Bab 242: 242. One Year
A whole year has gone by in the blink of an eye.
In the Sea Circle Calendar, it's now the year 1511.
Following the merger with the Capone family, the Soviet Chamber of Commerce in Tesoro has steadily strengthened its position. With plans to venture into the Grand Line, its future growth looks quite promising.
This year, Luffy is now 8 years old. Sabo and Ace are living safely in Marineford, with Sabo having his memories intact, hasn't been taken by Dragon because of the Celestial Dragons.
The fire has finally ignited in Goa Kingdom.
At the Naval Headquarters in Marineford,
In the vast school grounds, fully equipped Marine soldiers encircle the area, tightly gripping long guns in their hands.
This is the routine life of regular soldiers at Naval Headquarters.
"Hey, I've been annoyed with you for a while now, kid!"
In the center of the school field, Enel, wielding a coiled stick, extended his free left hand, disdainfully eyeing the young one.
This youngster had given him an irksome nickname on their first encounter.
He hasn't had a chance to give this kid a lesson, and today, for some reason, the Marines didn't intervene to stop him from teaching this brat a lesson. He must take advantage of this opportunity.
Gulp! !
"I'm not scared of you, big-eared boy!"
Luffy faced the highly intimidating Enel and couldn't help but gulp down a big mouthful of saliva, bravely uttering something insincere.
Now, Enel doesn't have the lean appearance he had when he first encountered Atlas. He underwent scientific training methods, fruit development that enhances physical skills, and received sufficient nutrition from the Naval Headquarters.
These factors have served as the building blocks for Enel's growth. His entire body is packed with muscles, and his fair skin bears the marks of numerous scars. This is his current appearance, radiating a rugged and iron-blooded style.
As the chief instructor of the Marine elite training camp, Zephyr can't afford to nurture individuals with delicate care. Moreover, Enel, being a Logia Thunder Fruit ability user, a power even Sengoku watches closely, naturally underwent rigorous practical training.
"Are you really not going to intervene and stop them from fighting?"
Ace, standing nearby, persistently questioned Atlas with a gaze.
Despite his usual harsh treatment of Luffy, the truth is, he cares just as much for Luffy as he does for Sabo.
He witnessed the might of Enel's Rumble-Rumble Fruit firsthand...
Putting the Devil Fruits aside, just the gap in strength between the two made this duel seem uneven.
"It's fine. It toughens up Luffy a bit and sharpens his memory."
Atlas felt a bit frustrated. Luffy had a peculiar way of remembering or rather, not remembering people at all. He often assigned nicknames based on their physical traits.
If his grandfather wasn't Garp, he would've been beaten countless times.
"Ace, don't worry. With Mr. Atlas's power, Luffy will be fine."
Observing the situation, Sabo quickly reassured Ace.
He had witnessed the remarkable healing ability of Atlas. He believed that even if one were missing arms or legs, Atlas could assist in regenerating them. However, he hadn't seen it to this extent, so his confidence was based on a reasonable assumption.
"Vari: Hyakuman Boruto!" (Electric Discharge: 1,000,000 V)
Enel shouted, and a brilliant lightning bolt streaked toward Luffy, leaving an almost invisible white trace in the air.
Although Atlas didn't intervene to prevent the lesson, he was aware of Luffy's grandfather's identity. If Enel inadvertently harmed his grandson, he would probably not walk the next day.
"Ah!!"
Before the lightning struck, Luffy preemptively let out a scream. He appeared dazed, standing there motionless, not daring to make a move.
Zizzi! ! !
The silver-white electric arcs danced, and the dazzling lightning gradually faded away, revealing Luffy's unharmed body.
"What?!!"
Enel, witnessing this astonishing sight, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. He was taken aback, jaw nearly dropping, and his eyes wide open.
Since devouring the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Enel had mostly faced frustration only from Atlas and a few instructors in the recruit camp; otherwise, he had consistently triumphed.
Today's event was indeed a bit beyond his expectations.
"Eh-?! Am I okay?"
Luffy felt a bit confused and instinctively moved his hands up and down his bare body.
"Huh! Luckily, everything's still in place!"
Instantly, he flaunted himself to the still-shocked Enel, wearing a determined expression on his face.
"What! Turns out it just looks intimidating."
"Vari: Nisenman Boruto!" (Electric Discharge: 20,000,000 V)
Boom! ! !
Accompanied by a thunderous roar, another lightning bolt struck, its power even several times greater than before!
--Silence
Observing Luffy, who remained unharmed, Enel appeared somewhat irritated.
"Why? Luffy doesn't seem scared of his lightning at all..."
Ace also seemed taken aback.
"It must be Luffy's fruit ability!"
Sabo, the calmest among the three brothers, pointed out the issue with certainty.
In reality, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's ability goes beyond mere thunder and lightning; it carries with it a formidable high temperature comparable to intense flames.
This can only be credited to the fact that the Rubber-Rubber Fruit Luffy consumed is no ordinary rubber.
Boom--! ! !
Before Atlas could respond, a dull knocking sound echoed.
"Hiss! It hurts a lot. I'm supposed to be a rubber man. Why can you hit me and cause pain!!"
Surveying his surroundings, Luffy held his head, wincing in pain.
Since consuming the Rubber-Rubber Fruit given by Atlas and acquiring a rubber body, he hadn't experienced this kind of pain in a while, except for his grandfather's fists.
"Armament Haki?"
He recalled hearing other Marines mention this concept.
"Yes, Armament Haki has recently awakened."
Atlas observed the Haki enveloping Enel's fist, feeling somewhat reassured. Enel's talent was impressive, having already awakened his Observation Haki. It was just a matter of time before he developed Armament Haki.
However, it appeared that it had only recently awakened. The skills were in the early stages of hardening, and might still be occasionally ineffective.
"I challenge you, Atlas!"
Suddenly, Enel turned his head, glancing towards Atlas with a provocative expression.
He hadn't forgotten that joining the Marines was only a temporary arrangement for him.
Now armed with the power of Haki, it was time to confront the Marines who deceived him in the first place.
....
New World.
Occasionally, massive shadows glided beneath the expansive, white sea. Busy news birds crisscrossed the world, akin to underprivileged workers exploited by capitalists.
It was noon, and under the scorching sun, there was no oppressive heat. The fierce sea wind churned up colossal waves. A warship sailed leisurely across the ocean.
The flag of the Marine G-5 base fluttered in the brisk wind.
This constituted the routine patrol duties of the Marines, ensuring the islands within the G-5 base's reach were safeguarded. The surrounding sea areas also underwent regular Marine inspections. This way, if any abnormal situation arose, they could promptly respond.
It also serves as a deterrent, eliminating some recently arrived pirates in the New World who show great potential early on.
Unlike other parts of the New World, the pirates appearing in the waters near the G-5 base are either bold newcomers or defeated individuals who have hastily retreated from the New World and are now in a state of panic.
"Colonel Smoker! It's the supernova from last year, Jack the Mammoth!"
Suddenly, a Marine on the watchtower shouted the warning.
"Jack? Why is last year's supernova still lingering in the nearby sea?"
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