kid Luffy has achieved is truly remarkable!"

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, watched his growth every step of the way, and heard the stories told, I wouldn't have believed it. It feels like a dream!"

"This guy's talent is terrifying. He might be the most formidable person I've ever encountered in all my years on the sea."

"Ace, your brother's strength and talent are really off the charts!"

"Even Kaido was defeated by him. It looks like you, his older brother, have been left in his shadow for quite some time now..."

The Whitebeard Pirates' crew, after being stunned for a long while, expressed a mix of awe and pride from deep within their hearts.

They even playfully teased Ace about it.

Despite their shock, their excitement and joy were palpable.

After all, whether they were the Whitebeard Pirates or Ace's comrades, everyone was rooting for Luffy to win.

The outcome naturally aligned with their hopes, but when it actually happened, their amazement reached new heights.

In response to their teasing, Ace felt no resentment. Instead, he was filled with pride.

He said nothing, simply gazing at the sky with his head held high and a proud smile on his face.

Seeing Luffy defeat Kaido, the enormous weight that had burdened his heart was finally lifted.

He was delighted to witness Luffy's growth.

It was no bad thing for his younger brother to surpass him.

On the contrary, it was more than good!

At least now, he didn't have to constantly worry about protecting him.

Luffy had become strong enough to fend for himself.

And around him, he had a group of equally strong and loyal comrades fighting by his side.

Ace's worries about Luffy vanished, replaced only by a smile on his face.

"Did Luffy, Ace's brother, receive Roger's straw hat from Shanks?"

"The person who inherited Roger's will is indeed exceptional. Perhaps he can truly achieve what Roger did…"

Whitebeard sat in the center of the ship, gazing at the sky and murmuring to himself. At that moment, a faint smile graced his face.

He looked at Luffy's back, and for some reason, his thoughts drifted back to an old friend. His mind wandered to a distant past…

---

The Red-Haired Pirates!

The entire crew of the Red-Haired Pirates remained in stunned silence, their expressions frozen in disbelief. Even though a significant amount of time had passed, they remained immobile, unable to comprehend what had just transpired.

"Luffy, this guy…"

Shanks rose to his feet, unable to hide his astonishment. Despite supporting Luffy from the start and hoping he would defeat Kaido, seeing Kaido actually fall left Shanks in shock.

As a Yonko, Shanks was well aware of Kaido's terrifying strength. Defeating Kaido was a feat that seemed almost impossible, a feat that even Shanks himself would struggle to accomplish.

Yet, Luffy had managed to achieve it.

Had Luffy's strength truly grown to such a level? Had he surpassed Shanks himself?

"Kid, it seems my gamble on that arm was correct!"

"This straw hat has indeed found its rightful owner. You have truly inherited the captain's will…"