Chapter 182 : Strongest Enemy!

The Whitebeard Pirates!

The entire Whitebeard crew was stunned by Luffy's actions.

Had they not anticipated that Luffy would venture alone into the mirror world with Katakuri?

And to top it off, he shattered the mirror, clearly intending to hold Katakuri back by himself.

By breaking the mirror, he not only severed their only means of escape but also placed himself in grave peril.

He had effectively cornered himself with no exit strategy. Yet, amidst the shock, Whitebeard couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

With a hint of relief, he remarked, "That's the mark of a true captain..."

"The Straw Hat boy has the makings of a captain!"

"He understood that if Katakuri couldn't be dealt with, his crew wouldn't stand a chance of getting away!"

"Even in the face of danger, he prioritizes the safety of his crew."

"Ace, take note..."

"Your brother..."

"He truly possesses the potential to claim the title of Pirate King!"

Under normal circumstances, Ace would have been overjoyed to hear Whitebeard's praise. But now, all he felt was worry.

He watched helplessly as Luffy endangered himself, unable to lend a hand.

His heart raced with anxiety.

"Luffy, you're too reckless!"

Despite his fretting, Ace could do nothing but wait anxiously, hoping for a miracle.

He prayed silently that Luffy would somehow prevail – if not defeat Katakuri, then at least escape his clutches.

[Meanwhile, as Luffy dragged Katakuri into the mirror world, news spread to all corners.]

[For now, the Straw Hat Pirates were out of immediate danger.]

[But they weren't out of the woods yet.]

[They remained within the perilous waters of the Totto Land, with Big Mom's crew in hot pursuit.]

[They had to shake off their pursuers before they could breathe easy.]

[And in the mirror world, Luffy faced off against Katakuri.]

[Though Katakuri admired Luffy's leadership, he couldn't ignore the threat he posed.]

[If left unchecked, Luffy could spell disaster for the world and the Big Mom Pirates alike.]

["What a shame. Even if you're holding me back, you could be fighting for a chance to escape with your crew!"]

["But you'll be stuck here forever. Cherish these final moments, Straw Hat!"]

["I'll be the one to end you!"]

[With those words, Katakuri acted without hesitation!]

[Luffy countered directly.]

["I'm a man who's going to be the Pirate King. There's no way I'm going down to you here!"]

[With that declaration, he charged straight at Katakuri!]

[Their fists collided in a fierce clash, creating a powerful shockwave!]

[However, despite Luffy's strength, he couldn't match Katakuri.]

[With just one blow, Luffy was sent flying.]

[Undeterred, Luffy rushed forward again.]

[But the outcome remained the same. No matter how many times Luffy charged, Katakuri easily knocked him away!]

[There was no room for a comeback!]

["Is this all you've got? Straw Hat, you're too weak to even pose a challenge!"]

[Katakuri wasn't mocking him; he genuinely believed Luffy was lacking in strength!]

[He began to question whether he had been wrong in acknowledging Luffy's strength even slightly.]

[Luffy, known for his resilience, couldn't bear being belittled and grew furious!]

["I'll beat you, just watch!"]

[In an instant, Luffy activated Gear Second!]

[He knew he had to boost his strength to take down Katakuri!]

[With Gear Second, Luffy's speed surged, but no matter how fast he moved, he couldn't land a hit on Katakuri.]

[Katakuri's Observation Haki was so advanced that he could predict Luffy's every move, effortlessly dodging and striking back.]

[Another punch sent Luffy hurtling away.]

[After several failed attempts, Luffy realized Gear Second wasn't enough to defeat his opponent!]

[So, despite the risks, he activated Gear Third, determined to overpower his adversary with sheer force!]

[But...]

[The outcome remains unchanged.]

[Luffy unleashed the Ape King Gun, hurtling forward with a colossal fist enshrouded in haki.]

[In an instant, Katakuri mirrored Luffy's actions.]

[Transforming into countless mochi tendrils, he coalesced them into an even grander fist, suffused with his dominant will.]

[Their fists collided with tremendous force.]

[Clearly, Katakuri's blow was larger and more formidable!]

[Luffy was sent flying, thrown off balance.]

[Responding swiftly, Luffy initiated his Rubber Machine Gun barrage, echoed in kind by Katakuri.]

[In a mere instant, Katakuri replicated Luffy's movements, his mochi arms multiplying exponentially.]

[Each arm wielded with dominance, hurtling towards Luffy.]

[Due to his extraordinary observation, Luffy not only failed to land a hit but found himself struck repeatedly by Katakuri's onslaught.]

[The battle had scarcely begun, yet less than a minute in,]

[Luffy lay battered on the ground, bloodied and immobilized.]

[Gazing upon Katakuri, the gulf between them seemed insurmountable.]

[Injuries had sapped his strength, leaving him nearly unable to rise.]

[Yet Katakuri remained unscathed, a stark reminder of the chasm that separated them.]

[Even in clashes against Enel, Moria, Lucci, Doflamingo, and others,]

[Luffy had never felt so utterly powerless!]

Audiences worldwide watched in awe as the scenes unfolded before them!

For Katakuri's might surpassed all expectations!

His strength was unparalleled, rendering Luffy in such a pitiful state for the first time!

From the pinnacle of the tenth battle to the current struggle at sixth.

No matter the adversary, Luffy always managed to find a way, even when initially suppressed.

But this time, hope seemed distant, if not nonexistent!

Whether employing second or third gear,

Luffy couldn't land a blow on Katakuri, who mirrored his every move flawlessly!

To face such an opponent, identical in technique, was disheartening!

Could this be the most formidable foe Luffy had ever faced?

How could he hope to overcome such a challenge?

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