[When Katakuri and Luffy faced off]
[Flampe and the others continued their boisterous laughter and insults!]
[Katakuri spoke slowly: "These noisy riffraff..."]
[Luffy rose to his feet as well, "Yeah...]
[Perhaps it was an unspoken agreement, or maybe the shared resolve of formidable warriors!]
[In that moment, Katakuri and Luffy unleashed their Conqueror's Haki simultaneously!]
[Boom!!!]
[In an instant, crimson and obsidian clashed, erupting with ferocious power surges!]
[The sheer presence of their Conqueror's Haki alone was enough to disorientate those of lesser strength.]
[As they collided, the formidable aura reverberated in all directions!]
[Flampe and the others, still laughing, were instantly knocked unconscious by the shockwave!]
[They crumpled to the ground, unconscious.]
[In that moment, only Luffy and Katakuri remained!]
[The world... was finally serene!]
[Just when everyone expected the battle to continue in this manner...]
[Katakuri executed another astounding maneuver!]
["My sister's interference earlier was my mistake."]
["It disgraced our duel!"]
[With that, he raised the mochi-turned-spear in his hand and inverted its direction.]
[Puff!!!]
[He thrust it forcefully into his own abdomen, blood immediately spilling forth...]
["Now we're even!"]
["Let's engage in a fair and honorable fight!"]
[Luffy observed this scene with a grave countenance. In this moment...]
[Katakuri also earned his respect!]
[This adversary deserved to be confronted with all their strength and integrity!]
Katakuri's actions once again sent shockwaves throughout the world!
Countless spectators were deeply moved as he sought to atone for his sister's ambush on Luffy. By stabbing himself, he inflicted injury upon himself, a gesture visible to all present.
The force he employed was no less than that used against Luffy!
This act demonstrated his sincerity and his acknowledgment of the harm Luffy had inflicted upon him in the past.
Not merely as firm as his own blade!
Undoubtedly, Katakuri exemplifies true manhood!
A man who holds combat as the highest virtue and refrains from employing deceitful tactics!
Such a character... exudes charm!
At the Navy headquarters...
Sengoku, Garp, and their colleagues were dumbfounded. Who could have anticipated such an action from Katakuri?
"To self-inflict wounds?..."
"The name Katakuri is renowned, indeed!"
Few are the mighty warriors acknowledged by the Marines, especially among pirates!
It is evident that Katakuri's memorable status is not solely due to his formidable strength.
It is his unwavering dedication to combat that commands utmost respect!
Even Garp, usually jovial, wore a grave expression.
"Facing such a formidable adversary will spur Luffy's growth!"
"However, I'm equally concerned about confronting an opponent of such strength and determination... Can Luffy prevail?"
Garp's apprehensions were not unfounded.
He discerned Katakuri's uniqueness.
In certain aspects, Katakuri and his grandson Luffy were strikingly similar.
Both possessed indomitable spirits, refusing to concede defeat in battle!
Typically, individuals of this caliber, while gifted in combat, rarely surrender easily!
Consequently, Garp's worries surpassed those concerning the earlier Revolutionary Army incursion!
Meanwhile, Dragon and his associates were stunned. Who could have foreseen Katakuri, holding a significant advantage, would unsheathe his sword in the name of respecting his opponent?
Had he remained unscathed and engaged in direct combat!
His chances of triumph in the forthcoming skirmish would have approached certainty!
However, by inflicting harm upon himself, he now shared Luffy's grievous injury. Such a decision proved exceedingly unwise! There existed a distinct possibility of him forfeiting victory due to this choice!
Yet, Katakuri also earned the respect of all present!
"Individuals of his caliber... are rare indeed!"
"Unexpectedly, such a remarkable individual exists among the Big Mom Pirates!"
"Among that eccentric bunch, his demeanor sticks out like a sore thumb!"
"Still, I must admit, it's quite a commendable move... "
For a moment, the leaders of the five major armies and others were overcome with emotion.
The expressions on everyone's faces were incredibly complex!
When they witnessed Katakuri stabbing himself, all the ministers were left dumbfounded.
Such a significant advantage... and instead of capitalizing on it, you choose to harm yourself?
Isn't that foolish?
Cracker immediately couldn't comprehend it, "Treating an enemy like this is truly foolish!"
These words instantly found agreement among many present.
To them, such actions were utterly incomprehensible!
Yet, simultaneously... some ministers remained silent, their gazes upon Katakuri fraught with complexity.
In this moment, Katakuri, who had been silent until now, spoke with solemnity.
"Straw Hat is a worthy adversary!"
"In facing such an individual, engaging in earnest combat is the most appropriate course of action!"
"Resorting to underhanded tactics is unworthy of a moment like this!"
"You fail to comprehend... what's ordinary!"
"That's why you've stagnated for so many years."
"And it's why I continue to grow stronger!"
"Furthermore... "
"From this perspective, you're indeed inferior to the Straw Hat Boy!"
"At least he's resolute in fighting with his full strength, never considering resorting to external forces from start to finish!"
"Even if he flees, he'll return to face the challenge!"
"It's only natural for you to be defeated by him!"
Clark was rendered speechless. Though filled with anger, he found himself at a loss for words. In that moment, Katakuri's focus was solely on Luffy!
He yearned to witness the outcome of this battle... Who would emerge victorious?
**********
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