Thin arcs of black and red electricity began crackling around Luffy's body, flickering like a short circuit. However, as time passed, these black and red arcs became more and more active. Moments later, menacing, terrifying black and red lightning surrounded Luffy.
Suddenly, an overwhelming burst of Conqueror's Haki erupted from Luffy's body, radiating a tangible sense of pressure that instantly knocked out the surrounding civilians and CP0 agents.
Ace watched the scene unfold, his mouth agape in shock. His clenched fist relaxed, and when he noticed Sabo had fallen unconscious, he immediately rushed over, braving the immense pressure.
"Conqueror's Haki?!"
At the Sacred Land of Mariejois, as Luffy's Conqueror's Haki appeared, many fighters from various battle zones turned their curious gazes in his direction.
In a battle that had gathered all the top-tier fighters of the sea, Conqueror's Haki wasn't particularly rare. What surprised everyone was the power behind this particular Haki. Though it seemed immature, the terrifying pressure it carried wasn't something typical of someone who had just awakened Conqueror's Haki.
That's what piqued everyone's interest—Conqueror's Haki isn't like Observation or Armament Haki, which can be trained and strengthened. It's a force that grows stronger in stages, activating more of its potential over time until fully unleashed.
"Boss! This Haki feels both familiar and strange at the same time."
"I feel it too... Who could it be?"
Many members of the Red-Haired Pirates, in the midst of their own battles, glanced at Shanks with puzzled expressions.
Top-tier fighters of the sea all possess their own distinct aura, which is why many can recognize each other by their presence alone. But this strange sensation left even the seasoned members of Shanks' crew feeling confused.
Looking more closely, Shanks, gripping his sword Gryphon, was also frowning as he gazed toward the source of the Conqueror's Haki, murmuring to himself.
"Luffy..."
Others might not understand that odd mix of familiarity and strangeness, but Shanks did. In his plan, he had placed a great deal of faith in Luffy. Even now, he believed that if anyone could bring a new dawn to the world, it was Luffy.
"But why is he 'awakening' so soon?" Shanks muttered, tightening his grip on Gryphon.
According to his information, the Gomu Gomu no Mi (Nika Fruit) wasn't supposed to fully awaken at this stage. In Shanks' plan, the fruit would take time to mature, and in that process, Luffy's strength and willpower would also grow. Ultimately, Luffy was supposed to fully master the fruit—not have its will take over him as might be happening now.
"Shanks, it seems you really do know the secret behind that fruit."
Across from Shanks, the Five Elders member with a scarred forehead remarked calmly.
"It seems everything is slipping out of your control. But it doesn't matter. Even if 'Joy Boy' returns, it won't have a decisive impact on this war. It's too weak right now."
At this point, the Elders weren't concerned, believing that even if the Gomu Gomu no Mi did awaken, its current state was too immature to make a difference against the battlefield's top-tier fighters, much less intervene in the battle in the skies above.
Thump-thump-thump-thump♫
Just then, Shanks' ears picked up a faint, rhythmic sound, like a heartbeat.
With each beat, the previously unstable and overwhelming Haki seemed to focus, as if it had found a target, and it surged toward the two fighters in the sky—Nicholas and Im.
"This oppressive Conqueror's Haki, and this strange aura... Imu, it looks like your old friend is going to return."
Nicholas, standing across from Im in the sky, teased while watching the incoming Haki. After all, enjoying the drama was human nature.
Im, still floating silently in the sky, remained expressionless as she gazed at the oncoming Haki with indifference.
Just as the Haki reached them, an equally terrifying surge of Conqueror's Haki exploded from Im, smashing into both the incoming Haki and Nicholas from the sky.
Naturally, Nicholas wouldn't stand idle. A godlike pressure emanated from him, meeting the two streams of Haki head-on.
Boom!
The three forces collided in mid-air, and black and red lightning flashed all around as their Haki clashed violently.
On the Red Line below, the previously chaotic battlefield of Mariejois fell into an eerie silence.
For the ordinary soldiers on the ground, the sheer pressure of the Conqueror's Haki was overwhelming. Many who were too weak-willed simply couldn't withstand it.
Only a few thousand remained standing among the tens of thousands who had been fighting moments earlier.
"Whoooa... Who would dare challenge those monsters? I wonder who that could be?"
Kizaru peered toward the depths of Mariejois with a curious look behind his sunglasses.
After all, both sides knew that Nicholas and Im were essentially the top dogs in this war. Anyone else who tried to interfere would likely be crushed. So, who was bold enough to confront them?
"That Conqueror's Haki... Garp, you look like you know something!" Sengoku, noticing Garp's clenched fists, immediately turned to question him.
"It's that bastard Shanks!"
Gritting his teeth, Garp cursed, clearly seething with rage. It was obvious—his Observation Haki had allowed him to sense the strange and unfamiliar aura coming from Luffy. Without needing to think, he knew it had something to do with the Gomu Gomu no Mi Luffy had eaten years ago.
"Hey, Dragon, what's with your expression?"
"What is that!?"
Something's happening… All eyes turned upward, seeing a figure radiating immense power flying toward the battlefield where Nicholas and Im clashed...
Laughter echoed throughout the Red Line, reaching the ears of everyone below.
"Ahahaha!"