Chapter 101 : Determination!

Onigashima!

Kaido's massive form occupied a chair, casting an imposing presence over those present.

He found himself naturally drawn to the unfolding clash between Lucci and Luffy in the live screen before him...

Originally, as one of the Four Emperors, he wasn't particularly intrigued by the prowess of these two.

After all, despite the intense skirmish, a single swing of his could render them incapacitated...

At most, his interest lay more with Lucci, who had consumed the Zoan-type Devil Fruit.

In his thoughts, he still contemplated the possibility of recruiting him into his own pirate crew... Yet now, witnessing Luffy's performance, he couldn't help but pay a bit more attention.

"Though the so-called Rokushiki techniques of the Marines are rather ordinary to me, their effectiveness is undeniable at this level of strength."

"The kid with the straw hat endured a formidable blow and still manages to hold his ground..."

"It's somewhat surprising."

"However, the outcome of the battle won't shift in any significant way, and the agents of CP9 will emerge victorious."

"Standing back up is merely a futile struggle!..."

[Zoro's group comprehended the situation as they witnessed the stormy clash unfolding...]

[Luffy remains locked in combat with his adversaries! ] ]

[At this juncture, their only recourse is to lend their unwavering support. ]

[Simultaneously, the bombardment halted briefly as the Vice-Admiral recognized that CP9's Lucci was still battling Luffy within.] ]

[It wasn't a decision made to spare their comrades but one tinged with anticipation. ] ]

[Should Lucci vanquish his foe and emerge unscathed, then all is well, and departure after a direct assault is not too late. ] ]

[However, if the battle becomes so heated that distinguishing the victor or loser is impossible, he will not hesitate to unleash the full might of Buster Call once again, consigning everyone to a sea of flames! ] ]

[Even if... that includes their own comrades! ]

[Zoro, upon realizing Luffy's continued involvement in the grand skirmish, did not stand idly by. ]

[They spotted ten Marine warships not far away, well aware that the opposing forces could issue Buster Call at any moment, bombarding the entire Justice Island. ] ]

[In order to shield Luffy's conflict from interference, they rushed over and positioned themselves in front of the battleship. ] ]

[The Marines paid little mind to this group, as they were still within the confines of the island. ]

["If the battle goes in an unexpected way, simply bomb them all together! ] ]

[Under the Buster Call, everything turns to ashes...]

[Coincidentally, Zoro's group, now at the forefront of the battleship, noticed they could observe Luffy and Lucci's duel amid the ruins from their vantage point. ]

[Immediately, several voices rang out in unison, calling to Luffy...]

["Luffy, you must shoot down this leopard and return safely!"]

"We all escaped unharmed, and Robin has been rescued!"

"Yes, we must win. We're all waiting for you."

[The voice reached Luffy's ears, and at this moment, he looked at his crewmates outside...]

[Originally, after being hit by the Six Kings Gun, he felt deeply exhausted, as if he could collapse and faint at any moment.]

[But now, seeing that his crewmates are safe and sound, he felt re-energized.]

[Luffy's mouth curved into a smile, and at this moment, he had no worries whatsoever.]

[His heart was brimming with determination, as if an endless force had returned to his body.]

"My crewmates are waiting for me; I can't fall easily!"

---

Whole Cake Island...

Everyone on Whole Cake Island is watching the live sky footage.

For them, this kind of fight is entertaining when they're bored.

There are no other thoughts than amusement.

Including Big Mom, Cracker, and Smoothie, they are all like this... Only Katakuri, looking at the sky at the moment, his face was a little surprised.

To be honest, with his current strength, he can easily defeat the two in front of him.

But...

If you talk about willpower and the determination not to fall, can you compare to Luffy?

He has been watching the live broadcast seriously from beginning to end, and he knows very well how many heavy blows Luffy has taken halfway through.

If you change to an ordinary person, they might have fallen many times.

Including the Six Kings Gun...

If you are equal in strength to the one in the picture, can you stand up after enduring it?

Katakuri didn't know, but he knew very well.

Straw Hat Kid Luffy... is a qualified captain, a man like a true warrior, deserving of his respect!

Deserving of his recognition!

"Monkey D. Luffy... I remember that name."

"Whether you win or lose this time, I'm willing to call you a strong man."

[Zoro and the others just finished shouting, and they noticed...]

[The Navy seems to have reservations about their group of pirates standing in front of them!]

[They've sent countless elites to surround everyone...]

[This time, it's bad!]

[But neither Zoro nor Sanji, nor Usopp were afraid!]

"Luffy is still fighting, so naturally, we as his crewmates can't escape!"

"Come on, let's finish off this group of Navy!"

[In this way, Zoro and his party fought against countless Navy soldiers on ten warships...]

[At the same time, among the ruins of Enies Lobby!]

[Luffy, back on his feet, regained his vitality with the support of his crewmates and began to take the initiative to attack Lucci!]

[Defeat the enemy in front of you and reunite with your companions!]

[Lucci also understands the power of Luffy in second gear; he starts to defend and counterattack seriously!]

[However... As the battle progresses, he is pleasantly surprised.]

[Although Luffy is still in second gear, both speed and strength are much weaker than before!]

"It seems that... My Six Kings Gun isn't useless against you!"

"Straw hat boy, you're probably about to be completely exhausted now, reaching the end, right?"

[Lucci's face is full of sinister smiles; he knows that his victory is imminent!]

Luffy... He won't last much longer!

[Lucci was excited; before, he was pressed and beaten by the other party under second gear, but now... it's his time!]

[In an instant, countless Navy Rokushiki attacks struck!]

[Luffy resisted fiercely, launching one rubbery attack after another.]

[Both combatants erupted, exchanging frantic punches!]

[However, it was clear that in his current state, Luffy was at a disadvantage...]

["Moonwalk, Six Kings Gun!"]

[Lucci leaped into the air, unleashing another Six Kings Gun at Luffy.]

[This time, Luffy didn't absorb all the damage like before; he was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground.]

[His already serious injuries became even more unbearable...]

[But in the next moment, covered in white steam, Luffy rose again.]

[Lucci said indifferently, "Standing up won't change the fact that you can't defeat me. You might as well lie down; it might lessen your suffering."]

[To this, Luffy, with a determined expression, responded:]

"I came here to rescue Robin from a place as dark as yours!"

"Now that Robin is safe, I haven't had a chance to hug her yet. I won't just fall here!"

["I promised to knock you away; it's an agreement with them..."]

["I always keep my word!"]

Near the Sea Restaurant...

As the Going Merry unknowingly sailed through the Water 7, everyone looked at the image of Luffy, moved by what they saw.

Robin, in particular, couldn't hold back her tears.

To escape from the Enies Lobby, the crew had sacrificed so much.

Luffy even risked his life to stop Lucci...

Among CP9, Lucci was the most formidable, and if not for Luffy's intervention, escape would have been much harder.

In this battle, Luffy sacrificed the most!

As they sailed, Robin couldn't stop tears from flowing while looking at Luffy's back.

At that moment, Luffy seemed to sense something and turned to look back at Robin.

Then, he flashed his trademark toothy smile.

Robin couldn't help but burst into laughter.

[Although Luffy stood up again and approached Lucci...]

[Soon, he collapsed once more.]

[It seemed that after taking two consecutive Six Kings Guns, his physical endurance had reached its limit.]

[He couldn't stand up again...]

Seeing this, Lucci's indifferent face formed a smile.

"That's right, lying on the ground is the posture of the weak."

"Although you're strong, in front of me, you still can't stand."

Meanwhile, Usopp, seeing Luffy fall, understood he had to act.

So, he ran to the bridge, constantly cheering and encouraging Luffy.

But Luffy was too badly injured; despite recovering his sanity with his partner's encouragement, he couldn't stand.

So the clever Usopp thought of a way to taunt Lucci!

[Results...]

[Lucci was genuinely provoked, took a step, and started walking towards Usopp.]

[Luffy, knowing Lucci's strength, understood that if he allowed him to pass, his partners would all die!]

[Lucci, halfway there, heard a noise from behind and curiously looked back.]

[Suddenly, his face changed slightly...]

[It turned out that, stimulated by the safety of his partner, Luffy stood up again!]

[Though out of breath, Luffy declared word by word:]

"I will never... fall down!!!"

The scene in the picture!

This moment... The whole world was shocked!

Countless nobles and civilians alike were impressed by his determination...

**********

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