Chapter 294 A Smooth Breakthrough

Benedict held a high opinion of Enel's potential.

After several major battles, coupled with the development of his Devil Fruit abilities and his mastery of Armament Haki and Observation Haki, Enel's overall strength had reached a point where he could evenly match Borsalino.

The development of the Goro Goro no Mi's abilities, with attacks at light speed, possessed extremely strong penetrating power.

In this encounter with the demons, Borsalino fought seriously, and the combat power he displayed was indeed noteworthy.

Although it was three individuals ganging up on one demon, when it came to who inflicted the most damage on the demon, it was undoubtedly Borsalino.

As a cunning strategist, his ability to slack off was unmatched.

Moreover, this fellow, after revealing his identity, had not reverted to his Dragon persona but had, in his capacity as a Marine, continued to join the Xuanwu Marines.

After some thought, Benedict did not refuse.

Thus, he arranged for Borsalino to accompany Aokiji.

When war broke out with the World Government, Aokiji did not participate but followed Benedict's orders and stationed himself at Reverse Mountain, guarding against any opportunistic intrusions into the East Blue by the Big Mom Pirates' alliance.

After all, with Aokiji's Devil Fruit abilities, his role in merely delaying and obstructing was more than sufficient.

Currently, Aokiji and Borsalino would also be dispatched to the Grand Line shortly.

They would serve in the capacity of Admirals, and in addition, Benedict had enhanced their innate talents, to a certain extent, boosting their potential.

However, whether they could ultimately break through to SS-class without consuming ordinary awakening potions would depend on them alone.

"Enjoy this power well."

Benedict raised his hand, and an awakening talisman for Devil Fruit abilities appeared in his hand in the form of a spell, which he then infused into Enel's body.

As the Devil Fruit awakening talisman took effect, Enel felt his heartbeat accelerate. A powerful thumping sound, "dong dong dong," echoed, audible even to Benedict.

*Zzzzt!*

Lightning snakes flickered from Enel's body, showing signs of becoming uncontrollable.

The effect of the Devil Fruit awakening talisman was remarkably evident.

"Go outside and stay there," Benedict advised, glancing at him.

In the next instant, Enel transformed into lightning and soared high into the sky.

Momentarily, thunder boomed.

Enel, at an altitude of several thousand meters, unleashed his power to his heart's content.

Yelatsuki, looking out the window at the terrifying lightning power unleashed by Enel, was immensely astonished.

In just a moment, dark clouds flashing with lightning snakes had spread over an area of more than a thousand meters. The rumbling thunder was deafening, as if the sky itself was tearing apart.

Seeing such a spectacle, Benedict nodded with satisfaction.

The power of the Goro Goro no Mi had awakened, but how formidable a power Enel could develop would depend on him.

However, Benedict also believed that it would not be long before Enel would surprise him.

"Yelatsuki," Benedict called out.

Yelatsuki took a deep breath, suppressed the surprise in his heart, and came before Benedict, saluting him. "Marshal."

"Drink this," Benedict handed the ordinary awakening potion to Yelatsuki and said with a smile, "I have always been very satisfied with your performance."

"This is what you deserve."

"Furthermore, I can also help you awaken your Devil Fruit abilities."

Yelatsuki was stunned by Benedict's words. He hadn't expected such a great surprise to await him.

To be frank, he had no idea how to continue developing his Devil Fruit ability.

For users of Zoan-type Devil Fruits, especially those of the Mythical Zoan variety, developing their powers to the awakened state was extremely difficult.

At least, Yelatsuki had not managed to achieve it.

Otherwise, he would have been promoted to Admiral rank as well.

However, the surprise Benedict offered him felt like a chance to ascend to the SS-class of powerhouses.

"Thank you for your cultivation, Marshal. I will certainly not disappoint you," Yelatsuki exclaimed loudly, filled with excitement.

After giving the ordinary awakening potion to Yelatsuki, Benedict proceeded to use the Devil Fruit awakening talisman on him.

Yelatsuki felt the power churning within him and, without needing Benedict's reminder, immediately rushed out.

His speed was impressive, and he left the area swiftly.

A few minutes later, a sense of the earth shaking was felt due to Yelatsuki's familiarity with his power.

Yassop and Yujiro Hanma had endured the process of their bodies being modified and had better control over their powers.

Therefore, they did not cause much commotion.

Subsequently, Benedict used the Devil Fruit awakening talisman on Yassop, Yujiro Hanma, and Sima Yi, respectively.

The three of them departed one after another, leaving only Brook behind.

"Brook, how have you been developing your Devil Fruit?" Benedict asked, looking at Brook.

Since being invited by Benedict to join the Xuanwu Marines, Brook had participated in quite a few battles, but his contributions were neither exceptional nor lacking.

Moreover, due to his comical nature and peculiar appearance, he was a unique presence within the ranks and a mood-lifter.

"Does soul projection count?" Brook's soul floated out of his mouth, separating from his body, and he said.

"What about combat power?" Benedict inquired calmly.

Mere soul projection was not significant.

On the seas, what was needed was formidable combat strength, not mere juggling abilities.

"Soul Concert!"

In his soul state, Brook conjured a violin and began to play with flair, getting into the mood.

This was a form of sonic attack, targeting the soul.

Benedict's mental power was exceptionally strong, implying a very high soul resilience.

Therefore, Brook's soul concert did nothing more than tickle Benedict and strike his ears as somewhat grating; it was completely ineffective.

Brook observed Benedict's expression and realized that this move would not satisfy him. He then switched to a more intense musical piece.

The soul attack was clearly amplified severalfold, yet it still had no effect on Benedict.

Benedict frowned and said, "Besides this, do you have no other abilities?"

Brook's soul returned to his body, and he drew his sword, releasing an icy, bone-chilling aura.

"The power of the underworld can instantly freeze enemies," Brook said slowly.

The power of the underworld was the correct direction for developing the Yomi Yomi no Mi, leading towards the netherworld.

This was also a direction that piqued Benedict's curiosity and anticipation.

Furthermore, the power of the Yomi Yomi no Mi, with its ability to control souls, was a direct counter to Charlotte Linlin's Soru Soru no Mi.

"How is your swordsmanship?" Benedict inquired calmly.

"It's not as good as the Sword Immortal Admiral's," Brook replied with a hint of regret.

"The power of the underworld is a good thing, but your swordsmanship is lacking," Benedict stated with slight dissatisfaction. "It's a waste."