Chapter 54: Chapter 52
Nodding in agreement with the boys' observations, Bill noticed that there were about eight Super Crocodiles around, which was too many for them to even consider fighting. Possibly even more than they could distract.
Coming up with a plan, he said, "Okay, I'll get the envelope. You two take care of the cage. Once it's off, Ricky, I'll toss you the key to free Fia. Once she's free, tell her to just take them all out."
Understanding the plan, the boys wasted no time and got right to work. Bill once again took on the role of the main distraction, since he felt uneasy about putting Rance in such a dangerous position.
Even though Rance might have survived the ordeal, Ricky would almost certainly have been crocodile food, which automatically ruled him out.
The Super Crocodiles were dangerous, and Bill considered jumping across the swamp onto their backs, but then thought better of it.
Instead, with one powerful leap, he reached the edge of the small island and snatched the envelope. Then, envelope in hand, he grabbed the big crocodile's tail with both hands and flipped it onto its back.
This move worked only thanks to its sudden nature. Even Bill wasn't "sure" he could leap several dozen meters in one jump.
Once he got the beasts' attention, the plan went smoothly, and soon Fia was freed and began shooting at the crocodiles. Ricky even managed to catch the key when Bill tossed it to him without a hitch.
With the fourth team member, Bill started feeling more assured. When Fia asked where the pursuing beasts were, Bill could only recount what had happened up to that point.
"So, was this either the easiest test we've ever had, or did you just pass it with flying colors?"
Shrugging, Bill could only reply honestly:
"Probably, but we can't let our guard down. Just follow us, don't attack unless I say so."
Fia rolled her eyes but did as Bill asked, and it seemed as if she disappeared.
While Aramaki was teaching Ricky the Thunder Sword Art, he trained Fia in the Ghost Step technique. Ghost Step is a method of movement distinct from the Six Powers. It isn't as fast and doesn't deliver a powerful strike, but despite its lack of sheer force, it excels in stealth and flexibility. Additionally, as Aramaki noted, this technique pairs perfectly with Fia's devil fruit ability.
With these thoughts, the four kids set off west. Apart from a couple of Super Rabbits, there were still no other monsters around, and Bill occasionally slowed down to listen carefully.
After searching for about thirty minutes, Bill found tracks large enough to suggest he was heading in the right direction.
"Attention, Super Gorilla," he called back.
Seeing the enormous and ugly male gorilla, Bill began recalling events from more than a year ago. Sure, he and his friends had grown significantly since then. But the Super Gorilla remained the strongest beast they had encountered so far.
Surveying the area, Bill didn't see Sasha, meaning the Gorilla was either meant to chase them or had left its "campground" area.
His instincts told him he was in the right zone, and without seeing other super-beasts, he decided to split up.
"I think we're in the right place. Let's split up and look for Sasha. Once you find her, come back and help me; I'll hold this beast here!"
Despite their doubts, the three of them went in different directions to search.
As for the Super Gorilla, it snorted and slowly moved toward Bill. Its face showed that it considered this game beneath its dignity.
On the other hand, Bill was tense as the Gorilla slowly moved on all fours. He began to pick up speed, moving towards it.
Making a feint to the right, the Gorilla predictably reached for him, and Bill jumped back, landing a knee strike on its left forearm.
Bill felt a kinship with the ape-like monsters, but in this situation, he put in everything his thirteen-year-old body could muster. Which was considerable, as the Super Gorilla recoiled, grabbing its injured limb in surprise.
Seizing the opportunity, Bill delivered a powerful sidekick to the Gorilla's exposed right knee, narrowly avoiding a potentially devastating ground strike.
After this swift start to the fight, Bill noticed that the Gorilla no longer looked quite so smug. Bill, on the other hand, gained confidence, and the fight began in earnest.
By attacking the Super Gorilla from a distance and adding close-range hits, Bill continued the fight, seemingly entering another state with elbow strikes and dodges. After several minutes, Bill still hadn't been hit in return.
After all this, Bill decided to try to end the fight and, making a feint, attempted to strike from below, but the Gorilla didn't give in and suddenly kicked!
The kick, as large as his chest, sent Bill flying back into the bushes. Getting up, Bill couldn't breathe and tasted blood in his mouth. The Gorilla wasn't holding back, and one strike had caused him more harm than several dozen of his own blows to it.
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