Among Luo Xing's newly recruited subordinates—
Shiryu, Jinbe, Avalo Pizarro, Catarina Devon, Vasco Shot, and Sanjuan Wolf—
Were the strongest.
Each of them already possessed the ability to briefly contend with Admiral-level fighters.
But in a true battle—
The gap was still significant.
With the Marines and World Government about to attack—
Luo Xing naturally had to push their strength even further.
Pizarro and the others—
Who consumed Demon-level monster cells—
Experienced massive boosts.
Enough to stall Admiral-tier opponents for a time.
If two or three teamed up—
They could even contend against top-tier fighters without immediately losing.
But Shiryu—
And Jinbe—
Chose something far more dangerous.
Dragon-level monster cells.
The difference between Demon-level and Dragon-level—
Was not just one tier.
It was a completely different realm.
And the proof—
Was right in front of them.
When Pizarro and the others transformed—
They barely suffered.
But now—
Even stronger individuals like Shiryu and Jinbe—
Were trembling under the strain.
Low growls escaped their throats.
Shiryu's skin split open—
Blood covering his entire body.
A terrifying sight.
Nearby, Zoro muttered:
"When I took a Dragon-level cell… it was even worse."
"My limbs exploded outright."
"If not for Lord Luo Xing's Senzu Bean…"
"I'd already be dead."
Zoro's growth—
Was nothing short of monstrous.
From being effortlessly defeated by Mihawk's dagger—
To clashing with Dark King Rayleigh—
In just months.
Part of it—
Was his relentless training.
Part—
His swords, including the cursed Kitetsu.
Part—
The Dragon-level cell unlocking his potential.
And most importantly—
Luo Xing's guidance.
In Haki—
Zoro had been personally trained.
To him—
Luo Xing was half a master.
Five minutes later—
The growls stopped.
And then—
Two terrifying auras erupted.
Primal.
Savage.
Like ancient beasts awakening.
Pizarro and the others—
Felt a chill run down their spines.
Even after their power-up—
They could feel it.
They couldn't win.
"Dragon-level… is this much stronger?!"
Catarina Devon couldn't help but regret.
If she had chosen Dragon-level—
She might have reached even greater heights.
As a Mythical Zoan user—
She had a high chance of surviving.
But—
She lacked Shiryu's ruthlessness.
And Jinbe's resolve.
After all—
Even the most vicious criminals—
Still feared death.
Shiryu laughed wildly.
His body had nearly doubled in size.
Power surged endlessly within him.
"This power… this endless strength…"
"It's perfect!"
"If I face Magellan again—"
"I'll kill him!"
Once defeated and imprisoned—
Now reborn.
Jinbe, in contrast—
Remained calm.
But even he couldn't hide his awe.
"This… is unbelievable."
"It feels like I've been reborn."
As a Whale Shark Fish-Man—
Already physically superior to humans—
Now enhanced by a Dragon-level cell—
His fangs sharpened.
His limbs thickened.
His blue scales gleamed like jewels.
He looked—
Like a true sea monster.
Luo Xing smiled faintly.
His gaze shifted toward the distant sea.
On the horizon—
Dozens of warships approached.
Marine and World Government flags—
Flying high.
The army of fifty thousand—
Had arrived.
"Since you all feel so good…"
"Then show me."
"Your power."
Shiryu grinned.
Bloodlust flickering in his eyes.
"You won't be disappointed, Lord Luo Xing."
"We'll slaughter them all."
Without hesitation—
Shiryu, Jinbe, and the others—
Boarded a single ship—
And sailed straight toward the massive fleet.
Meanwhile—
Luo Xing remained on shore.
With Zoro.
Enel.
Moria.
And Perona.
Watching.
"Report!"
"A Beast Pirates ship is approaching!"
The lookout shouted.
Kong and Sengoku frowned.
"One ship?"
"Are they insane?"
They had fifty thousand troops.
And top-tier fighters:
Aokiji.
Kizaru.
CP0.
Momousagi.
Chaton.
Aokiji stepped forward.
"So… Luo Xing doesn't even take us seriously."
For once—
He wasn't lazy.
Because Sengoku had already told him—
He was being recommended—
As Fleet Admiral.
But the Five Elders—
Preferred Akainu.
Aokiji had ambition.
He wanted that position.
And more importantly—
He refused to let Akainu take it.
Their ideologies—
Were completely opposed.
Since Ohara—
When Akainu destroyed a civilian ship—
Aokiji had begun to question everything.
That moment—
Changed him.
He no longer believed blindly.
He began searching—
For his own justice.
And now—
If he could become Fleet Admiral—
He could reshape the Marines.
"I'll take them down."
Aokiji stepped forward.
Sengoku nodded.
"Arrogance leads to defeat."
"Luo Xing has had it too easy."
"He's grown overconfident."
"This battle… he will lose."
"Go."
"Sink that ship."
"Show them the Marines' might."
Kong, however—
Felt uneasy.
"Luo Xing… doesn't seem like a fool."
"That ship… might be a trap."
Sengoku knew this.
Better than anyone.
But he said those words—
To boost morale.
The Marines were exhausted.
Shaken.
Facing an undefeated enemy—
Their confidence was low.
As for sending Aokiji—
That too was calculated.
His Ice powers—
Dominated naval combat.
Even if it was a trap—
He could escape.
And give time—
For the main force to prepare.
A perfect move.
A move worthy of the "Buddha Sengoku."
Unfortunately—
His opponent—
Was Luo Xing.
And the power of monster cells—
Was about to deliver him—
A devastating surprise.
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