One Piece: I Can Repel Everything

"I was just thinking: what if I used the Repel-Repel Fruit to repel every weakness of the Copy-Copy Fruit?"

Resolve shone in Chris's eyes as he said, "If I can do that, this Devil Fruit will become the most powerful one in the world."

"Then I'll be able to copy anyone's abilities and use them perfectly."

"And I'll have a much better chance of dragging the Celestial Dragons down from their pedestal."

Hearing her beloved speak with such conviction, Hancock's heart soared. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and a sweet smile spread across her face.

"You will, Chris. You'll succeed. I believe there's nothing in this world you can't overcome."

"You're so talented, so extraordinary. There's no reason you should fail."

Chris looked at Hancock. "Enough about that. What do you plan to do next?"

At that, Hancock fell silent. She did not answer right away.

Chris did not rush her. Keeping his hands in his pockets, he watched her quietly and waited.

"Chris, I'm sorry. I was wrong."

After a long while, Hancock looked at him and lowered her eyes. Guilt filled her beautiful face.

"I always looked down on everyone. I was arrogant beyond belief."

"Just as you said, I stayed in the Calm Belt and never faced any danger. I was a frog at the bottom of a well, content with my little corner of the world."

"I was wrong. So terribly wrong."

She raised her head slightly and said with deep shame, "Chris, I promise I won't be like that anymore."

"I'll train hard and grow stronger. I won't be so arrogant or look down on everyone again."

Hancock's heartfelt apology changed Chris's impression of her once more.

Her decision to set sail and grow stronger had already made him think better of her.

Now he felt more strongly than ever that Hancock was a remarkable person.

"Good."

Chris smiled faintly. "To be honest, your potential is enormous. Your talent is first-rate."

"You wasted years before, and that's why you stopped progressing instead of becoming one of the strongest."

"But that's behind you now. What you said today tells me you have the heart of a true powerhouse."

Appreciation showed in Chris's eyes as he encouraged her. "In a few years, you'll be counted among the very strongest."

Since arriving in this world, Chris had never encouraged anyone like this before.

How rare was that?!

It showed just how pleased he was with Hancock's change.

"Oh, I'm not nearly as wonderful as you say."

Seeing the appreciation in Chris's eyes, Hancock immediately grew shy. She covered her cheeks with her hands and murmured softly.

"You're so strong. I can't stay weak if I want to stand beside you."

Then Hancock looked at Chris with unwavering determination. "Chris, I promise I'll train harder and catch up with you."

Chris nodded and smiled. "You're heading into the New World next. It's a place ruled by the strong, and danger waits everywhere."

"If you run into trouble again, don't try to tough it out. Call me."

Hancock gave a firm nod, her eyes curving with her smile. "I will. You're the one I can rely on most."

"Whenever I face something I can't handle, I'll call you. Hee-hee!"

Chris said nothing more. "All right. Keep sailing. I'm leaving."

With that, he was about to use his ability and depart.

Hancock hurriedly asked, "Chris, can I call you often from now on?"

"Of course."

As soon as he spoke, Chris vanished without a trace.

At his answer, Hancock clasped her hands tightly together. Her eyes shone, and happiness filled her face.

"Chris, I'm going to call you every day from now on. Hee-hee-hee!"

After murmuring to herself, she walked gracefully toward the edge of the island, her steps light as air.

East Blue, Navy Branch 16.

Knock, knock, knock...

"Captain, I have urgent news to report!"

Outside the wooden door, a young man in his twenties knocked lightly and spoke with respect.

"Come in..."

A shrill, grating voice came from inside the room.

The door creaked open, and the young man stepped inside.

In the office, a middle-aged man leaned back in his chair with his feet on the desk, sipping coffee.

He was Captain Nezumi of Navy Branch 16 in the East Blue!

"Captain, I just received a call. A powerful pirate crew has entered our territory in the East Blue."

The young man stood at attention and continued respectfully, "According to the report, Don Krieg, the leader of the East Blue's largest pirate crew, has been killed by them."

"The entire Krieg Pirates have been scattered. Some fled, and others died."

"What..."

Captain Nezumi jerked his feet off the desk and stood, stunned. "What did you just say? The Krieg Pirates were wiped out?"

"How is that possible? He had thousands of men and dozens of ships. Who could wipe him out?"

"Did someone send in a false report? Has it been verified?"

The young man lowered his head and hurried to explain.

"Captain, we've investigated. The report is true."

"The two crews met at the Baratie, the restaurant at sea, and a fight broke out."

"The Krieg Pirates couldn't put up any resistance. They were wiped out."

The young man handed him a stack of papers and said humbly, "Captain, this is the information on the other pirate crew. Please take a look."

Captain Nezumi opened the file at once and began reading.

"Captain: Chris. Black shirt and black trousers..."

Captain Nezumi skimmed the pages. The more he read, the more shocked he became, his expression shifting constantly.

From First Mate Lafitte to the other division commanders, every one of them was frighteningly powerful.

According to the report, Don Krieg and his men had been like sheep before them, utterly unable to fight back.

They had simply been slaughtered!

"Damn it. Damn it..."

Captain Nezumi slammed the papers onto the desk. Fury twisted his ratlike face as he cursed in his piercing voice.

"Where did these damned pirates come from? Why did they have to come to the East Blue?"

"Why couldn't the bastards go somewhere else? Why did they have to choose the East Blue?!"

"No, no. They're too dangerous. I have to report this."

Fear spread across Captain Nezumi's face as he muttered to himself, "These people are ruthless outlaws. I have to tell Marine Headquarters and let them deal with it."

"Yes. That's what I'll do."

"All right, you can go. I'll handle this."

The young man acknowledged him and quickly turned toward the door, not daring to say another word.

Captain Nezumi lived up to his name. He was despicable, unscrupulous, and terrified of dying.

The soldiers at the branch feared him. They treated him with the utmost respect and dared not speak out of turn.

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Many officers were seated in the meeting room.

Suddenly, Brannew strode in carrying a stack of documents.

"Lord Sengoku, a report just came in. Please take a look."

He handed the documents to Sengoku respectfully, then stood quietly to one side.

Borsalino leaned back in his chair with one leg crossed over the other. "Oh, is it another startling report? Don't scare an old man like me."

Brannew looked at Kizaru and said humbly, "Branch 16 in the East Blue just reported that a powerful pirate crew has entered the region."

"And they easily wiped out the largest pirate crew in the East Blue."

Garp turned sharply toward Brannew. "Come on, tell us the details. This old man's interested."

"Something's finally happening in the East Blue, the weakest sea! Hahaha..."

Yamakaji looked at Garp with a gentle smile.

"The East Blue is your hometown, after all. No wonder you're so interested."

Momonga nodded and smiled. "The East Blue really has been peaceful. There's hardly any unrest there. It's the most stable of the four seas."

By then, Sengoku had finished reading the report. He looked at Brannew and said sternly, "Brief everyone."

"Yes, Lord Sengoku!"

Brannew turned to the assembled officers and began his detailed account.

"The crew calls itself the Chris Pirates. Their captain is Chris."

"They fought another crew at the Baratie, the East Blue's most famous restaurant."

"Captain Chris never made a move. His division commanders wiped out the other side in under three minutes."

"After receiving the report, we analyzed the information and discovered that the ship used by the Chris Pirates belonged to the White Ghost Pirates, who dominated the North Blue."

"We believe it is highly likely that the White Ghost Pirates have been wiped out and their ship taken."

Brannew had a clear head and knew the details by heart. He quickly laid out the situation for everyone present.

When Brannew finished, Sengoku tapped the desk. "Let's hear your thoughts. This crew warrants discussion."

"Now that's something."

Garp threw back his head and laughed. "An interesting kid has turned up in the East Blue. I'd love to go home and see for myself right now! Hahaha..."

"Damn it, Garp! Stop shouting in the meeting room!"

Sengoku glared at him and snapped in annoyance.