[For the first time, Rob Lucci found himself launched away...]
[The swift departure left him frustrated, especially after effortlessly dispatching opponents in mere seconds!]
[In this moment, a genuine anger consumed him, even his eyes reflecting a tinge of blood-red fury!]
[Amidst the rage, reason began to fade, enhancing his combat prowess!]
[Deciding to emulate Luffy's fearless approach, disregarding harm and consequences, his sole purpose was...]
[Knock him down!!!]
Whitebeard Pirates!
Vista gazed at the sky, his expression solemn. "CP9's Rob Lucci is now completely enraged! He's likely entered a state of fury."
Marco nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the Zoan Devil Fruit ability amplifies their already formidable melee skills, making them even more formidable."
"At this point, Ace's brother is probably in danger again..."
Despite appearances, the seasoned leaders of the Whitebeard Pirates discerned nuances in the battle. They saw Luffy seemingly dominating with Gear Second activated, constantly pressing down on Lucci, creating an illusion of a significant advantage.
To the uninformed, Luffy seemed destined to win, but astute individuals like the Whitebeard Pirates Division captains could sense subtleties.
Luffy's physical endurance had reached its limit; despite the tremendous power gained from Gear Second, his body endured relentless damage. Although stable for now, the unknown moment when his body would surpass its limits loomed.
At that critical juncture, he might lose consciousness, rendering him incapable of sustaining Gear Second any longer. Avoiding a fall wouldn't be his choice—it would be beyond his control.
Conversely, Lucci, though somewhat irrational, injured, and fatigued, drew strength solely from himself—pushing himself to the brink.
The price paid for their power escalation differed drastically.
No one could predict when Luffy would succumb to the strain of Gear Second—perhaps a minute later or...
In the next second!
Even Ace recognized this.
Watching Luffy press down on Lucci and unleash blows, there was no joy on Ace's face. Like Vista and the others, he wore a somber expression.
Marco stepped forward, lightly patting Ace on the shoulder.
"Don't worry; your brother will win. Have faith."
"After all, this kid has pulled off so many miracles; I believe this time will be no different!"
Ace smiled in response. "I believe in Luffy more than anyone. Luffy will win!"
["Straw Hat Kid, perish!"]
Lucci roared furiously, employing Soru to appear before Luffy, slashing with his sharp claws toward his face!
Seeing the gleaming claws, Luffy didn't take any chances—evading swiftly, rendering the attack futile!
Lucci's claws struck the ground, leaving deep marks, surpassing even a Finger Pistol in destructive force!
This alerted Luffy to the danger posed by those razor-sharp claws!
Next, Lucci teleported again, claws raised!
This stance misled Luffy into expecting a repeat of the previous attack. In response, he prepared to counter with his Gear activated...
However, a sneer appeared on Lucci's face, his eyes filled with mockery!
Luffy felt a shock—did he fall for a feint?
Confirming his suspicions, Lucci rapidly joined his hands, assuming a fist aimed at Luffy's abdomen...
"I am the most perfected CP9 agent in centuries!"
"Even the Navy's Rokushiki, I've mastered to its pinnacle, far surpassing the others!"
"Now witness the ultimate technique, honed to perfection—Navy Rokushiki: Six Kings Gun (Rokuogan)!"
A terrifying force erupted from Lucci's hand, aimed directly at Luffy's abdomen!
**Boom!**
Luffy had no time to react; he was sent flying backward!
The immense power exacerbated Luffy's already battered body, causing further distress upon hitting the ground!
Even with Luffy's resilient frame, he struggled to withstand the impact...
Unknown Seas!
Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Robin, and the rest observed as Luffy and Lucci clashed on the bow of the Merry.
Originally, Luffy held the advantage, and everyone was still in high spirits.
However, in an instant…
As soon as the Rokushiki technique, "Six Kings Gun," was unleashed, Luffy was sent flying upside down as if struck by a cannonball.
Faces changed among the onlookers...
Nami exclaimed, "Is this impact-like attack similar to the impact shell from Sky Island?"
Robin nodded in agreement, "Yes, I can see the resemblance, but this impact force is dozens of times more powerful than the impact shell."
"The reason it didn't cause extensive damage is due to Lucci's extraordinary control of power, concentrating it all into a controlled release."
"Absorbed by Luffy..."
Upon hearing this, Usopp, who hadn't grasped the situation, was suddenly astonished!
He was familiar with the power of the impact shell from Sky Island, having witnessed it during the live broadcast.
That was the fearsome weapon that directly stopped Priest Of Enel and shattered the descending vine from the sky!
The impact from Lucci's Six Kings Gun explosion... is actually ten times more formidable than the Impact Dials?
How potent is the force contained within?
Is Luffy's rubbery physique, which is immune to most damage, enough to withstand it?
Yet, in the face of everyone's concern...
At that moment, Luffy, seated at the bow of the ship, remained unfazed and declared with a determined expression, "No matter how strong his attack is, I won't be defeated!"
"Because I've promised to defeat him, even if it costs me my life, and I will fulfill that promise!"
Zoro, Robin, and the others were momentarily taken aback by this proclamation.
Then, they all burst into laughter...
This is their captain, a man of grand words! If he says he'll defeat Lucci, then he will!
Water 7!
"Did I even need to use the Six Kings Gun..."
Lucci gazed calmly at the sky, but a hint of disbelief lingered in his eyes.
After all, he had perfected the Navy's Rokushiki techniques to the extreme.
He had understood this move long ago, but the absence of a suitable opponent had kept it dormant.
He had believed it would take a considerable amount of time before he encountered a formidable enough foe at sea to warrant its use.
Yet, here it was happening... against Luffy?
"Straw Hat boy, it seems the power within you is even greater than I anticipated!"
"I retract my earlier words; you are worthy of being my opponent!"
"But... the end result, being defeated by me, is inevitable!"
Though Lucci was cold and arrogant, he wasn't one to wear a pleasant expression.
Having observed the live broadcasts, he was well aware of Luffy's strength.
Anyone who could force him to lose composure and resort to Rokushiki was someone worth remembering.
At this moment, his previous disdain for Luffy was swept away from his heart.
However, he remained confident in his ability to defeat Luffy, ultimately seeing him crushed beneath his feet!
After all...
Having used Rokushiki, who else could stand a chance? As for Kalifa on the sidelines, she was completely astounded...
She never expected the Straw Hats, whom she had always belittled, to continuously surprise her.
Defeating nearly all members of CP9 was impressive, but now...
This seemingly slender Straw Hat youth had pushed Lucci into such a defensive position.
If she were to oppose him, would she be defeated in a single strike?
Such thoughts were not limited to Kalifa's heart alone.
Even the members of CP9, dispersed throughout various regions of Water 7 at this moment, were taken aback by this...
[Luffy was knocked to the ground, feeling pain as if he were falling apart.]
["Ahem!"]
[Luffy was coughing continuously, then his body trembled, and he rose from the ground.]
"Oh? You can actually get up after being hit by my Six King Gun?."
[Lucci stood not far away, looking down at Luffy condescendingly.]
"But even if you can get up, it's probably over now. Your body likely won't endure the strain of this intense battle any longer, right?"
[Luffy didn't respond verbally but conveyed the answer through his actions.]
Observing Luffy's steadfast posture, Lucci's eyes gradually became indifferent.
A long-charged Rankyaku shot out from his foot, aimed straight at Luffy!
[Luffy dragged his body, which hadn't yet slowed down, narrowly avoiding it...]
**Boom!!!**
The storm passed through the Judicial Tower, already reduced to ruins, further devastating the already tattered surroundings!
This attack even reached high into the air, causing massive shockwaves.
Even Zoro's group, awaiting Luffy's return at the port, witnessed it vividly.
Everyone gazed ahead in shock, their nerves on edge and filled with concern.
"Luffy, you must emerge victorious in this battle..."
**********
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