After several days of rigorous training and breakthroughs, the Straw Hat Pirates's core fighting force has been completely transformed. Zoro has grasped the rudiments of cutting through invisible forces, and his control over power has become more refined; Luffy's Luffy Gear Fourth is more controlled and responsive under extreme gravity, with a more refined Haki; Ace's Platinum Flame has an astonishing temperature and control; Sanji's Diable Jambe incorporates penetrating and shock-like power; even Jinbe's Fish-Man Karate has taken on a profound and turbulent quality reminiscent of heavy water.
Although Usopp and Chopper failed to reach the top, they successfully passed the "intelligence" and "cooperation" trials generated by several islands in the lower areas through their wisdom and teamwork, and grew considerably. Franky's new weapon system began to take shape, Brook's Soul Melody became more lethal and calming, and Robin's understanding of " Vibration Pulse Technique " also deepened.
It's time.
The Straw Hat Pirates regrouped at the starting point of the Gravity Stairway. Compared to a few days ago, their eyes were sharper, their auras more composed, and they seemed to be surrounded by an invisible aura formed through countless trials.
"Let's go!" Luffy adjusted his straw Straw Hat, his smile as bright as ever, but now radiating an undeniable confidence. "Let's take down that... peak!"
Without any grand pronouncements, everyone tacitly stepped onto the Gravity Stairway once more.
This time, their approach was completely different!
Zoro took the lead, with a faint black and red aura flowing around him. This was his initial mastery of the "gravity-cutting" field. Although it couldn't completely negate the gravity, it greatly reduced the pressure applied to his body, allowing him to move lightly, as if he were not carrying any shackles. The gravity puppet re-formed, but he casually slashed it a few times, "cutting" the puppet and the surrounding gravity field into chaos and dissipating it!
Luffy activates Gear Fourth: Snakeman form. His rubber body displays amazing elasticity and resilience under gravity, allowing him to dart and weave through steep stairs like a fish. When he encounters an obstacle, his fists, wrapped in top-level Armament Haki, blast a path through it!
Ace transforms into a fiery meteor, but instead of violently erupting platinum flames, he forms a high-temperature force field that clings to his body, "burning" and "repelling" the oppressive gravity to a certain extent, at an extremely high speed!
Sanji's Geppo became even more difficult under gravity, but he incorporated the power of vibration into his steps. With each step, it was as if he briefly "shattered" the gravity beneath his feet, and his figure floated upwards like a blue phantom.
Jinbe like a steady mountain, each step firmly planted on the ground. The soft power of Fish-Man Karate channeled the pressure into the earth. Although his speed was not as fast as the previous ones, he was as steady as a rock, proceeding step by step with great care.
General Franky activated his full form, his thrusters spewing adjusted flames as his mechanical body roared upwards against gravity!
Brook's Soul Departure, floating lightly. Although gravity also affected his soul, it was far less than that of his physical body. His violin music transformed into invisible blades, cutting through the energy barrier that had gathered in front of him.
With his companions providing cover, Robin used " Vibration Pulse Technique " to precisely destroy certain unstable energy nodes on the stairs, clearing a path for everyone.
Usopp and Chopper provide remote support and medical assistance from the rear. Usopp's special ammunition can disrupt the stability of the gravitational field, Chopper's medical skills can promptly treat the internal injuries caused to his companions by their forced breakthrough.
Allen remained at the back, not intervening, but simply ensuring that no unexpected events exceeded their capabilities. He watched his companions display their unique skills and work together seamlessly, a faint sense of satisfaction appearing on his face. Their growth far exceeded expectations.
The group advanced with unstoppable momentum, breaking through the six, seven, and eight times gravity zones! The various trials generated on the island—elemental storms, inner demon illusions, and energy beast tides—were all defeated thanks to their renewed strength and close teamwork!
Finally, they stepped onto the last flight of stairs and arrived at the nine-times gravity zone!
The pressure here is almost tangible; the air is as thick as mercury, and every breath is burning. Even the light seems distorted. An ordinary person would be instantly crushed into a pulp here.
At the end of the steps, the Unyielding Peak shrouded in thunderclouds and gales came into view! The summit was a relatively flat, huge platform, and on the platform, a solitary, proud figure could be vaguely seen sitting cross-legged in the center.
That is... "Peak Master"!
Luffy grinned, his rubber arm suddenly extended, grabbing a protruding rock above him, and roared:
"Final sprint! Charge all the way up!"
The entire Straw Hat Pirates unleashed their full power and momentum, like a group of whales swimming against the current, fiercely breaking through the final nine-fold gravity barrier and landing steadily on the Unyielding Peak, the symbol of Rogrim's highest glory!
The summit platform was vast, its ground a black, unknown metal, marked by the traces of battle. A fierce wind howled, and lightning bolts darted through the low-hanging clouds. In the very center of the platform, the figure that had been seated cross-legged slowly rose to its feet.
He turned around, revealing a weathered yet still sharp face. His eyes, like those of a hawk, swept over the Straw Hat Pirates, who had just reached the summit and were riding high. Finally, his gaze passed over everyone and landed on Allen at the very back, whose aura was the most profound and serene.
"Being able to reach this peak proves that you are qualified to undergo the final trial." The peak master's voice was not loud, but it seemed to carry the sound of metal clashing, piercing through the gale and clearly reaching everyone's ears.
"I am Gar Testa, the Guardian of Rogrim Peak, the Unyielding Blade."
He began to exude a terrifying aura as heavy, sharp, and indestructible as the mountain itself!
"Your challenge... or rather, my trial, now begins!"
The final showdown is about to begin!