Chapter 123 I Want to Hire a SecretaryChapter 123: I Want to Recruit a SecretaryFrom this place, taking the Sea Train, there are three possible destinations.The Spring Queen's Capital, Saint Poplar; Gourmet Town, Butch; and Carnival Town, Saint Fart.If it's someone related to the Marine, there's also another special train."We have a ship, so we don't need to take the train. We can just sail according to the Log Pose," Namisaid."Where is it pointing now?" Chimney asked."To the east from here."Kokoro said, "Is that so? Then it's in the direction of Water 7. That train just now came from Water 7's Blue Station. That place is called Water 7, and it's a great place. It's a city with a very developed shipbuilding industry. Its shipbuilding technology is the best in the world, and the ships it builds are exclusively for the Marine and high-ranking officials. Isn't that impressive?""So, that means there are super amazing shipwrights there.""Not only are there, but it's where the world's strongest shipwrights and shipbuilders gather."Hearing this, Luffy became extremely excited: "Usopp, alright, it's decided, we're going there! We must find a shipwright to be our companion."Upon hearing this, Kokoro decided to introduce a shipwright to everyone.Kokoro went inside the house and brought out a simple island map and a letter of introduction for everyone, introducing a guy named Iceberg to repair their ship.Iceberg is the mayor of Water 7 and the president of Galley-La Company, and also one of the apprentices of the legendary shipwright—Tom. He is greatly admired and worshipped by the citizens of Water 7."Water 7 is very large, so don't get lost," Kokoroadmonished."To think of us like this, Kokoro is truly a good person!" Usopp said."We will also return to Water 7 soon," Chimneysaid."If we meet, I'll treat you to a drink at a place I often go to. The Log Pose requirement for Water 7 is one week, so you can take your time there," Kokoro said."Ah, thanks!" Luffy said.Everyone smiled after hearing Kokoro's words."Then we're off. Thank you for telling us so much, Kokoro, Chimney," Nami waved goodbye.The Going Merry set sail again, this time heading to the famous Water 7.There, they would meet the gentleman like the wind, Franky."Let's go, to Meat City!" Luffy shouted from the sheephead of the Going Merry.On the way to Water 7, everyone discussed recruiting a shipwright.Sanji vouched for Luffy, saying he would find a shipwright himself, and he would definitely find a great beauty.Luffy didn't think so. Luffy believed a shipwright should be a man as tall as a mountain, at least five meters high."I'm so excited! Will there be a new companion joining us?" Chopper was a little excited.Luffy specifically drew a picture of a shipwright, using crayons.Looking at Luffy's drawing, Usopp complained, "If there were such a person, I'd run away first."Sanji was also very surprised: "Me too. If I had a ship, I would definitely escape to sea first, but he looks like he has octopus blood, so he might chase us into the sea."Luke yawned. The shipwright was Franky; that was a foregone conclusion.Looking at the Rumble Ball in his hand, Lukedecided to appraise it. Luke had exchanged it for a marshmallow."Ding! Appraisal Critical Hit! Rumble Ball appraised as Obedience Pill, can be given to a female to make her permanently loyal to you.""Oh my god~~ Oh my god~~ My~~"Luke kept repeating these words.Immediately after, Nami delivered a friendly face-punch: "No cursing, Xiao!"Luke clutched the large bump on his head, still staring intently at the pill in his hand, rereading its description carefully."Obedience Pill, can be given to a female to make her permanently loyal to you.""Holy cow, wow~~" Luke exclaimed involuntarily."Still talking!"Nami successfully made two large bumps appear on Luke's head.Luke didn't care about the bumps on his head; he cared about the pill's effect.This… this was too outrageous."Chopper, give me all your Rumble Balls!" Lukeshouted loudly.Chopper immediately blocked his door: "Xiao, what are you going to do? Your expression isn't right. What's wrong with you?""Rumble Balls, give them all to me. I'll trade you a whole cart of marshmallows for them," Luke rubbed his hands, looking very much like a shrewd businessman."Really?" Chopper's eyes lit up."Really. When we get to Water 7, I'll buy you a whole bunch of your favorite snacks, marshmallows," Luke said."Okay, I'll give you all the Rumble Balls."Chopper excitedly ran into his room, took out a bottle of Rumble Balls, and handed it to Luke.Sanji smoked a cigarette and shook his head: "Poor Chopper, little does he know he's been tricked by a devil."Holding the bottle of Rumble Balls, Luke began his great appraisal endeavor.It had been a while since he had appraised anything good, but now an Obedience Pill had appeared, reigniting Luke's appraisal heart.After appraising a bottle of Rumble Balls, he didn't find any more Obedience Pills. Sure enough, good things relied on luck.However, he did appraise quite a few Strength, Agility, and Armament Haki enhancement pills, so it wasn't a loss.He took out the only "Obedience Pill" again. Such a thing was truly rare in the world, something that should only exist in the heavens.With this pill, wouldn't beautiful women be easily obtained? Empress, Hiyori, Perona, Sadi-chan—just thinking about it made him unable to control his emotions."Appraiser-san, you're drooling," Robin reminded him.Luke wiped his saliva: "Um, I want to recruit a secretary. Does everyone mind?""Nani?" Everyone looked at Luke in surprise."If it's a great beauty, I don't mind," Sanji said.Regarding Luke's intention to recruit a secretary, everyone gathered around to discuss it."Xiao, you must have appraised something strange," Nami looked at Luke with cunning eyes."Um… no," Luke shook his head.Robin covered her mouth and giggled: "Appraiser-san isn't very good at lying.""Tell… what strange thing did you appraise?!"Nami leaned close to Luke, her head touching his forehead, her chest almost pressing against his.Under Nami's intense interrogation, Luke revealed the pill's effect.Now everyone was no longer calm.Except for Luffy, everyone else was dumbfounded.Sanji directly knelt before Luke: "If you can give me this pill, I swear, I'll cook you five meals a day. No, come find me whenever you want to eat, anytime, anywhere. Cold drinks, fish soup—I'll work like a dog without complaint.""Obedience Pill, is it delicious?"Luffy took the pill from Luke's hand and threw it directly into his mouth.Luke delivered a chop to the back of Luffy's neck, knocking the pill out of his mouth.Looking at the intact Obedience Pill in his hand, Luke and Sanji simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.Thankfully it wasn't eaten; it gave them a fright.
Chapter 124 Water CityChapter 124: Water 7The Obedience Pill sparked a huge debate within the Straw Hat Crew.Its effect was simply too heaven-defying; it was equivalent to turning a woman into one of their own, or even a slave.Morally, it was somewhat difficult to accept."I disagree, completely disagree!" Nami said, hands on her hips, not wanting Luke to give it to any other woman."I have a feeling that some indescribable things will happen if someone takes this pill," Robin said."Yeah, yeah, let me eat it, it tastes pretty sweet," Luffy said.Looking at the pill, Luke also found himself in a dilemma. It would be a shame to throw away something so good."How about we look at it from a different angle? What if the one who takes it is an enemy?" Lukeasked.Usopp said, "If an enemy takes this Obedience Pill, then she will become our friend. That sounds pretty good.""I promise I won't let anyone from our crew take this pill. I'll find an enemy, and only with everyone's consent will I let her take it. Besides, my appraisal work is very busy, and I happen to need a secretary," Luke said.Luffy said, "Oh, it's for work. I agree.""Captain, I also need a secretary!" Sanji raised his hand.Nami immediately delivered a critical blow: "Why do we need so many secretaries? We're on an adventure, not looking for secretaries. One is enough!""So, that means you agree?" Luke asked.Nami crossed her arms: "It's fine, but which woman takes it must have my approval. I'll supervise the whole process to prevent any innocent girl from falling into your hands.""That makes me sound like a bad guy," Lukeshrugged helplessly."To be able to appraise such a pill, you must have had something in mind. Definitely," Nami retorted.Robin chuckled, "I didn't expect Mr. Appraiser to have such a hobby."Now it's over, his image is ruined.Regarding the "Obedience Pill," with everyone's consent, it must be used under Nami's supervision, and the target must be an enemy.An enemy, Big Mom?Letting Big Mom take it and instantly become one of the Four Emperors? No, having Big Mom as a secretary is completely out of the question.Empress Hancock? She's not an enemy either.Luke listed the beautiful enemies, and it seemed only Kalifa, Perona, Hina, Stussy, Baby5, Monet, and Saint Shalria were left.Hina is a Marine, so she's out of the question.Stussy, the Queen of the Pleasure District, well, that's a possibility.Saint Shalria, the eldest daughter of the Celestial Dragon Rosward Saint, this is a good choice.Having a Celestial Dragon as his secretary, just thinking about it is exciting, but with his current strength, if she took it, he would face pursuit from the three Admirals.After some thought, perhaps Kalifa would be better. She's quite sexy, a member of CP9, so she counts as an enemy. She's cool-headed but also a bit of a natural airhead, and a Bubble-Bubble Fruit user, so no worries about bathing.It's decided, Kalifa, Luke has chosen his secretary.The secretary's main job would be to help him list the appraised treasures or handle other affairs, making things much easier."Everyone, come here! I'm distributing your weekly allowance now!" Nami said.Much of that allowance was provided by Luke; Namiwas currently the richest person."Really? I'm first!" Chopper said happily."We have money to spend!" Luffy was also very happy."Hooray, hooray, hooray!"When it came to getting money, everyone was more eager than the last.Looking closely at the Going Merry, it had become a Syrian war-damaged version, with patched iron plates everywhere on the mast, many holes in the deck, and patches all over its body.This trip to Water 7, the primary goal was to repair the ship.And then here, they would get the new ship, the Thousand Sunny."It's an island! I see an island!" Luffy exclaimed.From a distance, Water 7 stood in the distance.It was shaped like a huge cone, with a giant fountain in the middle. On either side of the fountain were many residential buildings, and many waterways extended downwards from the high points of Water 7.This city was the largest they had seen so far, without a doubt; its magnificent architecture was breathtaking."What is this?!" Luffy exclaimed."Wow! How amazing, truly worthy of being an industrial city," Usopp said."No wonder the Sea Train passes through here!" Sanji said."So cool, so much water!" Chopper said."How interesting! It seems to spray from the fountain, pass through the troughs, and then flow into the sea," Robin said.Directly ahead was the blue station called "BLUESTATION."However, they didn't see the location of the port.Just then, an uncle on a small boat passed by the Going Merry."Hey, you guys, it's not good for pirates to enter the city openly from the front. You'd better go around to the back alleys.""Yes, thank you," Nami said.So, everyone sailed around to the back alleys.The scene in the back alleys was somewhat similar to Venice.In the middle was a canal, with residential buildings on both sides. The houses were supported by sturdy stone pillars underneath, truly a maritime city.They could see inns, travelers at the inn's entrance, coffee shops, customers chatting at outdoor tables of coffee shops, and small boats coming and going in the canal."Look at the foundation stones under the houses. This place is a city built on foundations submerged in the sea," Robin said.Chopper exclaimed, "Really, the houses are built on raised pillars."Just then, the owner of a coffee shop who was cleaning saw them: "Hey, hey, I say, you guys, pirate ships aren't allowed to dock here. What are you doing here, robbing?"The people here didn't seem to be afraid of pirates."No, we're here to repair our ship!" Luffy said."In that case, there's a cape not far ahead. You can moor your ship there," the uncle said.Finally, the Going Merry docked at the cape the uncle mentioned, then lowered its sails and dropped anchor.During the process of lowering the sails, Zoroaccidentally snapped the main mast.Everyone stared at Zoro in astonishment: "Wow, what are you doing, you idiot?""No, I just pulled the rope," Zoro said, carrying the main mast.Zoro couldn't be blamed; the mast had already broken several times and couldn't withstand any more abuse."By the way, why aren't the people on the island afraid of pirates?" Nami asked, puzzled.Robin said, "Perhaps even if pirates act recklessly, there are bodyguards who can fight them."Nami took out a letter of introduction: "First, take Kokoro's letter of introduction and find a man named Iceberg. Ask him to arrange our ship's repairs, and then we must find a place to exchange gold for cash.""Alright, let's go, Water 7!" Luffy said.Nami took out the cart made by Usopp from the Going Merry, placed the gold on it, and handed it to Luffy to pull.
Chapter 125 Six Quick SecretsChapter 125: Rokushiki Crash Course ManualLuffy, Usopp, and Nami went ahead to Water 7 with the gold.Then Robin and Chopper decided to go to a bookstore to buy some books.Only three men were left on the Going Merry: Luke, Zoro, and Sanji.The three of them looked at each other, all feeling quite bored.Sanji decided to go to Water 7 to buy some ingredients, and Luke decided to wander around Water 7 alone to buy some good stuff.Ultimately, only Zoro was left to guard the Going Merry.Walking towards the gate of Water 7's backstreets, Luke was contemplating the upcoming plot.Robin would be taken away by CP9 to Enies Lobby.Should he interfere with this matter? Luke shook his head.Although Robin had joined the Straw Hat Pirates, there was still some estrangement between her and the others; she hadn't fully integrated. She even referred to people by their professions, like calling Luke "Appraiser Sir," Chopper "Doctor," and Sanji"Chef Sir."It was difficult for a girl who had been a refugee since childhood, growing up by reading people's expressions, to quickly open her heart.Therefore, only after experiencing the Enies Lobbyincident could Robin truly open her heart and gain a stronger desire to live for herself.There was another matter: Luffy and Usopp.Luffy, Nami, and Usopp were currently heading to the shipyard, wanting to find someone to repair their ship.However, the Going Merry's keel was already broken. Repairing it would be equivalent to building a new ship, and there were no identical timbers in the world. So even if a new Going Merry was built, it wouldn't be the exact same Going Merry, and everyone would feel that.So the shipwrights' advice was to build a new ship; the Going Merry could only be dismantled, not repaired.Usopp would definitely not agree to this, and he would have a big argument with Luffy, even leading to a duel.Luke would not participate in these matters, because these were all part of his companions' growth, and he shouldn't interfere unnecessarily.Without him, the Straw Hat Crew would still become an Emperor or King. What he had to do was enjoy the scenery along the way and make the process a bit simpler, a bit easier.Of course, some regrets still needed to be made up for. Luke would try his best to change some plot points, hoping it wouldn't be too outlandish by then.Luke hummed a tune as he entered the gate of Water 7's backstreets.As soon as he entered, he saw an old man reading a newspaper."Welcome, do you want to rent a Bull?" the shop owner asked.The so-called Bull refers to the Yagara Bull, which looks like a seahorse and is ubiquitous on the streets, serving as a means of water transportation. In addition to its use for water transport, the Bull has strong carrying capacity and can also be used to assist with moving. The rental fee for a small Bull with a double seat is one thousand Berries.Luke rented a Bull, sat in a small boat, and the Bull pulled the boat through the streets of Water 7.Luke asked the old man for the location of the bookstore, then rode the Bull towards the bookstore.During his time in the world of pirates, he hadn't seen a proper bookstore.He went to the bookstore mainly to appraise books, because Luke had previously appraised some books and discovered some basic body-strengthening martial arts manuals.So Luke believed that by appraising many books in a bookstore, there was a chance to find powerful martial arts manuals.How was his current physical technique, so to speak? He had strength and reactions, probably similar to Rob Lucci's Doriki, but he lacked combat skills, which made his fighting somewhat underwhelming.On both sides of the river, many people could be seen wearing masks and formal attire.This was because on St. Phalt Island, where the Sea Train passed, a masquerade carnival had been held for several days, so many people in Water 7 also wore masks.Suddenly, a tall, burly masked person passed by Luke.The moment they passed, Luke felt that this person was not simple, quite strong, walking steadily and powerfully, looking like a martial artist.If he wasn't mistaken, it should be one of CP9's members, perhaps Blueno, the Door-Door Devil Fruit user.They brushed past each other, Luke looked back, and then entered the bookstore.The bookshelves were filled with all kinds of books.Many of them were stories about sea adventures, some about Roger, and also stories about Germa 66."Mama, I want to buy a Germa comic book," a child said, pointing at a book."Don't you already have one?" Mama said."I don't have this one."Mama couldn't refuse the child, so she eventually bought him a Germa comic book, and the child left the bookstore in high spirits.He hadn't expected that Germa, so popular in the North Blue, would also be a bestseller on the Grand Line.Luke mostly looked at cultivation-related books, because his appraisal skill always yielded related items.A football couldn't be appraised as cutlery, nor could cutlery be appraised as books. The appraisal direction for culinary books also leaned towards culinary topics.So Luke chose to look at cultivation-related ones.On one bookshelf, Luke saw books about the Marine."Marine Legend Garp," "Absolute Justice – MarineAdmiral Akainu," "Lazy Justice – Marine AdmiralAokiji," "Ambiguous Justice – Marine AdmiralKizaru," "Sengoku's First Half of Life," "Great Deeds of Fleet Admiral Kong."These books were introductions to key Marinefigures, almost all of them extolling their great achievements.Luke's gaze finally settled on a book titled "Basic Introduction to Rokushiki."Rokushiki is a physical technique cultivated by high-ranking Marine officers.It refers to six techniques: Soru, Tekkai, Paper Art, Moonwalk, Rankyaku, and Finger Pistol. It is a physical technique that transcends the limits of human physique. Its power is immense, and if fully mastered, even Devil Fruit users can contend with it.Although it requires rigorous training to learn, a few individuals can grasp the knack after seeing it only once, like Luffy.For Luke, who hadn't systematically trained in physical techniques, this book was most suitable.He opened the book, and inside were basic introductions to Rokushiki, but no training methods were described.Without training methods, it was naturally impossible to cultivate.So Luke began to appraise this book."Ding! Appraisal successful. 'Basic Introduction to Rokushiki' has been appraised as 'Advanced Introduction to Rokushiki.'"He opened it again and found that the introduction was more detailed than before, but the training methods were very few and vaguely written.He continued to appraise, thankfully there were many books of this type."Ding! Appraisal successful. 'Basic Introduction to Rokushiki' has been appraised as 'The Origin of Rokushiki.'""Ding! Appraisal successful. 'Basic Introduction to Rokushiki' has been appraised as'Several Masters of Rokushiki.'""Ding! Appraisal successful. 'Basic Introduction to Rokushiki' has been appraised as 'The Weaknesses of Rokushiki.'"He appraised more than a dozen books consecutively, but none were suitable.Only one book was left. If he couldn't appraise a suitable one from this, it meant he had no affinity with Rokushiki.Luke took a deep breath and caressed the last Rokushiki book."Ding! Appraisal successful. 'Basic Introduction to Rokushiki' has been appraised as 'RokushikiUltimate Crash Course Manual.'"Luke clapped his hands. "Perfect, I'll buy this book."Luke spent one thousand Berries to buy this appraised manual.The owner was also very puzzled, watching Luke's departing back and wondering when he had stocked such a book.
Chapter 126 The Book Spirit's TeachingChapter 126: The Book Spirit's TeachingHolding the book, Luke sat back on Bru and ordered Bru to head to the shipyard.Luke, meanwhile, opened the book and began to browse it calmly while sitting on the small boat.Soru, one of the Rokushiki, allows for high-speed movement by stomping the ground dozens of times in an instant (0.36 seconds), generating explosive reactive force, making it seem as if the user vanishes from the enemy's sight.Tekkai, a defensive technique and one of the Rokushiki, involves channeling power into a well-trained body, giving it the hardness of iron. Even bullets and blades cannot penetrate it. The drawback is that the user cannot move freely while using Tekkai, though Jabra is an exception. The principle is to accelerate blood flow, speeding up muscle movement.Paper Art, a defensive technique and one of the Rokushiki, involves relaxing the entire body. By sensing the changes in airflow caused by an opponent's movements, the body can become as light and thin as paper, allowing for easy control and the ability to narrowly dodge any incoming attack.Moonwalk, one of the Rokushiki, is an application of Soru. Similar to the Wudang light-foot technique 'Ladder Cloud Ascent,' it uses powerful leg strength to kick the air, generating strong suspension force, allowing the user to walk in the air as if climbing stairs, but not for too long. By using this high-altitude movement technique, attacks can be launched from the enemy's blind spot in the air.Rankyaku, a leg technique and one of the Rokushiki, does not inflict damage by kicking the enemy directly, but rather by generating a vacuum slash through super-high-speed and powerful kicks, attacking the opponent and easily splitting the target in half.Finger Pistol, one of the Rokushiki, is a technique said to have the power of a gun firing a bullet. All of the body's power is concentrated in the index finger, and a hardened finger delivers a lightning-fast strike. The fingertip has the attack power of a bullet and can easily pierce a human body.As Luke watched, the scenery around him instantly changed. The river was gone, the houses disappeared, and a training ground appeared before his eyes.On the training ground, there were six Marinesoldiers practicing Rokushiki, each specializing in one technique.Luke could just follow along and learn.It was strange; he didn't know why he had entered such a fantastical scene. It might be related to the book, which had directly pulled his body into a training illusion.Never mind, since there was live simulation practice, he would just follow along and try to master Rokushiki.After more than an hour of practice, Luke had learned the movements well, but he was only imitating without grasping the essence.At this moment, a tall, broad-chested, muscular old man appeared.He had a scar over his left eye, blue eyes, a full head of short gray hair, and wore a Marine 'Justice' cloak.Isn't this the legendary Marine hero Garp? Lukeimmediately retreated several steps; after all, he was a Marine, not in the same faction as pirates."Welcome to the simulated practice world. I am the Book Spirit, impersonating the character of MarineHero Garp, a high-level master of Rokushiki, here to teach you Rokushiki in Garp's identity."Book Spirit? Luke was truly enlightened. He had heard of Ship Spirits; hearing of a Book Spiritseemed equally plausible."Teach me Rokushiki, Book Spirit!" Luke said reverently."Of course! I am the Book Spirit, an advanced spirit that allows people to quickly acquire knowledge from books. This learning content is Rokushiki. Each of the Rokushiki is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, making a total of 18 lessons, plus three ultimate technique lessons, for a total of twenty-one courses to be learned," the Book Spirit said."Twenty-one courses? Didn't you say it was a crash course?""It takes several years for an ordinary person to master even one of the Rokushiki, and that's for talented individuals. I can teach you in just a few lessons. Aren't you satisfied?""Not satisfied."The Book Spirit was momentarily speechless: "My mission is for you to learn Rokushiki. Twenty-one courses are the absolute limit after compression. Each lesson is ten hours. Of course, this is time in the training illusion; the real time that passes outside is also 10 hours.""You specifically mentioned illusion time and real time, and I thought the ratio would be different, but it's the same!" Luke complained."It's the same. You will need to spend 210 hours in illusion time and 210 hours in real time to fully master Rokushiki," the Book Spirit said to himself."Understood, I'm ready to learn!" Luke said, cupping his fists."Good. Next is the first lesson, Rokushiki's Tekkai. To become strong, taking hits is essential. Only those with tough skin can laugh last, so we'll start with Tekkai," the Book Spirit said."Alright!"The order of training didn't matter. 210 hours, 10 hours of training per day, plus accounting for unexpected situations, he could finish in about a month.Finishing beginner, intermediate, advanced Rokushiki, and the ultimate techniques in one month? In the world of pirates, one could only say, 'Is there anyone else?'"Hurry up and start, I can't wait!" Luke got into position, ready to learn."Stand firm in your stance, don't move."Immediately after, the Book Spirit, in Garp's form, delivered an iron fist straight to Luke's stomach."Pfft!!"A gush of blood spurted from Luke's mouth."What the hell are you doing?!" Luke looked at the Book Spirit in confusion."The necessary path to training Tekkai is to take hits," the Book Spirit said."I know about taking hits, but you don't have to hit so hard. My head is ringing right now.""Because this is ultimate crash course training, the hits you take will be dozens of times more intense than regular training. If you cannot persevere, this lesson will be forfeited, and you can start over next time.""Forfeited? Are you kidding me? Bring it on!"Luke roared and stood firm in his stance.Immediately after, the Book Spirit delivered an iron fist, and Luke spat out a mouthful of old blood, seeing stars.Without a word, Luke directly exited the live stream.Lying on Bru's small boat, he took deep breaths of fresh air. The outside world was truly better."Chopper, where are you?"Luke wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, searching for Chopper's whereabouts.Although Tekkai is very similar to Armament Haki, there are still differences. It relies on one's own muscle strength and can be considered an inferior version of Armament Haki defense.Although the effect is not as strong as Armament Haki coating, it is still somewhat useful in the early stages.The key is that this is the first lesson in the teaching; he couldn't proceed without learning it.Taking a puff of smoke to calm himself, Luke opened "The Rokushiki Ultimate Crash Course Secret Manual" and re-entered the training illusion.The Book Spirit, in Garp's form, appeared again."The previous lesson was forfeited due to premature exit, so the course must be started from the beginning," the Book Spirit said."Stop babbling, just get on with it." Luke took a deep breath, stood firm in his stance, and wrapped a thick layer of Armament Haki around his abdomen."Tekkai practice relies purely on physical strength; using Armament Haki is not allowed.""I..."Luke dispelled his Armament Haki. Immediately after, Luke was lost in Garp's relentless barrage of iron fists.
Chapter 127 The Straw Hat Pirates' CrisisChapter 127: The Straw Hat Crew's CrisisIn the evening, Luke, dragging his exhausted body, arrived at the shore, where the Going Merry was anchored.The ten hours of training felt like years; afterwards, Luke immediately took a stamina recovery pill to avoid looking so disheveled.The good news was that the first lesson was finally over. He had taken many punches, and the effectiveness would only be known in real combat.Just as he was about to jump onto the Going Merry, he saw Usopp jump off the ship with a grim expression. Although bandaged all over, his eyes were incredibly resolute."Hey, Usopp."Luke called out to Usopp.Usopp said nothing and walked straight past Luke.He almost forgot. He had been gone for ten hours, and Usopp had already fallen out with Luffy over the Going Merry.Several major events had occurred in those ten hours. One was that the Going Merry was deemed irreparable by the shipwrights and could only be replaced by a new ship.The second was that the two hundred million Berries Usopp had brought were stolen by the Franky Family. To get the money back, Usopp went to fight alone and ended up being severely beaten.Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji rushed to the Franky House, saw Usopp beaten beyond recognition, and in a fit of rage, demolished the Franky House.Afterward, Usopp woke up and, learning that Luffyintended to get a new ship, had a big argument with Luffy and decided to leave the Straw Hat Crew.Another thing was that Robin had disappeared, taken away by CP9 members who threatened the safety of the Straw Hat Crew members.Nami stood on the deck, shouting, "Usopp, stop! You can't do this! Hey, come back!""Hey, come back!" Sanji said."Don't go, Usopp! Come back!" Chopper cried.Luffy stood on the deck, looking at Usopp's back without a word.Usopp suddenly stopped. "Luffy, I can't keep going with you. I've been nothing but trouble for you until the very end. That ship truly belongs to you, Captain. So, let's fight, Monkey D. Luffy. I challenge you to a duel!"Usopp issued a challenge to Luffy.Luffy frowned.Usopp continued, "Tonight at 10 PM, I'll be back here. We'll duel with the Going Merry as the stake. I'll fight you until I win the Going Merry, and then our connection with you all ends here."With that, Usopp left."Xiao~! You're back!" Chopper jumped down from the deck, tears streaming from his eyes."Yeah." Luke nodded."Usopp, Usopp is leaving! Robin is also gone." Chopper bit his lower lip, trying not to cry."Yeah, Man Chopper, don't cry." Luke patted Chopper and said."Huh~! Xiao, what happened to you? You're covered in bruises!" Chopper asked in surprise."It's nothing, just a bit of training. Let's go back to the ship first."Luke hugged Chopper and jumped onto the deck of the Going Merry.Everyone returned to the room, and for a while, no one knew what to say."Xiao, where did you go?" Sanji asked."I went to a training dojo to practice for a bit." Lukereplied.Nami sighed, "Too much has happened today. We might need a new ship, but the money was stolen, Robin has disappeared, and now Usopp has left.""Xiao, I've decided to get a new ship. You don't have any objections, do you?" Luffy sat there, head down, speaking quietly.It was clear that Luffy was feeling a mix of emotions. The Going Merry being unable to sail was a given fact, and as Captain, he had to make the right judgment.Luffy made his choice, and it was the correct one. The ship couldn't just fall apart halfway through their voyage.It was just that Usopp found it hard to accept, and the others, though not as outwardly expressive as Usopp, also found it difficult to let go."I have no objections." Luke said."Mm." Luffy sat there, pulling his Straw Hat lower, his thoughts unknown.Nami looked at Luffy and said, "What are you doing, really? Why do crewmates have to duel? Give each other some time, and everyone will calm down, right? Usopp is just unable to accept things because it happened so suddenly."Luffy said weakly, "It's too late to turn back now.""That's not true! If you just apologize and talk it out properly, it'll be fine!" Nami said."I said, it's impossible now. Usopp wouldn't be foolish enough to stake his life on a momentary impulse. And if talking it out once could change things, it wouldn't have come to this. That's how it is." Luffy lay down and started to sleep."Luffy..." Nami murmured.Sanji also started arguing with Zoro.Sanji said, "So the Franky Family was here during the day, right?""Huh? So what?" Zoro replied."Why didn't you beat them all down then? That way, Usopp wouldn't have been attacked, and he wouldn't feel guilty!" Sanji exclaimed.Zoro countered, "If that's the case, then why didn't you go buy groceries? Wouldn't it have been better to deal with them all?""I was merely going to buy essential ingredients as a cook!" Sanji retorted.Nami interjected, "Stop it! Why are you arguing at a time like this? We have enough worries already; don't bring up the past. The happy times we had until this morning feel like a lie. If anything else happens to Robin, it feels like our crew will fall apart."Everyone remained silent until ten o'clock at night.It was the agreed duel time between Usopp and Luffy.Under the Moonlight, Luffy stood there, quietly waiting for Usopp.Everyone stood on the Going Merry, watching the duel."None of you are allowed to leave the ship, understood?" Luffy called out to those on board.Then Usopp appeared, walking with unwavering steps."No backing down, you came! Don't regret it, no matter how badly you get beaten. This is the duel you wanted!" Luffy stared at Usopp and said."Of course! Go all out. I'll show you what I can do. I already have a way to defeat you. Don't compare me to those enemies who don't know your true strength, Luffy. We've been together for so long; I understand your abilities very well. Don't be surprised when you hear this, Luffy.""I have eight thousand subordinates! If you want to live, surrender immediately! Usopp Spell: Blades inserted into all tooth gaps, bamboo skewers stuck into all fingernails."As Usopp said this, Luffy began to charge at Usopp."Gum-Gum Pistol!" Luffy stretched out his arm.Usopp suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, which, of course, was ketchup used to deceive Luffy.Luffy consequently pulled back his attack.Taking advantage of this opening, Usopp launched his attack."What's wrong? Are you going to pity your enemy? You're quite composed, aren't you? Flash Dial!"Usopp pulled out a Flash Dial he got from Sky Island, blinding Luffy's eyes.He then fired a stinky egg at Luffy and followed it with a Tabasco Star into Luffy's mouth."Sure-Kill: Tabasco Star!" Usopp declared.Luffy's mouth spewed fire from the spiciness.Then Usopp threw a pile of darts on the ground, causing Luffy to accidentally step on them and fall."Listen, Luffy! I will definitely defeat you and get the Going Merry, no matter what means I use!" Usoppshouted loudly.Immediately after, Usopp fired pepper dust, then secretly launched an Impact Dial, which contained gas.The gas filled the air around Luffy."I'm sorry, take this! Fire Star!"Usopp fired a Fire Star, causing the gas to explode, and flames engulfed Luffy.Accompanying the huge explosion, the Going Merryalso swayed back and forth.But as the smoke cleared, Luffy still stood there.Luffy slowly walked towards Usopp.Usopp said, "I know, this much won't kill you. I know you well, Luffy. You'll give your all in any fight. I know everything about you!"Immediately after, Luffy unleashed a Gum-Gum Rocket, but Usopp pulled out an Impact Dial, blocking Luffy's rocket attack and activating the Impact Dial to reflect all the force back, sending Luffy flying.Usopp clutched his aching arm and shouted, "How do you like that, you bastard!"Luffy still stood there, breathing heavily.It was impossible for Usopp to defeat Luffy.Luffy stretched his arm almost a hundred meters, then landed a heavy punch, a Gum-Gum Bullet, on Usopp's abdomen.With just one punch, Usopp was knocked to the ground, unable to move.Luffy could make many mistakes, but Usopp could only make one. This was the difference in their strength."Usopp!" Chopper shouted.Luffy looked at the fallen Usopp, then knelt on the ground, his body and mind exhausted."How could you possibly beat me!"Then Luffy stood up and turned to leave.Seeing this scene, Nami covered her mouth and couldn't help but cry, "I've had enough."Luffy picked up his Straw Hat from the ground. "The Going Merry is yours to do with as you please. We're getting a new ship and continuing our voyage."Usopp, lying on the ground, moved his fingers, then clenched them into fists. He was extremely unwilling.On one hand, it was his reluctance to part with the Going Merry; on the other, it was due to his incompetence, having lost the two hundred million Berries meant for repairing the Going Merry.Usopp felt some guilt. Deep down, he knew he was starting to fall behind the monsters on the ship.But he still had his dream: to become a brave warrior of the sea and one day travel to Elbaf, the homeland of warriors."I've been very happy all this time. Goodbye, Usopp." Luffy said softly.Chopper wanted to treat Usopp, but Sanji stopped him."At least let me treat him!" Chopper pleaded."Think about it carefully. How pathetic is a man who loses a duel and then receives pity? How much pain does unintentional pity cause the loser? He made this challenge with full preparation." Sanji held Chopper down and said loudly.At this moment, Luffy also walked over."It's so heavy." Luffy stood there, muttering to himself. Although his Straw Hat covered his eyes, it couldn't hide his sorrow."This is what a Captain is, right? Don't waver. If you're indecisive, who are we supposed to believe? Let him have the ship. Because we can no longer return to this ship." Zoro said.Luffy pulled his Straw Hat lower, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably.Usopp lay on the ground, tears soaking his face.
Chapter 128 Iceberg AttackChapter 128: Iceberg AttackedThat night, everyone left the Going Merry and went to a hotel in Water 7 to rest.No one could sleep that night; Luffy even sat on the balcony outside the hotel, staring blankly at the horizon.Luke couldn't sleep either, so he took the opportunity to continue practicing Rokushiki.Upon entering the training illusion again and seeing the Book Spirit transformed into Garp, Lukeinexplicably felt his muscles twitch involuntarily."What are we learning this lesson?" Luke asked.If the Book Spirit's answer was still Iron Body, Lukewould just go to sleep tonight."Last lesson, we studied the beginner course of Iron Body. Today, we'll strike while the iron is hot and learn the Paper Art skill," the Book Spirit said.Luke breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it wasn't Iron Body, or he really would have been beaten into a pulp."Paper Art requires you to release all your strength. By sensing the changes in airflow generated by an opponent's movements, you can make your body as light and thin as paper. This allows you to easily control your body and dodge any incoming attacks at the last second," the Book Spirit explained.It sounded like an inferior version of Observation Haki, but it would be beneficial for improving Observation Haki, so it was worth learning."I know that. What should I do next?""To hone your perception, you need to dodge my attacks for the next ten hours. Don't quit, don't give up. Successfully dodge ten thousand attacks, and you will master this skill," the Book Spirit said.Luke calculated: dodging ten thousand attacks, at a speed of one punch per second, would be 3,600 punches an hour, or 36,000 punches in ten hours. He only needed to dodge about one-third of the punches."Easy. Just don't get hit. If I can't beat him, can't I at least run?" Luke snorted coldly."No running allowed."The Book Spirit drew a circle on the ground: "This circle is your movable range. Exceeding this circle means failure, and you'll have to start over.""Is this on purpose? What grudge do you have?" Luke clenched his fists, wanting to punch the Book Spirit."I am the Ultimate Book Spirit, upholding a rigorous teaching attitude. Please respect my profession as a teacher," the Book Spirit said righteously."Fine, bring it on!"Luke stepped into the drawn circle, took a deep breath, and stared at the Book Spirit's fist.The distance wasn't too close; he could still react if it attacked."I'm about to make my move. From now on, your dodged attacks will be counted. Are you ready?""Ready." Luke twisted his neck, his expression becoming serious and focused."A-da!" The Book Spirit struck, kicking Luke out of the live stream.Luke, who had been staring at the Book Spirit's fist, was caught off guard. The old man had no martial ethics.Luke lay on the hotel bed, gasping for breath. That bastard actually used his feet. He couldn't tolerate it.Luke re-entered the training illusion."Welcome back to the training illusion. Your previous Paper Art training failed, so you need to start over," the Book Spirit said."One question: besides dodging, can I attack?" Lukeasked."Of course. Your task is to dodge ten thousand attacks within this circle. I don't care about anything else," the Book Spirit said."Good, bring it on!" Luke took a deep breath.Just then, the Book Spirit kicked, and a prepared Luke dodged it."Damn you! Take my Flame Heavy Punch!"Luke landed a Flame Punch, sending the Book Spiritflying.Then Luke threw the Demon Binding Rope, dragged the Book Spirit in front of him, and gave it a brutal beating."You hit me, huh? Take a nose bone correction punch! Take a tooth alignment punch!""You are wasting time meaninglessly. I have no physical body or sense of pain," the Book Spirit said, lying on the ground expressionlessly."I know. I'm just letting off steam. You know, when I'm in a bad mood, even if I learn it, I'll still feel stifled. Take my thunder god blade!"Luke pulled out the thunder god blade again and repeatedly stabbed the Book Spirit on the ground."You can't kill me because I have no life," the Book Spirit said.Luke put away the thunder god blade. He couldn't harm this guy, but he felt very pleased, and that was enough."Alright, let's continue the lesson, Book Spirit!" Lukestruck a pose."Okay, ten thousand attacks to dodge. 9,999 remaining."The Book Spirit quickly kicked out.Luke dodged nimbly. At the same time, the Book Spirit swung its fist, and Luke sidestepped it.In just one second, the Book Spirit launched 10 attacks. He dodged four and was hit six times."Stop, let's rest for a bit!" Luke sat in the circle, holding his stomach.He had ten hours, so he'd let himself recover for a while."May I begin?" the Book Spirit asked."Yes."Luke composed himself and stood up again.Just like that, five hours passed, and Lukesuccessfully dodged ten thousand attacks, escaping from the Book Spirit's clutches.The first thing he did after leaving the training illusion was to take a stamina recovery pill, then lie on the bed and ponder life.He checked the time; it was already five in the morning. He could still sleep for a bit.Luke closed his eyes and fell asleep within a few seconds.He didn't know how long he had slept until he was woken up by an anxious Chopper."It's bad, Xiao, something big has happened!" Chopper said.Luke stretched: "What is it, Chopper?""Last night, Mr. Iceberg from the shipyard was shot!" Chopper said."Got it. I'll sleep a little longer." Luke turned over and continued sleeping.Iceberg was attacked by CP9 and Robin. Of course, Robin was coerced; she feared CP9 harming the Straw Hat Crew and the Buster Call, so she worked for them.CP9's goal was the Pluton blueprints in Iceberg's hands.However, they didn't know that the Plutonblueprints were actually with Franky.To prevent the ancient weapon "Pluton" blueprints, entrusted to him by his master Tom, from falling into the hands of the World Marine, Iceberg gave the blueprints to Franky.Unfortunately, the Pluton blueprints were burned by Franky during the Enies Lobby arc."Xiao, I can't find Robin!" Chopper was so anxious he was almost crying.Luke stood up with a carp jump: "Let's go, let's take a walk around the street. It should be very lively today, after all, Mayor Iceberg was attacked.""Mm." Chopper nodded.After a quick wash, Luke and Chopper set off together to check the current situation in Water 7.Beyond the hotel, they heard noisy sounds outside and newspapers fluttering everywhere.All the content was about Iceberg being shot. Iceberg had high prestige in the city, so everyone was very concerned about his incident."Is Mr. Iceberg alright?""This is truly outrageous. Why would something like this happen?""Who did this? Who is the culprit?""There are no clues written above.""To do something so terrifying, it must be pirates, right!"People were discussing animatedly."Xiao, who could the culprit be?" Chopper asked.Luke calmly said: "Robin."Chopper became agitated: "Nani!""She was coerced by CP9. Don't be so nervous, Chopper.""CP9..." Chopper didn't understand.
Chapter 129 FrankyChapter 129: FrankyFranky and Chopper were sailing through Water Seven, and today was the city's most boisterous day.Luke explained the CP9 organization to Chopper, who was very shocked that those shipwrights were actually Marines."Robin was taken by them, what should we do?" Chopper asked anxiously."We'll just get her back," Luke said.Luke now planned to go to the shipyard. Luffy and Nami had already gone there to check on Iceberg's condition.Surprisingly, the river was congested today. Many citizens in the city were either rowing small boats or riding the Bull to the shipyard.What should have been a half-hour journey ended up taking an hour and a half.Finally, they arrived near the shipyard, where a commotion was taking place."Oh no, Franky's going to cause trouble!" a citizen shouted.Looking up, they saw Franky standing on the bridge in his underwear, with blue hair and muscular arms."Evacuate, everyone, quickly evacuate!"Franky's appearance was as terrifying as a disaster, scaring the citizens into scattering and fleeing.Franky took a deep breath, then spewed a Great Fireball Jutsu from his mouth, aiming it at the water.In the panicked crowd, Luke saw Luffy and Nami."He's spitting fire from his mouth," Luffy said, very surprised."What exactly is that guy?" Nami asked.Chopper waved to Luffy: "Luffy, Nami!""Chopper, Xiao, you've come too," Luffy said."That guy is Franky," Luke said.Luffy nodded: "That's him, he stole Usopp's 200 million Berries."Luffy stared at Franky, his expression very angry.Nami said: "Everyone, be careful, that guy might be a Devil Fruit user.""His body has been mechanically modified, he's not a Devil Fruit user," Luke said."A robot!" Luffy immediately became interested."Something like that," Luke said.Franky said to everyone: "Is spitting fire so rare?"Immediately, Franky leaped down from the bridge into the water."Is this guy an idiot?" Luffy said, staring at the water.Just then, Franky burst out of the water and punched the small boat Luffy and Nami were on, smashing it and sending the two flying into the sky.Luffy pulled out his Somersault Cloud capsule and, riding the Somersault Cloud, steadily caught Nami.Now it was Franky's turn to be astonished."A flying golden cloud, are my eyes playing tricks on me?" Franky rubbed his eyes."Your eyes aren't playing tricks, it's real," Luke said."Nani, who are you? Let me think, the Straw Hat Crew's Thunder Hammer, the guy with an 80 million Berries bounty," Franky said."It's me, are you scared?""What a joke, no one can make me, Franky, scared! Strong Right!"Franky's thick right arm shot towards Luke.The mechanical arms were connected by thick chains, and Luke was very curious how his fingers moved.The strong mechanical arm hit Luke's abdomen, and surprisingly, it didn't hurt much.Although it didn't hurt, he was sent flying.Luke flew in mid-air, then threw the Demon Binding Rope, tying up Franky in the water and pulling himself in front of Franky."Jaw Crushing Kick!"Luke kicked Franky out of the water and onto the shore.Luffy, riding the Somersault Cloud, also landed on the shore and gently set Nami down.Then Luffy said: "Xiao, I want to fight him one-on-one.""OK!"Luke chose to stand with Nami and Chopper, watching Luffy's battle."Luffy, send that swimsuit guy flying!" Nami shouted loudly.Luffy and Franky engaged in a big battle at the entrance of the shipyard. The fight affected the shipyard, damaging many of its stone walls and lifting machinery.Franky's combat power was also quite strong, making it impossible to determine a winner in a short time.Their battle quickly attracted the attention of the shipyard workers.Shipwrights Paulie, Rob Lucci, Kaku, Bippley, and Tilestone appeared, sending Luffy and Franky flying.Paulie, with a cigar in his mouth, said: "Always doing such boring things. What is your goal, Straw Hat?"The appearance of the shipwrights made the onlookers cheer. They loved watching the shipwrights deal with troublesome pirates."Hey, Galley-La guys, if you interrupt our fight, I'll be very annoyed. Do you want to get hurt?" Franky said to the shipwrights.Paulie said: "Still daring to speak so arrogantly? You've messed up our shipyard like this. We don't need a reason to stop you. But compared to that, there's something more important: Straw Hat Luffy, you know what you did, don't you? And you still dare to show your face here."Luffy, of course, didn't understand what he was talking about. He had only come here after hearing the news of Iceberg's injury.However, the shipwrights had already learned from the awakened Iceberg that last night's attack was done by Robin. Iceberg had seen it with his own eyes.Since Robin was part of the Straw Hat Pirates, the Straw Hat Crew was naturally assumed to be the culprits who attacked Iceberg.Franky said: "It's not enough to provoke just us, you've even provoked Galley-La. Are you guys teenagers who want to hurt anyone you meet?"Luffy shouted: "I told you, we didn't do anything!""If you want to play dumb, we'll tie you up first," Paulie said, taking out his rope and launching the first attack.The rope flew in front of Luffy, tying his neck."Ah! So tight, it hurts!" Luffy was about to suffocate.Luke threw a Fire Fist, burning through Paulie's rope."Our Captain said we didn't do anything. Are you deaf?" Luke said.The shipwrights immediately surrounded Luke."Hey, wait, I have no reason to fight you!" Luffy said.But what followed were two bullets from Bippley. The bullets hit Luffy and bounced off him.Franky tried to intervene in the fight but was sent flying by the shipwright Tilestone, who was carrying a large log.Immediately after, Rob Lucci also made his move, targeting Luke.Rob Lucci's punches were fast, but Luke dodged all of them using Paper Art.Rob Lucci couldn't be more familiar with these Rokushiki techniques."Marine?" Rob Lucci asked, puzzled."Pirate," Luke said.Immediately, Rob Lucci launched another offensive, much more aggressive than before.Luke also got annoyed and engaged Rob Lucci in a hand-to-hand combat.In the clash of fists, Luke was not at a disadvantage at all, as both their Doriki were about the same.Both of them were just testing each other at this point, not yet truly serious.Even so, the dazzling attacks had already astonished the onlookers."So fast," Luffy was surprised by the combat power of the shipwright Rob Lucci."These guys are so strong, damn it, what do they want? At least tell me why!" Luffy shouted.Luke and Rob Lucci stopped fighting. Rob Lucci was inwardly horrified that this handsome guy in front of him had such strong combat power.But Luke knew that his martial arts still had a gap compared to Rob Lucci's. He would need to complete at least half of his training to contend with a serious Rob Lucci.Paulie said: "We're the ones who want to know why. You were the ones who invaded the company headquarters last night and attacked Mr. Iceberg, weren't you?!"
Chapter 130 City-Wide WantedChapter 130: City-wide ManhuntLuffy and the others were astonished, as they were unaware of the situation at the time.Among those present, the CP9 members and Lukeknew the truth, but they remained silent.Luke couldn't say anything now; it wouldn't be appropriate. He couldn't exactly claim to be a transmigrator who knew everything."Don't talk nonsense! Why, why would we do such a thing!" Luffy roared.However, the shipwrights didn't buy it. Mr. Iceberg had stated that there were two assailants: a tall man wearing a mask, and Robin.So, at this point, there was no way to refute it.Should Luke expose Rob Lucci and the others as CP9 agents directly? Luke wouldn't do something so foolish; there was no evidence, and no one was familiar with CP9.Upon hearing this, the surrounding onlookers were filled with indignation."Unforgivable!"Their gazes towards the Straw Hat Crew turned hostile.Fortunately, Iceberg hadn't died, otherwise, there wouldn't even be a chance to ask for the reason.Kaku said, "You pirates, do you understand the meaning of a wanted poster? Dead or alive. It doesn't matter what anyone does to you; the world's laws won't protect you.""Arrest the murderers!""They tried to kill this town's hero!""Hang them!"The onlookers, ignorant of the truth, fanned the flames.Just then, a few citizens approached Nami, grabbed her by the neck, and tried to subdue her.Luke quickly arrived, kicking the two citizens away."Don't lay a hand on our navigator without my permission!" Luke took a puff from his cigarette.Bari said, "In any case, the four of you are finished. Opposing that person means opposing our Galley-La Company, and by extension, this city. You have nowhere to run; I'll deal with your entire crew."Bari was a gambler; his fighting skills were far superior to ordinary people, but still a long way from CP9.Everyone glared angrily at Luke and the other three.Luke smiled faintly, rather enjoying the feeling.Among so many people, besides CP9, there wasn't a single person who could fight.Luke slammed his hand on the ground, and a huge ring of fire separated the citizens from the others."You Crows who don't know the truth, shut up! If you keep shouting, I'll burn you all," Luke said.At his words, everyone outside the fire circle immediately fell silent."So, Captain, are we going to fight them now?" Lukeasked Luffy.Luffy said, "There's no reason to fight for now. Let's figure things out first."Just then, Franky, who was watching, became very annoyed."How many times do I have to say it, Galley-La? Why are you trying to catch my prey!"Franky had been in the middle of an intense battle with Luffy, and these shipwrights had stolen his thunder. Franky was very displeased.So, Franky raised his right hand and aimed his cannon at the shipwrights.A Super Fresh Fire, exceeding the speed of sound, was fired.The powerful blast directly sent the shipwrights flying, and the shipyard behind them was also affected, with the crane machinery directly blown apart."Destroy them all! Destroy them!" Franky shouted.Taking advantage of the chaos, Luke said, "Since we're not fighting, let's retreat!"Luffy nodded and pulled out his Somersault Cloud.Luffy and Chopper stood on the Somersault Cloud, while Luke used the Demon Binding Rope to tie around Luffy's waist, then put his arm around Nami, floating behind the Somersault Cloud.In this way, the four left the dock."We have to find a way to get to Mr. Iceberg," Luffysaid.Soon, the four arrived on the rooftop opposite the Galley-La Company.Before them was the headquarters of the Galley-LaCompany, where Mr. Iceberg was located.The key was that they didn't know where Iceberg's room was.Without a word, Luffy randomly chose a window and, like a spring, burst through the glass and rushed inside.This commotion was seen by the company members below."Straw Hat Luffy has invaded the main office!""What? In broad daylight!"The company members rushed into the building, searching for Luffy.Luke, Nami, and Chopper remained on the opposite rooftop."By the way, I think I've already spotted Iceberg."Luke pointed to the large window opposite, through which Iceberg could be seen on a hospital bed, receiving an IV drip."That idiot Luffy!" Nami covered her face and shook her head.However, Luke had no intention of breaking in, because Kalifa would soon get Iceberg's permission to let Luffy in.After a while, they indeed saw Luffy enter Iceberg's room.The conversation between the two was about the assassin.Iceberg confirmed that Robin was one of the culprits.At the same time, Iceberg had a request for Luffy to come in: he wanted to see Robin.After their conversation, Luffy leaped out of the window and appeared before the three."He said he really saw Robin, but I don't believe him," Luffy said, pressing down on his hat.Just then, a voice came from the city's loudspeakers: "Notice to all residents on the island: To prevent Aqua Laguna, all docks in the shipyard on Shipbuilding Island are open as evacuation shelters. It is expected to be crowded, so please evacuate as early as possible. Also, Dock 1 is currently in a dangerous state."A tsunami was expected that night, causing sea levels to rise and submerging houses downstream, so an early warning was issued.The residents of Water 7 had no time to dwell on Mr. Iceberg's attack and quickly packed their belongings to head to the upstream docks.The Straw Hat Crew was now being hunted city-wide.So, they decided to gather everyone first and then discuss the next steps.Luke and Luffy split up, but only found Zoro. Sanjihad disappeared somewhere.This was typical of the Straw Hat Crew; people often went missing but were always found later, so there was no need to worry.The few of them sat in a circle and began discussing Robin's situation.Zoro said, "From today on, I won't see you all. It sounds like she's announcing that something will happen today that will further worsen the situation. The attempted assassination of the mayor has already caused an uproar. If the situation worsens further…""This time, they really mean to assassinate the mayor," Nami said."It's natural to think that way, but since she knows it will incriminate us, it could also be a trap to lure us to the scene."Zoro, like Conan, expounded his views."Wait, if you say that, wouldn't Robin be the real enemy?" Nami asked."I'm just stating possibilities, not confirming that claim. Whether you believe it or doubt it, if you lean towards either side, your reaction in the next moment will be delayed. If something is going to happen, it will definitely be tonight," Zoro said.Nami was also curious about the identity of the tall man walking with Robin and deduced that Robin's change must be related to him.Currently, these were all just guesses, with no clues whatsoever.Although Luke knew everything, he was too lazy to explain; the truth would reveal itself tonight."Capture Robin!" Luffy said.
Chapter 131 Carrera RaidChapter 131: Galley-La RaidIt was getting dark, and there were streetlights.Compared to the daytime, tonight had been continuously noisy.Near the Galley-La Company, a hundred employees stood guard, preventing enemies from invading the company.Franky and his two attendants walked on the street, searching for Luffy and the others.Franky learned from his subordinates that Usoppwas still on the Going Merry, so he decided to go trouble Usopp.At the water elevator, there was a long queue.Citizens needed to use the water elevator to move from downstream to upstream, thereby avoiding tonight's tsunami crisis.In their leisure time, citizens whispered to each other, discussing the day's events and the Straw Hat Pirates.Below the Galley-La Company, company members shouted slogans, keeping their spirits up as they patrolled, not even letting a mouse slip by.At the entrance to Mr. Iceberg's bedroom, Bippley, Rob Lucci, Kaku, Bippley, and Tilestone sat there, guarding Iceberg's safety.Among them were two CP9 members, Rob Lucciand Kaku, who were considered the two strongest members of CP9.Kalifa stood in Iceberg's bedroom, pretending to patrol; she was also a CP9 member, having been an undercover secretary for so many years, she had long developed excellent self-discipline.After chatting with Iceberg for a while, Kalifa walked out of the room. Next, she would transform into a CP9 agent.It was past eight o'clock in the evening.Luke and Luffy and the others arrived near the Galley-La Company, observing the situation from a large tree.They wouldn't go in yet; they would wait until Robincaused chaos, as their goal was to capture Robin."If we miss tonight's opportunity, we'll be separated from her for no reason, and we won't get another chance to find Robin. Now is the time to go all out," Zoro said, leaning against the tree.I have to say, Zoro analyzed things clearly, accurately, and at crucial moments; he was a reliable swordsman.They waited from 8:30 until 9:45.Finally, something happened at the Galley-LaCompany.With an explosion, the CP9 raid began.Galley-La employees immediately became alert and started searching everywhere for intruders.Kalifa, wearing a mask and a large coat, rushed into the Galley-La Company with a whip in hand.Facing the defending company employees, Kalifaeasily dealt with them using her whip.Luke and the others watched the masked person's performance intently."Huh!? Where's Luffy?" Chopper suddenly asked.Only then did everyone realize that Luffy was gone; he had clearly already set off."Think before you act, that idiot Captain!" Zoro and Nami complained.Meanwhile, Robin and CP9 member Blueno also began their assault on the Galley-La Company.Galley-La Company members surrounded Robinand Blueno, cornering them against a wall, believing they had the upper hand.However, after a volley of bullets, the two had already vanished. Blueno used the power of the Door-Door Fruit, phasing through the wall into the company's interior.Kalifa, whip in hand, used Moonwalk, dazzling everyone with her moves.With just a few cracks of her whip, a dozen people were knocked down.Since Luffy had already run off, Luke stretched his limbs: "I'll go in and have some fun too!"Seeing Luke leave, Nami sighed: "They're hopeless, those two are hopeless."Luke hummed a tune as he walked towards the Galley-La Company. What should be his first step?If he remembered correctly, Luffy, who had left ahead of him, should be stuck between two walls, unable to get out.It was always like this; at critical moments, he was either swallowed by a snake or stuck in a wall crack, waiting for the crucial moment to appear and turn the tide.Today, Luke wouldn't believe in such nonsense. He went directly between the walls and found Luffystuck."Xiao, I'm stuck! Get me out!" Luffy said.Luke punched, blasting the room into fragments, and Luffy was freed."What's wrong with you?" Luke said, speechless."I ran too fast and didn't watch my step, so I got stuck between two walls," Luffy explained."Why did you run? Don't you have the Somersault Cloud?" Luke asked, confused."Sogga! I forgot!" Luffy slapped his palm with his fist, suddenly remembering that he had such a treasure."If it's really not working out, just give me back the Somersault Cloud," Luke sighed."No, absolutely not, no no, no no!"As he spoke, Luffy suddenly stepped onto the Somersault Cloud and flew away in a flash."I..." Luke was left swaying in the wind."I said, you could at least take me with you," Lukesaid, speechless at this idiotic Captain.Having no choice, Luke took out his Harley motorcycle from his spatial ring.With the roar of the throttle, he sped towards the Galley-La Company.Soon, Luke arrived at the entrance of the Galley-LaCompany."It's Straw Hat's Lightning Hammer Xiao! Get him!" the guards shouted.Luke had no time to bother with them. With his left fist blazing a fiery path and his right hand on the throttle, the motorcycle charged directly into the first floor of the Galley-La Company.This was Luke's first time riding a motorcycle inside a company. Speeding through the corridors on a motorcycle had a unique flavor.At a corner, he roared up the stairs on his motorcycle, arriving at the second floor.In the corridor on the second floor, he knocked over a group of people, then continued on his motorcycle towards the third floor."Everyone, get out of my way!"With sparks and lightning trailing him, Luke rode his motorcycle to the third floor, outside Mr. Iceberg's bedroom.Looking at the bedroom door before him, Lukepressed the throttle again."The demolition crew is here!"With the roar of the motorcycle, he crashed directly through the bedroom door and into Mr. Iceberg's bedroom.Then, Luke executed a stylish brake, coming to a steady stop there.At this moment, in Iceberg's bedroom, besides Iceberg, were Kaku, Blueno, Kalifa, Rob Lucci, and Robin.Everyone looked at Luke in astonishment."Xiao!" Robin covered her mouth, incredulous."Isn't that cool!" Luke straddled his motorcycle, pulled out his sunglasses and put them on, then lit a cigar.The CP9 members, however, were quite calm.Rob Lucci's face was grim: "Annoying!"Just then, with an angry roar, Luffy, riding the Somersault Cloud, burst through the window from outside."Where's Robin?" Luffy shouted.Nami, Zoro, and Chopper also arrived from downstairs at this time, entering Iceberg's bedroom."Robin, I finally found you!" Luffy said, panting."Robin, it's so good to see you!" Chopper said."Wait, what's going on?"Looking at the scene before them, Nami and the injured shipwright Bippley were very confused.Kalifa was Iceberg's secretary, Kaku and Rob Lucciwere Galley-La shipwrights, and Blueno was a bar owner.Why were they here with Robin, and why did they have such cold expressions, so different from their usual demeanor?Undercover for seven years, just for the Plutonblueprints, diligent and conscientious; the Oscars owed them a little golden man.
WarChapter 132: BattleThe members of CP9 stood there, and an invisible pressure enveloped everyone."Mr. Iceberg, what on earth is this?" The shipwright, Paulie, was greatly shocked."Come to think of it, I know that square-nosed guy," Zoro said."Could it be that the assassins were hiding among them?" Nami said.Rob Lucci wore a black suit, a bowler hat, and had his hands in his pockets.Now he no longer spoke with ventriloquism, but with his own mouth."Paulie, actually, we are spies sent by the Marine. We apologize, will you forgive us?" Rob Lucci said.Paulie listened, fuming with rage, gritting his teeth.Rob Lucci continued, "After all, we were partners who worked tirelessly on ships day and night. If you can't accept it right away, I can step on Iceberg's face to prove it to you.""What a joke! That's enough!"Paulie clenched his fist, "You can talk, can't you? How dare you toy with me!"Paulie's anger was inexpressible, and he directly attacked Rob Lucci.Paulie threw out a rope with blades. Rob Lucci used Rokushiki's Soru, easily dodging Paulie's attack and appearing in front of him."Finger Pistol!"Rob Lucci's index finger plunged into Paulie's left chest.Perhaps out of consideration for having worked together, Rob Lucci did not deliver a fatal blow."Still haven't learned your lesson, Paulie? Don't push yourself. We all possess techniques that transcend human limits. This is Rokushiki, a martial art developed through long-term training that makes the human body as formidable as a weapon. Those who master it can take on a hundred opponents," Rob Lucci said, looking at Paulie's blood on his finger.At this moment, in Paulie's mind, scenes of their past struggles flashed by: Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa."Why are you!"Paulie struggled to his feet.Rob Lucci grabbed Paulie's shoulder, "Forget it, you're going to die anyway, my poor friend."With that, Rob Lucci raised his right hand, his five fingers aimed at Paulie's heart. If that blow landed, Paulie would surely die."Stop right there!"Luffy kicked out.Lucci grabbed Luffy's right foot with one hand.Then Luffy shouted, "Gum-Gum Gatling!"A barrage of fists rained down on Rob Lucci."Iron Body!"Rob Lucci stood there, letting Luffy's fists pound his body, not moving an inch.After the Gatling attack, Lucci was completely unharmed."Annoying! Soru!"Rob Lucci vanished as if teleporting, appearing on the left one moment, then on the right the next.Then he appeared in front of Luffy and used Finger Pistol on Luffy's throat.The Finger Pistol sent Luffy flying. Fortunately, Luffywas a rubber man; otherwise, that Finger Pistolwould have pierced his throat.Luffy fell to the ground, clutching his neck and gasping for breath.Luffy got up and pulled Paulie, who was near Lucci, behind him, ensuring he wouldn't be attacked."What are you doing, Straw Hat?" Lucci said."You wanted to kill him, didn't you? Aren't you guys partners who built ships together?" Luffyquestioned."Until just now. Not anymore," Lucci said."Why are you helping Paulie?" Kaku asked."Because I also have something to ask you guys. Hey Robin, why are you with these kinds of people? If you're leaving, at least explain why," Luffy said.Nami said, "Yeah, didn't these guys say they were from the Marine? Why?"Robin said calmly, "Are you deaf? I should have already said goodbye to the cook and the doctor. Didn't they tell you?"Chopper said, "I did, but even I can't accept it. Why, Robin!""To fulfill my wish, a wish that can never be fulfilled by staying with you all. I'll pay any price to achieve it," Robin said."And for that, you're content to let your comrades take the blame? What is your wish?" Zoro said."I don't need to say it.""Are you really our enemy now?" Chopper found it hard to believe.At this moment, Rob Lucci walked over."Sorry, this is as far as it goes. We need to find an important person and are busy. There's nothing left here, and you all are completely useless. Kalifa, how much longer?"Kalifa pulled out her pocket watch: "Two more minutes.""Although it's sudden, in two minutes, this place will be engulfed in flames. Fire is the most effective way to destroy all evidence. If you don't want to burn to death, leave here quickly. Of course, that depends on whether you have the ability to do so."Zoro gripped his sword, "It seems you're going to kill us to silence us. Nico Robin also seems to be on their side. Luffy, do you accept Robin leaving the ship?""How can I accept it!" Luffy shouted."Stop shouting. The fire will be here soon, but it's normal for pirates to set fires, isn't it?" Rob Luccisaid."You scoundrels!" Paulie was filled with hatred.Nami waved her clima-tact, "To do whatever you want under someone else's name, how despicable!"Blueno said, "You're already infamous, so what's one more crime?""I'm leaving first!"Robin put on her hooded cloak.Rob Lucci said, "Good, your mission is complete. You've worked hard.""Wait, Robin, I don't accept it!" Luffy said."Farewell."With that, Robin pushed open the window, preparing to leave.Iceberg lay on the ground, weakly saying, "Don't let her go, stop Nico Robin."Luffy ran towards Robin, "Where are you going again? I just found you after so much trouble."Blueno blocked Luffy's path."Get out of my way!" Luffy kicked at Blueno.Blueno used Iron Body, and Luffy's attack caused him no harm."Why are these guys' bodies so hard!" Luffy said.Blueno said, "Our trained bodies are as hard as iron, but we don't just defend.""I told you to get out of the way!"Luffy once again used Gum-Gum Gatling on Blueno.This time, Blueno used Rokushiki's Paper Art.Under Luffy's fist attacks, Blueno actually stood still and dodged everything, all his moves missing."He's as light as paper!" Nami exclaimed.Suddenly, Blueno disappeared and reappeared behind Luffy."As long as you have explosive leg strength that makes you seem to vanish, Moonwalk!"Blueno used Moonwalk, stepping on air and flying, darting back and forth inside the room."I can even float in the air by kicking.""He's flying, what's going on!" Chopper exclaimed."And Rankyaku!"Kalifa and Kaku attacked together, appearing in front of Luffy, and kicked Luffy with a RokushikiRankyaku.The Rankyaku carried a sword-like air current, sending Luffy flying, and at the same time, fierce aura flew towards Nami, Chopper, and Zoro.The three quickly ducked, and the terrifying foot-air directly cut through the wall, leaving a huge crack like a sword cut.It was terrifying, too terrifying. Nami looked at a few strands of hair on the ground. If she hadn't ducked, her body would have been cut down by that fierce aura."Did they just use their feet to cut through the wall?"Nami asked, looking at the broken wall.Kalifa said, "You can do it if you're fast enough to create a scythe wind. That's Rankyaku."At this moment, Zoro rushed over.Kaku pulled out an ordinary long sword and blocked Zoro's attack."We met on the ship, Roronoa," Kaku looked very relaxed."You're not a shipwright. Could it be that your inspection of our ship back then..." Zoro slashed at Kaku, who easily blocked it again.Kaku said, "Unfortunately, the ship's inspection was very thorough.""That's a real shame!" Zoro attacked Kaku again.Both men, each holding a long sword, engaged in a sword fight, the clang of steel ringing incessantly.Robin stood by the window, reaching her hand towards it."Don't go, Robin! We haven't finished talking!" Luffyshouted."No, it's over. We won't meet again!" Robin said, looking back."Quick, grab Robin!" Zoro said.Luffy ran towards Robin again."Roronoa, you still have time to look around."Kaku continuously used three Finger Pistols, plunging them in front of Zoro."Ah! Zoro!" Chopper exclaimed.Zoro spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground.Luffy, who was running, was also caught by Rob Lucci with one hand and lifted into the air."Damn it!" Luffy couldn't break free from Lucci's grip."Luffy was caught so easily!" Nami was stunned."Let's go, Nico Robin!" Rob Lucci said.Robin turned, intending to jump out the window.At this moment, the roar of a motorcycle sounded, directly knocking over Rob Lucci."You're really hard! My motorcycle's front end is gone because of you!"Luke's motorcycle front end was like it had hit an iron block; the entire wheel was bent, the headlight was broken, and the throttle was unresponsive.Luffy took the opportunity to break free from Lucci's hand, "Nice work, Xiao!"Luke threw the Demon Binding Rope, pulling Robin, who had just jumped down, back up."Don't leave so soon, come back first," Luke winked at Robin.Robin stood at the window, looking at Luke in astonishment. She had been pulled back up again.Rob Lucci stood up, his face gloomy, and brushed the dust off his body."How annoying. We, CP9, since we were old enough to understand, have been prepared to die for the Marine, and have undergone training beyond human limits. Thus, we have mastered six superhuman martial arts, the Rokushiki. You should have a deep appreciation for the difference in combat power between us four, who bear the heavy responsibility of Marineford, and you, who are barely a pirate crew.""This matter is a world secret, not something you can meddle with. But since the opportunity is rare, before you die, let me show you something interesting!"After Rob Lucci spoke, his body began to swell rapidly.The user of the Cat-Cat Fruit, Leopard form, Luccidisplayed a terrifying leopard form.Lucci's height grew to that of the ceiling, his body grew yellow and black fur, similar to a leopard, his muscles were coiled, his size was astonishingly large, and his fingers grew sharp claws.Facing such a terrifying enemy, Luffy was fearless and punched Lucci.Lucci extended his right hand and directly struck Luffy's abdomen, his long claws piercing through Luffy's back.Luffy was instantly defeated.Then Lucci grabbed Luffy's head, "Fly off this island!"Lucci violently threw Luffy away, but he was pulled back by the Demon Binding Rope thrown by Luke."Surprised? Excited?" Luke shoved a recovery pill into Luffy's mouth and then threw Luffy to Chopper.Rob Lucci raised an eyebrow, "How bothersome. I haven't settled the score from earlier."With that, Lucci attacked Luke.Rob Lucci, in his leopard form, had greatly increased strength and speed.Lucci delivered a powerful, heavy palm strike towards Luke.If that palm strike landed, Luke, who hadn't eaten any Devil Fruit, would definitely find it hard to resist."Xiao!" Nami shouted."Be careful!" Chopper said."Paper Art!"Luke used Paper Art, standing still and dodging Lucci's domineering palm strike.Rob Lucci stood there in astonishment. It was Rokushiki again.Then Rob Lucci launched a furious, storm-like offensive, and Luke used Paper Art to quickly dodge.Of course, Luke had only completed the basic training of Paper Art, and facing this Rokushikimaster, Luke also took a few punches, which were quite painful."Fire Fist: Burst!"A huge fireball appeared from Luke's fist, striking Rob Lucci's body, directly blasting Lucci away, and a strong smell of burning fur was detected.Luke wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Little kitty, let's have a good fight today."Luke touched the stamina pills in his pocket, a slight smile on his lips.Rob Lucci flipped over and charged at Luke again.This time, Lucci used the Soru technique, dodging left and right, his trace unseen."Illidan bless me!" Luke put on the blindfold, the Curse of Sargeras, giving him a 360-degree all-seeing Byakugan."He actually covered his eyes!" Kalifa exclaimed in shock.Kaku also found it hard to believe. It was the first time he had seen someone fight Rob Lucci with their eyes covered. Was it arrogance or a death wish?Rob Lucci was also enraged and suddenly appeared behind Luke.A Finger Pistol capable of piercing through thick walls aimed at Luke's back.Luke smiled slightly, "I see you!"Then he used Paper Art to dodge Rob Lucci's attack."Rising Dragon Fire Fist!"A punch carrying fierce flames and a punch-wind, imbued with Armament Haki, struck Rob Lucci's jaw hard.From bottom to top, a Rising Dragon Punch sent Rob Lucci flying off the roof."With the blindfold on, I can't see your faces, but I can see your ugly souls!" Luke exhaled.Blueno, Kaku, and Kalifa all took a few steps back.They stared in astonishment at the handsome young man wearing a mask in front of them, the "Thunder Hammer" wanted by the Marine.Rob Lucci being sent flying was simply unbelievable.It should be known that Rob Lucci was the de facto leader of "CP9," whose duty was dark justice, known as "CP9's" strongest and most ruthless killing machine in history, hailed as the strongest in Enies Lobby's "CP9" for 800 years.Although Lucci had not yet been defeated, this terrifying combat power had already been displayed, on par with Rob Lucci.Robin covered her mouth, not expecting the Appraiser to be so powerful.With a roar, Rob Lucci crashed through the wall from outside and rushed in again.His fierce, leopard-like eyes fixated on Luke.