"Whoosh… BOOM!"
Two deafening blasts erupted in front of Yarukiman Mangrove #27. Two golden streaks of light shot past each other at a speed the naked eye could hardly follow—one from Mizuchi, the other from Kizaru. Both were wielders of the Glint-Glint Fruit. Both possessed the same speed. Both unleashed the exact same technique—Light-Speed Kick.
"How fascinating… it's exactly the same!"
Kizaru tilted his head curiously, unfazed by the fact that his kick had just shattered Mangrove #27 into rubble.
"Your speed is identical to mine."
Mizuchi smirked playfully at Kizaru. He had long dreamed of possessing a Devil Fruit ability, and now that wish had been granted. Naturally, he couldn't pass up the chance to show off a little.
"My, my… how troublesome."
Kizaru gave his trademark lazy shake of the head, as if deep in thought.
"Well then… since you don't know where Sentomaru is, I'll be on my way."
Dropping his raised foot lightly, Kizaru turned on his heel, hands shoved casually into his pockets, and strolled away without a backward glance.
"As expected of the laid-back monkey. Even when faced with another wielder of the exact same Devil Fruit, he doesn't bother to dig deeper."
Watching Kizaru's figure fade into the distance, Mizuchi let out a small sigh of relief. Though he now held the power of the Glint-Glint Fruit, his mastery was still fresh and nowhere near Kizaru's level. Having the admiral simply walk away was, for him, the best possible outcome.
"Don't you think Admiral Kizaru went too far? Not only did he kick down the Yarukiman Mangrove, he even sank a battleship."
From a high vantage point, several marines murmured in awe as they watched Mangrove #27 topple, unable to resist complaining. But they didn't know the truth: Kizaru had indeed destroyed the tree… but the battleship had been sunk by Mizuchi.
Because no civilians were nearby and the marines were stationed at a distance, almost no one realized what had truly happened—no one except the man who had been watching from a rooftop since the very beginning: Scratchmen Apoo.
"Oh? That's a Marine Admiral, huh? And the one fighting him—who was that? Someone else using Kizaru's ability? Interesting… I'll have a little chat with Kizaru first. Then, I'll come find you."
Arms folded, Apoo grinned with intrigue. Meanwhile, Mizuchi, once Kizaru departed, quickly left the street as well. His destination was already decided: Island #12, where Luffy and his crew were.
Deep within the jungle of Island #12, Luffy and the others were making their way through the trees when suddenly, a massive figure blocked their path. With a round, protruding belly and an imposing presence, the stranger's appearance instantly made Nami and the others raise their weapons in alarm.
"Who the heck are you?!"
Luffy's eyes went wide, staring at the man in shock.
"He's a Pacifista—an imitation of Warlord Bartholomew Kuma."
Before Luffy could turn to his crewmates for answers, Mizuchi's body flashed forward. Raising his finger, he unleashed a dazzling golden beam directly at the Kuma replica.
"Whoa! That's… a Light Beam!"
Stars sparkled in the eyes of Luffy and Chopper as they gazed at Mizuchi in awe, their admiration overflowing.
BOOM!
A thunderous explosion rang out, smoke and dust billowing and cloaking the jungle. From within the haze, the Pacifista's enormous body was blasted backward, slamming hard into the trunk of a massive tree.
"Is it down for good?"
Curious, Nami stepped forward. Her graceful figure drew Mizuchi's gaze, making him falter for a moment. After all, she was one of the most beautiful women in the world of pirates—her swimsuit posters alone had tempted countless fans.
"No. But I can finish it!"
Intent on putting on a show for Luffy, Mizuchi attacked again without hesitation. Golden light flickered from his fingertip, striking the Pacifista before it could rise from the tree trunk.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Explosions erupted in rapid succession, Mizuchi's relentless assault shaking the jungle. Luffy's eyes widened in sheer amazement at the dazzling display.
"I've decided! I want him to join our crew!"
Luffy declared with utmost seriousness, stunning Nami, Sanji, and the others behind him. Their jaws nearly hit the ground.
"Eh…?"
Hearing Luffy's words, Mizuchi allowed himself a small smile. His goal was achieved. If he had been reborn into the world of pirates, then naturally, he would aim to stand beside the future Pirate King. No—he would become the Pirate King's comrade. No—he would become the Pirate King himself! Or at the very least, he would stand at Luffy's side as a brother, a figure like Rayleigh.
One way or another, joining Luffy's crew was nothing but advantageous.
Whoosh—! Whoosh—!
Golden light flashed across the skies of the Sabaody Archipelago as Mizuchi and the Pacifista exchanged rapid blows. But Mizuchi was intentionally dragging out the fight for show—otherwise, it would take only a handful of moves to reduce the imitation Kuma to a pile of scrap metal.
"Gear Second!"
Slamming his palms into the ground, Luffy activated Second Gear.
"I'll help you!"
His body flushed red, steam hissing off his skin, as he charged to Mizuchi's side.
"Three-Sword Style!"
"Diable Jambe!"
"Gum-Gum…!"
Not to be outdone, Zoro and Sanji leapt into the fray, attacking alongside their captain.
"Six Hundred Pound Cannon!"
"Mouton Shot!"
"Jet Gatling!"
With their combined efforts, Mizuchi—already in complete control of the battle—was finally free to unleash his true power. His movements grew swifter, sharper, deadlier.
"Yata Mirror!"
Countless beams of light reflected and refracted, and in an instant Mizuchi appeared directly before the Pacifista. The playful smirk was gone from his face. With Luffy and the others now fighting alongside him, it was time to get serious.
"Light-Speed Kick!"
Mizuchi's left leg swung upward, radiant golden light exploding at the point of impact. His kick struck Kuma's imitation squarely in the chest. With a single blow at full power, he sent the massive Pacifista hurtling out of the Sabaody Archipelago entirely.
"WOOAAAH! That… that's Light Beam power!"
The stars in Luffy's eyes shone even brighter. Overcome with excitement, he strode up to Mizuchi, thrust out his hand, and shouted warmly:
"Yo! Join us!"
Without hesitation, Mizuchi clasped Luffy's outstretched hand firmly.
"What's your name?"
"Kawa D. Mizuchi."
Smiling, Mizuchi finally declared the name he had long dreamed of—one marked with the Will of D.
"Really? I'm Monkey D. Luffy! Welcome aboard!"
Luffy's grin stretched wide with joy. He couldn't have imagined that this man, who carried the same "D." in his name, would one day bring such changes to him—and to the entire pirate world.
(End of Chapter)