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"Alright, boy, it's our turn now!" Brogy declared, stepping forward as the fight between Dorry and Luffy came to an end.
Ikki, however, was still busy feeding jelly beans to the unconscious Mr. 3 and Mr. 5.
"Keep farting..."
"Avoid water..."
"Become a fish..."
"Out-of-body experience..."
Each jelly bean had a bizarre effect, and the unfortunate agents endured every strange transformation in their helpless state. It seemed Ikki's luck wasn't on their side, as most of the jelly beans he dispensed had negative effects this time. Unlike the ones given to the Sword Masters, which at least provided some positive boosts, these seemed outright torturous.
After feeding them over twenty pills, Ikki finally managed to pull a useful one: [Super-fast recovery!]
This jelly bean granted rapid healing, allowing the user to recover from injuries quickly. However, the price was.... Mr. 5's body turned into chocolate-flavored poop—fortunately waterproof—while Mr. 3 turned completely green, his once-thin hair sprouting into a wildly lush and thick mane.
Ignoring their bizarre states, Ikki popped the quick-recovery jelly bean into his mouth. He grinned, knowing the effect would last for 15 minutes—plenty of time to handle a fight with Brogy. After all, Luffy's battle with Dorry had only taken about five minutes, including their banter.
"Alright, Uncle Brogy, I'm ready!" Ikki announced confidently.
As Brogy prepared, Ikki added, "Just so you know, I'll recover quickly for the next fifteen minutes. So, don't hold back—just make sure I don't die!"
Brogy nodded, placing his weapons aside like Dorry had, and dropped into a fighting stance. "Alright, boy, let me show you what love is!"
Ikki: ...
It was clear Brogy, like Dorry, had mistaken Haki for "love."
Hearing Brogy's declaration, Luffy furrowed his brow. "So Uncle Brogy also has an Fist of Love!" He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Ikki, watch out! The Fist of Love hurts a lot!"
Ikki ignored Luffy's warning. Instead, he assumed the stance of Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist and activated his three-tomoe Sharingan eyes, focusing intently on Brogy's movements.
Brogy grinned, observing Ikki's stillness. "Boy, if you won't move first, then I will!" he roared, rushing forward with incredible speed.
As Brogy lunged, Ikki's Sharingan eyes whirled, slowing Brogy's movements in his perception. He could clearly see every muscle flex and every movement as Brogy closed the distance.
But when Ikki tried to dodge, he quickly realized that seeing and reacting were two very different things. Brogy's speed was overwhelming, and there wasn't enough time to get out of the way.
With no other choice, Ikki raised his arms to block the incoming attack. As Brogy's massive fist bore down on him, Ikki channeled magic to reinforce his arms, layering them with blessing magic for added durability.
Ikki's arm clashed with Brogy's massive fist, the sharp crack of bone echoing through the air before Ikki was sent flying. Brogy's punch had fractured Ikki's arm, but thanks to the protective magic layered over it, the injury wasn't as severe as it could have been.
With the super-fast recovery jelly bean working its magic, Ikki's arm healed in an instant. Using his flying ability, he stabilized himself mid-air, gliding gracefully to regain his footing.
Brogy stared, dumbfounded. He hadn't expected Ikki to recover so quickly—or to be able to fly, for that matter. That punch should've ended the fight, even though Brogy had held back slightly. Yet here was Ikki, perfectly fine and airborne.
Ikki spread his arms wide as he floated in the air. White magic circles began to materialize around him, glowing brightly.
"O strengthen of arm to cleave the heavens! ARMS!."
"O swift wind that dashes through the heavens! VERNIER!."
"...Armor."
"...Raise."
One by one, powerful buffs enveloped Ikki, causing his body to shine in a kaleidoscope of colors. The radiant light made him look almost otherworldly. His imperial robe, adorned with the bold phrase "In the Name of the People" written on the back, billowed dramatically in the wind.
The Straw Hat crew looked on in awe.
Luffy and Usopp, in particular, were completely starstruck. Their eyes sparkled like stars as they stared at Ikki, thoroughly impressed.
"So cool… I want it too!" Luffy shouted, both fists raised.
Dorry, who had been observing with his arms crossed, chuckled. "You're impressive, young man, but… beauty won't win you a fight against Brogy!"
Meanwhile, Smoker was lost in thought, wondering if he could take on Ikki in his current state.
"Haha... I'm a Logia. If he doesn't have Haki, I'm invincible," Smoker mused to himself. But his confidence wavered as his gaze fell on Luffy, who had defeated him without Haki. He awkwardly retracted his earlier thought, now wondering if Ikki's colorful aura might actually pose a threat to Logias.
Back on the battlefield, Ikki finished applying his buffs and released his magic, landing back on the ground.
"Alright, Uncle Brogy! Round two begins now!" he declared, determination shining in his eyes.
Brogy, slightly distracted by Ikki's dazzling appearance, tilted his head in curiosity. Warriors of Elbaf prided themselves on simple, straightforward battles. Even their mighty Elbaf Spear lacked the flashiness Ikki was now exuding.
"Boy," Brogy said, his voice tinged with curiosity, "if I beat you, will you teach me how to do that?"
Ikki blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, he realized that Brogy was fascinated by the flashy special effects. It was true—anyone, even a mighty warrior of Elbaf, could be drawn to something so spectacular.
Smiling, Ikki responded, "Sure! If you win, I'll help you add some special effects to your moves."
Ikki wasn't worried. He knew he had no real chance of beating Brogy, so the offer was safe.
Brogy grinned, clearly excited. He was already imagining himself returning to Elbaf, glowing with a dazzling aura and impressing all the female giants. The thought of his rivals looking on in envy made him chuckle.
But before Brogy could finish daydreaming, Ikki charged forward. His glowing fist, brimming with enhanced strength from his various buffs and his Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist technique, rocketed toward Brogy's face.
The punch connected with all of Ikki's might… and only caused Brogy to lean back slightly.
"Eh?!" Ikki muttered, his confidence shaken.
Recovering from the blow, Brogy reached out, aiming to grab Ikki's fist. Seeing the massive hand closing in, Ikki inhaled deeply and unleashed a close-range Dragon Roar. The force of the dragon's breath pushed Brogy's hand away and propelled Ikki backward, putting distance between them.