2 2. Conqueror's, Air Strike

"Luffy," Zoro's eyes widened, a difficult smile breaking through the blood coating his face. It was for this kind of unwavering loyalty and bravery that he would lay down his life for his foolish captain.

"Bearing the captain's pain is our duty, you idiotic captain," Zoro muttered through clenched teeth as he dragged his battered body forward. With determination etched on his face, he thrust his hand into the bloody mass alongside Luffy's.

At that moment, two distinct screams pierced the air.

"You," Kuma, standing nearby, was overcome with a profound shock, greater even than when Zoro had offered his life alone. He took a subconscious step forward before halting, witnessing the remarkable display of camaraderie and sacrifice.

Though somewhat absurd, any man of the sea would feel a deep sense of respect at the sight before them.

After a time, the bloody mass dissipated entirely. Luffy and Zoro stood side by side, their faces serene despite the blood streaming down their bodies, pooling beneath them.

Their breaths heaved like bellows, each inhalation a testament to their enduring strength. Despite their grave injuries, they stood tall, refusing to acknowledge defeat by remaining upright.

Observing the two figures before him, anyone else in their condition would have succumbed to unconsciousness. Yet, here they were, not only conscious but standing resolute.

The bravery exhibited by these two severely wounded individuals was palpable, even causing the Shichibukai to contemplate stepping back. Though weakened now, their resolve hinted at future greatness.

"One Piece and the world's greatest swordsman?" Kuma pondered. They possessed ambitions matched only by their unwavering determination and courage.

"As expected of Dragon's son, surrounded by such fine companions," Kuma mused aloud. "My task is complete, Straw Hat. This may be our final farewell."

With a gentle farewell, Kuma turned to depart, only to halt abruptly as a potent and ominous aura enveloped the air behind him.

Luffy lowered his hands, thick white steam billowing from his body. One of his eyes remained obscured in shadow, bloodied, while the other gleamed with a sharp intensity.

If Rob Lucci were present, he'd recognize that look—the same one Straw Hat wore when they clashed to the bitter end. Sharp and terrifying, a stark departure from his usual carefree demeanour.

"Is this Conqueror's?" Kuma questioned, still not quite reinvented. He could feel the overwhelming presence of Haki bearing down on him, oppressing his consciousness.

Conqueror's Haki—a rare ability possessed only by those destined for kingship. Kuma pondered why this manifestation of Haki felt so potent.

Observing the transformation in Straw Hat's demeanour since their encounter with Moria, Kuma realized this wasn't the same rookie pirate from the first half of the Grand Line. Luffy's newfound momentum was palpable, and Kuma felt the weight of his adversary's strength.

"I can sense your emotions. You haven't threatened our lives, but you've harmed my companion," Luffy declared, devoid of murderous intent. Instead, his tone conveyed a mixture of sadness and determination.

The injuries sustained by Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Franky, Chopper, Robin, Brook, and especially Zoro fueled Luffy's rage. Zoro had borne the brunt of the bloody fleshball's effects, teetering on the brink of death as a result.

Determined not to overlook this fact, Luffy refused to let Kuma off lightly.

"Furthermore, if you return like this, you won't have closure. Allow me to deliver a few punches," Luffy declared before vanishing in an instant.

Kuma, too, disappeared momentarily before reappearing in close proximity to Luffy. His massive form cast a shadow over Luffy as he raised his palm, the fleshy ball emitting a faint black glow as if compressing space itself.

"Rubber," Luffy's body stretched as he hung in mid-air, channelling energy into his right fist. A powerful force enveloped his fist and wrist as he prepared to strike.

"It's futile," Kuma's voice remained calm, confident in the defensive capabilities granted by his Devil Fruit power.

"JET Pistol!" Luffy unleashed his punch, aiming for the meatball. Yet, to his surprise, the anticipated collision never occurred.

Between Luffy's fist and the Kuma's meatball, an invisible space twisted and contorted, as if forming a tangible barrier.

"What's that? A clash in mid-air?" Zoro observed the duel from a distance, his eyes widening in astonishment. Such a phenomenon, beyond human comprehension, unfolded before him, leaving him awestruck.

"It's Conqueror's Haki combined with Armament Haki? How is that possible?" Kuma's mind raced with disbelief. As a seasoned Shichibukai, he had witnessed countless battles among the strongest beings in the sea. Recognizing the technique used by Luffy, he was taken aback.

Only Conqueror's Haki could produce such an effect, yet Luffy, a rookie who had barely spent a year at sea, had managed to awaken and utilize it. This level of mastery was typically reserved for the Four Emperors.

"Though still inexperienced, I can rest assured," Kuma muttered softly, feeling a sense of relief.

Boom.

A tremendous shockwave erupted upon the collision, sweeping everything in its path. The forceful impact engulfed the surroundings, leaving chaos in its wake.

As the storm subsided, the aftermath revealed itself.

The figure of the Kuma had vanished completely.

"He was offering reassurance just moments ago?" Luffy's keen perception picked up on Kuma's emotions. Despite being a Shichibukai, he appeared genuinely friendly.

"Who is he, really?" Luffy pondered, feeling somewhat perplexed. A Shichibukai extending such kindness towards them was unexpected.

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