https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-553-Young-Man-Unaware-of-Heaven-and-Earth-s-Vastness/13538530/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-555-What-Kind-of-King-Were-You-Trying-to-Become-/13538532/
Chapter 554: Gear Fourth!
Chapter 554: Gear Fourth!
"Ultimate Move: Green Star, Demon!"
Usopp suddenly drew out his slingshot, launching several green seed bullets at the ground near Kuro. In an instant, massive man-eating flowers erupted from the earth, surging toward Kuro.
Kuro merely swung Autumn Water downward, unleashing a shockwave that shredded the carnivorous plants into pieces.
"Revolution Waltz: Rush Strike!"
Brook drew his sword from his violin, slashing a straight line of cold light directly at Kuro.
Clang!
Kuro blocked the lightning-fast strike with Autumn Water, the blade parrying the attack effortlessly.
"Too light."
With a shove, Kuro deflected Brook's sword, then kicked the skeleton's bony frame, sending him flying backward.
"Yohohoho!"
Brook rolled across the ground, trembling as he struck an "Otz" pose. "My bones are gonna snap, yohohoho!"
"Lightning Tempo!"
Nami raised her staff skyward, channeling a thundercloud through the hole in the ruins above. A crackling bolt of lightning arced down toward Kuro.
But in an instant, the lightning vanished as it neared Kuro's head—dispelled without a trace!
The man hadn't even moved.
Kuro exhaled a plume of smoke, smirking. "Such basic elemental tricks won't work on me."
So far, he hadn't budged an inch, his hand still in his pocket, as if this battle against a pirate crew of four hundred million wasn't a fight at all—but a child's game.
"Hmph. You can't beat Kuro with this level of power."
Lida tore open another lollipop, popping it into his mouth with a grin.
"Nami, step back!"
Luffy emerged from the ruins, his expression grim.
"He's definitely strong."
Zoro joined him, tearing off his shirt to reveal his scarred torso. He tied a black bandana around his head, his grin fierce. "A superhuman swordsman? My blood's boiling!"
Sanji took position on the other side, flames igniting around his leg. "Hey, Moss-Head! This isn't the time to play hero! This guy's not someone you can take alone!"
The trio encircled Kuro in a triangular formation.
"Oh? Going all-out now?" Lida raised an eyebrow.
"What? Luffy hasn't been holding back against me yet?!" Klah snarled.
"Obviously. Can't you feel it? Luffy's life aura is overwhelming. Two years ago, your training let you match him, but now? You're outmatched, Klah."
Lida sucked on his lollipop. "Still, we'll see just how strong he's gotten."
Luffy inhaled deeply, his arms and legs wrapping in Armament Haki. He bit his thumb, puffing air into his body.
His frame began to swell.
Steam erupted from his pores, swirling around him like auspicious clouds, forming two ribbon-like bands around his shoulders. The Haki condensed across his chest in intricate patterns.
His feet lifted off the ground, bouncing like a heavy rubber ball.
"This is the result of my two-year training!"
Luffy raised his palm, the other hand raised beside his head in a Niou stance.
"Gear Fourth!"
With a kabuki-style flourish, he straightened his posture. "Bouncy Man!"
"This level..."
Klah sweated, staring in shock. "Has he really grown this much in two years?!"
He could feel it—Luffy had surpassed him.
Is this brat, Garp's grandson, truly that much of a prodigy?
"Tch. This strength..."
Lida mused, "Full power, Haki unleashed? Rubber plus Haki can deflect attacks, and the elasticity amplifies his attack, speed, and strength. He's stronger than me now. But if his physical stamina isn't on par with Kuro's... this form won't last long."
Zoro struck first. "Ikka no Kairou!"
One arm swelled.
"Nika no Kairou!"
The second arm bulged.
Zoro lunged, eyes blazing. "When it comes to strength, I won't lose either!"
He crossed his blades.
"Three Sword Style: Goryuusai Kengen!!"
Zoro leapt forward, slashing downward.
"Huh?"
Lida blinked. "Feels like a weaker version of Swallow Return?"
Kuro scoffed, slicing Autumn Water upward.
Clang!
The blade blocked Zoro's strike, releasing a shockwave. The force cracked the ground beneath Zoro's feet and made Kuro stagger slightly.
His strength had increased.
"Demons Wind Legs!"
Sanji appeared beside him, spinning like a top mid-air, his flame-wreathed heel aimed at Kuro.
"Shanxi Shoot!!"
Kuro narrowed his eyes, finally withdrawing his pocketed hand, cloaked in Haki, to block Sanji's kick.
Boom!
A shockwave erupted beneath Kuro's feet.
"Finally using your hands, Navy!" Sanji grinned.
Kuro's face darkened. He grabbed Sanji's ankle, slamming him downward—
But Sanji twisted mid-air, kicking from another angle.
Kuro shifted, lifting his arm to fling Sanji away.
At the same time, he gripped Autumn Water, unleashing a crescent slash.
"Slash Wave."
The golden arc cleaved through Zoro's attack, forcing him backward until Zoro's three blades flashed, shattering the slash into golden tatters.
Kuro leapt upward—just as a red-tinged black fist smashed into the ground where he'd stood, cratering the earth.
Luffy's punch.
"Heh! Finally moved your feet!" Luffy grinned, retracting his fist.
"Three Sword Style: Karasu!"
Zoro crouched, dual blades raised, then sprang upward, unleashing a storm of slashes.
"Demons Wind Legs: Burni Tamagoyaki Spectrum!"
Sanji rebounded mid-air, launching himself like a flaming wisp, his feet a blur of kicks.
Kuro swung Autumn Water, releasing a black crescent that expanded around him.
"Great Moon Wheel: Slash Wave."
Boom!
Clang!
The black moon repelled Zoro's blades and Sanji's kicks, halting both fighters.
Kuro exhaled smoke, calm. "Impressive. You forced me to move my feet. Compared to back then... you've grown stronger."
(End of Chapter)
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