NOVEL NEXT Chapter 198: 198. Monsters
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For the soldiers, despair had overtaken them just moments ago. However, what they witnessed in the next second left them utterly astonished.
"What kind of monsters are these? One can summon meteorites, and the other can obliterate them effortlessly!"
One soldier murmured in disbelief, unable to conceal his amazement.
Smack!
Before he could continue, another soldier slapped him on the back of his head.
The man who delivered the blow glared at him and retorted, "Who are you calling a monster? That's our King and the general of our kingdom you're talking about!"
"Y-yes, sir!"
The reprimanded soldier snapped to attention and saluted sharply, offering no complaints.
The one who struck him was their instructor, a man whose own shock and surprise were hidden beneath a mask of pride and joy.
"With such power in our kingdom, and His Majesty the King leading us, how could we not feel inspired?" the instructor thought to himself.
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In the Square
"Your Majesty's abilities are truly astonishing. I never expected it to be a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit with spatial manipulation, developed to such a degree," said Fujitora, his tone filled with admiration.
The reason he had unleashed his gravity attack earlier was to confirm his suspicions.
From the moment the barrier was raised, doubts had crept into his mind. Abona's initial attack, which could have easily devastated half of Skypiea, was completely nullified within the barrier.
The conclusion was clear: the space they were fighting in had been isolated from the outside world entirely.
When Fujitora summoned his Gravity Blade: Tiger, the results confirmed his theory.
A technique like that, which no physical force could defend against, vanished without leaving a trace. Even the soldiers standing nearby remained unharmed.
Now, he was fully convinced. What amazed him most was the young king's sheer power. The spatial vortex created by the king wasn't just void manipulation it was imbued with Armament Haki, which obliterated the falling meteorites instantly, all while the king remained composed and unshaken.
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Anos, the king, offered a polite smile. "Thank you, General Fujitora. Your guidance will be invaluable in the days to come."
Fujitora raised his head slightly, his unseeing eyes revealing a hint of regret. "If only I could witness the outside world at this moment... I would give anything to see Your Majesty's full glory."
"It's better this way," Anos replied calmly. "Most troubles in this world stem from what people see on the surface. True understanding can only come from what you feel in your heart."
"Hahaha! Well said, Your Majesty. Even after years of blindness, it seems I still fail to perceive the world as clearly as you do."
Fujitora took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, before adding with a smile, "Your wisdom is remarkable."
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Nearby, Abona and Kaien stood with their heads lowered, looking somewhat embarrassed. Though battered, neither was truly injured.
"How long do you plan to sulk?" Anos asked, shaking his head in mild exasperation. "This was merely a sparring match a mutual exchange of strength. There's no need to take it so personally."
Anos then turned back to Fujitora. "My apologies for the interruption, General. By the way, I'll leave Kaien in your capable hands. I hope to see him thrive under your guidance."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," Fujitora said with a nod. "The Mythical Zoan: Inu Inu no Mi, Model Silver Moon Wolf, has immense potential. Give him a year or two, and I'm certain he'll reach remarkable heights."
Kaien perked up at the mention of his fruit's potential. "Really? But I've tried so many methods and still can't find the right path forward!"
Fujitora smiled faintly. "Now's not the time to dwell on that. The commotion we caused earlier was too significant. Dispatch some men to inform Gan Fall and calm the people of Skypiea."
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While the King's entourage began addressing the matter, the residents of Skypiea were already in motion.
Gan Fall, the Shandians, and other leaders were rushing toward the scene, alarmed by the extraordinary events.
For the people of Skypiea, the changes brought by the Tru Kingdom were undeniable. Their quality of life had improved dramatically.
Fishing for shells, trading at Angel Island's bustling markets, and enjoying the food they'd never had before all these benefits stemmed from the kingdom's presence.
Even Gan Fall, a once-prominent figure in Skypiea, recognized the immense value the Tru Kingdom had brought.
Peace and prosperity had replaced uncertainty and hardship.
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Back at the military base, soldiers continued to restore order. Despite the earlier panic, a sense of pride began to spread.
They had witnessed something truly extraordinary: the strength of their king, the strategic prowess of their general, and a battle unlike anything they'd seen before.
For the citizens and soldiers of the Tru Kingdom, this was just the beginning. Their journey, under the leadership of Anos, was destined to reshape their world.
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