110. Winner, Straw Hat Kid

In dealing with countries outside their influence, the World Government hasn't exactly been gentle. Look at the history of Wano for proof. Their impact on that country is as damaging as any pirate crew.

That's why Yamato and Jinbei teamed up. Despite Yamato not being the brightest, she's got determination. The ongoing battle also reveals something about Crocodile and his crew's stance.

The Straw Hat Pirates and the Cross Guild haven't reached a life-or-death situation yet.

Yamato unleashed her move, "Divine Wolf Drive," with incredible speed. She dashed towards Gion, who wielded the famous sword Konpira Fune. Gion swung her sword wrapped in Armament Haki, but Yamato's force overwhelmed her, sending her crashing to the ground.

Tokikake, witnessing her fall, couldn't contain his worry. Using Moonwalk, he launched himself at Yamato. Jinbei, stepping in, faced the charging Tokiakake, unfazed by his Armament Haki-enhanced attack.

Tokikake, concerned for Gion's well-being, struck at Jinbei with all his might. But Jinbei, confident and composed, countered with his Fishman karate technique, "30,000 Brick fists." The clash created a whirlwind of force between them.

Gion, astonished, couldn't comprehend Jinbei's strength. How could someone from the sea wield such power? The resulting shockwave knocked Gion off balance, sending her crashing to the ground while Jinbei landed firmly, marking the outcome of their clash.

Tokikake, already formidable, pales in comparison to an Admiral. That's why the Marines didn't assign Aramaki or Fujitora, top-tier Admirals, to face the Straw Hat Pirates and the Cross Guild. Instead, they positioned Gion and Tokikake.

Jinbei's post-evolution strength matches that of an admiral. This realization wiped the smirk off Tokikake's face, replacing it with respect. The Straw Hat Pirates are continually surprised with their monstrous abilities.

Tokikake saw trouble ahead. Originally, they anticipated the Straw Hats and the Cross Guild would be caught in a crossfire, weakened. However, even after losing four key fighters, the remaining adversaries stood strong. The pirates' power seemed overwhelming, a notion that even Marine Admiral Borsalino struggled to counteract.

Gion, amidst the chaos, struggled to comprehend the strength displayed by Yamato, a Zoan user with formidable Haki. She recognized a rare breed, a fusion of special abilities and race, comparable to an Admiral. This unforeseen power shift rendered Marine's strategy ineffective.

Gion, acknowledging the grim reality, regretted underestimating their opponents. Even with Aramaki's intervention, victory seemed improbable. Marine's situation appeared dire, especially with formidable fighters like Phoenix Marko, Flower Sword Vista, and others yet to enter the fray.

The Marines' plan, once promising, faltered due to their miscalculation of their enemies' strength. Blackfoot Sanji's dominance over Kizaru, coupled with Jinbei's Admiral-level prowess, spelt disaster for their strategy.

Despite the looming defeat, Gion steeled herself, unleashing her sword technique, "Heart sword," against Yamato's "Raimei Hakke", a devastating clash that echoed through the battlefield.

Then, it struck Konpira with unyielding force.

Yamato's mace was peculiar. Unlike a regular one with sharp spikes, hers had rounded protrusions. It was a deliberate choice to minimize harm, as she wasn't inclined to fight. However, her strength still inflicted devastating blows akin to Kaido's spiked strikes, leaving distinct marks on the victims' bodies.

Gion, underestimating her opponent once again, countered Yamato with her formidable Armament Haki swordsmanship. As the alternate Admiral, she engaged Yamato in a fierce struggle.

Marine's original plan to seize key figures was thwarted as they found themselves on the defensive against the overwhelming strength of their adversaries.

Bullet, observing from a distance, scorned Marine's tactics. He despised their reliance on outnumbering opponents and reminisced about the days when legends like Garp and Sengoku single-handedly brought an end to the pirate era.

Luffy, taking charge, declared that they wouldn't interfere in the ongoing battle, relying on his partner to handle Marine. Bullet scoffed at Luffy's notion of partnership, believing in individual strength above all else.

Luffy challenged Bullet's disdain for partnership, asserting that partners provide support and strength. Bullet's internal conflict was laid bare as Luffy confronted him.

In a surge of fury, Bullet unleashed his terrifying Devil Form, a manifestation of overwhelming Conqueror's Haki and Armament Haki. His transformation enhanced his speed and strength to unprecedented levels.

As Bullet vanished from sight, Luffy remained composed, seemingly unfazed. Bullet's question echoed in the air, challenging Luffy's resolve.

Bullet's figure danced through the air, his speed almost too fast for the eye to track. He sought out Luffy's vulnerability, seeing what appeared to be exhaustion in the pirate captain.

"You've been a worthy opponent, but today, victory is mine, Straw Hat Boy," Bullet's voice boomed.

In an instant, Bullet materialized behind Luffy, his devilish form readying a devastating punch imbued with both Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.

But Luffy, seemingly predicting the attack, dodged effortlessly, causing Bullet to leave himself wide open. With a roar, Luffy countered, his fist enveloped in a powerful combination of Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, delivering a bone-crushing blow to Bullet's face.

The impact echoed through the air, cracking the earth beneath them. As the dust settled, Luffy, his hand bloody, withdrew from his Gear Fifth transformation, gently donning his straw hat before turning to leave.

Bullet, with a clear fist mark on his face, stared in disbelief at Luffy's departing figure. At that moment, he saw echoes of his former captain, Gol D Roger, and realized the true strength of the partnership.

"Why are you so strong, Captain Roger?" Bullet whispered, tears welling in his eyes.

Luffy's voice echoed in his memory, reminding him that strength and partnership were not mutually exclusive.

As Luffy walked away, weary but victorious, his crew greeted him with admiration and gratitude. Even former adversaries like Crocodile were left awestruck by his growth.

In the midst of bandaging wounds and shared laughter, Luffy's crew celebrated their captain's triumph, knowing that no challenge was too great as long as they stood together.

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