Lucci, transformed into a leopard, grinned wickedly.
"Straw Hat Kid, if you want to save your friends, you'll have to defeat us!"
"And, if you lose, not only will your friends fail to return, but..."
"All of them will die!"
As Lucci's words echoed, a group of Cipher Pol agents emerged from the shadows, dragging a bound Franky with them.
Franky's hair had lost its vitality, and he appeared visibly drained of energy. His body bore the scars of a fierce battle, undoubtedly against CP9, and the outcome was clear – a defeat.
Not only Franky but also Iceberg and all the shipbuilding company members, including Franky's younger brother, were captured.
Witnessing this scene fueled deep anger in Luffy and the others. "Despicable!"
"I'll make you pay!"
Lucci smirked. "We'll see about that."
At this moment, CP9 assembled in full force!
Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa, Blueno, Jabra, Fukuro, Kumadori – all standing against the Straw Hat Pirates!
Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Robin, Chopper, Usopp – a direct confrontation, seven against seven!
Having learned from their past mistakes, CP9 was no longer as carefree as they appeared in the live broadcast.
The battle commenced, and CP9 unleashed their full power!
Jabra transformed into a wolf, and Fukuro began regenerating his life. Everyone was on high alert.
However...
As the gaze of the CP9 fell upon little Chopper, a visible shiver ran down their spine.
Evidently, they recalled the monstrous Chopper from the image, the memory of being slapped by him lingering in their minds.
It cast a shadow over them.
"You should've avoided eating that fruit!"
Zoro remarked, eyeing Kaku nearby, unable to shake off the nausea at the thought of the strange giraffe appearance.
Kaku, with a wry expression, had a black line forming on his face.
Honestly, consuming the Devil Fruit has indeed heightened his own power, but the transformation is truly unappealing.
Yet, it's inconsequential. Having learned from past mistakes, he certainly won't partake in any fruit offered by Spandam.
Not to mention... His actions have stirred a catastrophe that the World Government cannot ignore.
Henceforth, whether Spandam is his boss or not is uncertain...!!!
The pleasantries have ended, and the skirmish is imminent!
Luffy swiftly activated Gear Second, clashing head-on with Lucci, and the two collided fiercely!
They began exchanging blows in the streets, on rooftops, and even mid-air!
The velocity was so rapid that observers could only catch glimpses of afterimages...
Zoro unsheathed three blades, engaging in combat with Kaku, unleashing a barrage of four-sword techniques!
As for the rest, they found their adversaries following the established patterns in the future scenario...
Chopper vs. Kumadori, Sanji vs. Jabra, Nami vs. Kalifa.
Robin faced off against Blueno, and Usopp confronted Fukuro...
Soon, time slipped away!
Despite the initial intensity of the battle, it must be acknowledged...
The strength of certain Straw Hat Pirates members has surpassed their previous limits!
Whether it's their inherent strength or the enhancement from their rewards, they are no longer on par with everyone in CP9.
Take Robin, for instance!
Although Blueno's Door-Door Fruit is quite formidable, enabling him to open doors to evade attacks and launch surprise attacks, he initially struggled against Luffy but now he fell to Robin... Tink!
Thanks to the powers of the Flower-Flower Fruit, a series of arms sprouted directly from Blueno's body!
They twisted and contorted, folding his entire being into a knot!
Robin, having mastered her fruit abilities, swiftly employed them.
Before the pain-ridden Blueno could react, numerous arms materialized in front of him, seamlessly merging...
Forming a colossal palm! Striking forcefully!
At this juncture, Blueno's visage was bathed in blood, mirroring the live broadcast screen, marking him as the first to be eliminated!
Regrettably, despite his individual strength and the advantage of the Door-Door Fruit, he met his match in Robin!
The hidden forces in the distance transmitted the news back to the world promptly through the Den Den Mushi...
"[CP9 member Blueno, the first to fall, defeated by Robin of the Straw Hat Pirates!]"
This revelation sent shockwaves through countless factions!
It mirrors the live broadcast screen... CP9's first casualty?
Lucci, engrossed in his battle with Luffy, spared a disdainful glance.
"Worthless!"
"Two bouts, and this is the result? Truly worthless!"
However, he had no time for further complaints, as Luffy swiftly pulled him back into the fray. Although the Straw Hat Pirates boasted formidable members, there were also individuals whose strength didn't measure up at this stage.
Like, what… Sanji and Chopper!
Their combat effectiveness, in both initial mode and after, hasn't improved at all.
One can only execute simple kicks, the other can only heal and barely maneuver with the Blue Ball.
When facing an opponent like CP9, they are obviously unable to keep up and end up being pressed and beaten...
But that's okay!
Robin, who had long resolved the battle, stepped in!...
And in less than ten minutes!
Jabra, cornered by Sanji and Chopper, was defeated with Robin's assistance!
**********
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