Chapter 37 I am the monster"Don't chase me! I don't have any emergency cough syrup!" Meruem was running with all his might."Stop right there! I'm a doctor! You must be sick!" Dr. Kureha was behind him, holding a syringe as tall as a person, constantly throwing things... "!!!" An axe landed next to Meruem's face: "What kind of doctor throws an axe at a patient!""Anyway, I'll cure you, so what does it matter!""???" Meruem turned his head in shock to look at her, his old bones and legs seemed unable to move... just run.Around the corner, one might find love, or a ghost, or even... =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪ ‧̣̥̇) Oh━=͟͟͞͞(Ŏ◊Ŏ ‧̣̥̇)━crap!!!!"Don't eat me!""Racoon dog!"Two exclamations rang out simultaneously.Then the short figure in front of him suddenly transformed into a burly man, who punched Meruem hard in the face: "I'm a reindeer!!!"360°, 720°, 1080°... who knows how many degrees, Meruem spun like a top in the air, then fell to the ground, a human-sized needle stuck in his butt; this shameless fellow was finally punished by heaven.Chopper turned his head and glared fiercely at Luffyand Sanji who were chasing him, then... =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪ ‧̣̥̇) Oh━=͟͟͞͞(Ŏ◊Ŏ ‧̣̥̇)━crap!!!!Seeing Meruem's miserable state, Luffy and Sanjicompletely disregarded their brotherhood and loyalty, turning their heads and running.Chopper roared and chased after them... [The Straw Hat crew must get a bonus for hitting their own people...] Meruem shook his muddled head and saw Nami sitting on the bed.The snow had stopped, and warm sunlight shone through the window onto Nami's orange hair; she smiled gently, perhaps still a little weak from her recent illness, her delicate complexion and warm smile combined, making Meruem stare blankly.Bang!A sharp rap landed on Meruem's head; he covered his head, turned to look, and said fiercely: "Old hag, don't think I'm afraid to beat you!"A syringe even larger than before appeared on Meruem's thigh, which only a dimensional pocket could hold; Meruem stared blankly as the green liquid was injected into his body, and he wanted to struggle."Kid, at this age, to forcefully activate your core, I suspect you're looking for death. Don't move, this medicine, though not a cure, can still help you recuperate."Meruem was silent for a moment, then looked in Nami's direction and said uncertainly: "Actually, I can also accept her kind of IV drip; I still have time, no need to rush.""Oh, call me Miss Kureha and let me hear it."( ･᷄ὢ･᷅ ) Huh?Meruem was full of questions upon hearing this, looking at her in disbelief, his mouth opening and closing without sound.Another syringe was pulled out from who knows where, and plunged fiercely into Meruem's arm."Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!""What are you yelling for? You're a grown man, still yelling when getting an injection..." A hammer struck Meruem's head, knocking him unconscious.After traveling for so long, he had taken more beatings today than all the previous ones combined... "Damn old hag..." Meruem covered his head and propped himself up."Meruem~ you're awake, I heard everything, thank you for what happened earlier." Nami snuggled into his arms and hugged him lightly: "That'll be 100,000 Berries."•́ω•̀) ¿¿¿"You... weren't you just expressing gratitude?" Meruem silently took money from his bag and put it into Nami's hand."Doesn't affect it, it's just a matter of convenience. You actually still have money?" Nami counted it in a second and put it into her bag.[Was I scammed...? Where can I download an anti-fraud app...] Meruem only had 100,000 Berriesleft; without further income, he might have to owe money next time."No more, no more, where are they?""It seems some king attacked.""King?""It seems his name is Wapol...""Oh, Wapol... Wapol?!" Meruem stood up, his face full of disbelief.Nami was startled by him: "Yes... yes, Luffy said it when he ran back earlier to borrow clothes."Meruem looked at the cloak on himself, then at the thin sweater on Nami, took off his cloak, and draped it over Nami: "I'm going out to see, you rest well." Saying so, he ran outside... "Monster, your crazy master is already dead! The human world can't accept you, go die, hahahahahahaha." Wapoltransformed into... a house? He laughed loudly as he spoke.Chopper's figure slowly shrank back to his cute form, tears streaming uncontrollably from his eyes."Isn't it a bit too much for you, in *that* form, to call others monsters..." Meruem said, supporting his face with his hand. [They don't die even when beheaded, and not a single one dies... this isn't medical skill, it should be called sorcery...]"It's you! Last time I wasn't ready, this time I'll definitely get my revenge!" As he spoke, a cannon barrel extended from his mouth, firing a triple shot directly at Meruem."Your opponent is me. Gum-Gum Balloon!" The bombs bounced back, making Wapol scream.[Never mind, this time I definitely won't let you revive.] Meruem pinched his chin, lost in thought."Luffy, Sanji, leave this to me. Go recruit Chopper; take him far away, the next scene will be a bit bloody, not suitable for children.""Meruem... you?" Luffy hesitated for a moment.Meruem spread his hands, offering no explanation.Luffy and Sanji looked at the crying Chopper, and the atmosphere became a bit awkward."Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!" The three ran off in pursuit... "Alright, now no one will disturb us. There's still a patient inside, we can't play too loudly." Meruemslowly ambled over, smiling as he looked at Wapoland... the fusion of Kuromarimo + Chess....I think you guys need a separation surgery. No need to rush, I'll help you. You look terrible right now, you'll scare the children." No sooner had he finished speaking than several rockets shot at Meruem's afterimage."Sun Breathing, Second Form, Blue Heaven."The fusion of Kuromarimo and Chess was cut in half down the middle; various impurities gradually turned to ash under the burning flames. Perhaps the blade's speed was too fast, as no screams were heard before they were incinerated into powder, melting into the snow and disappearing without a trace."Ah... sorry, I didn't expect you to not survive the disinfection." Meruem scratched his head apologetically, then looked at Wapol: "I have experience this time, please rest assured."(✧∇✧)Meruem's gaze made Wapol tremble quite a bit; he stammered, "Do... do we have some deep-seated hatred?!""Hmm, let me think. At first, I was in a bad mood, but now, my memory tells me you seemed to have bullied Vivi. She's a good person, so you're not a good person. And then, you just called Chopper a monster and made him cry, which made me unhappy, so I sentence you to death. But you can have a last wish." Meruem sheathed his sword and gestured for Wapol to begin."...Who are you?!" Wapol took half a step back, astonished."Hmm, didn't you just tell Chopper he's a monster? You're too narrow-minded; I'm the monster. Have you finished your last words? Then let's get going." Meruem replied with a smile.
Chapter 38 Stop talking, let's go"Munch-Munch Factory, Slim-Slim Wapol!" Wapolate his own body, and when he spat it out, he had become tall and thin, but his face looked even more disgusting."Your skill... you'd be good running a beauty salon, why are you seeking death here?" Meruem stepped forward, a flash of blade, but it cut through empty air."Moo hahahahahaha, we'll see each other next time!" The slimmed-down Wapol ran incredibly fast, giving himself a thumbs up."Hmm, so here we are again. It was already embarrassing enough letting you live before, please don't embarrass me again." Meruem stood in front of Wapol, speaking softly.(꒪Д꒪)ノWapol slammed on the brakes, drifting in the snow and running in another direction.Meruem shook his head, gripped his black blade, and in another flash, reappeared in front of Wapol. Two bloodied shins fell into the snow, burning continuously, and Wapol crashed heavily to the ground."Why can't you just let me go!""...Your time for last words is over, don't speak. If I'm unhappy, you'll die a very unpleasant death. Also, I've already told you the reason. To help you understand, I'll add one more: a ruler who doesn't benefit his people should be beheaded. Though I don't care about your citizens..." Meruem held his blade with both hands, the flames on it burning brightly, reflected in his eyes."I..." Wapol's voice abruptly cut off.A human-shaped melted patch appeared on the snow. Meruem stood to the side, holding his blade and making a'shhh' gesture. He sheathed his blade and walked towards the castle with a smile... "Meruem~ You're done, huh? Chopper disappeared somewhere."Meruem and Nami's recovery had eased Luffy's mood, and he was back to his carefree self.He laughed and looked around, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek."Hmm, let's look together. You go that way, I'll go this way." Meruem said with a smile."Okay, okay." Luffy said and ran off.Observation Haki activated. Sanji was currently fussing over Nami. With reindeer stew out of the question, he had still managed to whip up a rather decent-looking soup in the kitchen and was watching Nami eat with a smile.Dr. Kureha was flipping through medical books, seemingly discovering something. She looked up and laughed mockingly, "Are you here to steal the secret to my eternal youth?"Meruem flinched, feeling himself move away. After a moment, the corners of his mouth curved into an arc.So you're here... Chopper sat atop the castle, watching the sunlight on the snow, looking utterly lost."Dr. Hiriluk, is that really a flag that can create miracles? Will even a monster like me be accepted?""Hmm, I think calling yourself a monster is a bit of a stretch."∑(O_O;)Chopper turned his head to see Meruem sitting beside him, lighting a cigarette and smoking contentedly.He shrieked and tried to run.Meruem bowed solemnly: "Hello, my name is Meruem."Seeing this, Chopper stopped, returned the bow, "Hello, my name is Tony Tony Chopper." Then he prepared to run again."[Your name makes me want to get a haircut.]" Meruem said with a smile, "I won't come over, let's just chat."Chopper hid himself at the castle's spire... hiding his hands at the spire, with the rest of him completely exposed."I'm a reindeer, not a human, but I can talk. How am I not a monster?""Hmm, compared to my companions, you're not, really. Let me count them for you.Luffy, the Straw Hat Captain, is a rubber man. Then there's Zoro, the green-haired swordsman, who actually fights with three blades—have you ever seen that? Sanji, the curly-browed cook, can't move when he sees a beautiful woman. Nami, the orange-haired navigator, can feel the weather with her body. Usopp, the long-nosed sniper, can bend his nose back into place if it breaks.""But you're all humans... you haven't talked about yourself.""Hmm, that's true, I suppose. But in the eyes of the world, we are all monsters. So joining us is definitely your best choice. As for me... I don't even know what I am. If there truly are monsters in this world, then I must be the real monster. I don't even belong to this world..." Meruem thought of the past, his eyes filled with sadness.Chopper looked into his eyes and didn't ask any more questions. The two fell silent... The sun slowly set, and night descended."Chopper~ Meruem~ You're hiding up there!" Luffy, at the castle gate, pointed at the two and shouted.His scattered thoughts finally pulled back, Meruemexhaled a breath, and said with a smile, "Chopper, our Captain is inviting you.""Chopper, come with me and be a pirate!" As expected, Luffy below continued to shout.Chopper's expression kept changing, his eyes welled up with tears as he choked out, "I'm a monster, how can a monster be companions with humans! I'm very grateful to you all, I... I can't do it.""Stop babbling, let's go!" Luffy cheered, raising his arm."[...Inviting someone and telling them to stop babbling, can't you be a little gentler? This is a child.]" Meruem covered his face, unable to watch."Oh oh oh oh oh oh!" Chopper's loud cries rang out: "Ai... Meruem, I want to go with you all and be a pirate!"(ᇂ_ᇂ|||)"[Was I just wasting my breath?]" Meruem's eye twitched uncontrollably. If he had known this would work, he wouldn't have had to come up here and open old wounds, hurting himself so badly."Oh, okay, then let's go down.""You... you go down first. I need to say goodbye to Dr. Kureha." Chopper cried as he climbed back into the castle.Meruem used the wall for leverage, jumping down in a few bounds and landing beside Luffy."Where's Chopper? Isn't he coming? I'll go find him." Luffy looked anxious and was about to run into the castle.Meruem scrutinized Luffy, completely confused, but still held him back: "...He agreed, he's just going in to say goodbye. Don't go disturb them.""Oh oh oh, we have a new companion!""Yes, we finally have a ship doctor." Vivi, who had arrived at some point, said with a smile, finally able to depart for Alabasta."Ship doctor?" Luffy's head was full of question marks.(￣□￣;)Meruem heard Luffy's questioning tone and was utterly shocked: "Why did you recruit Chopper?""Because he's a really interesting guy!" Luffy replied without hesitation.Meruem clutched his chest, thinking of his own boarding scene, feeling a little heartbroken... The castle gradually became noisy. Everyone looked towards the castle gate."What's going on? Can't these people be quiet for a bit? So noisy on someone's farewell night..." Nami, wrapped in a cloak, was a bit displeased.Then Chopper, in his reindeer form, pulled a sled and ran out, followed by... flying knives???
Chapter 39: Drum Kingdom. Sakura"Everyone, quickly get on the sled, we're about to depart!" Chopper shouted loudly, drifting in front of everyone, slowing down slightly but not stopping.Everyone clambered onto the sled in a hurry. Chopper ran on the ropeway, and the beautiful full Moonlight felt right beside him.Meruem sat with his back to Dr. Kureha by the cliff. Her eyes held reluctance, but also relief. Meruemforced a smile and waved.Dr. Kureha returned a smile, but tears sparkled in her eyes as she waved and turned away from the cliff… "Hahaha, that was awesome, Chopper, let's do it again!" Luffy sat on the sled, refusing to get off.Chopper hesitated, hearing Luffy's first command.Bang!Nami punched Luffy off the sled and, smiling, said to Chopper, "Don't mind him, we have to go."Everyone walked towards the Going Merry… No, Luffy was being dragged by Nami.Boom boom boom boom!The peaceful night was awakened by the sound of cannons. Everyone instinctively looked in the direction of the sound.The castle lights suddenly came on, and cherry blossoms scattered across the sky. The mountain just now seemed to have transformed into a giant cherry tree, a miracle of cherry blossoms blooming in the harsh winter wind, recounting Dr. Hiriluk's achievements in the dark night.˚*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)*̥ Wow~Nami, Vivi, and Annu were completely captivated, staring intently, hands clasped to their chests, exclaiming, "So beautiful."Chopper's cries were so joyful, as if the gloom in his heart had been swept away. He continuously shouted towards the cherry blossoms, "Dr. Hiriluk! Dr. Kureha!"The rest of them smiled as they watched the cherry blossoms, awestruck by the miracle before them. Meruem mumbled, "What a grand departure ceremony, it's really nice."… "Karoo!"A duck's ice sculpture appeared in the river. Viviimmediately prepared to jump into the river to rescue it, but Sanji stopped her. He coolly stripped off his clothes and jumped in, rescuing Karoo onto the ship. He himself… was frozen like an idiot.The Going Merry set sail."Karoo, how did you end up in the river?" Viviwrapped Karoo in a blanket, and Nami poured hot water into its mouth beside it."It must have slipped in by accident, what a silly duck." Zoro took a sip of the newly bought sake, enjoying it."Quack… quack…" A weak sound. Or maybe we should roast it."Uh-huh, he said Zoro went swimming and then disappeared, and he went down to save him…" Chopper said after listening.Bang!Nami's fist landed heavily on Zoro's head: "It's all your fault!" Then she gently said to Chopper, "You're so amazing, you can practice medicine and understand animal speech."Chopper froze, then jumped up and danced: "Idiot~ I won't be happy even if you praise me so much~""[I even wonder how I can speak. Do you look unhappy?]" Meruem's expression was speechless."Let's have a feast! For our new crewmate!" Luffyheld up a wine glass, with two chopsticks… inserted into his nostrils. He looked absolutely terrible."Cheers!" Usopp… looked exactly the same.Luffy handed the chopsticks to Meruem, his gaze intense, making him doubt himself a little.Usopp also handed chopsticks to Chopper. Chopperheld the chopsticks and fell into thought, then… slowly inserted the chopsticks into his nostrils.Seeing that Meruem still had no reaction, Luffyignored him, grabbed Usopp and Chopper, picked up a dustpan, and started dancing the Straw Hat Crew's exclusive dance."[Should I also do this… It's so embarrassing.]" Meruem still looked at the chopsticks in his hand, watching their happy faces, and fell into self-doubt… Night fell.Everyone lay sprawled on the deck. Meruem, Annu, and Chopper sat on the ship's rail, enjoying the gentle sea breeze. The vast ocean seemed to be asleep, with only faint ripples.Annu looked at Chopper and silently handed him a senbei. Chopper hesitated, then put it in his mouth, and a look of pure happiness appeared on his face. Annu took the opportunity to stroke Chopper's back, a satisfied expression on her face as she petted his fur.(ᇂ_ᇂ|||)"[You actually still have senbei left alive. It seems if it's not meat, Luffy still won't go for the kill.]" Meruem looked at them and slowly said, "Chopper, you don't have to do that… if you don't like it."Chopper crunched on the senbei: "Are you talking about putting chopsticks in my nostrils? Actually, I think it's quite fun. I haven't been this happy in a long time, ever since Dr. Hiriluk… Dr. Kureha is also very good, she's just a bit too strict.""Very happy, huh… That's not bad." Meruem lit a cigarette, the swirling smoke obscuring his face, making his expression unreadable."Meruem… Today I smelled a strong scent of blood on you. Are pirates really that cruel?""I'm sorry… your nose is very sensitive. Actually, it's fine. The path towards a dream is always full of thorns, and there will be unhappy times. I am just pursuing my own peace of mind. Our Captain is the sun of this dark world. You just need to stand beside him and illuminate the world, and I will eliminate those who are beyond saving. But honestly, I can't really call myself brave; I'm just a pathetic person who only dares to hide behind you." There was no emotion in Meruem's eyes, and he looked very unreal in the Moonlight.Chopper stared at him blankly, without speaking.It was late, time to sleep… "Luffy, explain to me why the food I prepared, enough to last everyone until Alabasta, disappeared overnight."╮(•́ω•̀)╭"I don't know either." Luffy tried his best to avoid eye contact with Sanji, whistling, indicating it had nothing to do with him.Sanji's curly eyebrow twitched. He said coldly, "Oh, then can you explain what that is by your mouth?"∑(O_O;)"Ah, damn it! Are there still crumbs I haven't wiped off?!"Sanji spun on one foot, his size 42 foot landing hard on Luffy's face, kicking him flying."Miss Nami, could you approve some funds for me? I want to buy a few locks to lock up all the food storage compartments and refrigerators." Sanji lit a cigarette, looking helpless.Meruem, who was sleeping leaning on the ship's rail, was awakened by the noise. He heard Sanji's words and scratched his head. "[Nami's money room is never locked, and food disappears if you're not careful. Is this a college guys' dorm or something?]"There were three figures sitting on the ship's rail, fishing."Chopper, Karoo, we absolutely have to catch some fish, otherwise we're doomed… Come on." Usopp's cheeks were puffed out, likely stuffed with food, but it didn't affect his speech at all."Okay…" Chopper, with meat in his mouth, stared intently at the bobber on the sea."Quack…" Karoo saluted, still with crumbs on the corner of his mouth.Meruem squinted at the three, a smirk playing on his lips: "There are three more accomplices here."Sanji and Nami simultaneously turned their heads, their eyes cold.=͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇) Holy—=͟͟͞͞(Ŏ◊Ŏ‧̣̥̇) —crap!!!!"Meruem… you!!! Sanji! Nami! We can make amends! Ah ah ah ah ah ah!"
Chapter 40: Hungry"I'm not going to starve to death, am I…?" Meruemclutched his grumbling stomach, not wanting to speak.Since the chaos four days ago, he hadn't eaten anything, and everyone was listless.Luffy and Usopp were fishing… but… "Luffy! How could you eat all the bait? How are we going to fish without bait?!" Usopp looked at the empty bait box, speechless."Didn't you eat some too?""I only licked the lid!""I think both of you are ridiculous.I'll have to rely on myself…" Meruem covered his face, watching the two of them, then his eyes sharpened as he activated Observation Haki."The seas the past few days had nothing; I hope there's some harvest today."…A ship!Meruem ran to the bottom of the ship, launched a small boat, and waved to the two fishing.He took a deep breath, looking at the scene above: "I'll be right back… You two, instead of fishing with Karoo, you might as well eat him… At least give him a quick end."The despondent Karoo heard this and cried, making "quack quack" sounds.Vivi's angry roar came, and the Going Merry became lively.Meanwhile, Meruem had already rowed far away… "Why is it another ship with a feminine style?" Meruem looked at the ship before him, which had a swan figurehead and pink sails, feeling a bit hesitant."Grrr~"He rubbed his stomach, sighed, bent his knees slightly, and jumped onto the ship.But no one paid him any mind.A group of people frantically shouted, "Mr. 2 Bon Clay!" while searching everywhere."Those few checking the barrels are slacking off.That size couldn't even fit Chopper; why would you think Mr. 2 could fit in there?Mr. 2? Bon Kurei, that okama?! He seems like a good guy… Robbing him would give me a lot of psychological pressure." Meruem squatted on the ship's railing, his expression very conflicted, and cleared his throat.Everyone on the ship looked at him in unison.They exchanged glances, and the atmosphere became a bit awkward."Ahem, well, I need a batch of food.Do you have any?The quantity might be a bit large."The crew members looked at each other, then carried several large bags from the cabin and placed them on the deck."Uh… thank you." Meruem hadn't expected it to go so smoothly.He nodded in gratitude, jumped off the railing, and walked towards the food.Just as he placed his hand on it, another hand pressed down on his."Wait a minute!Who the hell are you?!"The person who looked like a small leader stared at Meruem with a serious expression, his hand already on his gun."Uh, I'm Bon Kurei's friend…""Who is Bon Kurei?!""Don't your subordinates even know his real name?" Meruem pondered for a moment, then continued, "Alright, then do you know who I am?""How could we possibly know who you are?! Stop talking nonsense!"Meruem smiled, stood up, and said, "It's robbery time now.Hand over your money!"He had thought it through: in the vast sea, the chances of them meeting again were too small.At worst, he'd just avoid them by hiding in Alabastalater.Everyone was stunned, then simultaneously pulled out their flintlock pistols and pointed them at him."Are you kidding me?! We're in a hurry right now.Surrender obediently, or don't blame our guns for being blind."Meruem drew his sword: "Everyone be careful not to hurt yourselves.""You… shoot!" The small leader was so angered he laughed, then roared with a sinister grin.Bang bang bang bang! The gunshots sounded like someone was setting off firecrackers."Sun Breathing, First Form, Dance." Meruem inhaled sharply, and the sword light flashed in an arc, bullets falling densely to the ground along its path.=͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪ ‧̣̥̇) Holy—=͟͟͞͞(Ŏ◊Ŏ ‧̣̥̇) —crap!!!!Everyone's eyes went wide.The small leader gritted his teeth, stomped his foot… and knelt on the deck: "B-boss, please take all this food.""Hmm… but I said it was a robbery.So… you understand.""Understand… definitely understand.Someone, go into the cabin and bring out the boss's things." The small leader looked at his meddlesome hand, wanting to chop it off but couldn't bear to.Why did he have to stop someone in the first place?"Mm, so sensible~ This is far enough; no need to see me off.Don't look at me, or I'll think you can't bear to part with me." Meruem put the Berries into his pouch; there were still about 800,000.He tossed the treasures and food onto the small boat, then waved to the people on the deck.Hearing his words, everyone turned around in unison, not daring to look at him again.Meruem rowed his boat, trailing far behind.After feeling them pass the Going Merry, he returned to the Going Merry… Sanji fell into thought, looking at the cabin full of purified water and alcohol.Now, he really had no ingredients left.Meruem walked in, holding the back of his head."Meruem, where did you run off to?I heard there was a semi-nude bonus of Miss Namijust now… I actually missed it.""My hand is getting a bit uncontrollable; I want to hit you…" Meruem's originally relaxed expression froze, and it took him a moment to speak: "Come with me…""What is it?" Sanji was puzzled but followed him… "Where did you find all this?!" Sanji looked at the meat and vegetables in his hands, dumbfounded.If he had found fish, that would be one thing, but finding these items was a bit too ridiculous.Meruem was tidying up the treasures: "Oh, a kind person gave them to me.You start cooking; I'm practically starving to death.""Alright! I must make a rich feast for Miss Nami, Princess Vivi, and Ann! They've all been hungry for several days."Meruem slung the treasures onto his back, then paused his steps as he walked out: "Uh, I brought them back.""Don't worry, they won't eat much; there'll definitely be some for you.""So if Luffy were a pretty girl, would all of us except the four of them starve to death?""…"A long silence followed."Whatever they leave behind…" Sanji stammered."Does Luffy ever leave anything behind?"The silence continued… Meruem's eyes were practically rolling to the heavens.He continued to move towards the treasure warehouse: "…I'm still glad Luffy isn't a pretty girl."Sanji snapped back to reality: "As long as there are ingredients, I will never let you all go hungry.""You… shut up." Meruem walked out without looking back… "Dinner time!"???!!!Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Karoo on the ship's railing heard Sanji's voice, looked at each other in disbelief, then all looked in Sanji's direction, as if they had seen a god.The four, with shining eyes and drooling mouths, rushed towards the dining room, then… got stuck at the doorway, refusing to give way.Luffy, using his natural advantage, stretched his arm, grabbed a piece of meat, and swallowed it.The other three looked at him angrily, then started fighting at the dining room entrance."Where do you all get this strength? You've been hungry for four days." Meruem took a delicious sip of soup, feeling as if he had been resurrected on the spot.
Chapter 41 Rapeseed FieldAfter a commotion, only a mess remained on the dining table. Luffy, with a bulging belly, asked, "Sanji~ Is there any more?"Meruem glanced at Sanji, who shrugged, indicating there was nothing left.∑(O_O;)"A month's worth of food for others, gone in one meal on our ship?" Meruem thought about what everyone had just eaten, then stared at Luffy."Everyone else's appetite is fine, so it's this guy?! I know you can eat, but haven't you been getting more and more outrageous lately?!""Meruem~ Why are you looking at me?" Luffypatted his stomach and burped."...Nothing, I just wanted to ask if you could still eat?""I can still eat a little bit." Luffy saw Sanji shaking his head at him and slowly walking away, then... got stuck in the doorway."More like a ton..." Meruem covered his face, not wanting to watch anymore.Luffy took a deep breath, exhaled, and his body returned to normal. He then ran to his special seat.━ Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||) ━"No matter how many times I see it, I still have to marvel... Amazing." Meruem shook his head, lit a cigarette, and took a satisfying puff... "Meow~" A sea beast with a cat's head and a body larger than the Going Merry emerged from the sea, staring blankly at the crew of the Going Merry."Ah ah ah ah!" Usopp and Chopper hugged each other, screaming in terror."Food!" Luffy clenched his fists, looking at it excitedly."Post-meal exercise!" Zoro gripped his sword."Quickly catch it, we can have another meal!" Sanjiscraped the ground with the tip of his foot."You guys, don't move!" Vivi's attack came silently, accurately hitting the back of the three's heads, knocking them to the ground."Even temporary members get a bonus for hitting their own?" Meruem quietly put back the sword he had half-drawn, indicating he dared not move at all."Vivi, what are you doing?" Luffy rubbed the back of his head and stood up."You can't eat it. In Alabasta, sea cats are sacred animals, and seeing them brings good luck." Vivimade a praying gesture towards the direction the sea cat had left."The food ran away..." Luffy said tearfully.Vivi felt completely invigorated: "We've already seen a sea cat, so we're not far from Alabasta. When we get there, I'll treat you to a good meal.""Really? That's great!""Vivi... if you treat Luffy to a good meal, your private money won't be enough, especially since you've already promised it to Nami." Meruem looked at Luffy's stomach and couldn't help but complain... Land was already faintly visible.Annu drew an X on Meruem's hand, then tightly bound it with a bandage.( ･᷄ ὢ ･᷅ ) Hmm?"What is this?" Meruem asked, raising his hand."Earlier, a Mr. 2 came aboard. He's a Clone-Clone Fruit user, and he can transform into any of us. This is just in case." Sanji replied, biting the bandage tight."Exactly! No matter what happens from now on, this on our left hand is the symbol of a comrade. Let's go ashore!" Everyone's clenched fists were put together, and Luffy shouted loudly.After hiding the Going Merry, everyone disembarked and walked towards the town. However, as soon as the outline of the town was visible, the previously serious Luffy shouted "Food!" and disappeared."Serious for less than three seconds..." Meruemlooked at the departing Luffy, thinking this Captainwas simply too much.Everyone else, however, was accustomed to it and continued at a normal pace... A corner on the edge of the town of Nanohana.Nami and Vivi, dressed in desert-style clothing, were a dazzling sight. Nami's orange short hair and Vivi's sky-blue long hair complemented each other, and their slender waists attracted everyone's... No, they attracted Sanji's and Meruem's gazes."Sanji... It looks good, but it doesn't really look like commoner's clothes. It's more like a dancer's." Vivipulled at her skirt, looking left and right.(♡ ⌂ ♡)"What does it matter~ As long as it doesn't look like a princess and a pirate, it's fine~ And aren't dancers commoners too?" Sanji's eyes were already fixated.Annu, seeing Sanji's gaze, quietly shrank behind Meruem, startling him awake.Meruem awkwardly cleared his throat, turned his head, and stopped looking at Nami's waist: "Alright, all the supplies for crossing Alabasta are pretty much ready... Vivi, where are we going now? We'll set off once Luffy returns."Vivi looked at her clothes from left to right, finally accepting reality, and said: "I want to stop the rebel army first, otherwise they might riot again and cause bloodshed. So, we'll go to the rebel leader's headquarters, an oasis called Yuba."Meruem was about to respond when the town became noisy. He turned his head and saw: "Marine?"Zoro secretly watched with a serious gaze: "Why are the Marines here?""Huh? Zoro!" Luffy shouted, and the Marines chasing him turned their heads and yelled: "Their accomplices are here! Come quickly!"=͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪ ‧̣̥̇) Oh ━ =͟͟͞͞(Ŏ◊Ŏ ‧̣̥̇) ━ crap!!!!"Luffy, you're a pain! Why did you lead them here?!" Zoro exclaimed in shock, drawing his sword: "Meruem, pervy cook, Usopp, come with me to hold them off. Everyone else retreat first, we'll regroup later. I'll come find you.""What did you call me?!" Sanji glared fiercely at Zoro."You? You'll find people?" Meruem looked at Zoro's back. After all this time, that moss-head still had no self-awareness. Then, he shifted his feet and charged out."White Out!""Sun Breathing, Second Form, Clear Blue Sky!""Heat Haze!"Fire rings, fire pillars, and fists enveloped in smoke collided, blocking Smoker's attack."Luffy, go ahead and regroup with them. I'll be there in a moment." Meruem said to Smoker, with his back to Luffy."Mm-hmm-hmm." Luffy's mouth was full of food. He covered his mouth and assented, then ran towards Zoro and the others."Smoker, we meet again." Meruem casually twirled his sword, a smile on his face."No one will help you this time! Surrender!" Smokersaid arrogantly, biting two cigars, somehow feeling a bit punchable."Are you also Luffy's comrade? I am Portgas D. Ace, Luffy's older brother. Nice to meet you." Ace bowed skillfully and greeted him.Looking at Ace before him, the memories of the Marineford War were no longer so clear, but his death had indeed left a deep impression.Meruem also bowed like him: "Hello. I am Meruem, nice to meet you."Smoker looked at the scene before him, the veins on his forehead feeling like they were about to burst.What are you doing? Can't you be serious?!‹(⁼̴̀д⁼̴́)› Damn it!!
Chapter 42 Devil Fruit"White Blow Mist!" Smoker's fists shot out simultaneously, rushing towards the two.On the other side, Zoro and the others had already dealt with a wave of Marines and were rushing towards the Going Merry, and then... Zoro's direction was a bit off.Meruem shouted, "Nami, keep an eye on Zoro, don't let him get lost!"Only then did everyone notice Zoro, who had run off to the other side. Everyone's eyes were filled with disdain. Zoro heard it too and awkwardly ran back towards the group."Fire Wall!" Ace waved his hand, conjuring a wall of flames that blocked Smoker's attack. He clutched his stomach, laughing non-stop, "You guys are so funny~"(/ /̀ Д / ́ /)Meruem was also a bit embarrassed and whispered, "Sorry, you're making fun of me."Ace's sense of humor might have been a bit low, as he kept laughing, but the more he laughed, the darker Smoker's face became."White Out!" Smoker transformed his entire body into smoke and lunged at the two of them.Meruem drew his sword and parried the jitte Smoker swung in his surprise attack. Ace finally stopped laughing, though his body was still twitching.The two exchanged a look. Meruem swept a blade of light upwards from below, while Ace leaped into the air, his arm turning into a ball of flame, and he brought down a swathe of fire from above.Flames ignited on the black blade, and the two streaks of fire intersected in the air, striking the smoke. A muffled grunt sounded, and when they looked again, Smoker had already fainted on the ground.The two exchanged a smile and ran towards the sea."Clap!"As they ran, their hands clasped together."You're really strong. How can my brother be the Captain?""Everyone's pursuits are different, right? He wants to be the Pirate King, but I don't.""But...""This is our Ship of Dreams. Everyone can fulfill their dreams here~ Do you want to join? I'll introduce you.""You introduce me to my brother? Forget it, if my brother were my Captain, I'd definitely want to punch him.""Actually... his crew often punches him.""Really? Hahahahahahaha."...The two ran to the sea and jumped with force, landing on the ship's rail. Ace greeted them politely, startling everyone.Then Ace took out a Vivre Card, tore off a piece, and gave it to Luffy: "You must always carry this.""What is it? It's just a piece of white paper." Luffylooked at it, turning it over and over."You don't want it?""I want it!""Alright then, I have things to do, so I'll be going." Ace finished speaking, smiled with narrowed eyes, and fell backward into the sea.A tiny ship below caught him. With a light stomp, flames jetted out, propelling him past the Going Merry.Because of the commotion, a group of Baroque Works ships surrounded them. Ace shouted loudly, "Luffy, it's been so long since we last met. I'll take care of this trouble for you, consider it a welcome gift for your companions."With that, he gathered his strength and threw a punch forward. Flames engulfed all the ships, and in the blink of an eye, the encirclement vanished."[This terrifying strength... How strong must Blackbeard and Akainu be?]" Meruem watched this scene with a touch of worry and slowly said, "Luffy... your brother is so strong.""Right? Ace is amazing.""No, I mean you... why is there such a big difference?"Luffy wanted to retort, but seeing the wreckage of the ships, he choked, turned his head, and indicated he didn't want to talk to Meruem... The sun unleashed its power without restraint, the entire land seemed to be on fire, and an endless desert appeared before everyone's eyes.A strange animal emerged from the desert, resembling a seal but with a thick turtle shell, striking a starting pose towards the group."He's not even as tall as Chopper, what does he want to do?" Usopp mimicked its pose."That's a Kung Fu Manatee! Don't get close to him, he's very strong."No sooner had he spoken than Usopp was lying on the ground, bruised and swollen."You lost to that..." Zoro watched Usopp with his arms crossed, a look of disgust on his face.Two Kung Fu Manatees also emerged near Luffyand Meruem, rushing towards them.Bang bang!Luffy slightly dodged a punch with a sidestep, then delivered a sharp rap to the Kung Fu Manatee's head.Meruem tilted his head for a look, then his footsteps shifted, and he vanished, leaving the Kung Fu Manatee looking around bewildered. Just a little distance away, it was as if it couldn't see Meruemanymore."Look, Luffy won," Nami said to Vivi, pointing in Luffy's direction."Luffy! You can't beat him! If you win, they'll make you their master!" Vivi turned and said anxiously.But by this time, Luffy... was already leading a group of Kung Fu Manatees in practicing punches.━ Σ ( ﾟ Д ﾟ | | | ) ━Vivi's words couldn't even keep up with their speed... The Kung Fu Manatees, teary-eyed, bid farewell to Luffy and his group with food in hand.Nami was scolding Luffy; after all, it's natural for someone in charge of finances to be a bit irritable with someone who doesn't treat money like money.Right after getting off the ship, more than half of their food was gone. Anyone would agree that Nami's reaction was justified."Hmm?" Meruem's eyes moved: "Luffy, I'm going over there for a bit. You guys go ahead, I'll meet up with you later."With that, he vanished from his spot... "[What are these people doing?]" Meruem sat atop a rock, watching the crowd below.He saw a group of people forming a large circle, kneeling and worshiping a Devil Fruit in the center, mumbling incantations.Meruem jumped directly into the middle and picked up the Devil Fruit, looking suspiciously at the black Devil Fruit in his hand, which emitted an eerie black aura.Everyone froze in unison. Instead of rushing forward, they took half a step back. An old man wearing a terrifying mask calmly said, "Young man, this is a Devil Fruit that brings misfortune. We are trying to destroy it. Please leave quickly.""Devil Fruit... misfortune? Are you talking about becoming a landlubber? What's wrong with that?" Meruem gazed at the Devil Fruit in his hand. The black aura it emitted continuously tried to penetrate his body."No, this is a true Devil Fruit, named Mythical Zoan. Devil. Not to mention eating it, anyone who touches it will be enveloped by misfortune, and their soul will fall into the abyss.""...I touched it, and I'm fine." Meruem tossed the Devil Fruit in his hand up and down, and the black aura grew thicker with its movement.The old man paused at his words, then after a moment, continued, "Young man, put it down. We can discuss whatever you want."Meruem shook his head, grinned, and swallowed the Devil Fruit in two or three bites, then burped: "I felt a strong connection to it when I saw it, so it's mine."= ͞ ͟ ͟ ͞ ( ꒪ ᗜ ꒪ ‧ ̣ ̥ ̇ ) Oh ━ = ͞ ͟ ͟ ͞ ( Ŏ ◊ Ŏ ‧ ̣ ̥ ̇ ) ━ my!!!!Everyone shivered in unison. Even with masks on, their expressions could be guessed."Everyone feels a connection to it! You, sir, are you sick?! Why do you put everything in your mouth?!"= ͟ ͟ ͞ ͞ ( ꒪ ⌓ ꒪ * )[...Did Luffy infect me?]Meruem's mouth hung open as he finally realized.
Chapter 43 Don't Talk CasuallyThe silent atmosphere was extremely awkward."...Why aren't you changing?" the old man asked suspiciously."...Changing into what?" Meruem's expression was innocent."...Changing into a demon, then wreaking havoc, and then we'll eliminate you.""...Why would I wreak havoc?""Because everyone who eats this Devil Fruit loses control. We've been chasing it for hundreds of years to completely destroy this fruit.""...Excuse me, how old are you?""This old man is already... Is that the question?!" The old man's hair stood on end as he roared.He was breathing rapidly, and the people around him frantically patted his chest, as if his life might end at any moment.After a long while, he waved his hand: "You all may retreat first.""Sea Lord, you...""It's alright, you all may retreat first.""Yes..."Everyone bowed and retreated, leaving the area...Meruem felt his body, but indeed, he didn't feel any different.He felt like he had eaten a fake Devil Fruit.The old man walked over and stood in front of Meruem, sizing him up and down, muttering, "This shouldn't be..."(=͟͟͞͞(꒪⌓꒪*)"What do you mean by looking at me like that? I'm sorry I can't wreak havoc for you to eliminate me." Meruem's eye twitched uncontrollably as he looked at the old man."Ahem, well, do you really not feel anything?" The old man pinched him left and right.Meruem watched the old man's hands all over him, getting goosebumps all over his body.He swatted his hands away: "Old man... If you do that again, I'll report you for sexual harassment.""...Here, take this." The old man didn't care and handed him a stone.Meruem reached out and took it, feeling his whole body go weak.He stepped forward with his right foot to steady himself: "Old man, what is this?""Sea Stone.""...Holy crap, then what's my ability?""I don't know." The old man shook his head and spread his hands."You said you've been chasing it for hundreds of years, and you don't know?!""Do you think a person can live for hundreds of years? History is lost. This is the first time I've seen someone eat this fruit and remain conscious.""So now I'll be restrained by Sea Stone, drown if I fall into the sea, and have no abilities?" Meruemlooked despairing."Well, you're not wrong in saying that.""Old man! Do you have to be so deceitful!""...You ate it yourself."(=͟͟͞͞(꒪⌓꒪*)"...And it's all because you wanted it that I snatched it!""This is a sickness, it needs to be cured."Meruem went through helpless rage, disbelief, speechless choking, and finally, reluctantly accepted reality.The old man continued to size him up, shaking his head: "Kid, I'm leaving now. If one day you threaten this world, we will meet again."Meruem waved his hand: "...Does being a Pirate count?""Don't worry, that's just a small matter. You'll know when that day truly comes." With that, he took a step back and disappeared.Even with Meruem's eyesight, he couldn't catch anything."What a rip-off!""...Meruem, you're here. What's wrong?" Luffyrushed over, dragging his luggage, and asked.The ground around Meruem was littered with cigarette butts.He looked up at Luffy, sullenly remaining silent.Luffy put down his luggage, looked Meruem up and down, a head full of question marks, then ran out, shouting as he ran: "Chopper! Meruem seems to be sick, come and take a look!"Everyone rushed over in unison.Chopper placed his stethoscope on Meruem's chest: "Excessive mental exhaustion, Meruem, what just happened to you?"Annu stood behind Meruem, tugging at his clothes without speaking."Chopper, is Meruem going to die...?" Luffy asked with a worried expression.Bang!Nami punched Luffy on the head.The loud sound finally brought Meruem back to his senses.He let out a sigh of relief and smiled: "I'm fine, everyone don't worry. I've been outsmarted by a goose I was hunting all day, and I can't quite wrap my head around it.""What just happened to you...?"Meruem thought for a moment and said: "You might not believe it... I ate a Devil Fruit, but I don't have any abilities."The entire place fell silent.Then a huge burst of laughter erupted.(=͟͟͞͞(꒪⌓꒪*)"Aren't you all being a bit much? And Zoro, are you even crying from laughter?!" Meruem felt even more disheartened looking at everyone.After they finally managed to stop, Nami smiled and pulled Meruem up: "It's alright. At worst, if you fall into the water, I'll save you.""Miss Nami, I'll go instead. The thought of you hugging him makes me a little upset." Sanji lit a cigarette."It shouldn't be that you have no abilities, it's just that you haven't discovered them yet. You'll find out in time." Vivi said with a comforting smile."Why am I suddenly a little touched...?" Meruemlooked at Nami holding his hand and said with a smile: "Then I'll wait for you to save me. Let's continue our journey."Luffy stuck out his tongue: "Let's rest for a bit, Sanji~ Let's eat first."Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke and said: "Luffy, your food has already been given to your disciple, Kung Fu Manatee.""Ah... No, Sanji, I'm hungry~" Luffy threw a tantrum on the ground.Watching the noisy crowd, Meruem's mood gradually lightened."What a miraculous Pirate Crew, possessing the power to heal hearts."After eating, everyone continued their journey, walking from dawn until dusk..."Vivi... Isn't this an oasis? Where's the water?" Luffylooked around, seeing only desolation.Vivi's gaze was blank as she stared Foolishly at Jordan, which was covered in flying sand, and murmured, "How could this be...?""Are you travelers...? Desert travel must be tiring, right? I'm sorry, this city is already abandoned... But, you can rest well here... There are still places to stay." An old man who was digging with a shovel said apologetically without turning his head.Vivi covered her face with her clothes: "Excuse me... I heard there are rebels in this city..."The old man's eyes were filled with hatred: "Why are you looking for the rebels...?"Meruem looked at his eyes, took a step forward, and interjected: "We just want to stop them. Do you know them? We want to talk to them first..."The old man quietly sized them up, then sighed: "The rebels have already moved their main camp to Katorea...""Katorea?!""Vivi, where's that...?" Luffy asked casually."That's an oasis very close to the Rapeseed Field...""So we ran all this way for nothing, then?" Merueminterjected."Not for nothing, you ate a Devil Fruit." Luffycasually replied."Vivi... Princess Vivi?" The old man stopped what he was doing and looked at Vivi in astonishment.(=͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇) Holy—=͟͟͞͞(Ŏ◊Ŏ‧̣̥̇)—crap!!!!!"Luffy! Why are you so talkative today!" Namilanded a hard punch on Luffy's head, like a battle horn, and everyone stepped forward to start beating Luffy.Even Meruem couldn't resist and joined the fray."Serves you right for talking so much!"
Chapter 44 Even if I am against the world"Princess Vivi... you... you don't recognize me anymore, do you? You're right, I've lost so much weight now." The old man stood tremblingly in front of Vivi.Vivi scrutinized him for a moment, her expression changing drastically: "You're Uncle Toto?!""Yes... it's me.""How... how did you become like this?""Princess Vivi, I've only lost a little weight... I have always believed in His Majesty the King, please... please stop my foolish son.""Ko... Koza, he..." Vivi's eyes welled up with tears, and she tightly covered her mouth.Nami walked over and patted her back: "Vivi, don't worry, we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning. Go get some rest now."Vivi nodded with difficulty and followed Nami... Luffy, bruised and battered, stood up from the ground: "Meruem~ you hit too hard.""My apologies, Luffy, I might have let a little personal vendetta slip in..." Meruem scratched his head. After beating up Luffy, he had completely returned to normal. Indeed, having a Captain like him was very useful.Luffy didn't mind, and asked the old man, Toto: "Uncle, what are you digging for?""I want to revive Yuba Oasis. Yuba will not be buried by sand; I will dig it out again. This is the precious land the King entrusted to me!"Luffy remained silent, walked to the old man's side, and began digging a hole with his hands, with exceptional speed."Hey, wait a minute, don't get sand into the hole I dug!""Huh?""Are you trying to bury the hole I dug?""No, I'm digging a hole!"Meruem reached out and pulled the old man, Toto, closer: "Uncle, ignore him. We will definitely stop the rebel army. By then, many people will return here, and your wish will surely come true."The old man, Toto, smiled and nodded: "Then I'll leave it to you.""Snore..." A snore came from the hole. Meruemshook his head, jumped down, carried Luffy into the room, then went up to the roof, looked at the full moon in the sky, lit a cigarette, and took a deep puff."Can you... tell me what happened today?" Nami sat beside him, asking gently."Nothing, I already told you today, it was just because I ate something wrong." Meruem smiled."The Meruem I know wouldn't be like this.""Nami, if one day I stand on the opposite side of you, what would you do...?" Meruem looked at the bright full moon, taking a puff of his cigarette.Nami was silent for a moment, then said: "But we won't stand on your opposite side.""Even if I'm against the world?""Even if you're against the world." Nami's voice was full of determination.The words of the boy and girl always seemed so childish, yet so moving.Meruem's heartstrings were plucked by something, creating ripples.A pair of hands reached from behind and hugged his neck: "Big Brother Meruem, remember to call me then."Annu used no color, yet it calmed one's heart."Exactly, Meruem. Why think about these things? We're standing behind you." Sanji lit two cigarettes, reached out, took the cigarette butt from Meruem's hand, and replaced it with a fresh one."I want to be the world's greatest swordsman, and I won't allow you to be killed by someone else." Zorostood behind him, speaking calmly."Brave warriors of the sea are fearless; you can rely on your Captain Usopp." Usopp grinned."Monsters gather together for warmth; if anyone dares to disturb us, I... I absolutely won't allow it." Chopper transformed into his strongman form, crossing his arms and speaking."No matter how many mountains and rivers, I will definitely rush to your side and stand with you." Vivisaid gently."Meruem, you are my companion. No matter what, you are my companion!" Luffy pressed the Straw Hat onto Meruem's head, chuckling.The cigarette in Meruem's hand burned silently, the shadows in his heart melted like ice and snow. A glimmer of crystal flashed in the corner of his eye. He pressed down the Straw Hat, covering his face. It turned out that as long as his heart had a place to belong, that was his home."Thank you, everyone, but aren't you going to rest? You won't be able to travel tomorrow.""Hehehehe, Meruem~ We're going, Sanji, I'm hungry." Luffy laughed, not even taking back his Straw Hat, and went downstairs.Everyone smiled and said goodbye. Annureluctantly released Meruem, looking back three times as she walked down.Nami swung her hand hard, slapping Meruem's back, almost knocking him straight down."Alright, go back to your old self. Go get some rest, there's a battle of a million people to participate in later.""[A little lighter, please... big shot]" Meruem took a deep breath, adjusted the Straw Hat, and said with a smile: "Let's go..."It was late, and everyone had fallen asleep."Princess Vivi, Straw Hat, I'll leave it to you! I have nothing here, but last night I dug out a small oasis and distilled this much water. Please take it with you." The old man, Toto, handed over a small flask of water.Luffy solemnly accepted it, replying with a smile: "Oh, leave it to me!"..."You just said to leave it to you, and now you're saying you won't do it?" Sanji roared furiously."Mm." Luffy said, leaning against a dead branch."Luffy, stop messing around, stand up quickly, it'll be too late if we delay." Usopp persuaded, reaching out to pull Luffy but couldn't move him."Vivi, I know you don't want any citizens to die in this battle, nor do you want any of us to die. But our opponent is a Shichibukai, and the battle is on a scale of millions; it's impossible for no one to die." What Luffy said today was very unlike his usual self.Meruem squatted beside Luffy: "Alright, Luffy. This is Vivi's dream. Even if it's unrealistic, it's still a dream, and aren't we, her companions, here to help her achieve her dream?""Meruem, but she's too naive." Luffy said calmly."You who said you'd stand by my side last night aren't much better off. So now, Luffy, you go do what you want to do. Vivi, Sanji, Chopper, Annu, go to the rebel army and try to buy time. Usopp and Zoro are responsible for the Royal Army, and Namiand I will go to Rainbase." Meruem picked up a dead branch and drew on the ground.Vivi's expression was very grim, but she didn't know what to say.Meruem stepped forward and patted her shoulder: "Now we are standing by your side. Use us boldly; our lives are yours."Then he pulled Luffy up: "Let's go, your destination should be the same as ours.""Is Crocodile in Rainbase?""I'm not sure, but he definitely won't be with them. If he's not in Rainbase, he must be in Alubarna."Vivi stood still, her body trembling, biting her teeth tightly: "Everyone..."Luffy patted her shoulder and said: "You are my companion."Meruem grinned and added: "Even if we're against the world."Luffy grinned: "You're still my companion!"
Chapter 45 Rainy LandThe three of them crossed the desert and reached the outskirts of Rainbase."Nami, you and I will be responsible for infiltrating. Our goal is to find everyone from Baroque Worksand defeat or kill them," Meruem said, looking at the map."What about Luffy?" Nami was a bit confused that she didn't hear Luffy's name.Meruem spread his hands: "Do you think he'll obediently infiltrate with us? He's responsible for taking down the Shichibukai Crocodile, after all, he doesn't want others interfering either."Nami glanced at Luffy, who was rubbing his hands together in anticipation, covered her face, and shook her head: "But... that's a Shichibukai! Can Luffyhandle it alone?""It should... be fine. This Crocodile has lost his edge and relies too much on external things. He's much weaker compared to those other monsters. Luffy, let's start now. The casino in the center of Rainbaseshould be Crocodile's base. Do it your way, and we'll assist you from the side," Meruem tried hard to recall, but could only remember the final outcome. He patted Luffy's shoulder and said solemnly."Oh, I'm going to go beat Crocodile right now!" Luffysaid, clutching the water bottle given to him by Old Man Toto."Alright, then let's go." As soon as Meruem finished speaking, Luffy ran off and disappeared from sight."W-what the heck!"..."My point was for you to be in the open and us in the shadows. Can't you be a little more reliable?""Meruem... give up. Haven't you gotten used to Luffybeing like this?" Nami consoled him... [There's something in the casino blocking detection. I can't sense anything beneath the casino from here.] In a corner outside the casino, Meruem frowned, feeling around, his fingers tapping unconsciously: "Luffywent in, it shouldn't be this quiet. Nami, you go in pretending to be a gambler. I'll cause a ruckus in the city. If you get a chance, infiltrate the underground, but be careful."Nami's eyes lit up, and she nodded excitedly, extending her hand towards Meruem, her meaning clear."Give me money!"Meruem had no choice but to take a wad of Berriesfrom his backpack and place them in her hand: "You're not out of money...""How can I use my own money for gambling?" Namisnatched it, her face beaming with happiness, and walked towards the casino.[Alright, you don't need to pretend... you already look like a gambler. It doesn't hurt when it's not your money, right?] Meruem shook his head, sensed a little, and walked towards the south of Rainbase."Kid, who are you? The casino isn't this way, this is private property." As soon as Meruem stepped into an alley, someone emerged from the shadows and blocked him."I'm looking for Baroque Works."..."Kid, there's no Baroque Works here. Leave!" The man was silent for a moment, then reached out, trying to push Meruem away."Since you don't intend to kill me, I'll spare your life." Meruem smiled, and the man only felt a flash of a blade before his outstretched hand was severed in two. Blood gushed out, and before he could even scream, he was knocked unconscious to the ground.Meruem looked at the blood on the ground, his pupils constantly changing. He gritted his teeth, shook his head, and continued deeper into the alley. As he walked, he pulled out two bombs from behind him, flung them hard, and a violent roar erupted.An iron gate opened, and a group of armed people poured out, staring intently at Meruem. He spread his hands, pulled out another bomb, casually tossed it, and then turned and ran out of the alley."Holy crap! Dodge!""What the hell is this?!""Don't let him get away!"After a chaotic chase, a group of people pursued Meruem. He turned his head to look, maintaining a not-too-far, not-too-close distance, visiting all the Baroque Works strongholds in Rainbase. A massive crowd chased behind him. Upon reaching the square in front of the casino, Meruem's figure instantly vanished."Where did he go?""I don't know! He disappeared in an instant. Could it be a ghost?""A ghost in broad daylight?! Find him!"The square was noisy and chaotic. Crocodile walked out of the casino, his face gloomy, and looked at them coldly.With a sudden shift from movement to stillness in the blink of an eye, the Baroque Works members fell silent as they saw Crocodile's expression. He bit his cigar and said coldly, "Who's going to give me an explanation?""Bo... Boss, some lunatic came out of nowhere and threw bombs at all our strongholds. We chased him, and he... he just disappeared.""He disappeared right under all your eyes? Are you playing games with me?" As he spoke, he extended a hand, turning into sand, and swept the person who had just spoken towards him. In the blink of an eye, all the moisture was drained from that person's body, turning him into a mummy.Seeing this, everyone trembled and knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, but no longer daring to speak.Crocodile casually flung the corpse aside, his gaze sweeping over everyone. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he hurried back into the casino... Luffywas handcuffed with Sea Stone and locked in a cage. Next to him... was actually Mr.3 Galdino, who had been drained into a mummy, but he also had Sea Stone shackles on his hands, though he should still be alive.The water level was steadily rising, presumably to kill these two Devil Fruit users with seawater.Nami's face changed drastically upon seeing this. After searching and failing to find a key, she tightly gripped the cage, trying to pull it open, but it was futile.A mass of sand attacked her from behind. Just as she was about to be caught, black flames blocked it behind Nami."Meruem~" Luffy called out weakly."Meruem, quickly open this cage! If we delay any longer, Luffy will be dead!" Nami was still pulling hard, shouting anxiously.[Why are the flames I'm cutting now black...] Meruem looked at the black flames on his black blade and shook his head. With a casual swing, the cage shattered into pieces under the blade's light.Then, his gaze sharpened, and with a shift of his feet, he appeared behind Nami, blocking Crocodile's golden hook. A poisoned blade sprang from the golden hook, and Meruem tilted his head to dodge it. However, his foot inevitably stepped into the seawater, and his body stiffened."Guhahahahaha! Another Devil Fruit user has appeared. It seems I won't have to bother killing you myself. Just wait here to die obediently." Crocodilesneered, flinging his cloak, and turned to walk out. The thick door closed behind him with a dull thud.The seawater rushed in faster. In just a moment, it had risen to chest level. Meruem almost couldn't hold his black blade, standing in the water, gasping for air, a wave of dizziness washing over his head.Nami supported his body from behind. Luffy and Dino were submerged by the seawater and had already passed out.A life-or-death crisis was imminent...
Chapter 46 Albana"Are you content with ending things like this?""Who are you?""Me? I am you!""What the hell are you talking about?" Meruemopened his eyes to see a throne made of countless skeletons, upon which sat another Meruem, with a bizarre tattoo on his face, looking at him with a mocking expression."What in the world are you?""If you continue this topic, you will die." The Meruemon the throne waved his hand, opening a projection. In the projection, Meruem floated in the water, his face contorted in pain."What do you want?""Give me your body, and I will make you the king of this world."Meruem hugged himself with both hands, looking at him suspiciously, his gaze full of disdain.The Meruem on the throne roared, "What the hell are you thinking?!""...Didn't you say you wanted my body?""You... never mind. You're lucky this time. One day you'll come begging me, and I'll wait for you. Hahahahahaha." As soon as he finished speaking, he waved his hand, and Meruem's vision went black... "Meruem! Meruem!" Nami struggled to push Meruem onto a small platform, calling out to him repeatedly.His tightly shut eyes twitched a few times, then slowly opened, and he coughed violently."That's great... you're alright..." Nami, seeing him awake, first rejoiced, then her body fell backward.Meruem reached out and caught her, murmuring, "Nami, you've worked hard. Leave the rest to me."As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the black blade, black flames surged from the sword, and he raised it high above his head. With a fierce swing, a black sword light slashed through the entire room, cutting it in half. The ceiling plummeted downwards. Meruem swung the sword again, and a clear blue sky appeared above.Seawater surged out, and the room became dry again. Meruem carried Nami on his back, reached out to pick up the unconscious Luffy, frowned, then picked up Mr.3 Dino as well, and walked out amidst the commotion... "Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah! That hateful Crocodile! He tricked me!" The awakened Luffyroared."Luffy, stop shouting." Meruem sat by the bed, holding Nami's hand, and said coldly."Meruem... thank you. Is Nami... alright?""She should just be overexerted; she'll be fine after some rest. But Chopper isn't here, so I'm not entirely sure. Also, don't say thank you. Just be a little more careful next time. We'll always encounter more insidious people, and if you continue like this, who knows what the consequences will be next time.""I understand." It was rare to see Luffy with such an expression. Meruem put Nami's hand under the covers, tucked her in properly, then turned and smiled, patting Luffy's shoulder: "Alright, it seems we have to go to the capital of Alabasta. If you lose again, I'll despise you.""I won't lose again!" Luffy grinned, baring his teeth."You can't defeat him." Dino's voice came."Why are you here?!" Luffy stood in front of Meruem, raising his fist, and said....I've been here the whole time! Never mind, why did you save me?" Dino frowned, looking at the two of them.Seeing that he had no intention of attacking, Luffysat down to the side and started eating the snacks in the room.Meruem shrugged, spreading his hands: "Maybe it was just convenient? Or maybe it's because of Annu; she sometimes thinks of you. I don't know why she'd think of someone as ugly as you.""Ms. Goldenweek..." Dino fell silent upon hearing this, not even refuting Meruem's comment about him being ugly. He didn't know what he was thinking, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth."It's not me ruining the mood... but your smile is genuinely a bit lewd." Meruem stopped his restless hand and said nothing more."Meruem... we need to hurry and help Vivi..." Namislowly woke up, mumbling.Meruem couldn't win her over and was also worried about her safety, so he had no choice but to carry her on his back and set off for Alubarna... "Is this Alubarna? It looks so big. Where do we find that bastard Crocodile?" Luffy stood on a sand dune, gazing into the distance."What are those guys doing... why is the Royal Army still gathering?" Meruem sensed something and frowned slightly."What should we do now?" Nami sat to the side, still looking a bit weak.Galdino, for some reason, had also followed them and stood silently to the side. The three paid him no mind. Meruem tried hard to recall his memories but still came up empty, so he said helplessly, "Let's take it one step at a time. According to Vivi, Crocodile's ultimate goal is to incite a war between the rebel army and the Royal Army, then seize the opportunity to quell the rebellion and take the throne. So he must be nearby, or even in the palace.""I wonder how they're doing..." Nami said, worriedly."Nami, don't worry, those guys will definitely be fine." Luffy said seriously, pressing down on his Straw Hat. His arm suddenly stretched out: "Gum-Gum Pistol!" He threw a powerful punch at Nami's back.The fist passed through the sand and bounced back fiercely. The sand gradually formed a human shape: "You guys actually all survived, and you still want to come and die?"Crocodile's figure appeared, and Robin slowly walked out, looking at everyone with complex eyes."Luffy... is he starting to awaken Observation Haki?" Meruem re-sheathed his sword and pulled Namibehind him: "Crocodile, you don't have seawater to use this time. And this time, it will be you who dies.""Guhahahahaha, a few brats playing pirate games only know how to boast." Crocodile's plan had largely succeeded, and he seemed to be in a very good mood. He waved his hand, and sand converged into a sand blade, striking towards everyone.Meruem rushed forward two steps, drawing his sword. The black blade and the sand blade collided, kicking up a cloud of smoke.His mocking voice came from within the smoke:"Crocodile, you spineless coward, how dare you say we're boasting."Crocodile seemed to have been hit where it hurt; the smile froze on his face. He didn't answer Meruem's remark, waving his hands rapidly as sand blades attacked in waves.Black flames ignited on the black blade in Meruem's hand: "Sun Breathing, Third Form, Blazing Crimson Mirror." Sword light and sand blades continuously collided, creating a huge roar between the two."Gum-Gum Gatling!" Luffy jumped up, striking at Crocodile with both hands, turning Crocodile's body into a cloud of smoke."Straw Hat, you're too early to be here." Crocodiletook a puff of his cigar, and amidst the swirling smoke, his golden hook detached from his left arm and flew towards Luffy's neck."Luffy!" Meruem roared, wanting to leap up. But he was suppressed by more sand blades, unable to move."This intensity... isn't it a bit off? And on these sand blades... I feel a fluctuation of Armament Haki." The suddenly increased sand blades forced him to retreat. He took a non-fatal blow, then leaped towards Luffy.
Chapter 47: Shagu"Luffy!" Meruem roared, watching the golden hook head towards Luffy's neck. A surge of power erupted from his heart, further increasing his speed in the air.Luffy reached out and grabbed the golden hook, and the blade popped out... He opened his mouth and bit the blade off."W-what the—!""You... what kind of teeth do you have? No, there's poison on that!" Meruem and Luffy landed at the same time. He immediately reached to pry open Luffy's mouth: "Spit it out, why do you eat everything?""Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey. Meruem, what are you doing?" Luffy said, annoyed."Are you okay?""I'm fine.""You... this shouldn't be. Is Crocodile's poison too weak?" Meruem looked at the strangely colored broken blade, unsure what to say."Straw Hat, it seems your journey ends here, guhahahahahaha." Crocodile retracted his golden hook, laughing as he looked at the broken blade.Bang!Luffy's fist made intimate contact with Crocodile's laughing face: "Hahahaha, Meruem, I finally hit that bastard!""This face-slapping came too quickly." Meruemfrowned, looking at the faint black glow on Luffy's hand. Although he couldn't remember, this progress seemed a bit off.Crocodile's face darkened, and he spat out a mouthful of blood: "Straw Hat... you can use Armament Haki?"Luffy was full of questions: "Meruem... what is Armament Haki?""...It's that black glow on your hand. With that, you can hit him." Meruem spread his hands, explaining as concisely as possible."Oh, um..." Luffy's expression was like he was constipated, the black glow on his hand flickering, then becoming a thin layer covering his fist. He stuck out his tongue, looking exhausted, but his eyes lit up as he looked at his fist, constantly showing off to Meruem."...Indeed, these enemies are the best teachers. As expected of the Chosen One, it's only been a few minutes since he felt Armament Haki to initial coverage. It's really a bit much." Meruem thought about his own practice before, feeling a bit choked up, and couldn't help but look at his pitch-black Black Blade. "If this thing hadn't absorbed me, and it took me so many years to cover up to my wrist, wouldn't I be a complete waste?!""Kill!""Charge!"Shouts of killing erupted, drawing everyone's attention. Crocodile reached out and pulled four humanoid sand puppets from the ground, which gradually took on his appearance. He said with a smile, "Let them play with you all. I still have things to do. I hope you have fun."With that, he gave Robin a meaningful look, and the two disappeared into the desert."Don't run, you bastard!" Luffy's punch was blocked by a sand wall erected by one of the sand puppets."Meruem..." Nami asked worriedly.Meruem considered for a moment: "Luffy, take Namito Alubarna to find Vivi and the others, then you go find Crocodile. If nothing unexpected happens, he should be in the palace. I'll cover the rear here."Luffy's expression was volatile, and he gritted his teeth fiercely, saying, "Then I'll leave it to you, Meruem. I'll definitely send that bastard Crocodileflying!""Mm, go quickly." Meruem and Luffy took a step in opposite directions, charging straight towards their respective targets.With the same black hair, like twins, their movements were surprisingly consistent. The sight of them running in different directions stirred one's heart... Seeing this, three sand puppets tried to give chase, but a black wall of fire blocked their path."Honestly, according to my memory, Crocodileshouldn't be this strong." Meruem held his blade horizontally, and the black flames on the blade seemed to be absorbed, drilling into the blade."Come try my derivative breathing style of Sun Breathing." He sheathed his blade and took a sprinting stance: "Thunder Breathing, First Form, Thunderclap and Flash."A flash of lightning passed, and the head of one of the sand puppets flew into the sky, sand particles scattering from the severed neck.The three sand puppets shouted in unison: "Sandstorm!" A sandstorm swept towards Meruem, growing larger as it approached, gradually obscuring Meruem's figure.The head of the headless sand puppet was slowly pulled back to its body by the sand, and it casually twisted its head. The golden hook in its hand flew out, shooting into the sandstorm."Sun Breathing, Second Form, Clear Blue Sky." A black ring of fire cut a black hole in the center of the sandstorm, and the golden hook turned into black char under the burning flames."Tsk, it seems not practicing still won't do. Although I can use it, the power difference compared to using Sun Breathing is too great." Meruem pouted, walking out of the sandstorm, muttering to himself."So from now on, I'm a Mythical Zoan. Demon. Breathing Style Master. Meruem? No, that's too embarrassing. I'm a bit excited to see what my bounty poster will look like, Black Blade or Fire Blade~""Crescent Dune!" The sand puppets all waved their hands, their arms continuously expanding before exploding into crescent-shaped sand blades that shot towards Meruem."...Tsk, I can't even chat when fighting you guys. Talking to myself makes me seem so chuunibyo." Meruem grumbled, swinging his blade to cut at the sand blades.His arm vibrated, and a tingling sensation followed. Meruem reached out to brace the back of his blade with his arm, gritting his teeth: "...Why are the sand puppets so strong? Can Luffy really handle that Crocodile?"He was constantly pushed back by the sand blades, heading towards the huge sandstorm."Sun Breathing, Fourth Form, Fake Rainbow!" Meruem's figure gradually blurred, and the sand blades lost their resistance, cutting into the distance. In a blink of an eye, Meruem had already arrived beside the sand puppets, slashing at the body of one of them.Swish!It was cut in two, but the sand particles still connected the separated body. If this continued, he would be exhausted to death even if the sand puppets didn't kill him.The sand on the ground swirled up, and intersecting sand thorns crisscrossed Meruem's phantom. In just a blink of an eye, he had retreated ten meters, half-kneeling on the ground, supporting his body with his blade.There was a strange tattoo on his face extending towards his eyes. Both eyes had become one black and one red, and his mouth was half tightly pursed, while the other half was pulled into an arc, making him look as if he was possessed."What are you doing?""Seeing you're too weak, I came to help you. No need to be polite.""I don't need your help!""Tsk, you don't appreciate good intentions."Meruem was talking to himself, looking a bit scary. But now, only the four sand puppets were staring intently at him, their exploded arms restoring as they walked towards him."Sun Breathing, First Form, Waltz!" The blade flashed, and the heads of the four sand puppets flew into the sky. Meruem's expression completely changed, his two crimson pupils seemed to be dripping blood, and strange patterns adorned his face. He laughed excitedly: "Hahaha, kid, this move of yours is not bad, interesting, very interesting~"
Chapter 48 Chosen by Heaven, Forsaken by Heaven"Thunder Breathing, First Form, Thunderclap and Flash, Fourfold!"Black lightning flashed, and the heads of four sand golems were turned into sand. Meruem returned to his original spot, casually twirling his sword, looking exceptionally lively, as if he had been confined for many, many years."Kid, what's with your moves? I've never seen them before.""Hurry up and finish! With your efficiency, I think you're just boasting, a bit shameless."The scattered sand slowly gathered into the shape of heads, clearly about to fully restore themselves."Why are you in such a hurry? If I finish it all at once, there'll be nothing left to play with, right? We still have to get along peacefully in the future. Can you not be so mean when you speak?""I'm not! Your moves are indeed fierce like a tiger, but when you look closely, you're just standing still. What's different now compared to before?""How can you speak in such a flowery way? Could it be that I've been asleep for too long and can't keep up with the times?"The sand golems had already returned to their original state. With a wave of their hands, sand blades came raining down on Meruem.But he moved as if dancing a strange dance, each step landing in the gaps between the sand blades. The dense sand blades couldn't harm him in the slightest."Hmm... It seems you can't extract my memories. So how do you know my moves?""After all, I'm a useless fruit...""Yes, I can see that."(=͟͟͞͞(꒪⌓꒪*))Meruem fiercely punched himself in the face: "Watch your mouth!""...Doesn't that hurt?""...It hurts."(･᷄ὢ･᷅) Huh?"Awesome... Alright, let's get back to the topic."Seeing that it had no effect, the sand golems floated to Meruem's four cardinal directions and stood still. They spread their arms, and huge sand connected between their arms, a surging sandstorm sweeping towards Meruem in the center."This current user of the Sand-Sand Fruit is a bit foolish. He only has these few moves, and he's still so useless at such an old age.""Useless like you, a piece of trash?"The mockery on Meruem's face froze. His right hand fiercely reached for his face, but his left hand stopped him. Standing in the middle of the sandstorm and making such a gesture, he looked utterly insane."...Never mind. Sun Breathing, Sixth Form, Burning Bone, Summer Sun!" The rotating black flames spun in the opposite direction of the sandstorm, turning the yellow sandstorm black. They fiercely spread outwards, burning the sand golems into black ashes."Alright, it's done. Give me back my body.""...You're a bit heartless.""I'm sorry, I'm just a heartless scumbag who pulls out after..."Meruem's pupils returned to black, and the strange tattoos on his face surged towards his heart, returning to their previous appearance. He twisted his waist in place, jumped twice, and then ran towards Alubarna."Oh, right, why did you say you were a useless fruit just now?""You saw your companion, right? The Mythical Zoan, nika fruit. That guy can make his host continuously grow, basically having no upper limit. And that guy's vitality is truly terrifying. While Logia users at least avoid attacks by turning into their element, that guy directly takes the damage. Even if his attack power isn't as good as yours, he can still wear you down. Lastly, that guy is truly the chosen one. I don't even fully understand that point.As for me, your limit is my limit. I can only mobilize your power more precisely, or rather, amplify it based on your power, at most 1000%. But that's a last resort. If you use it, your chance of survival is almost zero. And if he is the chosen one, then I am the forsaken one...""...Alright, it does sound pretty useless. Also, am I going to be very unlucky?! We're all Mythical Zoans, you're a bit embarrassing.""...If you say that again, the first thing I'll do when I come out next time is stab myself. Also, 'forsaken' doesn't refer to luck. You'll understand later.""Oh, it's fine, I've died once already, go ahead and stab.""...You... Never mind. Kid, are you sure you want to stay by the Sun's side?"Meruem pondered for a moment, a smile appearing on his face. "Yes, because I'm very happy with them.""Kid, don't regret it. When that day truly comes, I won't allow you to commit suicide, after all, this is my body too.""Yes, yes, yes, stay alive, I know." Meruem scratched his face perfunctorily... Alubarna Royal Palace Garden"Hey, hey, hey, what's going on here? I clearly came to persuade the Royal Army, so why am I seeing this scene?! Vivi, what exactly is happening?!" The rebel leader, Koza, looked stunned, the scene before him far exceeding his imagination.King Cobra, who was considered incompetent, had his limbs nailed to the wall by swords. Crocodile, hailed as a national hero, was brutally attacking the King's guards."Gahahahahaha, Koza, I have to thank you for your excellent leadership. Otherwise, overthrowing this country would have given me a headache for quite a while." Crocodile laughed arrogantly: "In 25 minutes, the rebels in the square and these Royal Army soldiers will all be blown sky-high by the special gift I prepared. And the commanders of both armies are actually here. It's too interesting to watch two headless flies fight to the death."Koza gripped the long sword behind his back: "Vivi, who is the one who stole this country's rain?""That's a truly boring question." Robin, standing nearby, laughed mockingly."Koza! Get out of here! Even if you can save just one more citizen, it's good. Now, only you can do it!" Cobra shouted loudly."Koza... stop this rebellion, get everyone out of the square, please..." Vivi's eyes were full of tears as she clutched Koza's sleeve, hating her own powerlessness.Koza's hand, gripping the sword, trembled. He turned and ran outwards.Crocodile appeared behind him, a smile on his face: "If no one accepts the gift I prepared, I'll be very unhappy." He raised his golden hook above his head and then swung it towards Koza.Vivi's attention had been on Koza. Seeing this, she pounced and fiercely pushed him away, exposing herself to the golden hook. Watching the approaching golden hook, she closed her eyes and shouted: "Koza! I'm counting on you!"Koza's mind had already been severely impacted. His strenuous efforts had actually been the culprit in destroying this country, something he couldn't accept at all. Now, seeing this scene, his pupils instantly dilated. He wanted to draw his sword but had no strength, he wanted to shout but had no voice. He could only watch helplessly as the golden hook moved towards Vivi.A loud roar came."Gum-Gum Pistol!"Crocodile's face took a fierce punch, sending him staggering back several steps. Luffy grabbed a nearby pillar with his fist and flew over, catching Vivi who was about to fall to the ground."I found you! Crocodile!"