Hughes's Plan to Set Up His Bro

[Absorbed a large amount of Devil Factor, Flame-Flame Devil Fruit Awakening level +1%, current Flame-Flame Devil Fruit Awakening level is 45% (Initial Awakening).]

Time passed quietly, and the Flame-Flame Devil Fruit Awakening level.

Hughes glanced at the panel and saw that even though the Flame-Flame Devil Fruit Awakening level had reached 58%, it was still in the Initial Awakening state. He had thought it would be divided into multiple levels, like the ultimate technique module.

Currently, it seems that the Devil Fruit Awakening is only divided into two types: Initial Awakening and Complete Awakening.

However, even the weakest member of the Nine Demon Gates, Dojigiri Ezel, can provide him with 28% of the Devil Fruit Awakening potential. If he were to absorb Pluton, wouldn't the Flame-Flame Fruit be 100% Complete Awakening?

Almost there, almost there. After completing a few more high-quality tasks, I reckon I'll be able to go toe-to-toe with Pluton.

At that moment, Dojigiri Ezel, who had no good meat on his back, suddenly spoke, interrupting Hughes's thoughts.

"Jose, I will be back soon. You'd better pray you don't fall into my hands, for I will inflict this pain upon you tenfold!"

Unable to even turn his head, Dojigiri Ezel uttered his harsh words before abruptly vanishing into countless specks.

Among the Nine Demon Gates, all except Yin have signed a contract with the Pluton. Even if they lose their physical bodies, they can be reborn within the Hell Core. The rebirth speed is extremely fast, and they can be completely restored to their original state in one or two hours.

Seeing that Dojigiri Ezel had disappeared, Hughes smiled slightly and gave a silent laugh.

Ezel the Dojigiri had better go and seek revenge on Jose soon, so that Dojigiri could find Ezel's whereabouts and go and slaughter him again.

58% of the Flame- Devil Fruit Awakening level isn't enough for him!

Next time, he will still disguise himself as Jose and meet with Che Ezel the Dojigiri through the Life Return...

Hopefully it won't break through the defenses!

[Detection indicates that "Daz Bones" has been defeated by the host. The quest "Defeat Daz Bones" is now complete!]

[Mission Reward: Improved Physical Fitness Award Issued!]

Before the notification sound in his mind had faded, the familiar warm current flowed through Hughes' body again.

Hughes gathered his thoughts and closed his eyes to contemplate.

Strictly speaking, this is the seventh time he has improved his physical fitness.

A moment later, Hughes opened his eyes, clenched his fists. With his current physical abilities, even the slightest improvement would bring him an unimaginable boost.

He could sense that he was very strong now. Relying solely on his physical body, combined with his Life Return talent, and equipped with a perfected level of Six Powers and Advanced Observation Haki, he might be able to fight on par with the lower ranks of the "Ten Wizard Saints".

Thinking of this, an idea suddenly popped into Hughes's mind.

Once back at the guild, he could test the waters with Gildarts and the old man to assess his own strength; there were also some quests in the system that he should complete.

My Observation Haki has been sitting alone on the panel for days, so it wouldn't be right not to bring in Armament Haki to keep it company.

Within the Thunder Valley, thunder still roared.

Because the terrain was destroyed by Dojigiri Ezel, without the isolation of mountain walls and boulders, the lightning in Thunder Valley could gather and condense at will, and from time to time, huge lightning balls capable of destroying villages and towns were born.

Hughes, still bearing the face of Jose Bora, walked throughout Thunder Valley, promptly dispersing the excessively terrifying lightning.

Laxus's current strength is still a bit lacking; rashly absorbing these massive lightning bolts would do him no good whatsoever.

Cultivation requires a gradual approach. Natsu is quite special, being both a fire demon and possessing Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. Hughes didn't keep condensing flames for him to eat.

If one's mental cultivation is insufficient, one is easily addicted to powerful forces without realizing it. Over time, this inevitably leads to moral decay, resulting in various acts that violate humanity, morality, and the law, ultimately turning one into a dark mage, Nezumi in the street.

This is a principle that Gildarts and Makarov have been emphasizing to Hughes.

Hughes used to scoff at it and not care at all, but after these missions, he has come to some realizations.

He dealt with these overly powerful Thunders for Laxus in advance for this very reason.

To be honest, although his initial meeting with Laxus was not very friendly, as they got to know each other better, Hughes genuinely considered Laxus a friend. The two were close in age and got along well in terms of conversation habits.

Unlike Natsu and Erza, who are still too young, Hughes always felt there was a clear barrier between them when communicating with them.

Now that Laxus and Makarov have cleared up their misunderstanding, he gets along well with everyone in the guild, joking and laughing freely.

Hughes didn't want him to become the arrogant and unapproachable Laxus he remembered, even though he still cared about the guild and loved everyone.

Arrogant people can be really annoying sometimes.

As the sun set and the moon rose, and the moon disappeared and the sun rose again, Hughes finally saw Laxus arrive late.

His steps were unsteady; he looked extremely weak.

Hughes suddenly smiled; he had just thought of another great idea...

Since Thunder Valley was destroyed by Ezel the Dojigiri, curious mages have been entering Thunder Valley to investigate since last night.

However, the intensity of the lightning within Thunder Valley far exceeded their expectations. These mages barely managed to take a few steps before they were terrified and fled back in panic.

At this moment, the group of people were still lingering outside Thunder Valley, trying to break in again.

So, if he were to be defeated by Laxus in front of this group while dressed as Jose Bora, one of the "Ten Wizard Saints"...

Then, this group of people spread the word...

Hehe, that's going to be quite a show! There will definitely be a constant stream of challengers coming to take on Laxus.

No... it's not a joke, he's putting pressure on Laxus, urging him to become stronger.

Yes, Laxus and Makarov will definitely thank him!

As for whether Jose Bora will be furious, who cares? He'll have plenty of blame to take later!

On the other side, Laxus stood at the entrance to Thunder Valley, glancing around with a fleeting look of doubt in his eyes.

Thunder Valley used to be a deserted place, so why are there so many people wandering around here today?

"Have you heard? This morning someone found a Magic Crystal containing lightning in Thunder Valley and sold it for 500,000 J."

"I've heard about it too, but the treasure hunters are the ones who made the most money. They infiltrated Thunder Valley yesterday just as the turmoil subsided, and when they came out, each of them had bulging bags. I think each of them earned at least 5 million J."

"Yesterday, a chilling and malevolent aura filled Thunder Valley, leading everyone to speculate that powerful figures were engaged in battle there, which is why Thunder Valley shattered. These treasure hunters, those money-grubbing lunatics, dared to infiltrate Thunder Valley at that time, weren't they afraid of being caught in the crossfire?"

"You have to be bold to make money! If I had their guts, I wouldn't be hesitating here, not even daring to take a step."

Laxus:???

What happened in Thunder Valley?