Chereads / Highschool DXD: Reborn as a true phoenix / Chapter 43 - Chapter 42: A New Peak

Chapter 43 - Chapter 42: A New Peak

The 10 days leading up to the much-anticipated peerage game were nothing short of intense. While the Gremory peerage likely spent their time preparing to the best of their ability, Raizer's team took a vastly different approach.

Rather than remaining in the Shadowed Cliffs Fortress or practicing traditional drills, four of Raizer's most powerful peerage members—Garp, Whitebeard, Roger, and Mihawk—vanished into the Void World to train, a place said to push even the strongest beings to their absolute limits.

Raizer wasn't entirely sure what they planned to accomplish in that strange, chaotic dimension, but if anyone could grow stronger in such a hostile environment, it was those four.

Raizer's Quiet Confidence

As the days passed, Raizer kept himself busy with his own training. Though he wasn't stepping into the Void World himself—someone had to hold the fort, after all—he used the time to refine his magic and Haki, preparing for any surprises that Rias's peerage might have up their sleeves.

He trusted his team completely, and he had no doubt that Garp, Whitebeard, Roger, and Mihawk would return stronger than ever. Still, he couldn't help but wonder just how far they would push themselves.

The Void World: A Place Beyond Limits

In the Void World, time and space seemed to blur. The environment shifted constantly, from blistering deserts to frozen tundras, and the air itself was charged with energy that could either invigorate or destroy.

For Garp, Whitebeard, Roger, and Mihawk, this was the ultimate training ground.

"Feels like we're standing in the middle of a storm," Roger said, grinning as he looked around at the swirling chaos.

"Good," Garp said, cracking his knuckles. "A storm's just what we need to shake off the rust."

"Speak for yourself," Whitebeard said, his deep voice steady. "I'm not here to shake off rust. I'm here to shatter limits."

Mihawk stood apart from the group, his golden eyes scanning the environment. "This place is perfect," he said quietly. "Let's begin."

10 Days of Transformation

The four legends trained relentlessly, pushing their bodies, minds, and abilities to new heights. The Void World's unpredictable nature forced them to adapt constantly, fighting against the environment as much as against one another.

Garp

Garp's strength, already unparalleled, reached new levels. Each punch he threw seemed to tear through the very fabric of the Void World, creating shockwaves that echoed endlessly. By the time the training was over, his body had reverted to its prime, his black hair shining like polished obsidian, and his grin as ferocious as ever.

Whitebeard

Whitebeard's mastery of the Gura Gura no Mi grew even more terrifying. He learned to focus his tremors with pinpoint precision, creating devastating localized attacks that left the Void World's shifting landscapes in ruins. When he emerged, his golden hair flowed like a lion's mane, and his towering presence radiated both strength and vitality.

Roger

Roger's Conqueror's Haki surged to a level few could comprehend. He could now project his will across vast distances, crushing weaker beings with sheer presence. With his youth restored, he looked like he was in his early 30s, his grin as sharp and confident as ever.

Mihawk

Mihawk's precision and technique with Yoru reached new heights. He mastered techniques so advanced that each swing of his sword seemed to cut not just through the environment, but through reality itself. When he returned, he looked no older than his mid-20s, his sharp features and piercing gaze giving him an almost otherworldly aura.

The Day of Their Return

On the morning of the match, just hours before it was set to begin, a ripple of energy tore through the Shadowed Cliffs Fortress. Raizer, standing in the training hall with the rest of his peerage, turned toward the disturbance with a raised eyebrow.

"They're back," he said simply.

The ripple grew into a portal, and one by one, the four legends stepped through.

The first was Garp, his black hair gleaming and his muscular frame looking more intimidating than ever. He grinned broadly, his voice booming as he said, "Miss me?"

Next came Whitebeard, his golden hair shining like the sun and his presence as commanding as a king. "It feels good to be back," he said, his deep voice carrying a note of satisfaction.

Roger followed, looking every bit like the vibrant, unstoppable force he had been in his prime. He gave Raizer a cheeky grin. "You kept the place in one piece while we were gone, right?"

Finally, Mihawk stepped through, his youthful appearance and razor-sharp gaze making him seem even more imposing than before. He didn't say anything, but the slight nod he gave Raizer spoke volumes.

The Peerage's Reaction

The rest of the peerage stared in stunned silence, their eyes wide as they took in the transformed figures before them.

"Okay," Shiki said, breaking the silence. "Who the hell are you guys, and what did you do with Garp, Whitebeard, Roger, and Mihawk?"

Beckman smirked, shaking his head. "Looks like the Void World worked its magic."

"Magic isn't the word for it," Akainu muttered, his usual gruff demeanor unable to hide his surprise. "They look like they've stepped out of a history book."

Roger laughed, clapping Raizer on the shoulder. "We couldn't let the young blood have all the fun, could we? Consider this our way of leveling the playing field."

Raizer grinned. "Leveling the playing field? You've probably tilted it in our favor."

Final Preparations

With their youth and power restored, Garp, Whitebeard, Roger, and Mihawk joined the rest of the peerage in a final strategy session.

"This match isn't just about winning," Raizer said, his tone serious. "It's about sending a message. We're going to show the underworld what true strength looks like."

Garp grinned. "And if they can't handle it? That's their problem."

Whitebeard nodded. "Let's remind them why we're legends."

As the team prepared to leave for the battlefield, Raizer couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. With his peerage at their peak, there was no doubt in his mind: victory was inevitable.

This chapter sets the stage for the upcoming match, showcasing the transformation of Garp, Whitebeard, Roger, and Mihawk, and their return to prime form. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!