"There'll be time for that later, Luffy. For now, we should deal with the Marines in front of us."
"Speaking of which, I'm honestly more and more impressed with you, Captain Morgan."
"Most people would've realized they stood no chance after seeing my cannon attack."
"But you? What kind of strength is pushing you to keep coming at me with such a terrifying expression?"
Genrou turned his head, looking toward Morgan who stood before him.
"You bastard! I won't forgive you! You destroyed my statue!"
"That was a symbol of my greatness!"
Morgan roared in rage, lifting his axe to strike at Genrou once again.
"Idiot, don't get in the way when I'm watching Drake's cannons."
Gomu Gomu no… Ashi Giri (Leg Blade)!
Luffy launched a sweeping kick. Thanks to his rubber body, his leg stretched out, and just before reaching Morgan, a giant phantom blade of a kitchen knife formed around it.
Luffy's strike clashed with Morgan's axe. This time, not only was Morgan sent flying, but even the axe in his hand shattered completely.
That's Toriko's Leg Blade. Luffy originally only had the Hand Blade technique, right?
As expected of the chosen one in this world—his battle instincts are absolutely top tier.
Genrou silently nodded to himself as he watched Luffy charge straight at Morgan and slam a punch into his gut.
Five-Nail Punch!
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Luffy's fist pounded Morgan's abdomen, and the delayed impact from each hit sent him rising into the air.
After flying nearly ten meters high, Morgan crashed hard into the ground.
Having taken multiple powerful hits, the already not-so-strong Morgan passed out cold.
Even if he survived, there was no way he'd be moving around any time soon.
"Phew, as expected, Toriko's moves are awesome."
"I wonder how many more of those punches I can pull off at full strength?"
Luffy scratched his head. Then, glancing at the trembling Marines around them, he turned to Genrou and the others.
"Everyone, let's get out of here. There's nothing left for us to do."
The moment he finished speaking, Nami and Zoro's voices rang out.
Nami: "Idiot! We're not leaving until we find the treasure!"
Zoro: "Bastard! I still haven't gotten my swords back!"
…
Marine Headquarters.
Fleet Admiral's Office.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, any word on Gion or that bastard Genrou?"
Vice Admiral Tokikake, also known as "Chaton," pushed open the door and quickly stepped into the room.
"So it's you, Tokikake."
Sengoku looked up at him while holding a Den Den Mushi in his hand.
He didn't scold Tokikake for barging in—after all, everyone in the Marines knew Tokikake had feelings for Gion, and right now she was still considered missing after being captured by Genrou.
"We've located Genrou. He appeared in Shells Town in the East Blue."
"He and a pirate named Luffy took down Captain Morgan together."
"Based on the reports from the local Marines, we believe Genrou has joined Luffy's pirate crew."
"As long as we find this Luffy, we'll be able to track Genrou and Gion as well."
Tokikake's eyes lit up.
"Excellent! We've finally got a lead on that guy!"
"Fleet Admiral, let me go to East Blue! I'll rescue Gion myself—I'll free her from Genrou's clutches!"
Tokikake clenched his fists, his voice filled with determination.
"I understand how you feel, Tokikake, but you have other assignments."
"This time, we're leaving it to Garp. He's already en route to East Blue."
Sengoku tried to calm Tokikake, then suddenly roared into the Den Den Mushi:
"Garp! Look at what kind of grandson you've raised!"
"He actually became the captain of Genrou—that man who killed a Celestial Dragon!"
"And your grandson even seems to be his student now, using weird techniques he learned from him!"
"Aren't you worried the World Government might decide to execute your grandson along with Genrou?!"
Tokikake blinked, finally realizing Sengoku was speaking with Garp.
There was silence from the Den Den Mushi. After a long pause, Garp's voice came through.
"Sengoku, give me some time. Don't publicize the connection between Luffy and Genrou yet."
"I'll find Luffy and Genrou myself—and give them both a proper beating."
Garp spoke in a low voice, clearly furious that Genrou had gotten involved with Luffy.
"Fine. For your sake, I'll keep it under wraps—for now."
"But you'd better hurry, Garp. No slacking off this time."
"That kid attacked a Marine Captain and has strange abilities too."
"I've decided to issue a bounty of 20 million Berries for him. You've got no objections, right?"
Sengoku said.
"Do what you have to. And don't worry—I'll find Genrou and bring both Luffy and Gion back from him."
Garp declared with certainty.
"Good! Then I'm counting on you!"
Sengoku nodded with satisfaction.
He then hung up the Den Den Mushi.
None of them could have guessed—
At this very moment, Gion wasn't in Genrou's hands at all. She was being swiftly escorted by Reiju toward another Marine base.
…
(End of Chapter)
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