Chapter 98 – Loguetown 6.
Chapter 98 – Loguetown 6.
[Chapter Size: 2249 Words.]
Third Person POV
Loguetown, East Blue.
...
...
A palpable tension hung in the air over Loguetown, a city that had long witnessed the departure and arrival of many pirates. The calm atmosphere of the streets was abruptly interrupted by the thunderous sounds of explosions echoing through the old and historic buildings.
Somewhere in the distant MarineFort, a command room was permeated by the tense atmosphere as news of chaotic events in Loguetown were transmitted. Sengoku, a prominent figure in the Marines, listened with a serious expression as his mind processed the gravity of the situation.
"What are you saying?!" Sengoku growled, concern evident in his voice. "Fleet Admiral, Vice Admiral Garp is in the midst of a battle against Dragon and Luffy in the square!" the Commodore reported on a direct line, his words thundering through the command room.
BOOM! A new explosion shook the foundations of the city, the noise penetrating even the considerable distance to MarineFort, reinforcing the intensity of the conflict in Loguetown.
"Damn! Did he have to show up right now?" Sengoku expressed his frustration, recognizing the complexity Garp's presence added to the situation. "We don't have many options. We can't send an admiral to the East Blue. The only thing we can do is prevent civilians from getting hurt in the midst of this chaos." Sengoku had no choice but to minimize the damage.
BOOM! Another sound of an explosion accompanied the officer's speech, indicating that the situation was out of control.
*Lightning.*
*BOOM!*
*FLAMES*
*BOOM!*
BOOM! Another explosion stood out, echoing in the background.
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
While the officer communicated with his superior, explosions continued to shake the square, turning it into a furious battlefield. Lightning cut through the dark sky, forming hurricanes swirling in a chaotic dance, causing chaotic winds to run through all the streets of the city. The deafening sound of explosions and the impact of forces colliding filled the air.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral! We will do our duty!" the officer responded with determination, maintaining composure amidst the turmoil.
BOOM! A building near the square exploded in flames, hurling burning debris through the night skies. "And the rest of the crew?" Sengoku inquired, his concern extending beyond what he initially expected. With Dragon in Loguetown, everything would be complicated, and he couldn't send reinforcements so quickly to another sea.
*BOOM!*
*Lightning illuminated the dark sky.*
BOOM! A powerful burst of lightning struck the middle of the square, illuminating it with impressive electric flashes, leaving everyone stunned. "We can't stop them. There's a tall woman with white hair and strong horns among them. I'd say she has the strength of a vice admiral! And there's an orange-haired woman who can create hurricanes with some Devil Fruit powers; even the six styles of the Marines were easily thrown back..." the officer reported.
"Smoker has already informed me about the first one, but I didn't know about the abilities of the other orange-haired woman. She must be the one the Fish-Men mentioned in Smoker's reports. I want pictures of them. We need to report this threat so that some bounty hunter can stop them. And Smoker?" Sengoku spoke.
*Flames crackled on the horizon.*
BOOM! The ground trembled under the intensity of the battle, creating fissures that expanded with each exchange of blows.
*BOOOOOOOOOM!*
"Smoker went after the crew but was knocked out by the woman using Haki and left unconscious in the middle of the street..."
"Understood. Just make sure to avoid too much damage. And how is Garp's granddaughter?" Sengoku asked.
BOOM! A hurricane began to form at the epicenter of the battle, blowing debris and wreckage in all directions.
"She wants to join the fight, but we're holding her back since Garp wouldn't forgive us if she got hurt," the officer reported.
"Let me go, I want to fight against my brother and dad!" Lucy shouted in the background as she was restrained.
*BOOM!*
*Lightning cut through the sky, accompanied by thunder.*
"Okay, keep me informed of anything. I'll do what I can, but I'm in Marineford, and it would take a week to get any reinforcements, even if that reinforcement was Kizaru," Sengoku said with frustration in his voice.
"Yes." The order was heard.
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
BOOM! An explosion of purple flames illuminated the dark sky, leaving a trail of destruction that marked the path of the combat.
The city shook with the thunderous sounds of the battle echoing from every corner, leaving Yamato and the others aboard the Black Pearl anxious as they distanced themselves from the port.
"Will Luffy be okay?" Usopp inquired, his voice laden with apprehension.
"I don't know, but what kind of battle is this? The ship is even shaking with these explosions..." Lami expressed her unease, her eyes reflecting the tension of the moment.
After the initial clashes between Luffy and the Marines, everyone on board quickly returned to the ship, sailing according to Luffy's orders. They trusted that he would catch up with them later in the skies, but the explosions and the unfolding conflict in the square continued to generate apprehension.
"Lightning in the sky, explosions, and Luffy's flames... What the hell is happening there?" Reiju asked, her expression revealing confusion and concern.
"Shouldn't we go help Luffy-Sama?" Shirahoshi suggested, highlighting her unease.
"Look at that fight, what could we do? Only Yamato could fight there..." Kuina pondered, closely observing the chaos in the city.
"Let's wait for the captain. He'll get through this." Zoro opined with confidence, even in the face of the intensity of the situation.
"What a frightening battle, is it just Luffy and Garp fighting there?" Hugo expressed his surprise, while Chouchou added with a howl, revealing his own unease.
"Hey... humans can be so powerful..." Hachi commented, his expression containing a mixture of fascination and apprehension.
"I believe not. This storm seems to have been created by someone. Look how the lightning falls in the square..." Nami analyzed, her strategic mind working to understand the nature of the turmoil.
"Will Luffy be okay?" Nojiko expressed her concern, echoing the sentiment shared by everyone on board.
"He'll be fine. Trust in my husband!" Alvida asserted, although her eyes revealed a hint of apprehension.
People were still trying to get used to this bold woman.
While the ship sailed away, the battle continued without pause in the next hour.
The square of Loguetown, once a bustling and lively place, was now transformed into a desolate battlefield. Buildings reduced to rubble scattered everywhere, silent witnesses to the collision between the titanic forces of the Monkey family.
The ground, once solid, was riddled with deep craters and abrasions, a result of the furious impacts that shook the earth. Stone fragments and debris floated in the air, a testimony to the devastating force emanating from the ongoing conflicts.
Luffy's purple flames, intensified by Ifrit's Mythical Zoan, continued to dance and illuminate the chaotic battlefield. Dragon's stormy aura, with dark clouds hovering over him, added a sinister atmosphere to the unfolding destruction.
The sky, still tinged with somber tones, reflected the influence of the storm created by Dragon. Lightning cut through the firmament, briefly highlighting the fallen debris and destruction in the square. The electrical storm cast erratic shadows, giving a supernatural air to the battlefield.
If there were any spectators left, they had retreated to safer areas, unable to withstand the chaos unfolding in that arena. The sound of explosions and collisions echoed throughout the city every minute in the last hour.
Garp, Luffy, and Dragon remained at the epicenter of this power storm, each showcasing their extraordinary abilities. The unstable ground beneath their feet was a physical extension of the tension filling the air.
The winds, stirred by the storm, gained increasing fury, affecting the entire city, dragging debris and wreckage through the air. Dust and stone fragments swirled in a turbulent vortex, obscuring visibility and creating an atmosphere charged with electricity.
After an hour of intense battle, Garp, Dragon, and Lucy displayed diverse physical states, reflecting the wear and tear caused by the confrontation.
Garp, the legendary vice admiral, showed signs of fatigue, but his unyielding resilience still kept him standing. Sweat lines marked his face, and the Marine uniform was in tatters, displaying the musculature of a man despite his age. Blood streaks marked his face; the fight was in a deadlock with neither side gaining the upper hand. Despite the Fist of Love, his characteristic technique showing signs of wear, he remained determined to face his descendants, and his fierce eyes indicated he was far from giving in.
Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army, seemed slightly less affected by the battle. His calm demeanor and unwavering expression indicated mastery in conserving energy. However, even he did not escape unscathed. His usually serene eyes now revealed a hint of fatigue, and the electricity surrounding him pulsed less intensely.
Luffy, on the other hand, showed more evident signs of exhaustion. His body bore various cuts and bruises, and the purple flames surrounding him flickered irregularly. Labored breaths indicated he was on the brink of exhaustion. Even with the tenacity characteristic of the Monkey D. lineage, the intensity of the battle was beginning to take its toll.
"I won't last much longer..." Luffy murmured, his voice escaping between panting breaths. He recognized the disparity between his grandfather and himself. Even with his father's presence, the confrontation seemed like a draw, and the Straw Hat's endurance was fading. He had used a significant portion of his healing energy to treat the damage caused by Garp, consuming a considerable amount of his vitality.
"You don't look well, Luffy. It would be better if you stepped back..." Dragon said, concerned, as he approached his son.
"I guess so... Can you hold him off for a bit?" Luffy asked his father, seeking a temporary solution.
"Yes, go to the sea. Find your crew. We'll meet again under better circumstances." Dragon's voice sounded calm, revealing a paternal emotion behind the revolutionary leader façade.
"What are you whispering over there, you brats? Your grandfather and father are still right here!" Garp intervened, advancing through the destroyed area.
"Sorry, Grandpa, but I'm leaving. I need to go to the Grand Line, where I intend to become the Emperor of the Seas!" Luffy announced defiantly, earning a vein on Garp's forehead with his grandson's boldness.
Garp frowned at Luffy's bold words. "You talk as if you can escape my punches!"
Luffy smiled at his grandfather, ignoring him, and began to bid farewell right there.
"Goodbye, Grandpa! It was good to see you. I hope to meet you again soon. I guarantee the next fight won't be so easy!" Luffy announced, preparing to depart with his wings flapping forcefully. Luffy's defiant and determined look showed that, despite the apparent disadvantage, he was not willing to bow his head.
"Do you think you can escape from me, brat!" Garp jumped with Soru, but a lightning materialized in front of him, blocking his advance. It was Dragon, intervening to allow his son to leave.
"Sorry, Dad. But you can't stop a man from going to the sea in search of his freedom." Dragon declared, facing Garp while Luffy took the opportunity to escape. The square remained the battleground for father and grandfather, while Luffy ran from the battle still being fought by father and son.
With his wings vibrating powerfully, Luffy began his ascent into the skies, leaving behind the tumultuous square of Loguetown while explosions continued between Garp and Dragon. The cutting wind blew on his face as he gained altitude, and the city became a mere dot on the horizon. The physical effort was evident on his face, but the determination did not waver.
As he flew, the sight of his ship, the Black Pearl, emerging on the horizon, brought palpable relief. It was a vivid contrast between the chaos of the battle and the serenity that awaited him at sea. Luffy adjusted his course, diving towards the ship's deck, his wings gradually slowing down.
The crew, eagerly waiting, noticed Luffy's figure approaching rapidly. The concern that had marked their faces during the fight now gave way to relief as the captain approached. Nami, Nojiko, Yamato, Shirahoshi, and Alvida were among the first to run to the deck, watching with relief as Luffy landed with a controlled thud.
"Husband!" Alvida exclaimed, running to check on Luffy with the other girls, expressing relief with a smile.
Luffy, still panting, returned the tired smile to his crew. "I'm fine, everyone. Just a little banged up. Grandpa and my dad are still busy back there."
On the Black Pearl, the crew awaited eagerly. Luffy arrived, but a boom echoed as he fell directly from the ship, barely able to stand. His friends rushed to help him, expressing concern on their faces.
"I guess we can finally head to the Grand Line." Luffy said with a weak smile, despite the evident exhaustion. His friends surrounded him, offering support and encouragement.
"Luffy, that fight... what happened?" Nami asked, her eyes showing concern.
Luffy straightened up, looking at the horizon. "The grandfather is strong, and my dad who appeared there too. But one day, I'll surpass them. Let's set sail, everyone. There are adventures waiting for us." Enthusiasm returned to his face as the crew prepared for the next journey, leaving behind the traces of the battle that echoed in the square of Loguetown on the horizon.
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Raccoon here:
"Stone Stone!"
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