Chapter 525: Meeting Rayleigh Again
The struggle to defeat Kaido's lingering will was much easier than Brett had imagined.
Well, of course. Even Kaido himself was Brett's defeated opponent, amounting to nothing before him, let alone a bit of will Kaido left in the Devil Fruit.
Initially, it did give Brett some trouble, but immediately, even just instinctive counterattack had already completely shredded Kaido's will.
This way, this fruit had already been completely colored by Brett. Awakening had also become Brett's exclusive awakening.
Excellent.
Brett felt his current state was fantastic.
His awakened form didn't differ much from his ordinary dragon-man state. Just slightly more elongated, with some steam-like ribbons added to his body.
But compared to external appearance, the internal changes were most exaggerated.
Strength, speed, agility, recovery—basic abilities comprehensively exploded!
Already exaggerated attributes had now elevated to inhuman levels.
Zoan Devil Fruit awakening was originally known for enhancing basic abilities, let alone that Brett possessed a Mythical Beast type!
Beyond basic abilities, the various special abilities unique to Mythical Beasts also evolved.
Flames, lightning, gales, clouds—these elemental abilities likewise skyrocketed. Now even without borrowing his own ability to manipulate elements, Brett felt he could easily stir up natural disasters.
His current strength compared to himself several minutes ago had probably already made a tremendous leap!
It could even be called fundamentally not the same level!
Brett clenched his fist.
With his current self, he should already possess the strength to compete with Imu head-on, even to defeat him fair and square.
"This aura!"
Fujitora, skilled in Observation Haki, sincerely exclaimed. "Isn't this somewhat too exaggerated?"
"Yeah," Ryokugyu also couldn't help marveling. "Compared to us, he's already completely on a different level."
You didn't even need to sense the aura to know this.
Brett in the past could already defeat four of them easily. Let alone now that he'd completed awakening.
If Brett fought them now, he could probably make them lose consciousness within three punches and two kicks.
As an enemy, this was simply a nightmare-like experience. But as a teammate, it was truly most reliable.
"This way, even fighting that Lord Imu again, you should already be confident, right?"
Kizaru said with a smile.
After releasing awakening and reverting to ordinary dragon-man form, comparing the power difference, Brett returned to normal state.
He nodded lightly. "But it's still not enough."
He needed to become even stronger.
Comprehensive basic strength enhancement would inevitably bring tremendous progress in Conqueror's Haki.
After all, this Haki originally became stronger as the user continuously grew stronger.
But Armament Haki and Observation Haki required continued training.
After awakening, his body's upper limit increased. Perhaps it would also drive unlocking of Haki limits.
Especially Observation Killing ability.
That was somewhat too restraining against his Observation Haki.
To truly gain advantage in exchanges with Imu, he absolutely had to master techniques to break this ability.
Looked like it was time to visit Teacher Rayleigh for supplementary lessons. Having sailed the seas with Roger for decades, he shouldn't be unfamiliar with Observation Killing ability.
Training still hadn't reached its conclusion.
Before the final war began, he absolutely had to become even stronger.
"Hahaha, you're really something, Brett!"
The old man excitedly ran before Brett. "This way, it at least proves that if ability holders themselves master awakening, then replicated Devil Fruits can also awaken!"
"Just a pity we still can't confirm whether replica Devil Fruits can awaken if the ability user themselves hasn't awakened."
"Take it slow. There'll be opportunities eventually."
Brett said calmly. "The premise is we can achieve victory in the coming war."
"Mm! Do your best!"
The old man gave a thumbs up.
Then next, he'd go find Rayleigh to inquire in detail about Observation Killing matters.
No sooner said than done. Brett immediately bid farewell to Dr. Vegapunk, then headed directly for Sabaody Archipelago.
This time, besides consulting Rayleigh about Observation matters, Brett also hoped to bring Rayleigh to Fish-Man Island.
War had now been officially declared. Rayleigh continuing to stay on Sabaody Archipelago would be somewhat too dangerous.
Times were different now. Whenever the World Government remembered him, he'd be in trouble.
Brett hadn't come to Sabaody Archipelago in quite a while. This place was no different from the past. Even with war approaching, this island still swarmed with pirates.
Brett had already found the final island. The pirate treasure-hunting era had ended, but the Great Pirate Era's momentum still continued. Most pirates hadn't yet realized this.
Brett arrived outside Shakky's bar. This place was as always doing terrible business.
After all, Shakky fundamentally wasn't aiming to do business. Whether alcohol or food, prices were sky-high. Shakky's Rip-off Bar—those three words weren't false advertising at all.
Brett unceremoniously pushed the door open directly.
Rayleigh was sprawled on the bar drinking. Brett's arrival didn't surprise him. "What? Brett, has the decisive battle time arrived?"
"In that case, I should also have the old buddies assemble."
He'd said before he wanted to meet old friends. Looked like the assembly was going quite smoothly.
"No, we still need a bit more time."
Brett shook his head.
Pluton's construction indeed still needed time. The Seraphim also weren't mature yet.
"I came this time mainly for two purposes. First," Brett looked at Rayleigh, then at Shakky quietly wiping glasses behind the bar. "I hope you two will come with me to Fish-Man Island. After all, at this juncture, staying on Sabaody Archipelago is somewhat too dangerous."
"Oh, is that so?"
Shakky set down her glass. "Indeed. Now with the world's situation, even Old Ray's name can't provide cover anymore."
After all, the war determining world hegemony was already on the verge of breaking out.
"That's no problem," Rayleigh nodded. "Fish-Man Island is quite lively anyway."
"So, what's the second purpose?"
"Observation Killing."
Brett said seriously. "Roger once mastered this technique. I hope you can help me learn it, Rayleigh."