Chapter 37 Repelling
"Sure enough, the rumors are true—Colonel Carl is really strong!"
"Although Colonel Carl repelled Donquixote Doflamingo before, the two only clashed for less than ten minutes
Now he's fighting fiercely with the Empress, who's also one of the Shichibukai, for more than half an hour."
"I'm afraid even an average Vice Admiral can't compare with this kind of strength, right?"
"Don't say that—Vice Admiral Tsuru is here too! She definitely won't have a problem!"
"Yeah, Vice Admiral Tsuru isn't just kind-hearted her Woshu Woshu no Mi is incredibly strong! Handling the Empress should be no issue!"
"But Colonel Carl is really something. I'm afraid only an older Vice Admiral like Garp or Momonga could keep him in check?"
"I'm not so sure. There's no Admiral on site right now. If even one of the Three Admirals arrived, no Shichibukai would dare act so recklessly, right?"
"That's a given the Three Admirals are the highest military combat force in the Marines. Even the Four Emperors hesitate before crossing them!"
"Speaking of Admirals when do you all think Colonel Carl might be promoted to Admiral?"
"To become an Admiral you need more than strength you need military merit too, right? I doubt it can happen in just a few months."
"But Colonel Carl's promotion rate is insane! He made it to Colonel in under a year after joining from Baterilla Base!"
"I'll bet two Berries he makes Rear Admiral within half a year!"
"I'll bet he hits Vice Admiral rank in three months!"
Around them, the Marines continued to boast about their officers' combat power
In their eyes, Carl's strength was already on par with the veteran Vice Admirals like Garp or Tsuru.
And as for Admiral-level power, that still belonged to monsters like Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji who could face the Yonkō head-on.
But even so, Carl's raw potential was so overwhelming that it even surpassed Vice Admiral Gion also known as Peach Rabbit.
So naturally, the question of when Carl would reach Admiral rank had become hot gossip.
At that moment, Peach Rabbit stood quietly, watching the intense battle between Carl and Boa Hancock while also overhearing the conversation of the surrounding Marines.
She bit her lip, her heart pounding with unease.
She was clearly aware her current strength was roughly equal to Carl's.
But in the face of Hancock's charm-based Mero Mero no Mi, even though she was also a woman, she found herself nearly falling for the Empress's allure.
Even knowing it was an ability-based illusion, it took extreme mental resistance to remain unaffected.
Unfortunately, Peach Rabbit didn't have that kind of iron will at best, she remained semi-conscious, her emotions compromised.
In that condition, her combat strength was severely impaired making her practically unable to face Hancock directly.
That was why, during her previous confrontation with the Empress, she had felt so nervous sweating profusely under pressure.
But now, as she watched Carl battle Hancock without succumbing to her charm, her admiration for him deepened.
To her, Carl had become a hero if he hadn't stepped in when he did, she might have genuinely fallen for Hancock's allure and been petrified on the spot.
The thought of such a fate made Peach Rabbit shudder
"Captain Carl… don't lose…"
She prayed silently in her heart, hoping desperately for Carl to emerge victorious.
If Hancock won, not only would it be a huge blow to the Marines' prestige—it would be disastrous for her personally.
After all, she was the senior commanding officer here.
Carl might face disciplinary review, but it would be minor due to his results.
Her punishment, however, would be far more severe.
So for the sake of the Navy's dignity, her own reputation, and for Carl himself—she didn't want him to lose.
No one else knew what Peach Rabbit was thinking.
She merely clasped her hands, still as stone, praying silently.
At the same time, the battle between Carl and Hancock was nearing its climax.
Their fighting styles were decisive and direct
Carl's abilities and technique caused massive area destruction every time he swung his blade and released whirlwind-infused slashes.
Hancock, despite her beauty, fought with all the regality and ruthlessness of a true Empress
Her attacks weren't elegant, but they radiated authority and power, making her heroic presence captivating to watch.
"Huff~"
"Carl," Hancock finally exhaled, her eyes locking with his
"I admit it—your strength rivals my own. I didn't expect you to grow this much in just one month."
"If you keep growing like this
In another year or two, you might be Admiral-class… or even stand alongside the Four Emperors!"
"How about this—I will admit defeat in this battle, but you have to promise me not to trouble Silvers Rayleigh!
He is my benefactor if you agree, I'll owe you a favor!"
Boa Hancock knew clearly she would not be able to defeat Colonel Carl in such a direct fight
Both of them were drenched in sweat from intense combat
But Hancock bore several visible injuries, while Carl only showed signs of exhausted stamina, not actual damage.
There were no obvious wounds on his body.
And more importantly—Carl's breathing remained even, and the sharpness in his eyes never wavered!
From that alone, it was obvious Carl's physical fitness had already surpassed hers.
If the battle continued for even a few more days, the final one standing would undoubtedly be Carl!
Hancock understood this perfectlynso she no longer planned to resist stubbornly.
After hearing Hancock's terms, Carl shook his head, took a slow step forward and released a burst of Haoshoku Haki once again!
"It's a pity—Silvers Rayleigh is the former right-hand man of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Regardless of the reason so long as I stand as a Marine—I cannot ignore his presence!
So your request can't be accepted at all and don't forget the very camps we stand on are opposites! Why would I make such a promise to you?"
Carl tilted his head slightly, his tone half-sarcastic half rhetorical, as if genuinely puzzled.
Such an expression only made Hancock furious, but she was helpless
If she continued to press the issue, the situation would only grow worse—l
She hadn't come to Sabaody Archipelago to provoke a fight—she had only been passing through, not searching for conflict.
"Hmph! Smelly man remember my words. I may have lost this time but next time, I'll make sure you kneel at my feet and beg for mercy!"
"Wait and see Colonel Carl!"
With a final cold snort, Hancock took a step back and chose not to escalate further.
Carl silently watched as Hancock vanished into the distance, disappearing from view only then did he finally lower his blades and exhale deeply.
"What a troublesome woman but… not bad. At least now I've gotten a clear sense of where my strength really stands."
Carl chuckled softly as he turned toward the Marine base, walking with a relaxed gait.
After this confrontation he now understood the extent of his current capabilities and power level.
And with the mission completed, he could feel it his attributes and abilities had all increased by one level!
With that—his strength would rise again!
And if Hancock dared to turn around and come back he'd be ready to show her what a real Marine fight looks like!
'Status Panel:
Name: Carl
Strength: C-
Agility: D
Spirit: D-
Endurance: C
Abilities: Military Fist (F), Fuwa Fuwa no Mi (S), Armament Haki (Proficient), Observation Haki (Proficient), Conqueror's Haki (Proficient), Dual Blade Style (C)
Carl opened his status panel, checked his updated stats, and smiled in satisfaction before continuing toward the Marine base.
Even Vice Admiral Gion (Peach Rabbit) had tears glistening in her eyes, feeling genuinely happy for him.
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