Chapter 188: Grand Melee and Tokikake's MessageTime slipped away amidst the smoke and the sounds of battle.In no time, the massive Marine fleet completed its tactical maneuver, forming a tight three-sided encirclement from the left, right, and the direction of the Gates of Justice, like a giant steel pincer, gripping the Bridge of Hesitation in a death lock.The only path of retreat left was the bottomless, roaring waterfall behind them in the direction of the Tower of Justice."Abandon this futile resistance, Straw Hat Pirates!""You are completely surrounded!""Surrender immediately, and you may be granted leniency!"The voice of a Marine Commodore rang out simultaneously through the transponder snailamplifiers installed on the warships; the cold declaration came from all directions, carrying an air of condescension."Surrender? Leniency?"Franky scoffed, his resolute gaze sweeping across the sea as if he could pierce through space to see that cold Gates of Justice."What kind of nonsense are you spouting!""Back then, my master, Tom, didn't resist, but what was the result?""He still couldn't escape the fate of being convicted and meeting his death! Your World Government's words are the biggest lie."His voice was filled with mockery and distrust for the World Government's so-called "justice.""Don't bother with talk of surrender; that word doesn't exist in my dictionary!"Zoro slowly unsheathed all three of his swords, the cold gleam reflecting in his eagle-sharp eyes as he locked onto Vice Admiral Momonga."If you want to fight, then let's fight!""Ah—! I'm full, I'm full!"Just then, Luffy patted his belly, which was distended like a balloon, and shouted in satisfaction.He stretched out his rubber arm and accurately grabbed Zoro's shoulder."Whoa! Idiot, what are you trying to do again?"Zoro was startled by this sudden "attack.""Whoosh!"Using his elasticity, Luffy catapulted himself like a cannonball to the very front of the group, facing the vast enemy fleet head-on.Although his body had recovered, his aura was like an unsheathed sharp sword, even more imposing."I am Monkey D. Luffy!"He took a deep breath, his voice like a thunderclap, instantly drowning out the echoes of waves and gunfire, clearly spreading across the battlefield."The man who will become the Pirate King!""Whether it's the Marines or the World Government, if you dare to touch a single hair on my crew's heads—"He clenched his fist tightly, his eyes burning with unquestionable will."I will crush you all!!"This resounding declaration, carrying an invisible impact akin to Conqueror's Haki, made the nearby Marine elites feel a jolt in their hearts, and cold sweat involuntarily soaked their backs."Crush? You really dare to say that... Garp's grandson,"Tokikake furrowed his brows, his tone filled with disbelief,"Do you have any idea who you are declaring war on?"Upon hearing this, Luffy actually pinched his chin and earnestly recalled the enemies Robin had mentioned at the Tower of Justice.Then, with a look of realization, he answered loudly in his signature, matter-of-fact tone:"Yeah! I know! It seems to be something called... the 'World Government'!"This overly blunt, even slightly nonchalant answer left Tokikake speechless for a moment, and in his haste, he blurted out:"Idiot! The World Government isn't a th..." He realized something was wrong the moment the words left his mouth, but it was already too late."Not a thing?"Luffy clapped his hands hard and realized with sudden clarity, "Oh! I get it! So the World Government isn't a thing!"Luffy even bowed sincerely to apologize."Sorry!"Just as he finished speaking—"Oh~" Zoro immediately crossed his arms, let out an undisguised scoff, and precisely followed up with the mockery,"Looks like they have some self-awareness themselves."Sanji, standing to the side, elegantly exhaled a smoke ring, then crushed the cigarette butt with his sole, his lips curling into a mocking arc:"Since you can admit to that, I almost want to apologize to you on behalf of my Captain's slip of the tongue.""Pfft—hahaha! Mmph...!"Usopp burst into laughter instantly, but upon meeting the almost murderous glares of the surrounding Marines, he quickly clamped his hands over his mouth, leaving only his shoulders shaking violently.The expressions of the surrounding Marines, who were standing at the ready, became even more colorful; they were beet-red from holding back laughter, yet glared furiously because their superior had been insulted."You...!!"Tokikake was so infuriated by these continuous verbal jabs that he almost couldn't catch his breath, his old face turning beet red.He realized that bickering about language with this bunch of unconventional pirates was purely self-humiliating."Enough!" He roared in embarrassed rage, turning all his embarrassment and fury into a signal for action."There is no point in being sharp-tongued! If you want to talk about the future, first seize the lifeline before you!"He said no more; his hand, which had been hanging steadily, swung forward with a sense of determination—"Move out!"The order exploded like thunder, completely shattering this brief, absurd interlude. A heavier cloud of battle, accompanied by the Marine elites surging forward once again, bore down fiercely on the Straw Hat crew!"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh—!"Behind Tokikake, the Marine elites who had been poised for action flashed into motion one after another, using the high-speed movement of "Soru," instantly crossing the distance between the sea and the bridge, appearing before the Straw Hat crew like ghosts!The battle erupted in full force in an instant!"The 'Bloodthirsty Swordsman' Roronoa Zoro!""Let me test your swordsmanship!"Vice Admiral Momonga arrived with his voice, his long sword, carrying a chilling gleam, slashing straight at Zoro's face!"Clang—!!"Sparks flew!Zoro crossed his two swords, steadily blocking this heavy, powerful strike, causing the bridge deck beneath his feet to crack slightly.Far from being afraid, his eyes ignited with raging battle intent and the fire of excitement."I've heard that guy Mark mention you before!"Zoro grinned, showing a wild smile."Oh?"Momonga exerted force with his wrist, pressing his blade down."How exactly did he evaluate me? I am somewhat curious."Zoro parried the blade, and at the same time, Kitetsu pierced towards Momonga's ribs like a viper!"He said that you..."Zoro deliberately drew out his tone, and in the moment Momonga dodged to the side, he shouted:"Are a'Slash-Mustache' Vice Admiral!""A'Slash' mustache?"Momonga was taken aback, his hand movement slowing by a fraction."If a handlebar mustache is missing one side, isn't it just a'Slash' mustache?"Zoro laughed, seizing this fleeting opportunity; wado ichimonji transformed into a sharp vertical slash, falling fiercely while grazing Momonga's cheek!The sharp wind of the blade swept past, and Momonga's carefully groomed, iconic fake mustache on the left was blown clean off by the force of the wind!That wisp of mustache drifted in the air, falling right into Franky's attack range, and was burned to ashes by a "Franky Fireball"!"You... you rude pirate!!"Momonga touched his bare left lip, his face instantly turning beet red, filled with shame and anger, his hand gripping the sword trembling violently from extreme rage."Unforgivable—die!"In his fury, he gripped his sword with both hands and slashed out a massive, highly concentrated cross-shaped strike, tearing through the air and whistling towards Zoro!"Hmph! Now this is interesting!"Zoro's eyes narrowed, his three swords instantly pulled back behind him, setting into the starting stance of an Iai slash, his entire aura like a volcano about to erupt."Enduring suffering without complaint, this is the path of Shura!""Three Sword Style: 108 Pound Phoenix—Underworld Fire Tornado!"Black, white, and red blade lights intertwined, transforming into a giant tornado wrapped in ghostly underworld fire, roaring as it collided fiercely with the cross slash!The slash was instantly shredded and annihilated, while the destructive Underworld Fire Tornado continued unabated, carrying Zoro's will as it swept towards Momonga!While Zoro and Momonga were locked in fierce combat, Mark quickly whispered a few words to Usopp and shoved an inconspicuous package into his hands.Usopp nodded in understanding, took the package, and used the cover of the chaotic battlefield to quickly sneak towards the back of the bridge."Sanji, why do you always pick women as your opponents? Go help Nami deal with that smirking Yamakaji!""This woman, leave her to me!"Before Mark finished speaking, his figure appeared in front of Sanji as if teleporting, blocking several black bars that were shooting towards him.Sanji glanced at the battle situation where Namiwas coordinating with others to engage the gentle but powerful Vice Admiral Yamakaji, and nodded."Be careful, brat!"Then he vanished with "Soru" to go provide support."Bang!"Mark's fist, covered in Armament Haki, smashed fiercely into the black bar that had re-formed and attacked, shattering it to pieces.He looked up at the tall female officer with long pink hair not far away, a slightly teasing smile appearing on his face."Miss Hina, long time no see, you're looking as stylish as ever!"Choosing Hina as an opponent wasn't arrogance, but a helpless move made after calm calculation—The other Vice Admirals were at full strength, and in his current unrecovered state, he had no chance of winning in a head-on clash.And Hina, as an "old opponent," knowing each other's roots, was actually the most suitable person to stall for time."It's you again...""Hina is very, very unhappy!"Hina bit her cigarette, her brows locked tight, as she retracted the broken black bars and re-condensed them in her hand into a more solid, sharp black spear.Facing Mark, who had once defeated her, she didn't underestimate him in the slightest, but she would never back down either.Her tactic was clear: use the long-range advantage of the black spear to restrain and skirmish, delaying as much as possible while waiting for the other Vice Admirals to finish off their opponents and come to support.And this, coincidentally, also fit Mark's plan.The two instantly clashed!Hina's black spear was like a viper striking from its hole, the tip gleaming with cold light, targeting Mark's vital points, attempting to force him away from close range.Mark, like a ghost, dodged and weaved through the dense spear shadows, his footwork exquisite, gradually closing the distance with Hina step by step—He knew very well that once he entered his own striking range, he would control the rhythm of the battle!At this moment, Mark's weapon, "Ink Meteor," had transformed into a majestic black lion form, guarding Chopper.Chopper had previously eaten a rumble ball, but if he ate another, his body would completely lose control.The lion Ink Meteor fought alone against three Marine Headquarters Colonels, two of whom were actually Zoan "Bird-Bird Fruit" users—Ostrich form and Flamingo form!They were not only physically strong and proficient in the Six Powers, but also possessed unique sonic attacks and the fierce kicking technique "Tempest Kick."Ink Meteor roared, its sharp claws swiping out "Tempest Claws," a vacuum slash similar to "Tempest Kick," clashing fiercely with the enemies' attacks, erupting with dazzling light; the battle was exceptionally intense.On the battlefield, the most eye-catching figure was undoubtedly that petite yellow figure—Merry.She no longer hid her terrifying talent as a member of the lunarian race, fully unleashing the incredible speed and formidable physique unique to her race!Her figure flickered constantly across the battlefield, like golden lightning,Every time she appeared, it was inevitably accompanied by several elite Marines screaming as they were sent flying backward; it was impossible to track her movements."We cannot let this brat run wild any longer!"Vice Admiral Onigumo, aboard the warship, had a cold look in his eyes as his two long swords were instantly unsheathed, and six prosthetic limbs resembling spider legs extended from his back!He stepped on Moonwalk, and with a few leaps, he fiercely landed on the bridge, his massive figure blocking Merry's path."White-haired brat, let me be your opponent!"Onigumo's voice was hoarse and cold.Merry stopped, clenched her small fists covered in faint yellow flames, and looked up at this enemy who was dozens of times taller than her and shaped like a nightmarish spider demon. In her large blue eyes, there was no fear, only pure fighting spirit and a hint of... disgust?"Are you... strong?" she asked seriously.Before Onigumo could answer, Merry immediately continued:"But I don't like arthropods!"The little girl held it in for a moment, then added very seriously:"Especially spiders!""...What the hell...?" Onigumo was stunned by this remark that completely didn't fit the battlefield atmosphere, then became annoyed and angry."Sorry, little girl!""But this is a battlefield! Nothing will change because of your preferences.""Shave!"Onigumo's figure vanished, instantly appearing where Merry had been standing, and a huge, sticky spider web descended from thin air!However, Merry was faster, having already leapt backward by instinct."The little bee runs quite fast! Truly worthy of the legendary lunarian race."Onigumo snorted coldly, flicked his hair to retract the empty spider web, and took steps full of oppression, closing in on Merry step by step."Hundred Flower Bloom: Hook Claw!"Just as Onigumo's attention was focused on Merry, countless arms suddenly extended from his back, wrapping tightly around his spider-like prosthetic limbs like vines, and twisted them hard in the opposite direction!It was Robin! She would never let Onigumo hurt Merry!"Nico Robin? Perfect, I'll capture you together!"Onigumo felt the force behind him, scoffed disdainfully, and Armament Haki instantly covered all his prosthetic limbs."Creak—" A teeth-gritting sound rang out; the arms Robin had manifested shattered one after another under the absolute difference in strength, turning into petals scattering across the sky.Robin herself also gave a muffled groan, clutching her wrist in pain.However, this brief obstruction had created an excellent opportunity for Merry!"Super Heavy Punch!"Her petite body erupted with terrifying power inconsistent with her size! Black wings covered in yellow flames pierced through her raincoat, Merry's figure blurred instantly, and the next moment she appeared before Onigumo!That small fist, burning with faint flames, carried an unstoppable momentum as it smashed fiercely into Onigumo's stunned face!"Boom—!!!"A dull impact sound rang out! Onigumo's cheek visibly caved in and deformed, and his entire body, as if struck by a battering ram, lifted off the ground and flew backward, knocking down over a dozen elite Marines behind him who couldn't dodge in time before landing heavily!Merry blew on the yellow flames on her fist,"I told you I don't like arthropods!"Franky's pressure here was suddenly reduced due to Merry's outburst, and he immediately seized the opportunity, going all out with his firepower!"Strong Right!""Franky Flash Fire!""Franky Mini Wind-Coming Cannon!"He was like a mobile arsenal, pouring out all the weapon skills loaded on his body, instantly clearing an area.However, this crazy output also exhausted his stored energy—cola."Mark—! Cola!""Hurry! I need a Super energy refill!"Franky shouted toward Mark's direction without turning his head, while fending off the Marines rushing back up."Do I look like I have time to hand you cola right now?" Mark's voice came from the battle group, sounding clearly strained.Franky looked back in the midst of his busyness, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets:"Hey! You two...""Isn't this pose a bit Super ambiguous!"In the center of the battle, Tina had somehow used an extremely tricky jujitsu technique to ride on Mark's shoulders, her long legs clad in black leather pants acting like a deadly pair of scissors, tightly strangling Mark's neck!Mark's hands were gripping Tina's wrists, which were attempting to strike his temples, creating an extremely awkward yet perilous stalemate in the shape of a large "X"."Ambiguous my foot! This crazy woman is using a deadly scissor hold!""Think of something!" Mark squeezed the words through his teeth."Hey! Let go!" Tina shouted sternly, applying more force with her legs."Are you f***ing stupid?" Mark felt the pressure on his neck surge and roared."You have Armament Haki hardening on your legs to stop me from turning elemental, but I also have Armament Haki hardening on my neck! Can you twist it?"Tina, unwilling to believe it, felt with her ankles, and sure enough, it was like being locked onto indestructible steel, not budging an inch."Then you let go first!" Tina immediately changed her strategy."Do you think I'm some idiot knight like Sanji who can't move when he sees a beautiful woman?" Markdid not give in, but instead shouted at Franky."Franky! Hurry! She can't move now!""Keep this pose, and hit her with a Wind-Coming Cannon!!""Awooo—! Although this pose is cool!""But right now I'm Super lame! I'm completely empty!" Franky pointed to his empty stomach storage, helpless."Bastard!" Mark cursed inwardly, steeled himself, jumped up in place, and then performed a fierce head-first dive toward the ground!If he hit the ground, with the downward impact and his own weight, Tina's neck would definitely be snapped instantly!At the critical moment, Tina displayed astonishing waist and abdominal strength and combat proficiency! She actually forced a bend in her back under extreme conditions, letting her back hit the ground first to neutralize most of the impact!At the same time, using the rebound force from her back hitting the ground, she did a nimble forward roll and took the opportunity to kick Mark hard in the abdomen!"Boom!" Mark was kicked flying by this clever kick, flipping three times in the air before barely stabilizing his figure and landing."Swish! Swish! Swish!" Three bottles of chilled cola were accurately thrown toward Franky."Thanks!"Mark threw the cola, but his gaze didn't leave Tina, who was setting up her stance again, for a second, and there was a bit more genuine gravity in his eyes."Your skills have improved quite a bit, Tina." He shook his slightly numb wrist and said sincerely.That counterattack just now was fluid; if he hadn't been so experienced in combat, he might have really suffered."Stinking pirate! Don't call me so familiarly!" Tina panted slightly, her eyes sharp as knives."You aren't using your full strength, are you? You're looking down on Tina!"Mark smiled bitterly in his heart; he wanted to go all out, but the side effects of the Killing Mode hadn't completely faded, and more importantly, he had to save enough strength to prepare for the upcoming escape plan—constructing the Rainbow Passageand potentially covering the rear. This "slacking off" was truly a last resort.Franky changed the cola, and his energy was instantly full!"Super—!!!" He roared, his chest opened, revealing the shining marquee, and he charged into the enemy formation like a heavy tank again."Franky—MAX Consecutive Punches!" His steel fists turned into a sky full of afterimages, beating several Marine Captains who tried to sneak attack until they were crying for their parents, bones broken and tendons snapped.The entire battlefield fell into an eerie balance. The Straw Hat crew, relying on their tacit cooperation and the potential each of them burst forth, actually managed to temporarily hold off the fierce attacks of the elite Marines and several Vice Admirals.However, everyone knew that this balance was extremely fragile. The prerequisite was—Luffy must be able to block that unfathomable Tokikake, who had not yet truly made a move! But this was obviously too much of a stretch.Tokikake, who had been watching the battle, finally moved. He sighed softly and muttered in a voice only he could hear: "Old man Garp, I'm sorry...""If you want to beat someone up later, go settle the score with Sengoku."The signature, lazy smile that seemed like he would never wake up completely disappeared from his face, and his eyes, which had always been slightly squinted, opened completely, revealing the deep and sharp light within.An invisible aura, far more vast and majestic than that of Onigumo, Momonga, and the others, began to spread slowly with him as the center, as if a sleeping lion had finally awakened."Hey, you brats of the Straw Hat family." His voice was not loud, but it strangely penetrated all the noise on the battlefield, clearly entering the ears of everyone on the bridge."Fleet Admiral Sengoku... asked me to give you a message." This sudden announcement caused both sides in the fierce battle to simultaneously force back their opponents and temporarily stop their movements, their gazes focusing collectively on Tokikake. A brief silence fell over the battlefield."Oh? What message did that old guy bring?" Markpatted the dust off his body and asked seemingly casually, but his eyes were alert to the extreme."You really are fearless..." Onigumo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said coldly."That is the Fleet Admiral! Even the Emperors of the Sea have to respectfully call him 'Buddha Sengoku'!""You brats are simply ignorant and fearless!"Mark picked his ear, his tone carrying a hint of provocation:"So what?""What exactly did that old fart say?"Tokikake did not get angry at Mark's disrespect; he just calmly repeated word for word:"'Didn't you claim you were going to tear down Marineford?'""'Don't think that just because you have some old guy backing you, you can act recklessly and do whatever you want.'""'Little brats, obediently reflect on your sins in the abyss of Impel Down!'"The moment the words fell, the aura that had been restrained around Tokikake exploded! It was as if a calm sea suddenly surged with ten thousand feet of wild waves! A powerful sense of oppression, like a tangible tsunami, fiercely impacted the nerves of every member of the Straw Hat crew!"Me relaying this message," Tokikake slowly opened up a primitive boxing stance, his gaze sweeping over Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Mark... and finally settling on Luffy, his voice becoming cold and full of majesty."Means that the warm-up is over...""I, too, am going to stretch my muscles a little."The ultimate crisis, with this "Admiral-candidate's" formal statement, had finally arrived!Stopped🔊 Browser
Chapter 189: Chopper's RampageThe moment Tokikake uttered the word "Action," only a slowly fading afterimage remained where he had been standing.The real him had already appeared in front of Luffyas if by teleportation, his speed surpassing the realm of "Soru"!There was no earth-shattering release of aura, only a sense of oppression that had returned to basics and condensed to the extreme, like an invisible shackle instantly clamped onto Luffy."Let's start with you, Garp's grandson."Tokikake's voice was calm and waveless; he simply lifted his right hand, pressed his index finger against his thumb, and aimed at Luffy's forehead, poised to flick.The movement seemed slow and casual, but Luffy's battle instincts, honed through countless trials, sounded the sharpest alarm!Every hair on his body stood on end!"Gum-Gum — JET Pistol!"Luffy reacted instantly; Gear Second steam erupted, and his pitch-black fist, coated in Armament Haki, shot out like a cannonball, striking first despite moving later, aiming straight for Tokikake's face!He wanted to force the opponent to defend!However, facing this heavy punch capable of shattering steel, Tokikake did not change his flicking motion in the slightest; he simply reached out his free left hand casually."Snap!"A soft sound echoed.That "JET Pistol," which had been enough to send Lucci flying, was caught by Tokikake with his left palm, so nonchalantly and steadily!Luffy looked in disbelief as his fist was grabbed by the opponent with one hand; no matter how much force he exerted, he couldn't break free in the slightest."The speed is passable, but the power... is still far from enough."Tokikake shook his head slightly, as if critiquing a junior.At the same time, his right hand, which had been poised and ready, finally delivered that seemingly gentle flick."Pop."A soft sound like a bubble bursting.His fingertip did not directly touch Luffy's skin, but the moment it flicked, it emitted:A "Boom!" sound.Before Luffy could even adopt a defensive stance, his entire body was struck as if by an invisible giant hammer.His head snapped back, his body flew uncontrollably off the ground, rolling over a dozen times until he finally came to a stop after crashing into a broken bridge pier!"Luffy!!"Nami and the others exclaimed."Ah... that hurts!"Luffy shook his buzzing head and struggled to climb up from the ground; a clear red mark quickly swelled on his forehead, and blood streamed down his brow bone.His vision went black; that single blow had nearly caused him to lose consciousness."So painful... why is it just like Grandpa's?"Luffy shook his head, his eyes becoming more composed, "But... I won't give up just like that!""Gum-Gum — JET Gatling!"He roared, pushing Gear Second to its limit, his arms turning into countless red afterimages!Every punch contained the power to split mountains and crack rocks, enough to leave a warship riddled with holes!Facing this fierce onslaught capable of destroying an army, Tokikake finally put away his lazy expression, his eyes becoming slightly more serious.He did not choose to take it head-on; his figure was like a willow catkin in a gale, weaving and swaying freely amidst the dense shadows of fists."Too slow.""The trajectory is too straight.""The power is scattered."While dodging all attacks with a leisurely stroll, he pointed out the "flaws" in Luffy's moves in a calm tone.Those sky-filling fist shadows couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes!"Your attacks are full of determination, but they lack the necessary 'quality'."Tokikake's voice seemed to ring directly in Luffy's mind,"It seems Mr. Garp hasn't taught you how to concentrate power into a single point yet."Before the words faded, Tokikake's figure blurred again!Luffy's Observation Haki warned him frantically, capturing an extremely fleeting glimpse of the future—Tokikake appeared on his left, a hand blade silently slashing toward his neck!"I see it!"Luffy roared in his heart, immediately twisting his body and blocking with his arm covered in Armament Haki!However—"You predicted it? Not a bad talent. But..."The hand blade Tokikake had originally aimed at his neck, the moment Luffy blocked, twisted its trajectory strangely as if by precognition, turning from a palm into a finger, and precisely tapped the joint of Luffy's arm!"Pfft!"A sharp, needle-like burst of energy instantly penetrated!"Argh!"Luffy felt a wave of numbness and severe pain in his entire arm; his Armament Haki had been broken by the opponent's point-attack, instantly dissipating!That arm temporarily lost sensation and hung down powerlessly."Combat isn't something you can win just by foreseeing the future."Tokikake's voice was close at hand, "It also requires... absolute strength to support that foresight."He gave Luffy no more chance to catch his breath, his figure following like a shadow, closing in.His attacks were no longer wide and sweeping, but had turned into the most concise and lethal grappling and joint techniques!Every strike hit precisely on the nodes where Luffy's power flowed, whether it was a joint or a key point of muscle exertion."Bang! Bang! Crack!"Luffy was like a puppet controlled by invisible threads, beaten to the point of being unable to parry, with no power to fight back.The impact resistance of his rubber body was greatly diminished in the face of Tokikake's penetrating attacks.The sound of dislocated bones and the pain of torn muscles came continuously."Gum-Gum — Battle Axe!"Risking taking a hit, Luffy suddenly raised his leg, his giant foot chopping down like a battle axe!Tokikake did not dodge or parry; he simply supported it upward with one hand, a soft yet massive force surging out, steadily holding the heavy "Battle Axe," then flicked his wrist, transmitting a deft force."Hum—!"Luffy felt a violent vibration transmit from the sole of his foot throughout his entire body; his whole person trembled violently like an electric shock, his move was instantly broken, and his massive body lost its balance."Full of openings."Tokikake's voice was like the whisper of the Grim Reaper, at the moment Luffy lost his balance,his fingers, like a storm, instantly struck several important points on Luffy's chest and abdomen!"Pfft—!"Luffy violently spat out a mouthful of blood, his entire body's strength seemingly drained in an instant; Gear Second was forced to deactivate, the steam dissipated, and his skin returned to its original color.He was like a marionette with cut strings, kneeling heavily on the ground, only able to barely support his body with his hands to avoid collapsing completely.The battle had started only a few dozen seconds ago, and the Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Monkey D. Luffy, was already severely injured and defeated!Tokikake looked down at Luffy, who was kneeling on the ground, gasping for air, with no triumph in his eyes, only a deep calm."Now, do you understand the gap?"He slowly raised his hand; in his palm, a heart-palpitating energy began to condense, "It's over."The condensed energy was not for killing, but to completely disable Luffy's ability to move and capture him alive.Just at this critical moment—"Three Sword Style · Hellfire · Tornado!""Diable Jambe · Flambage Shot!"From left and right, two resolute attacks, carrying the momentum to tear everything apart, fiercely assaulted Tokikake!It was Zoro and Sanji!Seeing Luffy in danger, they had desperately broken away from their respective opponents to come to his rescue!Tokikake frowned slightly, seemingly feeling a trace of displeasure at these two "annoying flies."He had to temporarily abandon his pursuit of Luffy, separating his hands, one hand meeting Zoro's slash, the other slapping away Sanji's flame kick...And Luffy, kneeling on the ground, watching the desperate figures of his companions and hearing their hoarse roars, dug his blood-stained fingers deep into the stone slabs of the bridge."I... still... cannot... fall..."A deeper, hotter power seemed to begin to silently awaken within his broken bones and boiling blood...The situation on the battlefield turned sharply for the worse due to Tokikake's joining.Luffy was pushed back step by step under Tokikake's exquisite and powerful onslaught, spitting blood and kneeling on the ground.Zoro and Sanji, seeing their Captain in imminent danger, had to abandon their respective opponents, roaring as they charged toward Tokikake, attempting to buy a moment of respite for Luffy.Facing the pincer attack from the two, Tokikake only slightly turned his body, his hands drawing a circle; a supple yet irresistible force deflected and neutralized Zoro's slash and Sanji's kick.The battle instantly entered a white-hot stage, but it also caused Vice Admiral Momonga, who had originally been fighting Zoro, to be completely "liberated"!Momonga touched his bare left lip, shame, anger, and killing intent intertwined in his heart.His gaze, like a cold viper, instantly locked onto a relatively weak yet crucial link on the battlefield—Chopper, who was anxiously preparing emergency medicine under the protection of Ink Meteor!"Take out their doctor first!"A cold light flashed in Momonga's eyes, and his figure suddenly disappeared!"Soru!"His speed was extreme, his long sword covered in pitch-black Armament Haki, like a gray lightning bolt, stabbing straight at Chopper!"Chopper! Look out!!"Mark, who was fiercely entangled with Tina, was the first to sense the killing intent and cried out in horror, but he was tightly held by Tina's black spears and could not get away at all!"Chopper!!"Nami caught a glimpse while fighting Yamakaji, her heart shaken violently, and a bolt of lightning struck wide."Chopper!!!"Robin and Merry exclaimed simultaneously, wanting to return to help, but they were firmly blocked by Onigumo's spider legs and sticky spider webs!Franky was even more tightly surrounded by dozens of fearless Marine elites, his firepower unable to reach Chopper's direction for the moment!Everyone's heart was in their throat!Seeing Momonga's lethal long sword about to pierce the petite Chopper!Just at this critical moment—"Roar—!!!"A black lightning bolt, with speed beyond instinct, fiercely inserted itself between Chopper and the blade!It was Ink Meteor!This black lion, with human-like intelligence, felt its most cherished companion facing a fatal threat, and it gave up circling with those three troublesome Marine Captains.It spared no effort to leave its back wide open, unhesitatingly using its own body to build the final barrier for Chopper!"Pfft—!"The sound of a sharp blade entering flesh made one's teeth ache!Momonga's long sword slashed deeply into Ink Meteor's shoulder blade, blood gushing like a spring, instantly staining its pitch-black fur red!The intense pain made Ink Meteor let out a deafening roar of agony, but its massive body stood firm like a mountain; its lion head swung around, filled with violent rage, and it bit toward Momonga!Momonga did not expect this beast to be so brave, and hurriedly pulled back his sword to retreat.The other three Marine Captains also seized the opportunity to attack again, their sharp claws and teeth and Rankyaku slashes falling mercilessly on Ink Meteor's wounded body, adding new wounds."Ink Meteor!!"Chopper looked at the black lion blocking in front of him, covered in blood but still protecting him tightly, and tears instantly welled up in his eyes.Intense self-reproach and a sense of powerlessness gnawed at his heart like a viper."Am... am I a burden again? I don't want to be protected by everyone from behind forever! I want to protect everyone too!!"His gaze became incomparably firm, and his trembling little hoof reached toward his small bag.He took out two pills from inside, deep in color, with energy fluctuations far more violent than ordinary rumble balls—These were the "Enhanced rumble balls" specially refined for him by Mark, who used his Filth-Filth Fruit ability to remove all impurities!"Chopper! Don't!!"Mark, who was dealing with Tina, caught a glimpse of this scene out of the corner of his eye, his soul flying away in terror, and he shouted to stop him, "That medicine hasn't been tested; it's too dangerous!"But Chopper could no longer hear him.The figures of his companions fighting bitterly, the hot blood spilled by Ink Meteor, Captain Luffy's unyielding will... everything, everything, had turned into the courage for his desperate gamble at this moment!"For everyone—!"He let out a resolute cry and, without hesitation, stuffed two enhanced rumble balls into his mouth and swallowed them!"Gulp!"The moment the pills hit his stomach, terrifying energy erupted within his small body like a volcano!"Urrghhh—!!!"Chopper let out a roar intertwined with pain and power!His body expanded and deformed crazily into an unprecedented form!His muscles bulged and knotted, his bones emitted a spine-chilling "crack" sound, and in the blink of an eye, his height surpassed ten meters, like a giant beast from ancient times!His eyes erupted with a terrifying ice-blue light, filled with wildness and chaos, and a violent aura swept through the surroundings!"Chopper!" Nami watched the huge figure exuding an ominous aura in horror."Hey! Is this still our ship's doctor? What kind of ancient creature is this!" Franky shouted while firing.Zoro and Sanji were also distracted by this sudden turn of events and were nearly hit by Chaton Gaki.Everyone looked at Chopper nervously, unsure if he still retained his sanity or if he would attack friend and foe alike."Awoo!" A deer's cry!However, just as everyone's hearts were hanging by a thread, a trace of familiar clarity, belonging to Chopper, struggled to flash across those ice-blue pupils!He slammed his arms, thick as stone pillars, against his chest, emitting a dull, thunderous sound, as if he were fighting a desperate battle against the violent beastly nature within him!"I... am... Tony Tony Chopper!"He gritted his teeth and squeezed out a hoarse but incredibly firm voice from the depths of his throat, "The... ship's doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates!"Hearing this familiar (albeit roughened) voice and clear consciousness, the partners finally let their hanging hearts drop, replaced by immense shock and excitement!The giant reindeer lowered his head, looked at Momonga, who had been forced back by Ink Meteorand was staring at him with suspicion, and the three Marine Colonels attacking Ink Meteor again, and roared, "How dare you hurt my friends!! Die!"A huge palm covered in hard fur, carrying a terrifying whistle that tore through the air, slammed down towards Momonga like a landslide!Momonga raised his sword to block, "Clang—!"The sound of metal clashing exploded!He felt an irresistible force coming from the blade, his thumb web instantly split, dripping with blood, and his whole body felt as if it had been hit by a high-speed sea train; his feet left the ground, sliding back uncontrollably for dozens of meters, plowing two deep trenches in the ground before barely stopping, his blood boiling within, his face full of horror!As for the three Colonels surrounding Ink Meteor, they were even worse off, directly swatted away by Chopper's other giant palm as if swatting flies, screaming as they crashed into the distant crowd of Marines, their fates unknown!The battlefield fell into a momentary silence."Wow! Chopper... so amazing!!" Luffy's eyes sparkled."Well done! Chopper!" Zoro praised loudly, his fighting spirit burning even brighter."Chopper!" Robin and Nami shouted in surprise."This is amazing! Chopper!" Merry was extremely excited.Facing his friends' surprised gazes, Choppermaintained his huge form and announced in a steady but urgent voice, "This state... I can only maintain for three minutes!"Three minutes! This brief information was like the strongest stimulant, injected into the body of every member of the Straw Hat Crew!"Three minutes... is enough!" Mark's eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Everyone! Coordinate with Chopper! Full counterattack!!"In the desperate situation, hope reappeared! The morale of the Straw Hat Crew, due to Chopper's self-sacrificing outburst and successful control, reached an unprecedented peak! The horn of counterattack has officially sounded!As Chopper fully mastered that deep-blue giant beast-like power and formed a tacit understanding with Ink Meteor, the situation in the middle of the battlefield reversed instantly!"Haa!" Chopper's voice was like thunder, his giant palms swinging left and right, each strike creating a terrifying gale.Those Marine elites at the rank of officers were simply vulnerable before his absolute power.Anyone who tried to block was swatted away like a fly, their bones broken, losing their combat effectiveness instantly.And Ink Meteor, with a heaven-shaking roar, expanded again! Turning into a giant beast nearly eight meters long and over four meters at the shoulder!It was like a war fortress clad in black armor, standing side by side with Chopper, forming an insurmountable moving front line.Claws swiped, lion tail swept, and wherever they passed, the Marines were sent flying.The two cooperated with each other like two efficient bulldozers, forcibly plowing a path through the chaotic battle, quickly advancing to the very front, and successfully joining up with Franky, who had been suppressing a large number of Marines with firepower!"Super——!! Just in time! Deer-Masira! Big Lion!" Franky shouted excitedly, as the energy cannon on his shoulder recharged."Not Masira, it's a reindeer!" Chopper's rough voice responded, his huge body acting like the most reliable barrier."I know, Deer-Masira!" Franky responded while fighting. "Asshole!" Chopper roared.With the impregnable defense line of Chopper and Ink Meteor isolating the vast majority of Marinesoldiers and officers, the pressure on the other members of the Straw Hat Crew was greatly reduced, and they could finally devote themselves wholeheartedly to the duel with the Marine Vice Admiral, leading to breakthrough progress in the battle!Facing the bizarre, multi-limbed Onigumo, Merrypushed the speed of the lunarian race to the limit.She no longer fought head-on; her petite yellow figure was like a ghost, moving at high speed around Onigumo, performing dazzling feints."Damn little bee! Annoying as a fly!" Onigumoroared repeatedly, his spider legs and long sword swinging wildly, but he was always half a beat slow, unable to catch Merry's physical form at all, and instead had his rhythm thrown into complete chaos.Just as he was irritable from the prolonged attack and his attention was completely drawn by Merry, Robin seized the fleeting opportunity!"Hundred Flower Bloom: Entangle!" Several arms silently emerged from the shadows beneath Onigumo's feet, like tough vines, tightly wrapping around his supporting ankles and pulling back hard!"Hmm?" Onigumo was caught off guard, his body stumbling, looking like he was about to fall forward.But he was extremely experienced in combat and reacted quickly; the six spider limbs on his back immediately propped downward like supports, trying to stabilize his balance.However, he underestimated Robin's tactics! "This is what I've been waiting for!" Robin's eyes narrowed, and she crossed her hands again!"Hundred Flower Bloom: Thousand Hand Twist!" The moment those six spider limbs touched the ground, several slender but powerful arms instantly grew from the joints of each limb!These arms exerted force simultaneously, tightly gripping the joints of the limbs, and pulled hard in different directions with all their might!"What? Oh no!!" Onigumo's expression changed drastically, his center of gravity completely lost, his huge body could no longer maintain its balance, and with a "bang," he landed face-first on the ground, dazed and confused!"Luffy!" Merry didn't need to say more; she let out a sharp cry, and her figure had already rushed towards Luffy."Understood!" Luffy understood instantly, took a deep breath, and his rubber stomach instantly swelled up like a balloon!Merry tapped her toes lightly on Luffy's elastic stomach, and with the help of the huge rebound force, her petite body shot out like a golden arrow, appearing instantly in front of Onigumo, who was just struggling to lift his head."Phoenix Kick!" She shouted, her slender right leg tracing a blazing arc in the air, the yellow flames controlled by the lunarian race wrapped around it like a phoenix spreading its wings, accurately and ruthlessly kicking Onigumo in his face, which was filled with shock!"Bang—!!!" A muffled sound accompanied by the faint sound of bones breaking!Onigumo didn't even have time to let out a complete scream before he was kicked off the ground and sent flying by this force concentrated at a single point, a few bloody teeth mixed with saliva shooting out of his mouth.He traced a miserable trajectory in the air, finally crashing heavily into a pile of damaged rocks in the distance, and fell silent for a while.Without the interference of the grunts, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were able to devote all their attention to the battle with Chaton Gaki.Under the immense pressure, the potential of the three core combatants was crazily stimulated, and they began an astonishing transformation in the midst of battle!Sanji's kicks were getting faster and heavier!Every time he clashed with Chaton Gaki, he could feel a faint tremor and burning sensation in his lower leg bones.Gradually, he noticed that the skin below his right ankle, during every full-power kick, would glow with a deeper, blacker luster, different from the Armament Haki coverage, as if some sleeping power was awakening and condensing deep within his bones and muscles! This was a sign that his Armament Haki was about to truly awaken!Zoro's perception became increasingly acute on the edge of life and death.Chaton Gaki's seemingly casual, yet actually containing countless follow-up moves, offensive became gradually traceable in his "eyes."Even more surprising was the change in his swordsmanship! He no longer insisted on using his sword to block every strike from Chaton Gaki, but began to try to guide and deflect the force.Even during one block, he deliberately let the "fire dance" in his hand slip away, and the yodo himawari acted as if it had a life of its own, tracing a strange arc in the air, flanking Chaton Gaki for a sneak attack, and then returning steadily to his hand!The three swords in his hands seemed to have turned into living beings with self-awareness, their coordination becoming increasingly natural, their offensive like a tide, carrying a budding, "Sword Zen"-like artistic conception.Luffy lost the speed boost of Gear Second, but instead, he became more focused on perceiving the essence of the opponent's power.He no longer attacked blindly, but carefully experienced the strikes from Chaton Gaki that seemed light and casual, yet always made him feel pain deep into his marrow.Gradually, he vaguely caught something unusual—Chaton Gaki's Armament Haki was not just covering his body surface, but surging under the skin like flowing liquid, and even before the attack reached him, an invisible, intangible, yet penetrating energy would strike first!"So that's how it is..." Luffy's eyes grew brighter and brighter; he seemed to have touched a new door, and although he didn't know that high-level technique called "Ryou," he had instinctively begun to imitate and adjust the way his own Haki operated, and the black luster on his fist seemed to have become more restrained and profound.Chaton Gaki became more and more alarmed as he fought.The growth rate of these three young people was simply incredible! They were like three dried sponges, crazily absorbing nutrients from the battle with him, becoming stronger at a speed visible to the naked eye.Especially their understanding and application of Haki, which were undergoing a qualitative change!"Old man Garp, your grandson... and this group of his partners, what kind of monsters are they..." Chaton Gaki sighed inwardly, even having an absurd illusion—if he kept fighting like this, he was afraid he would become their best "sparring teacher"!
Chapter 190: The Latest Combo TechniqueThe balance of the battlefield, with the eruption and growth of the entire Straw Hat crew, was tipping in an incredible direction at a speed visible to the naked eye!Chaton Gaki's heart gradually sank.In his mind, the scene from when he received the mission file in the Marshal's office involuntarily surfaced—As an Admiral candidate at the time, he clearly remembered Vice Admiral Garp sitting on the sofa.Although he was grinning and eating senbei the whole time as if it had nothing to do with him, the ceramic teacup in his hand...Was silently crushed into powder by the power unconsciously overflowing from him.That silent warning was colder and more piercing than any stern reprimand.Tokikake did not doubt that if he really escorted Luffy and Mark into Impel Down today,then his own code name, "Tokikake," would likely soon be mockingly referred to by his Marinecolleagues behind his back as "Teacup (Tragedy)."When he first took the mission, he did indeed have some intention of "disciplining" the juniors on behalf of old man Garp.Calculating that he would teach these arrogant brats a small lesson.And then smoothly take away the mission targets, Nico Robin and the little girl of the lunarian race.As for those brats with amazing potential like Luffyand Mark, letting them enter the New World to stir up trouble was not necessarily a bad thing.After all, the sea needs new troublemakers.However, reality slapped him hard in the face!These guys were not newcomers who needed him to "let them be"!They were a group of monsters that could not be measured by common sense!A reindeer that looked harmless to humans and animals, and could even be treated as a pet, could transform into an ancient giant beast in the blink of an eye and slap an elite Marine Colonel away!A seemingly weak little girl who needed protection actually possessed taijutsu comparable to a Vice Admiral and eerie speed, and combined with that Demon Child, could kick away a veteran Vice Admiral like Onigumo!And that strange big lion, not only could it change size, but its defense and aggression were more than enough to entangle a Vice Admiral on its own!Not to mention the orange-haired navigator, she was actually a Logia Rumble-Rumble Fruit user!What did this mean?It meant she possessed terrifying aptitude with the potential to become a future Admiral!And what made his heart palpitate the most was the Vice Captain Mark, who had been relaxed from the beginning, and could even be said to be "slacking off"!He could defeat Guernica of CP0, so his strength was absolutely unfathomable, yet he appeared "restrained" in his battle with Hina, merely maintaining a stalemate."Something is wrong... This is too wrong!"Tokikake's gaze swept across the entire battlefield, and a terrible realization welled up in his heart."Their goal from the beginning was not just to rescue their companions and flee in a sorry state!""What are they planning?""Where does their confidence come from?"Once this thought arose, it grew wildly like weeds.He realized that he, and the entire Buster Call fleet, might have underestimated the determination, strength, and... the chilling growth potential of these pirates.Just as Tokikake was shaken, the Straw Hat crew's offensive became sharper and more efficient due to their skyrocketing confidence!Nami unleashed the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit to the fullest; thunderclouds gathered, and electric snakes danced wildly.It was no longer a simple lightning strike, but formed a covering lightning field.It restricted Yamakaji's movement, forcing this Vice Admiral, known for his gentleness and resilience, into passive defense, making him suffer.The terror of a Logia was starting to show.Zoro's Three Sword Style became increasingly unpredictable; the swords seemed to become an extension of his body, sometimes spinning out of his hands to attack, sometimes controlled like an arm.The jet-black area below Sanji's ankles became more and more obvious, and every kick carried an obscure penetrating power, forcing Tokikake to divide his attention to deal with it.Although Luffy was injured, his eyes were getting brighter.He no longer pursued the outward release of power, but tried to condense his Armament Haki more, imitating Tokikake's flowing, "internal destruction" technique.Although still very immature, every time they clashed, Tokikake could feel the subtle improvement in the texture of the opponent's Haki."This learning ability... he is simply a monster among monsters!"Mark was still "entangled" with Hina, but the corner of his eye was always focused on the entire battlefield, especially the direction Usopp had left, and the signal that might come from the transponder snail in his arms.His "slacking off" was to maintain enough physical and mental strength to deal with the large-scale Rainbow Passage that might need to be constructed during the final escape, and... the possibility of covering the retreat!Chopper and Ink Meteor's destructive power in these three minutes was devastating.The defensive line they formed was impregnable, completely cutting off the possibility of the Marines using human wave tactics to overwhelm the main force of the Straw Hat crew, creating the perfect environment for his companions' one-on-one battles.With the shifting balance, the morale on the Marineside began to fluctuate.The Vice Admirals were being held back or even repelled one by one, the lower-level soldiers were suppressed by the giant beast and the cyborg, and the supreme commander, Tokikake, also had less determination and more hesitation in his attacks due to his inner weighing and shock.The balance of victory was accelerating towards the Straw Hat crew!A Buster Call originally seen as "destruction" was evolving into the battle that would establish the Straw Hat crew's legendary status!Tokikake knew he had to make a decision.Should he continue at all costs, even facing the risk of Garp's anger, to force an arrest?Or... go with the flow and find a decent "step" before the situation spiraled completely out of control?His gaze involuntarily drifted to Mark, who had always appeared to be at ease.The answer, perhaps, lay in this most dangerous young man.Just as the battle on the Bridge of Hesitation was fierce and Tokikake was torn internally, a secret operation that would truly determine the direction of the battle had already been completed.Taking advantage of the precious window when the terrifying whirlpool currents that hindered navigation temporarily disappeared after the Gates of Justice were fully opened, a vigorous figure silently slipped into the cold seawater.It was Usopp!He tightly clutched the waterproof package Markhad given him, which contained high-explosive time mines he had meticulously crafted, with all unstable impurities removed using Mark's ability.His target was clear—the keel of the Marine fleet!Under the turbid seawater, relying on his superior breath-holding ability and knowledge of ship structures, he approached the bottom of the huge warships one by one like a deep-sea ghost.Time was tight, and he couldn't install them on every single one, so he chose the most critical positions—the flagships of several main fleet groups, or the warships that appeared to be the command centers.Firmly attaching the magnetic mines to the sturdy keels and setting a unified detonation time, Usoppcalculated silently in his heart:"That's enough... This is enough to keep them in chaos for a while!"After completing the underwater mission, Usopp did not return directly to the main battlefield on the bridge, but came to another critical location—The elevator area, now in ruins, where Luffy and Lucci had first fought fiercely, near the break connecting to the Bridge of Hesitation.This would be their final evacuation point in the plan.Mark's Rainbow Passage ability had its limits and could not connect directly from the distant Bridge of Hesitation to the sea outside Enies Lobby; this was the best transfer station.And his second task was even more important—To set up an ultimate deterrent that would make the Marines, especially strong individuals like Tokikake, hesitate and afraid to pursue easily!From the deepest part of the package, he took out an inconspicuous black sphere, only the size of a basketball.Its surface was rough and dark, yet it vaguely emitted heart-palpitating energy fluctuations.This was the bomb core that Crocodile had intended to use to destroy the royal capital in Alabasta!Usopp had quietly recovered it afterwards, and with Franky's technical support and Mark's purification, it had been carefully studied and its power enhanced, removing all unnecessary structures and retaining only the purest, most terrifying explosive!"Hehe, what does the business of the Sogekinghave to do with me, Lord Usopp..."While comforting himself, his hands moved quickly.He quickly built a small, yet extremely conspicuous pyramid with the bricks and stones of the ruins.Then, he solemnly placed the black destruction sphere on the top of the tower!This was not just for killing, but the most direct, naked warning!He was telling the Marines with his actions—we have the ability to drag you down with us!If you want to die together, try following us!The whole process took him less than five minutes.The efficiency was shockingly high."Brrr-brrr—click!"Usopp connected the transponder snail to Mark, keeping it concise:"The underwater 'gift' has been delivered! The 'big fireworks' are also laid out on the table! I'm ready on my end!"The voice of Mark came from the other side of the transponder snail, sounding relieved:"Well done, Usopp! Proceed according to the plan!"Hanging up the phone, Usopp took a deep breath and quickly arrived at the bridge head of the Bridge of Hesitation near the Tower of Justice.His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's as he pulled back his signature slingshot."Special Attack: Gunpowder Star - Consecutive Shot!"Several special ammunition tore through the sky, not aimed at the hard-to-hit Vice Admirals, but precisely attacking several Marine Colonels who were entangled with Franky and Ink Meteor!"Bang! Bang! Bang!"The sudden long-range sniping disrupted the formation of the Marine elite; amid screams, their offensive stalled.This was not just an attack, but a signal!Almost at the same time, Chopper's giant beast-like body shook violently.The huge body shrank rapidly like a leaking balloon, returning to its original state, and finally collapsed weakly to the ground as that small reindeer, unable to move even a finger."Hey... Reindeer Gorilla!" Franky roared, the thrusters on his back firing at full power."Franky—BOXING!"He used his steel fists to blast away the Marines trying to take advantage of the situation, scooped up the weak Chopper, and carried him on his broad shoulders.Ink Meteor also let out a heaven-shaking roar, swinging his sharp claws for a final "Storm Claw" slash, clearing an area, and guarding Franky's side.Nami immediately waved her clima-tact, "Thundercloud Assembly!"A large amount of thunderclouds began to gather above her head, emitting dull rumbles, with electric snakes wandering; it was both cover and a deterrent, preventing the Marines from charging in large numbers.Zoro and Sanji understood implicitly; their offensive changed suddenly, shifting from head-on clashes to fighting while retreating, while at the same time, with great tacit understanding, they began to pull Luffy, who was still hot-headed and wanted to continue attacking, backward."Luffy!" Zoro blocked a strike from Tokikake and used the momentum to retreat."Idiot, Captain!" Sanji kicked away some flying debris and grabbed Luffy by the back of his collar.Luffy was a bit reluctant, but he trusted his crewmates and began to passively leap backward.Twenty-five minutes had already passed!There were only five minutes left until the thirty-minute evacuation window Mark had promised!Upon receiving the signal that Usopp had succeeded, Mark no longer held anything back!He, who had been locked in combat with Hina, suddenly had his eyes sharpen like knives.The lazy aura surrounding him was instantly replaced by a concentrated, domineering fist intent."Hina, sorry, the game is over."Mark whispered, his body arched like a bow, his punch striking like a dragon!"Baji — Collapse!" The first punch shattered the black cage that had been coiling around him like a viper!"Baji — Elbow Strike!" The second punch broke through the Armament Haki defense Hina had hastily set up, the tip of his elbow slamming heavily into her chest!"Baji — Mountain Lean!" The third punch—no, the third technique!His shoulder and back, like a mountain, slammed into Hina's exposed chest!"Ugh!"Hina hadn't even seen the movement clearly; she only felt an irresistible, overwhelming force penetrate her body. She went flying backward, blood carving an arc in the air, before landing heavily and struggling to get up.Merry and Robin were already positioned toward the back and retreated to Mark's side immediately.Nami's long-prepared "Thunderbolt Tempo" erupted, the massive lightning storm area temporarily blocking the pursuit of Momonga, Onigumo, and the others."Straw Hat crew, what are they trying to do? That way is a dead end!" Momonga stepped back, looking suspicious and uncertain."We haven't seen that Usopp since the beginning... Yasopp's son, the guy known as the 'Explosion Genius'!" Yamakaji said with a grave expression."You said his title is what?" Onigumo wiped the blood from his face, his voice dark."Explosion Genius!""Not good! The warships! Their target is likely the warships!"Tokikake realized it instantly and immediately ordered, "Transmit the order! Check all warships immediately!"However, at the same time he issued the order, he turned into a blur. Relying on his formidable Armament Haki, he forcibly broke through the lightning field Nami had set up and, with speed far exceeding everyone else, instantly reached the bridgehead, blocking the Straw Hat crew's path!"Finally willing to get serious?"Mark felt the oppressive aura radiating from Tokikake, which was completely different from before. He stopped, turned around, and faced this Admiral candidate."Although I don't know what other tricks you have up your sleeves,"Tokikake locked his gaze on Robin and Merry, who were being protected in the back, "but for now, I must take the mission targets.""Tokikake, right?" Mark said without fear, "Tell Sengoku that if he doesn't let us have it easy, he shouldn't expect to escape unscathed either!""You should say those words to him personally in Impel Down!"Tokikake's aura flared, "I've changed my mind. All of you... are staying here!""You're ugly, but you sure do have beautiful dreams."Mark sneered and took a half-step back, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Luffy. "Although I've always refused to use this move, who told you to be so arrogant? I guess I have to let you experience it early."As soon as Mark finished speaking, Usopp ran over excitedly: "Are we using that move? Leave it to me!""Oh? That move, huh? Interesting." Zoro's lips curled slightly."Idiot Captain, it's time to play your true 'role'." Sanjikicked his foot, looking like he was about to watch a good show."Should I use Third Gear? Leave it to me!" Upon hearing this, Luffy immediately tried to put his finger in his mouth, but Sanji and Zoro grabbed his limbs from either side, holding him tight."Eh? Aren't I supposed to unleash my power? Zoro! Sanji! What are you doing?" Luffy was completely confused, having no idea what was going on. Mostly because they hadn't consulted him when developing this move; Luffy was just serving as a tool."Mark!" Zoro called out."No choice then." Mark shook his head, and his body instantly liquefied and transformed—he turned into a basketball-sized, squishy, translucent slime!Then, with a "pop," he jumped up from the ground and accurately stuck to Luffy's elastic, rubbery belly."Zoan?" Tokikake looked at this bizarre transformation, frowning slightly, then immediately dismissed it. "No, there is no such animal... What a strange ability.""What, at the end of your rope, so you've started performing acrobatics?" His tone was filled with undisguised contempt."You won't be so hard-mouthed in a moment. Metal Coating!"Mark, in his slime state, had his eyes turn into two lines, his mouth pursed as he let out a low shout. His translucent body instantly flashed with a silvery-white metallic luster, its texture becoming incredibly hard!"Busoshoku: Hardening!"Immediately after, the pitch-black Armament Hakispread like a tide, completely dyeing the silvery-white metal slime into a deep, cold, pitch-black color!At this moment, Mark had become an indestructible metal sphere covered in top-tier Armament Haki!"Now! Usopp!"Zoro and Sanji exerted force at the same time, pulling Luffy's body, who was still in a daze, backward like pulling a rubber band!Luffy's waist and abdomen were instantly stretched into a huge, highly elastic "U" shape!Usopp immediately stepped forward, firmly hugging the "rubber band" wrapped around Mark, pulling backward with all his might."Awoooo!! Super!!! Amazing! How could a pervert like me be left out!"Franky, seeing this long-prepared combined technique, was incredibly excited. He shoved the weak Chopper into his mouth, his own massive mechanical body slammed onto the ground, shrugging his steel shoulders high to form a stable launch base!Zoro and Sanji efficiently fixed Luffy onto Franky's shoulder, completing the base construction.Subsequently, they and Merry exerted force together, easily stretching the rubber "band" out more than ten meters.At this moment, Usopp was hugging the tightest middle section, his muscles bulging, steadily acting as the final "trigger" and "aimer.""A slingshot?... Are you children?"Tokikake looked at this ridiculous and bizarre formation, his disdain growing even stronger.Although he was vigilant, he absolutely did not believe that this child's play of an attack could pose a threat to him.He was too lazy to even take the initiative to attack, intending to see what kind of tricks these brats could pull off."Now! Fire!""Special Attack — Mark!"Usopp roared with all his might and let go!The rubber Luffy, stretched to the limit, instantly generated terrifying restorative force!The "band" wrapped around the Armament Haki-coated Mark sphere snapped back with unprecedented speed!Just as this black streak of light was about to leave the "string"—"It's not over yet!" Nami shouted clearly, swinging her long-prepared clima-tact forward!"Thunder Bubble: Superconducting Electromagnetic Rail!""Zzzzt—!"A piercing sound of electricity exploded!One could see, along the trajectory of the black streak, two lightning magnetic rails constructed instantly from highly compressed, sparking, blinding blue-white electricity!These electromagnetic rails extended instantly from the launch point, like two parallel lightning spears, pointing directly at Tokikake!The metal Mark, covered in Armament Haki, was itself an excellent conductor!"Whoosh—!"The Mark sphere, which had already gained initial velocity from the rubber elasticity, seemed to be shoved hard by a pair of invisible giant lightning hands the moment it rushed into the electromagnetic rails Nami had set up!Secondary acceleration!The speed instantly broke the sound barrier, even triggering a visible conical sonic boom cloud!The black sphere and the blue-white electricity coiling around it intertwined, as if it had transformed into a super electromagnetic cannon from Thor's hammer!Wherever it passed, the air was ionized, emitting a scorched smell, and the small gravel in its path was even instantly vaporized by the high temperature!This destructive streak of light, at a speed far exceeding previous expectations, tore through the sky, shooting straight at Tokikake, who was standing there with a sneer on his face!"Hmph, petty tri—" Tokikake's sneer hadn't even fully developed before his expression changed drastically!His combat instincts issued the sharpest warning in his life!This attack... something was wrong! The sense of threat brought by the speed and mass had soared by several levels!He wanted to move, to avoid this clearly abnormal impact—But his feet, he didn't know when, had been firmly grabbed by countless arms growing from the ground!It was Robin's "Hundred Flower Bloom"! Although it couldn't bind him for long, it successfully hindered his instantaneous movement!"Crap!"It was this crucial, less than 0.1-second delay that determined the outcome!That "Super Electromagnetic Slime Cannonball," which fused rubber elasticity, metal hardness, top-tier Armament Haki, and the lightning propulsion bestowed by Nami, was already imminent! The kinetic energy it contained made even Tokikake feel a palpitation of fear!No way to avoid it!"Iron Body: Steel Bone! Armament Haki: Full Power!"Tokikake's pupils contracted; he no longer cared about any contempt, raising his defense to the limit. Crossing his arms, the dense Armament Hakialmost turned into tangible black armor covering his entire body!"BOOM!"It was no longer a simple collision sound, but like a thunderbolt from the nine heavens crashing directly onto the bridge deck!A shockwave ten times more violent than before erupted fiercely, and the entire Bridge of Hesitationtrembled violently!The blue-white lightning and black Haki crazily intertwined and annihilated each other, forming a short-lived but deadly energy vortex; the blinding light temporarily blinded everyone!"Ugh!"In the eyes of everyone, who were shocked into speechlessness, Tokikake's short, stout, yet mountain-like figure was blasted away head-on for the first time!The Armament Haki on his crossed arms actually showed tiny cracks, and he was sent flying backward uncontrollably as if he had been hit head-on by a giant warship sailing at full speed. He smashed through the stone bridge railing dozens of meters behind, kicking up a sky full of dust!The Straw Hat crew, with their wild imagination and perfect execution, had blasted this Marine Admiralcandidate with a thunderous strike that declared the limitless potential of their team!