"Thump-thump-thump-!"
The drums of liberation sounded once again!
It was no illusion, no echo, but a beat truly rising from the edge of the battlefield
From deep within that shriveled, aged body, growing stronger and faster until it thundered once more!
"It's back... it's back!!!!"
Luffy threw his head back and howled. With his belly full, he seemed to have been infused with boundless vitality!
His hands pounded his chest furiously
Dark Red Conqueror's Haki Inazuma erupted uncontrollably!
White steam burst forth!
His snow-white hair and eyebrows instantly grew back!
His skin took on rubber's distinctive sheen, his heartbeat ringing with the joyous, spirited drums of liberation
Luffy's feet left the ground as he floated in midair
His rubberized body twisted lightly, seemingly free of gravity, his smiling eyes narrowing into crescents.
Gear Fifth Nika Form returned at full strength!
"Yohoho!! A full belly makes all the difference!!"
Dorry and Brogy, who had witnessed Luffy's Gear Fifth Nika Form firsthand
The two giant captains widened their enormous eyes and exchanged a glance
Each saw in the other's eyes the awe of finally witnessing something they had waited so many years to see!
"Dorry!" Brogy's voice trembled slightly with excitement.
"Brogy!" Dorry nodded firmly, veins bulging on the hand gripping his weapon.
"He... he looks exactly like the murals!!!"
They both drew deep breaths and, with every ounce of their strength, unleashed an earth-shaking roar in unison
"It's the Sun God-!!!!!"
In Elbaf's ancient murals and legends, they had heard of and yearned countless times for the form of Nika, the "Sun God" who brought laughter and liberation.
And now, that very form stood before their eyes, so alive and brimming with vitality!
This was not merely Luffy's return, but the embodiment of the "prophecy" and "hope" their Giant Race had