Chapter 40 - Susanoo

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Susanoo—an immense power that only those with the Mangekyō Sharingan can awaken. The ultimate technique of the Uchiha, it manifests as a giant, ethereal warrior forged from chakra, a fusion of absolute offense and defense. To those who witness it, it's often referred to as the Power of God.

"A god?" Akira's gaze fell upon Enel, who now trembled with fear.

"What a weak god," Akira remarked coldly.

"Don't underestimate—" Enel's retort was cut short, as Susanoo's massive fist came crashing down.

"Nooo!!" Enel's scream echoed as the fist connected.

Boom!

The entire Island of Gods shook violently. Birds scattered, and beasts fled in terror. Enel's Thunder God form-Amaru shattered like fragile glass, unable to withstand the devastating force of Susanoo. His cries of agony pierced the air as everything around him crumbled, leaving a massive shockwave that obliterated buildings and trees alike.

"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"

Itachi and Shisui quickly summoned a protective wall, shielding everyone on the Island from the blast. The devastation was enormous, but the wall held firm as they were putting their chakara to mantain.

As the dust settled and silence returned, a giant crater lay where Enel once stood. At the center of the pit was his unconscious form, beaten and defeated.

"Enel's voice... it's gone," a voice from the Shandia tribe broke the silence.

"What?!" The Shandians were dumbstruck.

Enel, the self-proclaimed god who had terrorized their people for years, was now lying motionless. He had dethroned the original Sky Island god and ruled with an iron fist. To the Shandians, Enel's power had always seemed absolute, divine, even.

But now... this "god" had been defeated.

"Enel is dead! He's dead!" someone shouted among the Shandians.

For years, Enel had slaughtered their kin and ruled over Sky Island with cruelty. Revenge had seemed impossible. But now, the one they feared had been vanquished.

"Everyone! Enel is gone! Now's our chance to take back our home!" Wyper, one of the Shandian warriors, rallied his comrades.

"Ohhh!" the warriors cheered, ready to reclaim what was theirs.

"No, don't go! That man who killed Enel... he's too terrifying!" Aisa, one of the Shandians with strong sensory abilities, quickly warned. "The voices of those sea pirates are still there. Only Enel's has vanished!"

"But how could this be?"

After some time Wyper clenched his fists. "I don't care. This is our only chance. If you're with me, come! If you're afraid, stay behind!"

Without waiting for a response, Wyper charged forward.

With Enel defeated, Akira dispelled Susanoo. The giant ethereal warrior vanished, leaving only silence in its wake.

Hancock, standing nearby, wanted to ask what that immense power was, but she hesitated. For a long time, she had believed her strength was on par with Akira's, but now she realized that was far from the truth. This man, who had already joined Amazon Lily, could easily overpower her if he wished. If Akira had truly desired it, not even Hancock, the Empress, could resist him.

"That… that thing," Hancock began, still hesitant.

"That was Susanoo," Akira explained, noticing her curiosity. "It's a power of our clan's Sharingan. Only those who awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan can use it."

Hancock's eyes trailed up to Akira's. His eyes had changed, now gleaming with the telltale signs of Mangekyō Sharingan. She shuddered at the sight.

"The power of a god…" Hancock whispered in awe. And indeed, it was no exaggeration to call it that.

"Let's go," Akira interrupted her thoughts. "The enemy has been defeated. It's time to claim the spoils."

With that, Akira grabbed the body of Enel, levitating him beside him as he flew toward the large ship docked nearby. Enel was the biggest gain of this trip, so naturally he couldn't leave it here.

As they approached their original destination, the crew's eyes widened at what they saw.

"Gold! So much gold!"

The ship, built in the likeness of Enel, had a massive face carved from solid gold. The crew rushed to touch it, verify it, and even bite into it, confirming it was real.

Even Akira, who had expected this, felt his heart race. In his previous life, as an ordinary man from a working-class family, he had never even dreamed of seeing this much wealth.

Hancock, too, found herself captivated. With this much gold, Amazon Lily would prosper for generations. They could fortify their island, buy arms, and secure their future. Her gaze lingered on Akira, realizing how much he had changed their lives.

Her heart fluttered as she stole glances at his face, her mind awash with emotions. She quickly averted her gaze when Akira caught her staring.

"Come, take my hand," Akira suddenly said, offering his hand to Hancock.

"W-what?!" Hancock stammered, her face flushing red. "What do you mean, take your hand?!"

"Relax. I just want to show you something."

Hancock hesitated but eventually reached out and took his hand. The moment their hands touched, she felt her heart race uncontrollably.

Suddenly, her feet left the ground, and she soared into the air alongside Akira. Panic gripped her at first, but as they flew higher and higher, she became filled with exhilaration. The sensation of flying, something she had never experienced before, filled her with a sense of awe.

Before long, they ascended above the clouds, reaching the peak of the enormous vine that towered over Sky Island.

"This… this is…" Hancock gasped, utterly speechless as she gazed upon the scene before her.

In front of them stood a massive golden altar, flanked by two enormous golden pillars. In the center of the altar, gleaming under the sun, was a colossal golden bell. The bell was weathered with age, vines and moss creeping up its surface, but it still radiated an awe-inspiring glow.

"This is the Golden Bell," Akira said with a smile.

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