"Ghost Energy: Yama King Descends!"
With a single slash, the air seemed to freeze. Countless bullets hung suspended in midair, then, in the distorted space, the iron bullets were crushed and pulled apart, turning into scrap metal.
Boom!
A dark red, massive shockwave of sword energy swept across Enies Lobby. From the courthouse all the way to the Bridge of Hesitation, it struck the massive Gate of Justice, causing the towering gate to tremble violently.
The entire island of Enies Lobby trembled under the destructive force. A massive fissure tore the island in two, as howling winds swept away Marines like leaves in a storm.
Spandine and the others in the frontlines were reduced to dust in the blink of an eye.
The once formidable Enies Lobby, the Island That Never Sleeps, was left in ruins. The ground quaked, and the island's very foundation was shaken, with gaping chasms spreading across its surface.
Kuh huh huh!
Kuke exhaled deeply. This move was his most powerful attack to date, and the results were clear.
Enies Lobby's foundation had been completely destabilized. The island would eventually be reduced to a wasteland.
"Only a destroyed Enies Lobby leaves a lasting impact," Kuke muttered, gathering more energy.
He took to the air, using Moonwalk to rise higher and higher.
"Yama King Guides the Way!"
"One-Sword Style: Single Cut!"
"One-Sword Style: Double Cut!" Kuke gripped his sword with both hands, doubling its power.
The destruction continued as massive portions of the island crumbled into the sea.
The island that had stood tall for hundreds of years had finally met its demise today.
Several minutes later, Kuke landed on the sinking remnants of the island.
"Kuke, you've become incredibly strong," Gion remarked, her tone a mixture of happiness and a touch of disappointment. She had always been the one protecting him. Now, she realized Kuke had far surpassed her. It was a humbling revelation.
"I can't be the one under your protection forever," Kuke smirked.
"That's not necessarily true," Gion replied, flustered by the way Kuke was looking at her. She quickly added, "I'll catch up to you, just wait and see."
"You won't have the chance," Kuke teased, but secretly he was glad. The stronger Gion became, the stronger he became. As long as he stayed ahead of her, it was a win-win.
"Hancock, well done," Kuke turned to her. She had swiftly dealt with one of the CP9 members, and after this battle, her power had increased by around three thousand points.
As expected of the Pirate Empress, her talent was remarkable.
"Let's go. The Navy's reinforcements will arrive soon," Kuke announced, waving his hand. He and his crew quickly departed, leaving behind the sinking remains of Enies Lobby.
…
"Mr. Kuke, wait!" A few news vessels caught up with them.
Representatives of major newspapers from across the seas were onboard.
"Mr. Kuke, here's our card. In the future, if you have any big news, can you please share it with us first?" One of the reporters asked with a bit of hesitation, before adding quickly, "If we come across important news, we'll be sure to inform you right away as well!"
The reporters scrambled to hand him their business cards.
As journalists, they had a keen sense for news. Anything related to Kuke sold better than any story in recent memory. And after the Enies Lobby incident, they knew Kuke would be the center of attention for a long time.
Kuke gestured for Boa Sandersonia to take the cards. To the journalists, he said, "If you hear of any movements from the monsters of the New World, or anyone at the level of Navy Admirals or higher, let me know immediately."
"Understood!"
As they watched the Radiant Eclipse sail off, the reporters sighed in relief. "We're lucky it was Kuke. Any other pirate wouldn't have been so nice."
After the sighs of relief, they eyed each other warily.
They were all competitors.
"If our newspaper can provide Kuke with the most accurate and fastest information, he'll choose us over the others," they all thought. The competition had begun.
…
The Radiant Eclipse sailed through the vast sea, constantly changing course to avoid pursuit. Once they were sure no one was following them, they settled on a direction and vanished into the endless ocean.
"Kuke, what are we going to do with her?" Gion asked, looking down at Koala.
The moment Koala saw Kuke, she rushed to his side, clinging to his clothes and refusing to let go.
"Please don't throw me out. I can be useful! I can clean the deck, cook, do laundry… anything you need, I'll learn. Just please, let me stay!" Koala sobbed, desperate and afraid.
She even dropped to her knees and began wiping the deck with her sleeve.
The poor girl had been through so much trauma that her childhood had turned into a living nightmare.
Kuke gently lifted her to her feet. "You don't have to debase yourself. We're not bad people."
Kuke admitted he wasn't exactly a saint, but he wasn't the type to bully a little girl.
He hadn't expected to encounter Koala like this. It seemed the butterfly effect had come into play.
Gion knelt beside the girl and spoke softly, "It's dangerous with us, little one. Do you know where your home is?"
"Please, don't send me away," Koala begged, trembling. She clung even tighter to Kuke, hiding behind him as though he was her last line of defense.
"Let her stay on the ship," Kuke said after some thought. He knew that in the future, Koala would become one of the key members of the Revolutionary Army. She would also go on to learn Fish-Man Karate. There was real potential in her.
"Really?" Koala's eyes filled with tears of joy.
The sixth member had joined them: Koala, the trainee pirate.