Chapter 156 : Dumbfounded Big Mom!
At this juncture, the entire world quivered!
No one anticipated that the next adversaries for the Straw Hats would be none other than Big Mom Pirates!?
Recall the recent live broadcast revisiting the Dressrosa incident; there was a faint hint that Sanji and company encountered the Big Mom Pirates successively, and Kaido was behind Doflamingo.
This leaves little room for speculation about whether the Straw Hat Pirates will be entangled with two Yonko crews.
Initially, it was presumed that, at worst, they would only incur the pursuit of two of the Four Emperors.
Faced with this predicament, the Straw Hat Pirates were expected to retreat initially.
To bide their time until their strength grew sufficient to confront them directly...
After all, Luffy and the crew's current power level is insufficient to contend with Yonko!
To everyone's surprise, instead of making a getaway, the Straw Hats engaged in combat with Big Mom Pirates. Merely by scrutinizing the live broadcast's title, it was evident that Luffy and his cohorts initiated this clash. Go figure!
Across the entire sea, everyone knows the formidable nature of the Big Mom Pirates!
Indeed, the aura of the Four Emperors has permeated the global consciousness!
Not only the Navy, pirates, and revolutionary army, but even civilians from numerous kingdoms worldwide are aware that these territories fall under Big Mom's domain!
And the trio of Sweet Commanders stands as the most potent figures among the Big Mom Pirates!
Each one possesses strength equivalent to a veteran Shichibukai!
They even transcend Shichibukai levels!
Could it be that Luffy and his crew not only infiltrated the Whole Cake Island but directly confronted Big Mom as well?
Did they square off against the three mightiest Sweet Commanders within Big Mom Pirates?
So, what was the outcome of this clash...?
Was it triumph or defeat?
At this moment, myriad viewers were both astounded and gripped by intense curiosity!
This sentiment extended to countless maritime factions and numerous influential figures, echoing within the Navy Headquarters!
"What?"
"Big Mom Pirates?"
"Luffy took on the Four Emperors!?"
Initially overjoyed after witnessing his grandson triumph over Doflamingo and receiving accolades, Garp now found himself dumbfounded upon glimpsing Luffy's subsequent battle.
As a member of the Navy, he was acutely aware of the overwhelming might of the Big Mom Pirates, one of the Four Emperors!
To be acknowledged as one of the four Emperors of the sea...
The might of Big Mom is undeniably formidable!
She is, without a doubt, a monstrous existence!
Even for him, the assertion that he could restrain and defeat her is only made with caution, never with the certainty of a 100% victory.
And now, his grandson exhibits such power, venturing directly into someone else's territory for a confrontation?
In this moment, Garp finds himself torn between praising Luffy for his bravery and... wondering if he's losing his mind!
Witnessing this, Sengoku, after a prolonged stupor, gives Garp a thumbs up!
"Your grandson... is incredibly brave!"
As for the three Sweet Commanders behind them, they are left dumbfounded.
Whether Kizaru or Aokiji, both are astounded.
They are well aware of the formidable might of the Big Mom Pirates. It's fearsome.
Even if Big Mom is momentarily set aside, the strength of her three Sweet Commanders is unparalleled!
Can the Straw Hats truly contend with them?
On the other hand, while Akainu maintains a calm facade, if there were no one present at this moment, his face would likely burst into laughter!
He thinks to himself... Are they truly Big Mom Pirates?
Or Big Mom!?
These Straw Hat youngsters are truly courting death!
Did they believe that by defeating Doflamingo and Moria, they could genuinely challenge the Four Emperors?
It's nothing short of a delusion!
Given their strength, venturing into the Grand Line would only lead to one outcome!
That is, death!!
Akainu relishes this moment.
If, in the future, Straw Hat were to meet his demise at the hands of Big Mom and others, his petty wish would be fulfilled!
Henceforth, the menace of the Straw Hat Pirate Ship would cease to exist!
No matter how distressed and angered Garp, Whitebeard, Dragon, Shanks, and others might be, they won't implicate him!
Previously, he pondered on how to clandestinely handle the Straw Hats, but now...
He eagerly anticipates it!
It's truly exhilarating...
The Red-haired Pirates!
The entire Red-haired Pirates were in the midst of a celebratory feast and carnival.
However, as they witnessed the impending announcement following the battle, a collective gasp swept through everyone!
An air of disbelief seized the onlookers, each of them gazing at the sky in stunned silence.
Even Shanks was not exempt!
"Luffy intends to venture into Whole Cake Island?"
"This kid is quite audacious..."
"How does he plan to accomplish that?"
As a Yonko, Shanks possesses an acute awareness of the formidable nature of Yonko-level entities!
Having crossed paths with Big Mom on multiple occasions, albeit without unleashing his full strength, Shanks is well-acquainted with her exceptional power.
Her three Sweet Commanders are also formidable in their own right...
No matter how rapidly Luffy and his comrades progress and triumph over numerous formidable adversaries, they remain a considerable distance from confronting Yonko directly or engaging in combat on the level of Yonko clashes!
Thus, upon learning that Luffy and his companions are about to face Big Mom as their next adversary, an indescribable shock reverberates through their hearts! It's not a lack of trust in Luffy on Shanks' part; rather, it's an acknowledgment of Big Mom's sheer might!
At this moment, Shanks is no longer concerned with whether Luffy will emerge victorious or defeated in this battle.
What matters most to him is that Luffy manages to survive against the Four Emperors – that, in itself, constitutes the optimal outcome!
Whole Cake Island!
The entire island is dumbfounded by the forthcoming live broadcast.
However, the most astounded party is undeniably Big Mom, who is one of the central figures—or, in other words, Big Mom!
"Straw Hat boy..."
"Venturing into Whole Cake Island?"
Big Mom was left speechless...
They even momentarily forgot to continue indulging in the cake they held.
Even the three Sweet Commanders and other prominent figures nearby were similarly captivated...
All eyes fixated on the sky, as if grappling with the incredulity of the situation!
Big Mom's countenance shifted, ultimately morphing into one of fury!
She never anticipated that the Straw Hat boy would dare encroach upon her territory!
"Straw Hat, Garp's grandson..."
"I thought defeating two Shichibukai and dismantling a World Government espionage network..."
"Would suffice in elevating your stature enough to challenge my position?"
"To actually dare set foot in my domain..."
"You must be grossly underestimating the Four Emperors!?"
Fueled by rage, Big Mom rose abruptly!
Her aura instantaneously intensified to an overwhelming degree!
The entire world quivered in response!
Witnesses' expressions morphed, their understanding crystal clear.
Big Mom was unmistakably incensed...
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