Hollowfication Power

Garp, munching on a doughnut, laughed and said, "Don't worry, Haku, we've got your back..."

Suddenly, Garp fell asleep standing right there!

Haku was used to this by now—he'd even seen Garp and Luffy both conk out mid-beating.

Haku shot Sengoku a glance, as if to say, See how unreliable this guy is!

Haku raised his hand, and a Hollow Mask materialized in his palm. Everyone stared at the bone-white mask, baffled by where it came from.

Without hesitation, Haku pressed the Hollow Mask onto his face.

In that moment, the whole world seemed to freeze. All eyes locked onto Haku, waiting for what would come next.

A fierce aura and deep crimson light erupted from Haku, radiating malice, brutality, and a thirst for destruction!

Sengoku and Garp, who'd just been asleep, snapped to alertness. Beside them, Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru appeared out of nowhere, loosely surrounding the now-dangerous-looking Haku.

Haku felt a strange connection forming between his body and the Hollow Mask—a sensation he'd never known. His power flowed out under the mask's guidance, his gaze sharpening, his body growing more agile.

He felt like a savage beast, ready to pounce on anyone who dared challenge him.

"So this is Hollowfication Power?" Haku wondered silently.

His thoughts grew clearer, his decisions sharper. He felt like the master of this world, with everything under his control.

But before Haku could dwell on it, Garp's face suddenly loomed inches from his own. Having been on the receiving end of the Old Man's "Fist of Love" plenty of times, Haku—despite feeling invincible with the mask—jolted in fright!

He quickly backed off and snapped, "Old Man! Get that close again and you'll scare me to death!"

But Haku's voice came out unnaturally low and hoarse, making everyone present uncomfortable.

Garp laughed heartily. "Same old kid. Looks like his mind hasn't changed a bit."

Hearing that, Haku realized his personality really was just as Garp said. Hadn't it changed much?

Then Sengoku spoke up. "Haku, you said this is a new power you developed. So how strong are you now?"

Haku paused to think, then glanced at Akainu. "Right now, I could probably thrash a few Sakazuki admirals."

Aokiji muttered to himself, This kid's still got a sharp tongue!

"You little brat!" Akainu roared, furious that Haku would use him as a benchmark.

Haku put on an innocent look. "Hey, don't believe me? Check this out."

He drew his Zanpakuto and pointed it toward the sea, channeling all his Hollowfication Power into the blade's tip.

A Cero, brimming with destructive force, shot from Haku's hand!

Boom!

Everyone's eyes were blinded by the flash. When their vision returned, they stood slack-jawed, unable to find words.

Out in the sea beyond Marineford, the spot hit by Haku's Cero had a massive chunk missing—about half the size of a normal island. Seawater was pouring into the void from all sides.

Kizaru exclaimed dramatically, "This kid is terrifying!"

Akainu fell silent, staring at the attack.

Aokiji, seeing the sea's condition, hurried toward the harbor to prevent a massive tsunami.

Haku himself collapsed to the ground, drained. Using this power for the first time, he'd lost control and nearly emptied himself.

Watching Haku lying there, gasping for air like he was half-dead, Sengoku thought, Looks like he can only use that ability once. Thank goodness!

After resting a long while, Haku struggled to his feet.

But as he stood, he suddenly spotted Momousagi not far away. For some reason, seeing her made his heart race.

Before Sengoku and Garp could react, Haku vanished from his spot!

Sengoku: ???

Garp: ???

The next moment, Haku appeared right in front of Momousagi. In his eyes, she was beautiful and mysterious, like a moonlit fairy.

Momousagi gasped, startled by his sudden appearance, and instinctively stepped back.

Haku watched her flustered expression, feeling a surge of emotion he'd never known. He wanted to protect her, to make her feel safe.

"Momousagi, are you okay?" Haku's voice was low and gentle, his gaze full of concern and affection. But with the Hollow Mask on, it came out hoarse and gravelly, slightly ruining the mood.

Still! Momousagi blushed under his stare. Even though the mask had turned his eyes pitch black, she seemed to read something in them. She lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.

"I... I'm fine." Her voice trembled, filled with confusion and shyness.

Confused because Haku had never acted like this around her before. Shy because his gaze was so intense it forced her to blush.

Haku watched her, feeling his heartbeat quicken, his chest swelling with feelings for her.

"Gion, I like you." His voice was low but firm, his eyes brimming with love and affection.

"What? You can't like..." Chaton Vice Admiral was the first to react. He'd been pursuing Momousagi himself, confessing over a hundred times.

But before he could finish, Haku shot him a cold, murderous glare.

Chaton met Haku's killing intent, remembered the Cero from earlier, and backed down. He could tell Haku wasn't in a normal state. His gut warned him that if he spoke another word, Haku would actually attack.

Momousagi was startled by Haku's confession. She looked up into his eyes, her heart full of shock and confusion.