Chapter 70 : Garp's Pride!
BOOM!
The resounding and ethereal bell echoed across the White-White Sea and reached the depths of the ocean below.
As the bell tolled, it marked the end of everything.
Enel had unleashed Raigo, his strength exhausted.
His Thunder Form, pushed to its limits, had transformed into a mighty crossbow, and Luffy's punch had shattered it.
Enel had fallen into a deep coma, his Thunder Form dissipating as he plummeted to the unknown depths.
In the skies above the White-White Sea, the inhabitants of Sky Islands, the Skypieans, wept tears of joy.
They had never imagined that Enel, the self-proclaimed "God" of Skypiea, would truly be defeated.
After enduring years of tyranny, their liberation had finally arrived.
Luffy, standing atop the collapsed Maxim vine, cast a distinctive silhouette visible to all.
This image was etched deeply into the hearts of every observer.
The Skypiean residents prostrated themselves on the ground, expressing their immeasurable gratitude.
And this scene...
It ignited the viewers across the Grand Line with fervor.
Could it be true? Had Luffy emerged victorious?
The Skypiea's God, Enel, defeated?
It was a spectacle beyond belief.
One would have to see it with their own eyes to trust the veracity of the situation.
The Skypiea Incident had unfolded in ways unimaginable.
It was not just a conflict between adversaries, but a clash of dreams, a tale of unspoken romance.
The image crystallized with Luffy, standing tall, and the dark clouds dissipated beneath the 110-foot-deep White-White Sea, replaced by sunshine.
This vision, both beautiful and hopeful, left an indelible mark not only on the Skypiean people but also on the live broadcast viewers.
Revolutionary Army!
"Victory?"
"How is this possible?"
Betty, the Eastern Army Commander of the Revolutionary Army, was dumbfounded.
She had never expected Luffy to emerge victorious in this battle.
As a commander of the Revolutionary Army, Betty possessed formidable strength, rivaling even that of a Shichibukai.
In combat expertise and strategic insight, she was a formidable force.
Her assessment should have easily discerned the likely outcome of the battle.
Enel was a near-invulnerable "God" with the power of Logia Thumder Fruit.
His Observation Haki made him even more formidable. His Devil Fruit powers had also awakened, significantly amplifying his combat abilities.
In contrast, Luffy's crew was vastly outmatched. Apart from Luffy and Zoro, their combat potential was minimal. Many were incapacitated and unable to engage in battle.
Moreover, the few with unique abilities were vulnerable in their own ways.
Luffy's sole advantage lay in his rubber body, providing immunity to lightning.
But was this one advantage enough to turn the tide of battle?
The battle had already concluded, and in retrospect, it all seemed logical and natural.
Only upon its conclusion did one realize how surreal it was.
Betty was not alone in her disbelief; the five commanders of the Revolutionary Army—Lindbergh, Morley, Karasu, and Ivankov—all shared her sentiment.
They couldn't fathom Luffy and his crew's triumph in this battle.
From the start, they had estimated the odds of Enel eradicating everyone and destroying Skypiea at 99.9%.
The meager 0.1% rested on Luffy's immunity to lightning.
Yet, against all odds, Luffy seized this single opportunity and achieved victory.
Even now, they found it hard to believe, their emotions still awry.
It all seemed like a dream, too dreamy to be real.
Enel's terrifying power was such that not even the combined strength of the five commanders could guarantee victory.
Yet Luffy had achieved the impossible.
Sabo, reflecting on the situation, remarked, "Perhaps Luffy possesses the ability to create miracles!"
"Even the gods seem to favor a man who values his dreams and promises!"
Betty and the five commanders exchanged surprised glances, taking Sabo's words to heart.
Ivankov mused, "The Leader's son is truly exceptional. This battle has brought us many unexpected surprises."
Karas agreed, "Indeed. Based on this battle, his potential knows no bounds."
Betty suggested with a smile, "Luffy's dream of finding the One Piece may not be so far-fetched after all."
As they watched Luffy standing victoriously in the sky, shock and admiration filled their eyes.
Sabo, having witnessed Luffy's victory, was equally relieved.
He couldn't help but feel an inexplicable connection with Luffy, something deeper than mere circumstance.
With the live broadcast concluded, he considered a trip to Windmill Village. As the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, he couldn't leave the headquarters without guidance from Dragon.
However, when Sabo turned around, he was taken aback.
"Where's the Commander?"
Betty and the five commanders shared his confusion.
Moments ago, Dragon had stood among them, watching the broadcast. Now, he was nowhere to be found.
---
Marine Headquarters:
The scene at the Marine headquarters was starkly different.
Here, silence enveloped the entire compound. Every onlooker stood in stunned disbelief.
All eyes were fixed on the sky, and a thick, palpable tension hung in the air.
No one spoke; it was as though time itself had come to a halt.
After what seemed like an eternity, Sengoku, usually the embodiment of stoicism as a Fleet Admiral, couldn't contain himself any longer.
"What the hell... is this real?" he exclaimed.
Such an outcome was beyond anyone's wildest expectations.
Even Garp couldn't believe his eyes.
From the very beginning, he had rooted for Luffy, but he understood the bleak reality.
At best, Luffy would be crushed by Enel's overwhelming might, and his crew would escape Skypiea, defeated but alive, their dignity and dreams intact.
This result would be acceptable, as even the strongest had faced defeat on their path to greatness.
As long as Luffy survived, Garp would be content. But this…
Had his own grandson really emerged victorious? Had he truly sent Enel flying with a single punch?
It was inconceivable.
Garp's outward demeanor remained composed, but inside, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. After all, the person in that picture was his grandson.
His dear grandson!
Enel, a "God" with immeasurable power, had been defeated, and his grandson was the one to do it. Luffy had only just set sail and was far from reaching his full potential.
The implications of this victory were staggering. The future was bound to hold even greater surprises.
Even Garp couldn't help but laugh out loud.
All his prior anxieties and nervousness had vanished, replaced by joy.
Garp and Sengoku, one laughing heartily, the other lost in a daze, couldn't return to reality for a long while.
The three Admirals and the Seven Warlords, on the other hand...
Their expressions were just as varied, mirroring the internal turmoil.
Aokiji and Kizaru had no deep animosity toward Luffy, so they were equally amazed by his victory, finding it unbelievable.
As for Akainu, he scowled deeply, his face as dark as night.
His frustration was immeasurable.
Mihawk, Boa Hancock, Kuma, and Jinbei were equally surprised, but they handled it with more composure.
As for Crocodile and Doflamingo, they were utterly flabbergasted.
One had dropped his cigar, while the other had one eye popped halfway out of its socket.
The duo was the epitome of bewilderment.
As for Gecko Moria...
He was on his knees, tears in his eyes.
His lips moved, whispering a single word.
"Unbelievable."
**********
Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.
patreon.com/PirateKing24