[Gear Second!]
Luffy emerged from a cloud of steam, his skin turning a fiery red. His aura underwent a remarkable transformation.
"It's like I'm an entirely different person now," he thought, both in terms of strength and the intensity of his gaze.
This spectacle left the audience in awe. Sengoku, the Marine Fleet Admiral, squinted his eyes as he recognized the truth.
"I had some suspicions back during the Seven Warlords chapter," Sengoku remarked, "but it wasn't entirely clear. Now that Luffy is unveiling what he calls 'Gear Second' for the first time, it's apparent."
He continued, "Luffy is utilizing the properties of his rubber-based Devil Fruit to pump his limbs, accelerate his blood flow, and strengthen his body."
Garp nodded in agreement. "Indeed, I can see that this move is something only he, with the Gomu-Gomu no mi, can execute. Anyone else attempting this would likely burst their blood vessels due to the pressure."
Sengoku then pointed out, "This is the fruit's development, meaning Luffy has gained better control over his Devil Fruit power. However, such high-intensity exertion, almost to the point of self-destruction, will undoubtedly take a toll on his body."
Garp remained silent, his eyes fixed on the sky. As lifelong partners, he and Sengoku both possessed formidable strength, and they understood what was happening.
Garp couldn't help but feel distressed as Luffy's grandfather, but he knew why Luffy had developed the Gear Second. It all stemmed from his desire to protect his companions.
In the face of this, Garp couldn't prevent it nor would he want to. He felt an overwhelming sense of admiration for his grandson, who was maturing and taking on the responsibilities that came with it.
[Facing the steaming Luffy before him, Blueno's eyes held doubt.]
Blueno asked, "What's this all about?"
"Playing ghost!" Luffy replied, but Blueno didn't grasp the gravity of the situation. Instead of heightening his vigilance, he continued to taunt Luffy.
However, Luffy was in no mood for jests. "Gum-Gum Jet Bullet!"
In the blink of an eye, Luffy's fist struck Blueno, who was caught off guard.
"What?!" Blueno attempted to use Soru, but it was too late.
Bang!
The tremendous force of the punch sent Blueno flying backward. If not for the wall stopping him, he might have kept going.
Blueno struggled to his feet, his face a picture of confusion. "What was that? Why was that punch so unbelievably powerful?"
Moments later, he witnessed something even more terrifying. Luffy vanished from sight with incredible speed, faster than Soru. In an instant, he reappeared, delivering another crushing blow to Blueno's head.
The impact sent Blueno tumbling head over heels, but when he got up, he still couldn't see Luffy. Panic washed over him as he realized he couldn't keep up with Luffy's speed anymore.
Among the Whitebeard Pirates, captains gathered and marveled at the display.
"Wow, the Straw Hat Kid's Devil Fruit is really something!"
"Gear Second... squeezing his potential for greater strength, huh?"
"It seems he was inspired by the Navy's Rokushiki. I sense their influence."
"But one thing's for sure, Ace, your brother is incredibly strong..."
Ace, Luffy's older brother, beamed with pride. The crew's enthusiastic praise left him feeling a mix of emotions, but most of all, he was proud.
As for the Whitebeard himself, he sat on the deck, having answered questions and healed his injuries. Now, he watched the live stream, holding a large jug of wine.
"Ace's little brother is quite the powerhouse..."
"He's unlocked his potential and developed his Devil Fruit to protect his friends."
"In order to save his companions, he forcibly broke into Enies Lobby.''
Surprisingly, Whitebeard chuckled heartily; it was quite evident that Luffy's character and behavior were contagious.
And all the crew members present joined in the laughter as they witnessed their father's joyful demeanor...
Blueno was utterly astonished; since the Straw Hat boy activated his Gear Second, he had been on the receiving end of a relentless beatdown!
This only underscored the fact that Luffy was leagues ahead in terms of strength compared to him.
His speed was nothing short of extraordinary...
Had he already mastered Soru?
And in such a short time, had he surpassed the speed of Soru?
How could this be possible?
Blueno's eyes widened, overwhelmed by disbelief.
He knew that Luffy's physical capabilities had doubled in his current state.
Previously, he could still maintain his composure, but now...
He had no chance of victory whatsoever.
No, at this rate, he would become the first CP9 agent to be defeated. This was unacceptable to both himself and the organization.
If a direct assault didn't work, he had no option but to outmaneuver his opponent...
Just as Luffy's attack was about to land again, Blueno swiftly employed the abilities of his Devil Fruit.
An invisible door materialized in the air, and in a puff of smoke, he vanished...
At that moment, it seemed as though he had completely disappeared within that space, leaving no trace behind.
Luffy, too, lost his target and had no option but to remain still.
"This fruit... It's the Doa Doa no Mi (Door Door Fruit)?"
"In his possession." Doflamingo responded.
"It's an intriguing and useful Devil Fruit. I didn't expect a CP9 agent to have it."
"However, it's a shame. It appears this individual hasn't fully developed the potential of the Doa Doa no Mi."
Crocodile standing nearby couldn't help but be interested in this Devil Fruit as well.
He, too, recognized its potential.
At the same time, he realized that Blueno was not making the best use of this remarkable Devil Fruit power.
Blueno, concealed within the door's space, kept a close watch on Luffy's movements, looking for an opportunity to strike.
However, the Gear Second-empowered Luffy not only possessed enhanced strength and speed but also heightened awareness.
With a single step, he effortlessly evaded Blueno's attack.
Luffy refrained from launching an immediate attack and instead turned to Blueno, saying, "I've figured out your Soru technique; it's essentially rapid movement within a limited area to simulate teleportation. Thanks for showing me. This will only make me stronger, and I'll be better equipped to protect my friends in the future."
Garp and Sengoku observed the scene with perplexity.
Even for two high-ranking Marines, mastering Soru, regardless of their genius nature, would require a considerable amount of time.
Yet, here was Luffy, who not only hadn't received any formal instruction but had also comprehended it himself.
In this regard, the only word they could use was 'combat genius.'
Simultaneously, Luffy gathered strength in his hands, preparing for an attack.
This time, Blueno chose not to hide. He resolved to endure the assault, not only to prove his strength but also to defend his pride as a man.
He felt that Luffy's earlier words had been an affront to him. Luffy had humiliated him by effortlessly mastering the Navy's Six techniques that he had practiced for years.
Unfortunately for Blueno, he was about to learn the harsh reality of his decision...
"Rubber Jet Rocket Launcher!" At that moment, Luffy unleashed an immensely powerful punch toward Blueno.
"Tekkai!" Blueno quickly employed his Tekkai defense, believing it to be the ultimate defensive technique; nothing could pierce it.
However...
Today, destiny had a different plan. Blueno was about to get a face full of Luffy's fist, followed by being slammed to the ground and given a thorough lesson..."
**********
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