As Luffy stepped forward to fight!
The atmosphere in the open space abruptly changed.
The oppressive air that had previously been thick with self-reproach was now completely ignited by the young man's soaring fighting spirit.
"What an interesting young man..."
Marco let out his signature low chuckle. Watching the scene before him, his eyes were full of approval.
No wonder he was Ace's younger brother.
That purity of throwing punches simply to grow stronger, without asking why, was exactly like his foolish older brother Ace.
Meanwhile, Boa Hancock's heart had risen to her throat.
She clasped her hands tightly before her chest, worry written all over her beautiful face as her gaze darted back and forth between Luffy and Chen Ye. Her heart was tangled with conflict.
"Luffy..."
She hoped Luffy could vent his emotions through this battle and grow stronger.
Yet she was also afraid that this unfathomable-looking man would hurt the one she loved.
Chen Ye ignored the onlookers' gazes. All his attention was focused on the Straw Hat Kid before him.
Luffy stretched his body, producing a series of crackling pops.
He lowered his legs slightly and assumed a standard fighting stance. In an instant, his entire presence changed from that of a lost young man into a beast ready to hunt.
"I'm coming!"
Luffy shouted, taking it as a greeting.
The next second.
"Second Gear!"
"Buzz—!"
A strange muffled sound came from inside his body.
Like pumps, Luffy's legs stomped hard against the ground, sending his blood surging through his entire body at high speed!
Visible white steam burst from the pores of his skin, enveloping his whole body.
His skin turned bright red from the rapid circulation of blood, and astonishing heat radiated from his entire body.
This was the technique he had developed at