Moriah then spoke, "For such a young child to possess such formidable strength, it seems that while I was obsessed with creating a zombie army, the world outside has undergone massive changes."
"I will take the initiative to resign from my position as a Shichibukai to the World Government; I am still not strong enough."
The failure of the zombie army was a blow to Moriah, and the loss of the Shadow-Shadow Fruit in particular significantly reduced his combat power, leaving him unable to maintain his position as a Shichibukai. However, Moriah began to laugh; since his companions hadn't died, there was still a chance to start over. Black Armament Haki flowed over his hands.
"I will continue to be a pirate and explore the Grand Line. If you want to catch me, then catch up to me with your new partners."
Moriah made up his mind and walked out, leaving behind Perona, who was clutching her doll.
Perona also made a decision. At only 19 years old, she also longed for like-minded friends to go on adventures with. Facing Moriah's retreating back, she said, "Then you'd better become stronger and don't let me catch you."
The next morning, Perona found Hera: "I can join you, but I have one condition. I want to fight the person who electrocuted me again. Regardless of whether I win or lose, I'll join."
Perona was very concerned about the fact that she had been electrocuted without any reaction. She felt that Nami had only succeeded because of a sneak attack and wanted to clear her name.
Hera looked at Nami, who nodded and accepted the challenge. She also hadn't had enough of fighting; the previous sneak attack was a necessity on the battlefield, and now that someone wanted a fair fight, it suited her perfectly.
Both sides took their stances, and with the sound of Hera's gunshot, they began their moves simultaneously.
Many ghosts drifted from Perona's body toward Nami—'Negative Ghosts'. Nami also moved—'Discharge: 3,000 Volts'. Lightning was released from Nami's hands, striking toward Perona.
Kuina curiously asked Hera, "Who do you think will win between the two of them?" Hera thought for a moment and said, "It should be Nami. This open terrain isn't very suitable for the Hollow-Hollow Fruit's abilities. Perona doesn't dare to use her Astral Projection, and Nami's speed is a bit faster. She just needs to be careful not to be hit by a Negative Ghosts."
The situation on the field was just as Hera had predicted. Nami turned into a flash of lightning, attempting to get close to Perona. Perona steeled her heart and produced many small ghosts in succession—'Mini Hollow: Ghost Rap'. The small ghosts scattered, and the explosions from all directions forced Nami back. Perona took this opportunity to quickly control the previous Negative Ghostss to surround her, while simultaneously beginning to charge power in her hands.
'Special Hollow'. A large ghost appeared in Perona's hand and was thrown toward the trapped Nami. Nami's entire body erupted with lightning—'Thunder Flash'. Scattered currents were released from Nami's body, covering the entire surrounding area. Perona's ghosts were dissolved one after another in the face of Nami's lightning. Then, Nami used 'Thunder Walk', turning into a bolt of lightning to leave her original position.
After Perona's Special Hollow missed its mark, she felt that things were going poorly. The small ghosts surrounding her disappeared under the lightning, and Nami had already arrived in front of her, grabbing Perona's hand. However, the teddy bear Perona was holding suddenly moved, and a small spiritual body passed through Nami along with the bear's hand.
Nami grabbed Perona's hand: "Surrender, it's my..." Before she could finish her sentence, she collapsed onto the ground: "I'm tired, let it all be destroyed. I'm the weakest person on the ship, only fit for charging the ship's batteries." It was as if black lines were spreading all over her body.
Hera didn't expect Nami to lose, but he still fired two shots of 'Fourth Bullet' to restore both of their states. Nami hadn't expected that her failure to immediately electrocute her opponent into submission would lead to her defeat. Thinking back on what she had said, her face flushed red with shame, and she lay on the ground, refusing to get up.
Perona, on the other hand, had a look of triumph: "Hmph, it's my victory! If it's not a sneak attack, I'm definitely stronger. Letting me join the ship, Hera, you've really hit the jackpot."
Hera also hadn't expected this result and secretly decided to give Nami some extra training. Indeed, not having Armament Haki just wouldn't do. However, he still comforted her: "You've already done very well. To have this level of strength after only having the Rumble-Rumble Fruit for a few days is already good enough."
He turned and extended his hand to Perona: "Welcome to our family, Perona."
Next, Kuina took Perona on a tour of the argo. Perona was also very satisfied with the argo's large bathhouse. After picking a room, she went back to the castle to pack her things.
The time for departure soon arrived. Perona stepped onto the argo, ready to leave. She shouted down to Moriah below the ship: "I'm going on an adventure! You take good care of yourself. If I find out you're doing something bad again, I'll personally come back and catch you!"
Moriah said, "Go on, I don't need a child's reminders."
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