MTLNOVEL Chapter 163: 163: You're not a Marine, Are you?
"Water Style – Great Exploding Water Wave!"
Zenkichi, who once held the position of Mizukage, had long since mastered countless Water Style techniques.
Being near the ocean only enhanced his power. Drawing from the nearby sea, he channeled chakra, stirring the waves.
The once calm surface of the ocean began to churn violently. A massive swell formed, surging high before crashing toward the shore like a roaring beast.
Seeing the enormous wave bearing down, Crocodile's expression turned grim.
The Suna Suna no Mi, his Devil Fruit, wasn't considered top-tier among the Logia-type abilities. Aside from its shortcomings in destructive force and flexibility, it harbored a unique and glaring weakness.
Unlike other Devil Fruits, where users remained functional even when wet—as long as they weren't submerged—Crocodile's sand-based powers were entirely nullified by water. Even a splash could disrupt his ability to transform.
It was a crippling flaw.
And now, faced with a crushing wall of seawater, Crocodile didn't hesitate. His body burst into a gust of sand, whipping away from the incoming tide.
If he were caught in that wave, it would be over.
The ocean slammed into the beach where Crocodile had stood, saturating the terrain in a blanket of water.
Zenkichi, standing tall on the soaked island, formed seals again with precision. Drawing even more seawater, he unleashed another wave of Water Style jutsu.
From the sea, water began to swirl and rise once more. This time, it formed an immense sphere that hovered ominously over the island like a living dome—a mobile water prison technique, similar to the one used by Hoshigaki Kisame during his battles.
Inside this water prison, Zenkichi could control the battlefield entirely.
"I give up," Crocodile declared, his voice carrying no hint of resistance.
Zenkichi's water jutsu countered him too perfectly.
"It's rare to see someone who can even control the sea," Crocodile muttered, a rare glint of respect—and envy—in his eyes.
"With that kind of power, you're practically invincible out here."
Zenkichi adjusted the hem of his cloak with a cool expression. "Even without it, I still have no equals at sea."
With nothing more to say, he turned and began walking toward the shore.
Crocodile stared after him, watching as the massive water sphere finally burst and collapsed.
His fists clenched tightly.
"My strength is reaching its limits. I can't improve further by ordinary means."
"To become King of the Pirates… I'll need more than just brute force."
"Power… all my underlings are either weaklings or traitors."
"If strength and loyalty won't bring me to the top… I'll need something else."
"The ancient weapons—those world-shattering tools of legend—they're the only way."
"If I can find one… I'll take a country for myself, raise an army, and seize the world!"
Crocodile's resolve hardened.
---
After leaving Crocodile behind, Zenkichi resumed his solitary journey.
He moved across the sea at his own pace, taking time to enjoy the islands he encountered, blending into the local scenes, living like an ordinary traveler.
Until one day…
"Robin! How dare you betray me?!"
On a quiet island street, a voice cracked the air—furious, violent.
Zenkichi turned toward the noise just in time to see a young woman sprinting his way, panic in her eyes.
Behind her, a mob of grizzled pirates closed in fast.
"You there, brat! Stop that woman!"
"You hear us?! If you don't, we'll kill you!"
The leader's threats were loud and clear.
Zenkichi raised a hand lazily, adjusting his new sunglasses—an item he'd just picked up from a market stall. They covered most of his face, and the pirates didn't recognize him.
"How scary," he said softly, mimicking Kizaru's tone with playful mockery.
"You're threatening me? Ever felt a kick at the speed of light?"
Golden light burst from his body.
In a blink, Zenkichi vanished, reappearing instantly before the mob. With a radiant glow shining from his heel, he unleashed a blinding kick, striking the lead pirate with devastating force.
"Wait a minute—!"
"That's the Glint-Glint Fruit!"
"Admiral Kizaru?!"
The panic was instant. Recognition spread like wildfire.
One of them threw his sword. Another tossed away his rifle.
"We surrender!"
All at once, the pirates raised their hands in surrender, looking like children caught stealing candy.
Zenkichi stared at them in silence.
"Pathetic," he said finally. "Calling yourselves pirates, yet surrendering without a fight?"
"I'll give you ten seconds to run."
"If you're still here after that, I'll open fire."
"I'm not dragging you to prison. Whether you live or die… that's up to you."
For a second, the pirates hesitated, unsure if he was bluffing.
But then he started counting.
And they bolted.
As they ran, Zenkichi sighed. "Impressive escape skills… for cowards."
Then came the lasers—swift and precise. In moments, most of the pirates were downed. Only a few escaped with their lives.
Zenkichi turned toward the girl.
She hadn't moved an inch.
"Why didn't you run?" he asked, eyeing her with mild curiosity.
"You're not a Marine, are you?" she said, sharp-eyed.
It wasn't a question. It was a statement.
Zenkichi smiled slightly, the golden light fading from his body.
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Read ahead of WN on patreon.com/Zphyr_