Chapter 137: Conrad vs. Najenda!
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As Conrad's transformation settled, several crewmates gathered around, drawn in by the changes.
"Brother Ryuunosuke, he looks so... majestic now!" Akame said, her eyes sparkling as she stared at Conrad's now snow-white fur.
"Yeah," Ryuunosuke nodded, "he's not just more beautiful—his combat strength has skyrocketed."
He pointed at the electric current sparking faintly across Conrad's body. "That level of electricity… it could knock out every piece of tech on a battleship with one hit."
Najenda wasn't just captivated by his appearance—she could feel the power rolling off him. Becoming an official crew member of the Dragon Hunter Pirates came with its perks, and the system didn't disappoint. Style and strength were both essential for anyone aiming to reach the top of the world, after all.
Once acknowledged by the system, a crewmate would receive an immense boost in strength. First came the improvement in physical capabilities, followed by upgrades in Haki and sensory awareness. And for members of the Mink Tribe, such enhancements weren't just additive—they were transformative.
Finks, standing nearby, couldn't hide her shock. Her eyes widened as she observed the now formidable Conrad. The same Conrad who had been captured alongside her… had become a powerhouse.
It was surreal.
In her mind, he might now even rival the rulers of Zou—Inuarashi and Nekomamushi.
A pang of envy flickered in her heart. If only I had spoken up first...
But it remained just that—envy. Not jealousy. The Mink Tribe wasn't wired for bitterness. Instead, they felt joy for a companion's growth.
---
Half an hour passed before Conrad finally tilted his head back and let out a thunderous howl. The roar echoed across the ship, making Ryuunosuke wince as pain shot through his ears.
That alone spoke volumes of Conrad's current strength.
As the excess energy subsided, Conrad returned to his base form. He stood tall, eyes burning with spirit.
"Captain," he said, facing Ryuunosuke, "I've awakened the primal instinct within me. I can now enter the Sulong form at will."
"I'm also developing the abilities of the Moonlight Fruit. Right now, I can release Moonlight energy to further strengthen the Sulong state. I haven't yet reached the point where I can create Moonlight that let others enter the Sulong form."
He raised his hand as he continued, "And there's more—the Moonlight Fruit also emits a unique kind of cold air."
An invisible wave pulsed from his palm. No one felt physically cold, but a chill crawled up from within their very souls.
"Soul-freezing cold?" Ryuunosuke muttered, surprised. "This is... on a god-tier level."
If developed fully, this soul-chilling ability could even counter Charlotte Linlin's Soul-Soul Fruit. The eerie sensation it carried reminded him of the Revive-Revive Fruit's deathly chill—targeted at the soul, not the body.
But the sensation vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Conrad let out a breath, his shoulders dropping. "I can't fully control it yet. It burns through stamina like crazy."
"That's fine," Ryuunosuke said, nodding. "You've proven enough to take the role of the odd jobs squad captain."
"But don't get cocky. Just because you're strong now doesn't mean you get a free pass."
"In the Dragon Hunter Pirates, we grow together. It's not about relying on one powerhouse. Everyone must become strong enough to pull their weight."
Conrad nodded firmly. "Understood, Captain! I'll keep pushing myself to be someone this crew can depend on!"
He meant every word.
Conrad and Finks had left Zou seeking freedom from its isolated traditions. They wanted to see the world. But the moment they stepped outside... they were captured.
The Mink Tribe had always been a hot commodity in the black market.
---
"Najenda, spar with Conrad," Ryuunosuke ordered.
"Hawkins, find the nearest island and dock."
Conrad blinked in confusion. Wait, didn't I just show how strong I am? Does the Captain still doubt me?
But instead of dwelling on it, he kept his thoughts to himself. Maybe Ryuunosuke wanted to see what his power looked like in real combat.
Soon, the ship arrived at an isolated island—a common sight on the Grand Line. Though deserted, islands like this were prime spots for pirates. No governments, no rules.
"Najenxa," Ryuunosuke called out, "don't hold back. Just don't kill him. I can patch him up if it gets ugly."
With that, he led the rest of the crew to the reef area, leaving the two fighters on the beach.
"I'm not a Devil Fruit user," Najenda said, stepping forward, "but I'm far from weak."
She grinned. "Name's Najenda—First Division Captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates' Night Raid unit."
"Susanoo!"
The moment she spoke, her summoned warrior materialized beside her. A swirling vortex of soul energy surged outward as Susanoo took form, his presence oppressive and overwhelming.
Conrad, who had been somewhat relaxed, immediately tensed up. Damn, this isn't just a spar... this is a real test.
Najenda's Susanoo exuded an aura that made Conrad's instincts scream in warning.
Captain of the First Division… she's on a different level.
"Getting distracted in battle?" her voice cut through his thoughts like a blade. "Rookie mistake."
Boom!
Before he could react, her fist was already slamming into him. He flew back, crashing into the sand with a grunt.
"That's the strength you were so proud of?" Najenda scoffed. "Come on, don't embarrass yourself."
"The captain gave me permission to go all out—as long as you don't die."
She smirked as her Armament Haki surged to life, coating her limbs and even spreading to Susanoo.
Zzzzt... Boom!
A blur of white lightning shot across the battlefield. Conrad retaliated, electric currents crackling around him as he entered the Sulong form.
His figure flashed forward, the ground shaking with his explosive dash. He clashed with Susanoo, and the resulting shockwave kicked up a wave of sand and debris.
"Not bad," Najenda admitted. "You're fast, and your instincts are sharp."
"But if that's all you've got... you're not ready."
With a sharp cry, she and Susanoo launched into another flurry of attacks. Conrad fought back with everything he had—but it wasn't enough.
His body had power, but his mind hadn't caught up. He could only use about 60% of his full strength. The unfamiliarity, the lack of control—it all showed in his movements.
And Najenda took full advantage.
Before long, the fight turned one-sided. Conrad was being completely overwhelmed.
It wasn't that he was weak.
He simply wasn't ready for this kind of battle—yet.
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