Chapter 214Was that burst of speed the Rokushiki technique, Soru?As a former Marine, Drake was naturally very familiar with the Rokushiki.However, he usually avoided using them to prevent others from suspecting his past.Though it looked like Soru, the feeling was completely different.And Luffy's current form—is that a Devil Fruitability?He felt a threat originating from a fundamental biological level."So cool,"Uta covered her small mouth in surprise, her eyes sparkling. She tugged at Nami's sleeve beside her and asked in a low, excited whisper, "Nami, what is that?"Uta's focus was in a completely different place than the others.She just thought the red and black stripes on Luffy's body looked too cool!The corners of Nami's mouth curled up unconsciously, her face filled with pride. She tilted her head slightly and introduced it to Uta with a hint of smugness, "Hmph, you don't know? That's a new ability Luffy developed, an upgraded version of Gear Second—Gear Second: Haki Infusion Internalized Form! Pretty amazing, right?"She felt a secret thrill in her heart; she finally had a chance to show off something she knew that Uta, his childhood friend, didn't.Listening to Uta drone on about her and Luffy's childhood earlier had really frustrated her.However, the further questioning and awe Namiexpected from Uta never came.Uta simply held her hands to her chest and nodded vigorously, "Yeah! I don't get it, but as long as it's cool, it's fine!"Nami: "..."You could at least ask a couple more questions!I haven't even started the detailed explanation yet!Facing Luffy's overwhelming defeat of Apoo, every Supernova present showed expressions of extreme surprise, even horror.The air seemed to freeze, leaving only the terrified gasps of Apoo's subordinates in the distance."Cap—Captain!"The subordinates Apoo brought finally reacted, filled with both shock and rage.Almost instinctively, several people raised their muskets or swords and aimed them at Luffy.Though they all knew their Captain had a habit of running his mouth and would eventually pay for it, they didn't expect it to happen before even entering the New World.While many present might not understand the intricacies of a clash between top-tier powerhouses, anyone could see this was a complete crushing.They were simply not on the same level.Could it be that the current Luffy truly deserves the title of the Fifth Emperor?This sudden turn of events acted like a fuse; the pirates under the other Supernovas, caught in the extremely tense atmosphere, subconsciously assumed defensive or offensive stances.The sound of swords unsheathing rose one after another, and muzzles were vaguely pointed toward Luffy's group.Faced with an unknown and powerful common threat, huddling together seemed to provide a faint, illusory sense of security.For a moment, Luffy and his companions seemed to be the target of everyone present."Tsk,"Luffy frowned slightly, a flash of impatience crossing his face, "As expected, it's a hassle."His plan.That major plan concerning Ace's life could not be disrupted by these unexpected conflicts.If things got too loud and scared those pampered Celestial Dragons into staying indoors, or drew Marine attention too quickly, it would be disastrous.At this moment, Luffy couldn't fully comprehend the bizarre logic of the Celestial Dragons—who would maintain their 'godly' posture even if the sky fell—he only worried his targets might go into hiding.Looking at the pirates pointing weapons at him with fierce glares, Luffy's eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp:"I don't have time to waste on you guys."An invisible, intangible, yet mountain-heavy pressure erupted from him like a bursting flood!Haoshoku Haki swept across the field!Ugh!Thud!As if struck by an invisible heavy hammer, the pirates who had raised their weapons with menacing looks instantly rolled their eyes back. They collapsed in swaths like wheat being harvested, lying on the ground unconscious in an instant.The originally noisy and chaotic scene was instantly cleared.The crew members under the Supernovas weren't all powerful officers.Under the impact of this kingly quality, not even one in ten could remain conscious."Ngh!?"Trafalgar Law's forehead broke out in a fine cold sweat as he tightly gripped the hilt of kikoku."You've got to be kidding me,"Eustass Kid gritted his teeth, his slightly trembling arms showing the immense pressure he was enduring.If the Armament Haki and eerie speed Luffyshowed before were within a range they could understand or even chase, then this terrifying power that cleared hundreds of people in an instant was completely beyond their comprehension."Hey, that's Haoshoku Haki, isn't it?!"A remaining officer of the Kid Pirates spoke with a trembling voice, almost moaning the words.Not just him; in Drake's transformed Allosaurusform, his huge vertical pupils were also full of disbelief. He stared fixedly at Luffy as if seeing this opponent for the first time.As one of the few Supernovas who knew Haki and the Marine Rokushiki before entering the New World, Drake had originally looked down on these so-called Supernovas from a position of superiority.As it turned out, Straw Hat's Armament and Observation Haki both seemed more proficient than his own.Even if he could accept that...Not only had his Haoshoku Haki awakened, but it had reached this level?If he didn't know Luffy was born in the East Blue, Drake would truly suspect the old man was actually from the New World.Haki was inherently a high-end power.In the first half of the Grand Line, aside from the Marines having the teaching capacity to support their soldiers, pirates simply didn't have the time or the channels to learn it.The fact that the Pirate Hunter Zoro knew Armament Haki and could turn his weapon into a black blade was already enough to surprise him.It now seemed there was a reason why that man, who didn't easily submit to others, could become the pirate crew's first mate.Excluding the already unconscious Apoo, all the Supernovas still standing showed expressions of extreme shock.There were many among them who knew what they were looking at."The qualities of a king?"Urouge still maintained that signature strange smile, but his tone had become incredibly solemn. "It seems there's a reason his bounty reached this level; the rumors of the Fifth Emperor are likely not unfounded."Capone Bege's cigar was nearly bitten in half. Inside his castle body, over eighty percent of his subordinates had fainted in that instant!The remaining twenty percent who kept consciousness mostly had weak knees, their combat strength sharply reduced.He cursed inwardly:"The World Government's newspapers really know how to hide their light under a bushel!"For a dangerous figure like Luffy, the newspapers spent page after page sensationalizing his crimes, but they probably hid ninety percent of his true combat power and abilities!Pirates with this kind of quality were few and far between, even in a place like the New Worldwhere the strong were as numerous as carp crossing a river!"A win rate of less than one percent?"Basil Hawkins quickly drew a Tarot card, his fingertips trembling imperceptibly. He glanced at the card, and his face became extremely grim.This win rate wasn't his personal chance against Luffy.It was the win rate for all the Supernovas present joining forces against Luffy!It was a complete dead end!"You guys can still stand, huh."Luffy looked around at the Supernovas who, though disheveled, were still standing. His tone was flat, as if merely stating a fact. "As expected of Supernovas."Coming from him in this situation, those words carried an invisible sense of humiliation.But Luffy was actually just musing; he had thought Haoshoku could clear the field directly. It seemed Shakky was right—this bunch did have some skill.This also made him more certain that to execute his plan smoothly, he had to clear out these potential unstable factors first—or at least make them too afraid to interfere with him.The plan to rescue Ace allowed for no sloppiness or accidents."Straw Hat!"Kid's roar broke the frozen atmosphere. He suddenly drew the blade at his waist and said fiercely, "I'm extremely pissed off right now! So what if you have that damn quality? Quality is useless for becoming the Pirate King!!"The moment the words left Kid's mouth, Killer's figure beside him blurred. Two scythe-like weapons tore through the air with sharp whistles, lunging at Luffy like phantoms!His speed was startling."Hmph!"Zoro noticed this too and gave a cold snort. His three swords were instantly halfway out of their sheaths, ready to intercept.However, Luffy's movement was faster."Wait, Zoro."Luffy's voice was calm but brooked no argument. "It'll be faster if I handle them."He turned to Nami and said, "Nami, explain to Zorowhat we're about to do."Hearing this, Zoro clicked his tongue with some regret and returned his swords to their sheaths. "That's a shame. I wanted to test my hand, too."Despite saying so, he chose to obey his Captain's orders unconditionally.Moreover, the fact that Luffy was being so solemn about something piqued his curiosity immensely.It was rare to see Luffy looking this serious.One had to know that in the Straw Hat Pirates, there was a tacit understanding: the Captain was usually the one used to block cannonballs, but when the Captain told you to go block a cannonball, that's when things were truly dangerous.Of course, given Luffy's personality, he would never give an order like that.Chapter 304: Celestial Dragons, the Prey is on the Table"You sure talk big!" Kid completely lost his cool, feeling utterly looked down upon.At that very moment, Luffy moved!His figure vanished from the spot as if teleporting. The next instant, he appeared in front of the charging Killer.Killer didn't even see what happened; he only felt an irresistible, massive force slam into his chest. His whole body felt as though it had been hit by a Sea Train at full speed. His vision went black, and he was sent flying backward even faster than he had come.His figure flew past Kid and smashed violently into a pile of debris in the distance, kicking up a massive cloud of dust."Killer!"Kid's eyes nearly split from rage.After knocking Killer away, Luffy didn't stop. Like a phantom, he appeared directly in front of Kid.At this moment, the skin all over his body turned snow-white, and his hair danced like flames.Gear 5: Nika Form!"By the way, what was your name?"Luffy asked, as if he had just remembered something."Eustass Kid!"Veins popped on Kid's forehead as he roared, feeling more insulted than ever before. "You'd better remember that name! Punk Gibson!!"In his fury, Kid fully activated the powers of the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. The surrounding scattered metal debris was drawn in again, transforming into countless blades that stabbed toward Luffy from all directions!However, Luffy simply twisted his body at will, as if he had no bones, easily dodging all the attacks from various incredible angles. The metal blades all missed, embedding themselves into the ground or walls."Gum-Gum White Giant Stamp!"Luffy laughed as one of his feet instantly became giant.
