"Rokugan, an ultimate technique of the Six Powers, can concentrate the user's full strength into a single point, delivering a shockwave that pulverizes the target's internal organs, bypassing any external defenses."
It was an advanced application of martial arts. The intense vibrations generated by peak physical prowess were said to rival the massive impact force of a Skypiean Impact Dial. But no matter how strong, the technique was still confined to the realm of physical skill; it wasn't even Haki.
Using his Armament Haki, Ryuuto easily withstood the force of the blow.
"What? How could your Tekkai block my Rokugan?!" Rob Lucci gasped, panting heavily as if he had expended a great deal of stamina.
"That's because this is Haki!"
Ryuuto chuckled as lightning surged around his body, and in an instant, he appeared right in front of Lucci.
"Haki?" Lucci's face went deathly pale. "How is that possible? Why would a random crew of pirates in this sea be able to use Haki? Isn't that an ability only Marine Vice Admirals and above can master?"
Lucci's mind reeled with confusion and indignation. But before he could even react, Ryuuto roared.
"Chidori Sharp Spear!"
A long spear formed from powerful lightning instantly pierced through Lucci's chest. With a sizzling crackle, the sound of electricity tearing through the air filled the deck.
Spurt!
Lucci suffered another grievous wound, coughing up a large mouthful of blood. His entire body was charred black by the lightning and he collapsed to the ground, motionless.
"I'm completely outmatched," Lucci thought, his eyes staring blankly at the sky as a sense of boundless powerlessness washed over him. Fortunately, his Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Leopard, granted him formidable regenerative abilities.
Lucci gasped desperately for air, his chest heaving violently, making a sound like a broken bellows. "I can't win. I have to find a way to escape!"
His eyes darted around and instantly locked onto Nami and Hancock, who were relaxing under a sun umbrella.
You two will do!
Lucci was the type to do anything to achieve his goals. Realizing he was no match for Ryuuto, he decided to take Nami and Hancock hostage to secure his escape.
Ryuuto watched Lucci with curiosity, wondering what final trick the man had up his sleeve.
"Soru!"
With a sharp cry, Lucci slammed his right hand on the deck, and his entire body blurred into an afterimage, charging straight for Hancock.
"Oh ho? You've certainly picked an interesting target," Ryuuto said, unable to hold back a laugh at the sight.
He's not trying to stop me! I'm almost there! Lucci caught Ryuuto's inaction in his peripheral vision and felt a surge of joy. He was just moments away from grabbing the woman. But something felt off. Ryuuto's smile held a profound, unnerving meaning.
There was no time for Lucci to think. In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of Hancock.
Almost got her!
Lucci extended his sharp claws, reaching for the woman who was hidden behind a newspaper.
"Hmph. Did you think me so easy to bully?" As the newspaper fell away, Hancock's face revealed a hint of annoyance. She lifted her head and spoke slowly.
"What?! The Pirate Empress!!"
It was only then that Lucci saw Hancock's incomparably beautiful face. He froze on the spot.
Who the hell would have thought that on this tiny pirate ship, there would not only be a man with the strength of a Marine Vice Admiral, but the Pirate Empress herself!
Lucci had been on a long-term CP9 mission in Water 7 and wasn't up to date on Ryuuto, but as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Empress's face was deeply seared into his memory.
Bang!
While Lucci was still stunned, Hancock's peerlessly long leg shot out in a flash. An immense force struck him. He was instantly petrified, then sent flying across the deck until he slammed into the ship's railing and finally stopped.
Silence returned to the ship.
"What a nuisance," Hancock said softly, lowering her leg and placing a hand on her hip as she looked at the petrified Lucci. She then glanced at Nami. The girl was quite lucky. Standing right next to her, yet she hadn't been Lucci's target.
"So scary!" Buggy yelled internally, peeking out cautiously from behind the cabin. After witnessing the power of Ryuuto and Hancock, any thought of escape had vanished from his mind. He didn't have nearly enough strength to take on either of them.
Foxy, lying on the ground, shared Buggy's sentiments. Porche, however, looked at Ryuuto with gratitude.
"Honestly! Why'd you have to finish him so quickly?" Nami muttered, looking a bit disappointed. "I wanted to test my own skills!"
Meanwhile, the battle on the Marine warship was also drawing to a close. After being hit by Foxy's Slow-Slow Beam, the Marines' movements had become sluggish. Cabaji and the others had the complete upper hand in what had become a one-sided slaughter.
It was all over in thirty seconds. By the time the Slow-Slow Beam wore off, Cabaji, Alvida, and the rest of the crew had already knocked out every last Marine on the deck.
"We woooooon!"
"Take that, you damn Marines!"
"Hahahahaha, that was too easy!"
The pirate grunts cheered, raising their weapons and shouting to vent their excitement.
"Begone, you ugly things!" Alvida swung her iron mace, sweeping the last Marine Lieutenant off his feet. She then turned and smiled narcissistically at the fallen soldiers. "Prostrate yourselves before my beauty!"
Seeing this, Buggy quickly leaped onto the warship. After boasting for a moment and claiming all the credit for his brilliant command, he quickly disappeared into the ship's cabin.
"Hahahahaha, found it!"
Buggy's excited laughter echoed from one of the rooms. He emerged, clutching a wooden box, and ran back to the Sexy Foxy in front of everyone.
"Lord Ryuuto, here is the Devil Fruit you wanted!"
Buggy approached Ryuuto and respectfully opened the wooden box, presenting the Devil Fruit inside. His tone was utterly deferential, and he had even begun addressing him as "Lord".
Inside was a milky-white, pineapple-shaped Devil Fruit covered in the spiral patterns characteristic of a Zoan-type.
Ryuuto took the fruit in his hand and examined it.
"So this is it. The one Spandam gets, which Vegapunk later feeds to his sword. The Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Zou Zou no Mi." Ryuuto spoke quietly as he held the fruit.
"Captain, how do you know this is the Zou Zou no Mi?" Nami asked curiously upon hearing his words.
"Hahahaha, I have my sources," Ryuuto replied happily, smiling at Nami's playful expression. He then placed the Devil Fruit back in the wooden box and stored it away.