...
On the God Valley side, the atmosphere had grown subtle due to the discussion about "comrades" and "individuals," but on the light screen, the "temporary alliance" had already begun taking action.
Once the action started, the first thing was Luffy's trust. As both the "initiator" and "main force," Luffy had absolutely no patience or mind for formulating a detailed plan.
In his view, things were simple: Law had a way, Sabo, Smoker, Hancock and the others could help—so they'd all go in together and beat Bullet to a pulp!
As for how to coordinate?
Luffy didn't care about that. He believed in Law, and he believed in these people's strength!
This near-complete hands-off attitude actually highlighted his recognition of Law's abilities, as well as a peculiar "personal charisma" capable of briefly uniting people of completely different stances.
"Forget about Straw Hat Captain for now."
Seeing Luffy charge in again, Law's voice rang out. He forced himself to stay calm and spoke to Smoker, Sabo, and the Pirate Empress Hancock who had gathered close: "The most troublesome part is his top-tier Armament Haki covering his entire body, along with the near-infinite volume and recovery after combining.
My ability can, in theory, briefly disrupt or even cut into his internal structure beneath the Haki coating—creating a momentary opening!"
Law quickly outlined a simple yet extremely high-risk plan: "I'll look for an opportunity. The instant he attacks or defends, I'll deploy the largest possible 'ROOM' and attempt to destroy or interfere from the inside.
What you all need to do is spare no cost to create a distraction or defensive gap—focus all attacks on one point! Even if it only makes him pause for a split second!"
Hearing Law's plan, though Smoker still had doubts, they had no other options right now…
In this desperate situation, this was the best idea they could come up with.
On the other side, Luffy—who had activated Gear Fourth—charged forward once more. The flame in his eyes showed no sign of dimming at all.
He hadn't actually listened to Law's plan at all; driven purely by sheer stubbornness and the conviction that "I have to beat Bullet," he roared again, dragging his battered body straight toward Bullet!
"Gomu Gomu no… King Kong…"
"Still posturing, huh? Straw Hat brat!"
Bullet's voice carried clear impatience and mockery: "Has your brain really been smashed? Charging in again and again…"
Toward Luffy's "foolish" frontal assault, Bullet couldn't even be bothered to use a proper technique.
The combined giant simply raised one massive palm formed from countless metal debris—as casually as swatting a fly—and slapped toward the incoming Luffy!
"Bang!!"
Luffy had no time to change course or dodge; he was once again smashed head-on by this seemingly casual yet terrifyingly powerful palm!
He flew backward like a kite with its string cut, faster than when he had charged in, tracing a miserable arc through the air before crashing heavily into a distant pile of rubble, kicking up clouds of dust and smoke.
The gap between the two was simply too vast.
Smoker watched as Luffy was sent flying yet again, only to struggle back up from the wreckage.
The cigar in his mouth was nearly bitten in half, veins throbbing on his forehead: "That idiot… can't he learn at all?! How many times has he been knocked away?!"
Smoker felt a deep sense of powerlessness toward Luffy's single-minded, reckless fighting style… and a trace of indescribable curiosity.
Did this guy really feel no fear or despair?
Luffy shook his somewhat dizzy head, spat out a mouthful of blood-tinged saliva, and looked at the god-and-demon-like Bullet giant in the distance. Yet his eyes remained unusually bright: "Sure enough… this guy really is strong!"
He had noticed that Bullet's casual slap just now hadn't been wrapped in particularly strong Armament Haki; most of the impact force had been canceled out by rubber's elasticity.
If the opponent truly went all out…
"There's no way I can beat him like this…"
Luffy muttered to himself, a thoughtful gleam flickering in his eyes.
...