Straw Hat Pirates in Action (13)

While countless people across the seas were utterly shocked by the Navy's might, on an island at the edge of the Grand Line's Calm Belt...

"Did you get a good look, Luffy?! These are the enemies you'll be facing!"

A short black shoulder cape rested on Sabo's shoulder. It was somewhat like the hood Dragon never went without, yet distinctly different.

He had undoubtedly become steadier and more reserved. The foolish grin was gone from his face, as were his old habit of exaggerated gestures.

He had grown from a boy into a man.

Thud!

As Sabo spoke loudly, he drove a dagger into a wooden board. From Fleet Admiral Akainu to sixteen vice admirals, it displayed photographs of every notable named Navy officer.

Any one of them, taken alone, could dominate an entire region. Though they were merely photographs, they still gave off a suffocating sense of pressure.

"How am I supposed to remember so many?!"

"But..."

Luffy muttered, lowering the brim of his hat. "As long as I get stronger, then knock them all flying, that'll be enough, right?"

The experiences at G-10 and during the great incident had taught Luffy just how absurd the gap between the strong and the weak in this world truly was!

That was a chasm that could not be bridged merely by "risking your life" or "working hard"!

It was like a math problem—you still could not solve it even if you were pushed to the brink.

If he wanted to keep moving forward with everyone, he had to become stronger!

"..."

What he said... was not without reason.

After a moment of silence, Sabo sighed helplessly. "True... but I still don't recommend focusing your main efforts on the Navy, Luffy."

"I don't want you to become the next Blackbeard, a mere