The Conqueror's Haki that had engulfed the banquet hall finally dispersed, and the trembling ceased.
King Neptune let out a sigh of relief.
Cold sweat ran down Katakuri's forehead. He was about to speak to ease the tension with Straw Hat Luffy—
But at that exact moment, he foresaw the future.
His pupils widened, and the Straw Hat before him suddenly vanished.
Before he even had time to think, he instinctively turned around—only to be struck by Luffy's fist.
[A punch aimed at the chest]
Katakuri's face froze. Unbelievably, just as he braced for impact, a circular opening suddenly appeared where he was about to be hit.
Luffy, too, had foreseen the future.
Level 5 Conqueror's Haki wrapped around his fist as he launched the attack.
BOOM!!
The punch slammed into Katakuri's abdomen, and in an instant, the shockwave tore through his body.
Like a pale wave of light, it surged through him, past Usopp's head, and blasted straight out the door.
The strike pierced through the city, ripped through the outer membrane, and finally vanished into the deep sea.
"AHHHHHHHH!"
Usopp covered his face and screamed, "Luffy, you almost killed me!"
THUD!
Katakuri dropped to his knees, one hand on the ground, the other clutching his stomach.
With a loud splatter, blood gushed from his mouth, staining his scarf crimson.
His eyes widened, pupils filled with disbelief.
His vision of the future… failed!?
Katakuri coughed violently, the taste of iron filling his mouth, and glared at Luffy with sinister eyes.
"You're not the only one who can see the future… You're far too confident in your Haki, son of Linlin!"
Luffy casually pulled a chair aside, sat down, and crossed his legs.
Seeing this, Zoro smirked. "That move… Was that the Spear of Elbaf? I picked it up back in Little Garden."
"Huh?!" Brook shouted. "Zoro, you can unleash such a powerful technique?"
"Not quite that strong. Luffy's fist was clad in both Armament and Conqueror's Haki."
Zoro shook his head.
Katakuri's body trembled violently. For now, standing up was out of the question.
"Law…"
Luffy spoke casually.
Law immediately stepped forward and moved behind Katakuri.
Click! A square cube dropped into Luffy's hand.
Katakuri's pupils shrank sharply, his face turning pale.
"Your mother has the Road Poneglyph, doesn't she?" Luffy tossed the heart lightly in his hand and grinned. "Don't worry. I swear I won't do anything to you. It's just bad luck running into me here."
There were four Road Poneglyphs. He already knew where three of them were.
One was with Big Mom.
One was on Zou.
One was in Wano.
As for the last piece… Roger had found it on Fishman Island more than twenty years ago.
But now, it had vanished.
"Tch… You're after the One Piece too?" Even in pain, Katakuri forced out his words coldly.
"The one who will find the One Piece will be my mother!"
Luffy wasn't interested in arguing. He squeezed the heart in his hand.
PFFFFT!
"COUGH, COUGH—!!" Katakuri vomited blood, his face pale. "Damn you!"
Strangely, Luffy found himself admiring the man a little.
"Don't be so stubborn. I can even tell your mother about another Road Poneglyph. That information, plus your survival, is a good deal for her."
Luffy smirked. "We're both aiming for the final island. Fighting and killing isn't worth it. Learn to share. It won't be too late to fight once we've reached the end."
Katakuri: "…"
You say fighting isn't good after you already attacked me?
With a cold snort, he had no intention of wasting words.
Shaking his head, Luffy turned to Jinbei. "Hey, Jinbei, shame we didn't meet earlier."
During the Summit War, he hadn't seen Jinbei.
The man was probably still locked in Impel Down at the time, and Luffy hadn't expected to meet him here.
"Ace's brother—no, Straw Hat Luffy."
Jinbei spoke in a deep voice. "I want to express my gratitude. Though Whitebeard perished at Marineford, at least Ace survived because of you!"
"Back then, I was imprisoned. When Blackbeard led his escape, I fled as well, but had to fight Magellan. By the time I finally broke free and reached the battlefield… the war was already over."
I see.
No wonder Luffy hadn't seen him during the war.
Suddenly, Luffy pointed at Katakuri, still kneeling on the floor. "Why's this guy here?"
He could already guess, but he asked anyway.
"Big Mom wants me to join her crew in exchange for protecting Fishman Island!"
Jinbei didn't hide anything. He glanced at Katakuri, beaten half to death, and felt a headache coming on.
His guest had been humiliated.
Would Big Mom vent her rage on Fishman Island?
If the Straw Hats and the Big Mom Pirates clashed, which side should he support?
"Shishishi! That's all? Just raise the Straw Hat flag, and you're welcome."
Luffy laughed, then turned to Mr. 5. "Get Big Mom's contact number off him."
"Yes, Luffy!"
The slime-man immediately grabbed Katakuri by the collar and dragged him outside.
A moment later—BOOM!—an explosion echoed beyond the doors.
Everyone: "…"
The blast wouldn't harm Katakuri, but the slime's attacks worked on the mind. How long could he endure?
Luffy then looked at King Neptune and offered an apology.
"Sorry, King Neptune, for striking your honored guest."
(You already did it, what else can I say?) Neptune grumbled inwardly.
He returned to his seat, crossed his arms, and sighed.
"Straw Hat, I'd be grateful if you lent us your flag. But that will surely anger Big Mom."
After a pause, he suddenly roared: "Hurry up and serve the food!"
Soon, the mermaids reorganized the wrecked banquet hall.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."