Chapter 94: The Intermediate Awakening
Jock Ian raced towards Grove 15 at full speed, his enhanced Super Vision and Hearing constantly monitoring the changes in the district. In his initial Awakened state, visual data was often blocked by obstacles, forcing him to rely more on sound. But now, after evolving to the Intermediate Awakening, his abilities had transformed.
Through layers of barriers, by perceiving heat signatures, capturing sound, and his brain's automatic image simulation and completion, a perfectly clear picture formed in his mind. It felt remarkably similar to a technology from his previous life—thermal imaging—but far more precise and detailed.
BOOM!
CRASH!
As Figarland Garling descended, the scenes Ian had foreseen began to unfold with terrifying accuracy. The old man's arrival brought immense destruction, stunning everyone present.
Peacock, T-Bone, and Nami stared in shock at the newcomer.
"They're from the World Government! The emblem... it's the five-circle symbol!" Peacock warned the others, recognizing the insignia and urging caution to avoid unnecessary conflict.
"You despicable bunch of trash..." Garling's voice echoed, exactly as in the vision. "Don't you know that even if you die, you can't let anyone harm the Celestial Dragons?"
But this time, something was different.
Hiss...!
Crackle!
Brown-red lightning fell from the sky first, but its target was the space directly above where Garling stood!
Peacock: "!!!"
T-Bone: "!!!"
Nami: "!!!"
The sudden re-activation of [ZONE Mode] confirmed it for the three officers—Major General Ian was here!
"Everyone, fall back!" Peacock shouted, ordering the Marines to retreat. Judging by the Conqueror's Haki Ian was releasing, he seemed prepared to confront Garling directly. The reason didn't matter; if Ian was taking action, his subordinates would support him fully.
"Right-Angle Wind Blade!"
Enhanced by his heightened senses, T-Bone's attack was blindingly fast. His sword slash cut horizontally through the bluestone pavement of the street, carving a deep fissure. This move was specifically to set up Peacock's next action. After working together for so long, T-Bone understood her Devil Fruit abilities perfectly.
"I see! Well done, Uncle T!" Peacock understood immediately. "Everyone, keep retreating!"
Crack!
Snap!
...
Her whip lashed out, and the stone pavers along the fissure T-Bone had created rose from the ground, coiling and solidifying into a thick, protective wall. It was as if life had sprouted from the crack, forming a solid barrier against the coming storm.
"Higher! Grow taller, now!" Peacock continued to whip the air, and under the influence of her Whip-Whip Fruit, the stone barrier grew thicker and higher, becoming their best defense.
Ian had summoned the Conqueror's Haki lightning but held his attack for a crucial second, buying time for his crew to prepare their defenses. The early release was a declaration, a message to Garling: Your opponent is me!
"What audacity!" Garling frowned, looking up at the sky. "You dare to attack me?"
He knew the only one on this island capable of such Haki was the so-called "Sea King," the young Marine commander. It seemed this upstart intended to stop him from meting out punishment to the negligent Marines. But a Celestial Dragon was dead. Did he think there would be no price to pay?
HISS!
Brown-red lightning crackled around Garling as he met Ian's Haki with his own. A violent, horizontal collision of forces erupted in the air above them.
BOOM!
The upper section of the stone barrier Peacock had erected was instantly pierced and shattered by the clashing energies.
"Everyone, get down!" Peacock yelled, issuing an emergency order.
The clash of Haki was concentrated between Ian and Garling, but the residual shockwaves were still devastating. Continuing to run would only expose them to more danger. For now, the best they could do was take cover.
Gravel and wood splinters rained down like a storm. The structures of the surrounding buildings were sheared in half by the violent waves of force. The confrontation between top-tier Haki users was something ordinary people simply could not withstand.
From the moment Garling had unleashed his pressure, he had dominated the scene. Now, even Ian, whose Haki was formidable, found himself at a disadvantage. The powerful Haki lightning emanating from his body was being steadily suppressed by Garling's overwhelming force.
Peacock, T-Bone, and Nami, their senses still heightened by [ZONE Mode], saw the struggle clearly.
T-Bone grunted, "It seems... Major General Ian is being suppressed! How can this old man be so strong?"
Nami clenched her fists. "Is he really a Celestial Dragon? Can a Celestial Dragon be this powerful? I refuse to believe Major General Ian will lose!"
Peacock's eyes widened. "Is... is it my imagination? Why does Major General Ian's body seem to be... growing larger? What are those ribbon-like things?"
If even Peacock could see the change, how could Garling miss it?
"Flame Clouds? A Zoan Awakening?" Garling muttered, his eyes narrowing. "I recall this boy has... the Human-Human Fruit. The Human-Human Fruit, Awakened? In a mere commoner?" A grim smile touched his lips. "No wonder Sengoku and the others value you so highly. But..." his voice hardened, "so what if it's an Awakened Zoan?!"
Despite his dismissive words, Garling's actions were telling. He tightened his grip on his sword, his stance shifting imperceptibly. He was taking this new development very seriously indeed.