"Hahahahaha!"
His cheerful laughter shook the air, somehow stirring everyone's emotions.
Koby's gaze grew intensely grave as he stared fixedly at the figure before him.
Luffy's hair rapidly turned white, as though white flames had ignited across it, taking on the shape of fire. A ribbon of steam circled his neck and passed beneath his armpits, while his eyebrows curled.
This was the awakened state of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika!
Unlike in the original story, Luffy had never gone through the transition of Gear Fourth. Instead, he had begun training in his Nika form immediately after the Summit War.
This had made his mastery of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika more familiar, more complete—and naturally, even more powerful!
"Well then!"
"Are you ready, Koby?"
Luffy grinned, stamped both feet on the ground, and shouted with a laugh.
Koby's expression was grave. He took a deep breath, then nodded firmly.
Flowing Armament Haki enveloped his fists and arms, radiating a glow like cherry blossoms.
"Come on, Luffy!"
As the words left his mouth, he darted forward, taking the initiative to attack.
Although he knew his opponent had to be stronger in this form, Koby showed no fear.
"Hahahahaha!"
Luffy laughed.
In the blink of an eye, the two collided again.
Crackle!
Black-red lightning suddenly surged forth. Violent Haki swept out in a mighty torrent, making even the lightning in the sky seem to freeze for an instant.
Rob Lucci's gaze shifted slightly. The weaker Marines around him all grunted, then slumped to the ground unconscious.
Below, Ace and Sabo exchanged a glance, smiles appearing in both their eyes.
Dragon fixed his gaze on Luffy, his expression thoughtful.
"Sun God Nika?"
"And Conqueror's Haki Infusion! Luffy, you really have mastered it!"
"Truly unbelievable!"
He could clearly sense that fierce, razor-sharp Haki,