Chapter 191 : Katakuri Defeated?

The realization hit Akainu like a tidal wave!

Impossible!

It couldn't be!

No matter how meteoric Straw Hat's rise had been, the notion of him ascending to the rank of the Fifth Emperor of the Sea seemed preposterous!

Consider this: there are currently only four reigning emperors of the sea. Their dominance has already placed the Navy Headquarters in a precarious position, and the ongoing stalemate between them and the Marines has persisted for years without resolution.

If another contender were to emerge as a fifth emperor... what purpose would it serve?

Furthermore, attaining the status of a sea emperor is no trifling matter. Whether the Straw Hat lad could surpass Katakuri's formidable prowess remained to be seen.

Though Katakuri may not pose an immediate threat to him now, Akainu was convinced that Straw Hat would inevitably succumb to Katakuri's might!

As a high-ranking Marine admiral with insight into the workings of the Big Mom Pirates, Akainu knew of Katakuri's reputation as an indomitable force!

With his caliber, defeating Straw Hat would be child's play!

Even as the entire Big Mom Pirates continued their relentless pursuit of the Straw Hat crew...

If Katakuri were to eliminate Straw Hat, it would leave the Straw Hat Pirates vulnerable to being encircled and vanquished by their other adversaries!

In that scenario... it would be the most favorable outcome. Meanwhile, the scene in the sky unfolded:

[The battle between Luffy and Katakuri has escalated into a ferocious clash!"

[Their fists collide with such intensity that they blur into mere afterimages!"

[Their combat skills are honed to perfection, employing both Armament and Observation Haki to their utmost limits."

[As the confrontation rages on, it's impossible to discern the passage of time."

[Finally!]

[Luffy and Katakuri were sent flying backward simultaneously!]

[Both were struck by the immense force of their opponent, crashing into their respective walls, demolishing a significant portion of the buildings!]

[Their faces and bodies were now covered in blood!]

[After enduring such a ferocious and prolonged battle, both were on the brink of collapse.]

[They can't even muster the strength to stand anymore.]

[Yet, they somehow managed to prop themselves against the wall and ground, slowly rising to their feet.]

[In this moment, both Luffy and Katakuri unleashed their final reserves of strength.]

["Straw Hat, concede defeat!!!"]

["Katakuri, I will defeat you, no matter what!!!"]

[They roared at each other, channeling their last ounces of energy, ascending into the air, and launching their attacks!]

[At this critical juncture,]

[Luffy employed his most potent technique in his fourth Orochi mode...]

["Rubber... King Cobra!"]

[Luffy's fist retracted into his body, then swiftly releasing with tremendous force!]

[The impact of his punch was unbelievably potent!]

[In an instant, the air resonated with a terrifying sonic boom!]

[Merely observing it conveyed the sheer might of Luffy's strike...]

[Not to be outmatched, Katakuri raised his arms high,]

[They instantaneously enlarged, enveloped in Armament Haki!]

[His arm transformed into a mace-like weapon, slamming hard into Luffy's skull!]

[The sheer force of his blow was utterly terrifying.]

[Even the air seemed to explode with each swing!]

[Boom!!!]

[Amidst a deafening roar, their attacks collided simultaneously.]

[Luffy's punch left a sizable dent in Katakuri's abdomen.]

[He was sent hurtling like a cannonball, crashing through the thick wall before crashing heavily onto the ground!]

[Meanwhile, Luffy bore the brunt of the mace-like blow to his head, causing it to dent as he slammed into the ground.]

[The impact fractured the earth beneath him into countless crevices.]

[In that moment, both collapsed to the ground simultaneously!]

[Yet, how much time passed, I cannot say,]

[Luffy rose once more!]

[His head resembled that of a swollen pig, his eyes barely able to open.]

[Whether from exhaustion or sheer physical agony, his entire being was pushed to the limit.]

[It seemed nearly impossible to muster any remaining strength to continue the fight!]

[In this moment, he held only one thought in his mind...]

[To locate Nami and the others, as agreed upon previously, and rendezvous at Chocolate Island!]

[However, as he struggled to stand and took two faltering steps forward...]

[However, he found a silhouette standing before him!]

[Raising his gaze, he beheld the towering frame of Katakuri.]

Witnessing this sight, countless viewers were seized by shock and despair!

Luffy had expended his final reserves of strength.

Yet, despite his weakened state, had Katakuri truly not been vanquished?

In that instant, Katakuri's presence before Luffy not only plunged the Straw Hat captain into despair but also cast a pall over the multitude of onlookers!

How could this man possess such formidable strength and resilience?

Could this exemplify the true caliber of the Yonko Pirates' elite cadre?

All had borne witness to the sheer might of Luffy's blow, a force beyond comprehension.

Yet, even with such a devastating assault, Katakuri remained standing?

Could this mark Luffy's first genuine defeat after countless battles?

Would the Straw Hat Pirates face complete annihilation at the hands of all nations?

In the hearts of the spectators, myriad emotions swirled—doubt, astonishment, bewilderment, anticipation, and prayer.

Their hearts were a tumult of conflicting sentiments!

Even the eminent figures of the sea, including Whitebeard, Shanks, Kaido, Big Mom, Garp, Sengoku, Dragon... gazed skyward with bated breath.

Though their expectations for the battle's outcome differed, they all awaited the next turn of events with keen interest.

[Luffy's strength had waned to the point where he could barely remain upright.]

[His eyes struggled to stay open!]

[Upon beholding Katakuri's imposing figure before him]

[Even he, with his indomitable spirit, bore a flicker of despair.]

[For in this moment, he lacked the capacity to continue the fight.]

[Yet Katakuri's condition was scarcely better. His visage, chest, and limbs...]

[All drenched in crimson!]

[Undoubtedly, he had pushed himself to the brink in his clash with Luffy!]

[Teetering on the edge of collapse]

[One might have expected Katakuri to capitalize on his advantage, to summon his final reserves and deliver Luffy the decisive blow!]

[Yet in this moment...]

[He fixed Luffy with an intense gaze and spoke with deliberate slowness...]

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