Chapter 17: Rey vs X-Drake
Rey and Drake stood face to face in the Battle stage. Rey sensed a dangerous aura around Drake like that of a hidden tiger ready to launch its attack.
'He's strong!' This thought came to Rey's mind. 'As expected of future Captain of the Marine Secret Special Unit 'SWORD' who even fearlessly gone undercover as a pirate under the Yonko, Kaido.'
Rey's battle intent soared perceiving Drake will be a tough opponent to beat. Drake also sensed this and took a fighting stance.
Boom!
Rey's charged at Drake with his full strength which destroyed some of the stones his feet. He appeared before Drake while his opponent used 'Soru' to easily escape his attack.
Even though Drake's 'Soru' is not as fast as Rey's, he easily evaded the attack combined with his inhuman physical strength.
'Heavy Punch!'
Rey once again attacked with his powerful fist, which fired a compressed Air shockwave towards Drake.
'Fast!'
Drake immediately used the 'Tekkai' and blocked the attack but took two steps back to neutralize the attack.
Without wasting no time, he leaped high into the air by kicking his leg and attacked Rey using 'Rankyaku' by firing a sharp air blade, like Mia.
But this attack is far more powerful and fast. Rey smirked, spun at a fast speed and sent an attack of his own.
'Leaf hurricane!'
Both techniques collided in Midair and produced a shockwave which swept past the spectators.
Everyone who was the fight was terrified and shocked by the level of battle.
"Oi, Oi, is this a fight between recruits?" A marine soldier exclaimed.
"Powerful! Both of them are monsters on their own. This level of battle looks like a clash between two Vice Admiral."
"Both of them are strong enough to confront pirates below 60 Million bounty and take a Captain position", Sengoku said.
Grap grinned, maybe others don't know about Rey's strength but he clearly understands Rey's power than anyone.
"Did you hide something from me again, Garp?" Sengoku frowned, noticing Garp's grin.
"Bwahaha, that brat didn't reveal his entire strength; If you witness it, you will be shocked!" Garp chuckled.
"What?" Sengoku thought Rey is already very powerful compared to his peers but hearing Garp he was astounded.
Not to mention Rey is very young compared to other top Recruits like Smoker and Drake who are already in Mid-twenties.
The battle between Rey and Drake was pretty serious as both of them were not able to take advantage of others. Drake is quite proficient in all six techniques of Rokushiki and was able to perfectly utilize them in battle.
Rey with his good physique and reflex was able to skilfully evade every attack of Drake.
Boom!
Two fists collided in mid-air and both Rey and Drake took few steps backward and panted for air. This is the longest and breathtaking battle that observers encountered today.
"You are not bad, Drake", Rey said.
"You too,"
"But if this is your entire strength, then you won't be able to win over me. Prepare yourself." Rey spoke, and a silver-white aura began to emanate from his whole body bestowing him a look of white gleaming youth.
"What is that?" Everyone exclaimed viewing the white aura.
"What? Is this some kind of magic show?"
Even Sengoku was perplexed by the sudden turn of events and looked at Garp for an answer.
"Don't look at me, I too don't know anything about the origin of his powers. But this state increases his physical power to a new level and grant him strength at least twice his normal level."
"But the side effect is, he will be weakened for a period of time after the usage," Garp explained.
Sengoku frowned, if there are techniques like that then surely they would have encountered in their long life but this is his first time seeing such a powerful skill.
"I am certain of one thing, that this technique is a powerful one and only he can practice it," Garp said.
Drake could feel a dangerous air around Rey and he immediately retreated a few steps to keep some distance from Rey.
Suddenly, Rey appeared before Drake and punched at him. Drake tried to block his attack but was sent flying away unable to block Rey's full-powered punch.
"Rey Silver... What a monstrous physical strength he has!" Smoker, who watching the battle commented.
"Hina surprised!" Hina standing next to Smoker spoke even though they are going to fight next.
"What a strong young man" Aokiji spoke watching the heated battle between Rey and Drake.
One could see a trail of blood leaking from Drake's mouth as a result of the last attack. 'Such strength! There should be a risk for using this power, maybe, if I endure some time, I will win.'
But, facing Rey, he doesn't have confidence and Rey also won't give him an opportunity to win.
'Soru'
In this state, Rey speed increased and combined with 'Soru', there's no way Drake will evade his attacks.
'Rapid Punches!'
Torrent of attacks with terrifying power began to fall on Drake while a lot of bruises and wounds surfaced on Drake's body.
When the barrage of attacks ended, Drake dropped on his knees gasping for air, powerless to rise up.
"Drake was pushed to his knees."
"What a terrifying strength." Many recruits whispered among themselves.
Drake knows he's at his limit so there's no point for him to battle anymore. He acknowledged Rey's strength is superior to him, so it's not shameful to admit defeat.
"I admit defeat!"Drake said and nonchalantly stepped down the stage as if the victory and defeat don't matter to him.
"Wow, this recruit is strong; I wonder who he will face in the final, Smoker or Hina?"
"Hehe, of course, it's going to be Smoker. Even though both Smoker and Hina ate devil fruit, Smoker's ate a rarest among the devil fruits, Logia type, Smoke-Smoke fruit."
All sorts of talks could be heard among the spectators. Even Mia was watching Rey's figure with a sparkle in her eyes since Rey didn't use his full strength when they fought before.
Rey also came down from the stage while completely exhausted from using his Energy burst mode.
Next, the battle between Smoker and Hina commenced. Their battle ended quickly as expected by everyone.
Even though Hina has better skills and strength, she wasn't able to do anything to Smoker who ate a logia fruit as she didn't learn Haki yet.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone