29 Chapter 29: Performing Ape

Navy Headquarters. Admiral Garp's face had an unpleasant expression as he glared at Vice Admiral Kizaru.

"You always seem so lazy and unenthusiastic, never putting in much effort. But when it comes to his grandson, Monkey D. Luffy, you go all out," Garp said, his tone displeased.

Even Vice Admiral Tashigi looked surprised as she glanced at Kizaru. She never expected that out of the three Admirals, it would be Kizaru who targeted Luffy the most fiercely.

Previously, she had always thought Kizaru was unreliable, someone who would never take initiative and would try to avoid work whenever possible. So, despite his immense power, Tashigi had never considered Kizaru as a candidate for the next Fleet Admiral.

She never imagined that when it mattered most, it would be Momonga who stepped up. In the footage they watched, Kizaru had just exposed Luffy's identity, and he immediately went all out, attacking Luffy head-on.

It seemed like she had misunderstood Kizaru before. Looking back, although he appeared carefree most of the time, he was actually more proactive than Akainu and Aokiji when it really counted. Perhaps she should consider including Momonga as a candidate for the next Fleet Admiral.

After all, Akainu was too ruthless and cold-hearted, while Aokiji was too lazy. Each of the three Admirals had their own strengths and weaknesses.

Despite Kizaru's slick demeanor, being slick had its own advantages that should be taken into consideration.

Not only Garp and Tashigi, but the other Marines also looked at Kizaru with surprise, admiration, or a mix of both.

Those who were observant knew that going against Luffy was a thankless task. The most direct consequence would be offending Admiral Garp, who held considerable reputation within the Navy.

Everyone expected it to be Admiral Akainu who would make a move, as only Akainu would treat these matters with disdain.

But unexpectedly, Vice Admiral Kizaru stepped forward. Stereotypes can be misleading, stereotypes can be misleading!

"He truly deserves the title of Admiral Borosarino!"

"With Admiral Borosarino's intervention, Luffy fell!"

"We had to rely on Admiral Borosarino. Luffy fought back and forth against the Warlords and numerous Vice Admirals. He seemed invincible, but the Admiral defeated him in just one strike. Truly impressive, it must be Admiral Kizaru!"

...

People praised Kizaru's actions one after another.

Even Admiral Akainu nodded in rare agreement, acknowledging Kizaru's contribution. Kizaru had fulfilled the responsibilities and honor of being an Admiral.

Amidst the gaze and praise from Garp and the others, Kizaru's eyes showed some confusion, but his face maintained his usual nonchalant smile. "Well, well, it's nothing worth mentioning. These things are trivial."

However, in Kizaru's mind, he wondered how this guy, Luffy, managed to escape from his hands. Wasn't he supposed to save Ace later? How did the situation turn out like this?

As everyone waited to see if a miracle would happen or if the prophecy was incorrect, if Luffy would be defeated by Kizaru just like that, Ace from the Whitebeard Pirates anxiously watched Kizaru lift his leg. A golden light gathered around Kizaru's foot, as if it would deliver a final blow to Luffy in the next moment.

All eyes were fixed on this scene. One second, two seconds, three seconds, Kizaru's foot was already on Luffy's face. However, unlike before, no one came to save the day.

The next second, Kizaru's foot, radiating with a golden glow, kicked Luffy directly in the face. Luffy was sent flying with a swish, but then Whitebeard caught him.

Everyone watching this scene had question marks popping up above their heads.

What on earth was happening?

What happened?

Did Kizaru kick Luffy from the most dangerous spot to the safest spot?

Just when they thought Kizaru had kicked Luffy to death or inflicted severe injuries on him, Luffy, caught by Whitebeard, regained consciousness a few seconds later. He was still full of energy and ready to continue fighting, but Whitebeard threw him to Ivanakov for treatment.

This...

Everyone who witnessed this scene was dumbfounded. They didn't know how to react to this situation.

Did Vice Admiral Kizaru make a mistake? They didn't expect Luffy to be so resilient.

Or did something divert Kizaru's attention?

Could it be that Momonga intentionally let Luffy escape?

He is an Admiral after all. It's unlikely that he would do something so outrageous.

At this moment, the atmosphere at Navy Headquarters became peculiar.

Those who had just praised Kizaru for his swift defeat of Luffy fell silent.

Akainu, who had looked at Kizaru with approval, was now glaring at him.

Garp, who had blamed Kizaru for being ruthless towards his grandson, now had a hint of admiration and gratitude towards him.

Meanwhile, Tashigi held her head in frustration. This Kizaru was indeed the unreliable guy she knew.

He couldn't be trusted.

She had been saying that Luffy posed a threat and needed to be eliminated, yet Kizaru actually let him go at this critical moment.

Kizaru, are you just playing around?!

..............

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