Ch 45 - Bound by Power

Luffy stood alone, just outside the threshold of the training chamber. Only a day had passed in the real world, but inside, it had been a year of grueling, almost isolating training.

He glanced at his hands, feeling the restrained hum of power vibrating through every fiber of his being. His body appeared unchanged, but there was something different—something no one could miss.

He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the moment, and felt the familiar yet painful nudge of his system's limitations. Despite all his training, despite glimpsing what he could be, his strength was still muted, capped by this system's frustrating grip. But his resolve was sharper than ever.

Actually, his system had limited his overflowing power because of his current level. The only loophole that he could use to his advantage was that when his HP dropped below 5%, all the limitations would be lifted, and he could actually access all his strength.

However, until then, he could only use abilities up to an intermediate level.

Emerging fully from the chamber, Luffy noticed two figures training in the distance. Even before he saw them, he could feel Ann and Sabo. Their auras were like beacons of familiarity, but as he approached, it was clear his own aura had changed.

Ann's wide eyes and Sabo's raised brow were all the proof he needed.

"Luffy… I can't explain it," Ann murmured, her tone a mix of wonder and unease. "But you feel… different. Stronger. I mean, it's only been a day, but…"

She trailed off, and Luffy offered her a reassuring smile, though he could feel her surprise. There was a pull in his energy now—an allure he couldn't entirely control, thanks to his Incubus Physique.

Ann seemed almost drawn in, as though struggling to maintain her usual distance.

"A day here, but a lot longer where I was. Time's a funny thing like that," Luffy replied, his voice calm but with an edge that hadn't been there before.

Sabo, never one to stay quiet, let out a low whistle, grinning at his brother.

"So, what'd you learn, big guy?" He asked, eyes twinkling with a mix of admiration and mischief. "How to intimidate your own family?"

Luffy chuckled, folding his arms. "Just learned a little about what it takes to win. And we're going to be ready, Sabo. All of us."

The words carried weight, and even Sabo's lighthearted smirk faltered. Luffy's expression was calm, yet there was an intensity beneath it, an unshakable resolve that radiated off him in waves.

"So," Ann broke the silence, her voice unsteady but curious. "What's next for us?"

Luffy turned to her, his gaze thoughtful. "Ann, your instincts—they're sharper than you know. But you've got to trust them. Don't fight what feels natural. Focus on sensing the world around you—the movement, the subtle shifts. Start with your Observation Haki. Let it flow from that."

Ann's eyes widened, and she looked away, trying to hide the light blush that crept up her cheeks.

"Got it," She replied, her voice barely a whisper. "You really believe I can do this?"

"I do," Luffy said without hesitation. "You're capable of more than you think. It's just about unlocking it."

Sabo clapped his hands together, cutting through the moment. "Alright, Luffy, what about me?"

Luffy smirked, appreciating Sabo's easygoing nature.

"You, Sabo…" He started, his voice steady, "You're going to need to master every ounce of control. The world's full of people stronger than us. But precision and control? That's how you tip the scales."

Sabo nodded, but Luffy could see the challenge spark in his eyes. "Then I guess I've got my work cut out for me. You make it sound like we're gonna be unstoppable."

"We will be," Luffy replied, his voice as solid as a promise. "The world's changing. And we'll be the ones who decide how."

Ann and Sabo exchanged a glance, both feeling a mixture of excitement and awe. There was no doubt—this was a new Luffy, one with an ambition and strength that resonated on a whole new level.

After spending some time mapping out training regimens with them, Luffy made his way to the familiar bar where he knew Makino would be waiting. She hadn't asked questions when he'd mentioned the training; she had merely given him a smile of support.

Now, after a full day apart, he felt a strange eagerness to see her, a craving not just to be with her, but to flex his new aura.

He opened the door, and she looked up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. But there was something else there, too—a hint of surprise, as if she was sensing the difference in him before he even spoke.

"Luffy… it's only been a day," She whispered, walking toward him, her gaze filled with something he couldn't quite read. "You're so… different. I mean, you look the same, but there's something in your eyes."

He took her hands, grounding himself in her familiar warmth, and felt his resolve steady.

"I may be different, but it's still me, Makino," He assured her, his voice low. "Just… I've seen things that can't be unseen. Things that change you."

Makino looked into his eyes, her own filling with a soft, gentle understanding.

"Then let your sister stay by your side..." She murmured, squeezing his hands, "through every change."

Luffy pulled her closer, feeling her heartbeat against his chest. His Incubus Physique made the moment feel electric, each glance, each touch more intense. He knew she could sense the subtle allure in his aura, yet her feelings seemed to come from a place deeper than that.

Her love wasn't just for his power, but for him—for the core of who he was.

"I'll protect you, Makino," He whispered, his voice holding an unbreakable promise. "You, Ann, Sabo—everyone I care about. I'll protect you all, no matter how much power I gain."

Makino reached up, gently touching his face.

"I don't need protection, Luffy," She said, her voice warm. "I just need you by my side. That's all I'll ever ask."

They stayed like that for a moment, sharing a quiet, intimate silence.

As the sun began to set, Luffy walked outside with Makino, where Ann and Sabo were waiting.

The four of them went to Makino's place to have dinner together.

He had trained and grown, and while his power was still held back by the system, he knew it was only temporary.

This world, with its wonders and dangers, awaited him.

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