The relentless pressure of gravity bore down on the massive sphere of lightning.
Enel's figure emerged atop the sphere, only to dissolve back into a storm of electricity as the gravitational weight pressed harder.
Issho, gripping his sword, continuously increased the gravitational force on the lightning sphere.
Watching this, Don wasn't surprised.
When Issho had previously clashed with him, the flames he wielded had also been affected by gravity.
Boom!
Flames erupted beneath the ship, lifting it off the ground once again.
Issho leapt from the airborne ship, continuously exerting his power to suppress the lightning sphere that was Enel.
"Mr. Issho is actually stepping in himself!"
Robin, witnessing Issho taking action, was intrigued.
Based on her observations of Issho's personality over time, she knew he usually preferred not to act proactively.
"Of course—it's because of what Enel did on Skypiea."
Don explained in response to Robin.
At this point, Enel hadn't fully seized control over Skypiea yet.
But this overly dramatic young man had already declared himself a god and carried out his oppressive methods.
Enel's observation haki could detect intentions; naturally, Issho's haki could do the same.
Don, familiar with Issho's temperament, was not in the least surprised that he had stepped in.
After all, the future Admiral Issho's sense of justice was righteous.
In a sense, he was a good man with his own moral compass.
Don stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"So, what do you think of Enel?"
Not dwelling on Issho's actions, Don turned to Hawkeye, who was lounging on the deck chair.
The ship was slowly descending in the distance, and Hawkeye was watching Issho suppress Enel.
"His Devil Fruit powers are strong, and he's developed them well, but he has many weaknesses—likely tied to his past. And he's not calm enough."
Hawkeye said, turning his eyes toward Don.
"By the way, if you were like this, I'd be terribly disappointed."
Don was momentarily taken aback, shifting his gaze from Hawkeye to Issho.
"You'll see soon enough. If he loses, I'll take the title of the number one swordsman myself. Conveniently, I have a junior disciple who's very interested in that title."
"If you're strong enough, of course."
Hawkeye's tone remained even, though a flicker of anticipation passed through his eyes.
"Hoho, time for the big move—can Issho hold his ground?"
Don suddenly spoke.
As he finished, the ground around them began to tremble. Cracks spiderwebbed across the white stone plaza, and electric arcs danced within the fissures.
Then, before Don and the others, the entire plaza erupted.
Everywhere in sight was a blinding display of lightning.
"Gravity Sword: Fierce Tiger!"
Issho's voice rang out amidst the sparks, followed by a thunderous explosion.
Enel, engulfed in electric light, was struck laterally by the force of gravity and sent flying backward.
Issho's expression remained serious as he gripped his sword, watching Enel hurtle away, electricity crackling around him.
Enel's eyes rolled back mid-flight, appearing to slip into unconsciousness.
"This Issho… he isn't holding back at all."
Don shook his head slightly and then stood.
"What? You're going to intervene? He can handle it on his own."
Hawkeye asked sternly as he saw Don rise.
"I can't let Issho kill him."
Don replied, lifting the sword in his hand.
"The Rumble-Rumble Fruit is valuable—I can't just let it go to waste."
Of course, aside from the Devil Fruit's power, there was also Enel himself.
Given what he had done, he could be classified as a villain—a melodramatic youth.
If he could be subdued, he'd be incredibly useful.
Moreover, Don had a plan, an idea that had only come to him after arriving on Skypiea.
In his memories, joining the Hunter Association wasn't something anyone could do casually.
One had to pass the Hunter Exam.
At first, he hadn't thought too deeply—his previous idea had been simple: anyone who wants to join, let them.
But now that it was established, there needed to be a threshold.
Otherwise, the title of Hunter would lose its value.
And Skypiea… this Enel would eventually create a "Trial of the Gods."
Because of that, Don conceived an idea: perhaps he could establish a pirate-version Hunter Exam on Skypiea in the future.
If so, Enel—native to Skypiea—would make a suitable administrator.
He could even serve as a final boss.
Once they subdued Enel, they could coordinate him directly with Crocodile and see how it all unfolds.
"Issho!"
Don shouted.
The arcs of electricity dimmed as Issho's figure approached the unconscious Enel.
Hearing Don, Issho turned, paused silently for a moment, sheathed his sword, and then walked over.
Don leapt from the ship, passing by Issho on his return.
"This kind of person…"
Issho muttered under his breath.
"People like this exist all over the seas."
Don knew what Issho meant and spoke.
"What's your goal—changing the world, or eliminating a few people?"
Don stopped and asked.
"Then let's see what he does in the future."
Issho said, stepping forward and continuing toward the ship.
Don, meanwhile, approached the unconscious Enel.
Electric arcs danced across his body, and Don could sense the terrifying power building within him.
Thinking it over, Don planted his sword in the ground and crouched before Enel.
Enel didn't remain unconscious for long.
As he came to, the previous scene flashed in his mind, and he abruptly looked up.
There, crouched beside him, was Don.
"Discharge!"
Without hesitation, Enel struck.
A dozen lightning arcs shot through Don's body.
Flames erupted along the path of the arcs.
"Stop being a god on Skypiea. Come with me to Seika, and see the world."
Don smiled.
"30 Million Volts—Thunderbird!"
Enel responded by striking the drums behind him.
Bang!
Don's fist, imbued with Armament Haki, slammed into Enel's left cheek, sending him flying.
Adjusting his wrist, Don rose to his feet and watched as Enel skidded across the ground, bouncing off the stone slabs before transforming into a flash of electricity, negating the impact, and restoring his body mid-flight.
"Seika man!"
Enel's eyes blazed with fury, glaring at Don.
"This is my Skypiea! You outsiders don't get to be arrogant here!"
Enel roared, limitless electricity surging from his body.
Don didn't strike—he simply observed as Enel prepared his ultimate attack.
This guy's physiology was strange.
He hadn't even used Armament Haki, seemingly unaware of it, or unconcerned with triggering it.
But Enel's physique, compared to his mastery of the Devil Fruit, was rather unimpressive.
Still, using his abilities drained stamina.
Perhaps it was due to the degree of his Devil Fruit development.
END OF CHAPTER
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