Spatial abilities had always been difficult to counter, but individuals possessing them were rare.
Moreover, in this world, Devil Fruit users with Space-type abilities were generally weak, failing to fully utilize the true potential of spatial manipulation.
This led to a widespread underestimation of the terrifying power of such abilities.
This situation persisted until the arrival of Hui.
Hui's first display of the terrifying power of space was during the Celestial Dragon kidnapping incident on Sabaody Archipelago, in his battle against Fleet Admiral Kong.
No, strictly speaking, it couldn't even be called a battle.
Because that peak powerhouse, one of the strongest in the world, the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, was annihilated in an instant, reduced to ashes by a single punch from Hui. Obliterated by spatial manipulation, leaving no trace behind.
It was that punch that awakened the world to the terrifying nature of spatial abilities.
Furthermore, Hui's untouchable freedom of movement demonstrated how easily a skilled spatial manipulator could advance and retreat.
During the subsequent raid on Marine Headquarters, although Hui didn't utilize any overtly powerful spatial abilities, the World Government began making preparations afterward.
Preparations specifically aimed at countering spatial abilities.
Now, they believed their preparations were complete, one of their trump cards against Hui.
But it seemed they couldn't wait any longer.
Because another spatial ability user was currently massacring their forces.
"Stop!"
A man spoke, activating his Devil Fruit ability. His fruit was the Halt-Halt Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that granted him the power to stop moving objects.
As he activated his ability, a force akin to a law of nature froze Minato in place, his body abruptly ceasing all movement.
It was an incredibly powerful and seemingly insurmountable ability, but that was the nature of the world of pirates and Devil Fruits.
Logia-type Devil Fruits were often considered the strongest, but in reality, the most powerful type was arguably Paramecia.
Because many Paramecia-type Devil Fruits belonged to the "rule" category.
What were rule-type abilities?
They were absolute, unavoidable, and irresistible.
If they commanded you to stop, you had to stop. If they turned you into a doll, you became a doll. If they silenced you, you lost your voice.
These abilities could be described as embodying the laws of reality.
However, the users in the world of pirates often failed to fully exploit the potential of these rule-type fruits, leading to the misconception that they were weak.
Back to the battle, as soon as Minato was immobilized, two figures appeared beside him.
And weapon dropped by a nearby Marine soldier, which was lying where the people appeared, vanished.
The Paramecia-type Switch-Switch Fruit: the ability to swap the positions of two or more entities, somewhat similar to Sasuke's Rinnegan ability.
"Into the cage you go!"
After reaching Minato, one of the two placed a hand on him and spoke.
Then, Minato vanished.
In the other person's hand appeared a miniature cage. Inside, Minato was trapped.
"Success!" the man said triumphantly.
He was the user of the Paramecia-type Cage-Cage Fruit, with the ability to imprison any living being he touched within a cage.
And that cage was a miniature space.
Imprisoning someone within the cage essentially locked them in that miniature space.
This was another rule-type fruit, its effects inescapable.
"Minato!"
In the distance, Saraki's pupils constricted. He charged towards them.
However, the Switch-Switch Fruit user wouldn't allow Saraki to approach. He activated his ability. In an instant, a weapon appeared where they had been standing, and the two were suddenly transported amidst the World Government's army, before vanishing once more.
Though their Devil Fruit abilities were potent, their individual strength was quite average. Having accomplished their mission of trapping the Space-type ability user, Minato, they didn't dare linger.
"Damn it!"
Seeing this, Saraki could only curse in frustration. Gritting his teeth, he renewed his assault on the surrounding enemies.
Rescuing Minato at this point was simply too difficult.
But it didn't matter. If they won this war, Minato would definitely be saved.
Not only Saraki, but Minato's other friends and comrades shared this belief.
Their attacks became even more ferocious.
In the sky, Hui watched the events unfold below, his eyes gleaming.
He was quite interested in the abilities of those three Devil Fruit users.
Especially the Halt-Halt Fruit.
Conceptual abilities like that, if developed to their fullest potential, could become incredibly powerful.
For instance, the Halt-Halt Fruit currently stopped moving objects. Could it eventually stop conceptual things, like... time itself?
Well, that was admittedly a long shot.
But, what about stopping a person's heart?
What about halting the thoughts in their mind?
These possibilities were all quite intriguing.
"Your subordinate was captured. Aren't you worried?"
Loriannene, observing Hui's fascination, couldn't help but ask.
She was the user of the Time-Time Fruit, capable of seeing the future.
But after she made her choice, Hui's future became obscured to her. Because the future Hui forbade her from viewing his future.
"There's nothing to worry about. Their Devil Fruit abilities are more support-oriented and lack offensive power. Minato will be fine."
Hui spoke. If those three had intended to kill Minato, he would have intervened.
"Fine, not that you fear their deaths."
Loriannene replied. Although she could no longer see Hui's future, she had seen it before making her decision.
Hui's subordinates were effectively immortal.
"The World Government sure has a lot of hidden treasures, and all good ones at that."
Hui said, looking into the distance. His gaze pierced through layers of obstacles, walls, and buildings, focusing on the interior of a palace.
That was where the Five Elders currently resided.
And beside them sat another individual.
A Celestial Dragon, Named Imu.
As if sensing Hui's gaze, Imu paused, then looked up, his eyes meeting Hui's across the vast distance.
A smile crept onto his lips as he murmured, "Quite a powerful person indeed."
Below him, the Five Elders, though puzzled, dared not question him. They remained silent and respectful, awaiting Imu's commands.
In the sky, Hui smiled as well.
This Celestial Dragon was quite interesting.
"Then let me see your trump cards. Let me see what qualifies you to rule this world for 800 years."
Hui muttered to himself, then returned his attention to the battlefield.
Because both he and Imu knew that the time for their confrontation hadn't arrived yet.
On the battlefield below, the fighting intensified.
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