Chapter 157: Triple HuntAbove the red roofs of Water 7, four black figures streaked across the continuous expanse of red tiling at high speeds."Confirmed without a doubt, those are indeed characteristics of the lunarian race."Kaku accelerated from beside Blueno, flashing in front of Lucci to report.Hearing this, Lucci came to a sudden halt atop a roof ridge, his black curls swaying lightly in the wind.The other three stopped as well, silently awaiting orders."Blueno,"Lucci's gaze swept over Robin and Merry, who were tucked under Blueno's arms—Both had lost consciousness, their limbs hanging limply toward the sloping roof."Franky visited your bar, didn't he?""Yes, during the morning. Accompanied by that curly-brow and long-nose—""Black Leg Sanji and the demolition genius Usopp of the Straw Hat Crew."Blueno adjusted the positions of the two in his arms, adding with a hint of fatigue,"Later, they headed toward the backstreets."Lucci nodded slightly, his voice cold and stern:"The prey in your hands is of no small importance; there must be no mistakes.""According to intelligence, there is a reindeer in the Straw Hat Crew whose Zoan-type sense of smell is exceptionally keen. It's highly likely he'll track their scent."He paused, then ordered:"Go ahead to the sea train and wait. Use a transponder snail to notify Enies Lobby to prepare for reception."Blueno nodded in silence, and a rectangular doorway appeared out of thin air.He cautiously tightened his grip on the two in his arms and stepped sideways into the rippling spatial ripples.As he disappeared, the air door slowly closed and everything returned to normal, as if nothing had ever happened.Almost at the same moment, inside a luxury carriage, Blueno leapt out from a door that appeared out of nowhere.He placed Robin and Merry on a bench and carefully checked the Sea Stone handcuffs on their wrists before letting out a long sigh of relief.Using spatial abilities so frequently and continuously was a great burden even for him.On the rooftop, Kaku looked at the air that had returned to calm and shrugged helplessly:"That guy Blueno, his ability is certainly convenient, but he must be reaching his limit today.""It's time to move."Lucci's voice pulled their attention back, a chilling glint in his eyes."We're going to meet Tom's other disciple—to retrieve the blueprints for Pluton from Franky, or rather, Cutty Flam."As soon as he finished speaking, he had already leapt out, appearing on the roof ahead in the next instant.Kaku and Kalifa exchanged a glance and followed closely behind, the three black shadows once again blending into the intricate rooftops of Water 7.In the shadows of a corner in the shelter, Mark firmly pressed his hands on Chopper's shoulders, pushing the trembling little body slightly away from himself.He stared into Chopper's tear-filled eyes, his voice low but carrying an undeniable power:"Chopper, look at me! Now is not the time to be immersed in sorrow—""Our companions need you, Nami needs you!""Nami? What happened to her?!"Chopper snapped his head up, messily wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes with his hooves, his voice filled with panic.Mark's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice hoarse from suppression:"She's badly injured... the shipwrights of Galley-Lahave also been nearly wiped out. You're the only one who can save them now."Before he finished speaking, Mark ignored any potential eyes around him and raised his hand to draw a brilliant Rainbow Gate in the air.The seven-colored light swirled quietly in the dim shelter, illuminating his solemn profile."Chopper, get in! Nami and the injured are inside.""If you need any medicinal materials or instruments, just shout loudly inside; I can hear you from the outside.""Understood! If the going merry is also inside, then all my medical equipment will be there."The panic in Chopper's eyes was instantly replaced by a steady light, and he turned without hesitation, his small figure resolutely plunging into the seven-colored light.Mark quickly gathered the scattered items on the ground and waved his hand again to open a passage.When he stepped out, he was already in an empty street.The gale whipped his ink-black hair into a frenzy. He squinted to identify the direction and then sprinted out like an arrow from a bow."I must make it in time..."His whisper broke in the wind,"Sanji, for heaven's sake, don't let that damn chivalry of yours get in the way this time..."His figure moved rapidly through the intricate alleys of Water 7, as if racing against an invisible countdown.The green lawn in front of the Franky House had been soaked by the waves. Luffy's sandals stepped on the saturated grass, making "squelch squelch" sounds."Franky—! Sanji—! Usopp—!"Luffy shouted at the strangely shaped building at the top of his lungs, his rubber-enhanced lung capacity letting his voice echo along the coast."Strange, why is no one answering?"Luffy scratched his head; he had been shouting for quite a while."Could we have been led the wrong way?"Zoro folded his arms and glanced at the green Bullu by the shore.The Bullu shook its head hurriedly, then nodded vigorously."Are you shaking or nodding your head?"Zoro glared at this creature that had made him look foolish, his tone tinged with annoyance.Luffy mimicked the Bullu's movements, nodding and shaking his head at the same time."It means it didn't lead us the wrong way. This is the home of that guy who wears nothing but underwear all day.""Why can you understand what it's saying?"Zoro looked incredulous."Since we're in the right place, they've likely moved to higher ground."Zoro's sharp gaze swept the surroundings, finally settling on a stone bridge not far away."Look, only at that height would the tsunami not reach.""Franky and the others must be taking refuge in a place like that."Luffy raised a hand to press down on his Straw Hat, the gaze beneath the brim suddenly turning sharp."Right, then let's go to the bridge to find them.""Those CP9 guys... how dare they hurt my nakama. I'm definitely going to blow them all away!"The two figures resolutely turned and sped toward the stone bridge on higher ground.In the backstreets of the northeast coast, the figures of Luffy and Zoro had just disappeared at the end of the path leading to the stone bridge.Meanwhile, in a narrow alley near Dock No. 3, Zambai and his brothers were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Straw Hat boy."The Boss told us to meet him here; don't miss him," Zambai said, standing on tiptoe to peek out of the alley entrance.Suddenly, two black shadows silently blocked both ends of the alley."Within three seconds, tell me Franky's whereabouts."Lucci stood at the alley entrance, his face covered by a green-glowing metal mask. His voice was icy, and killing intent surfaced.Zambai and his brothers were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter."Hey, hey, hey! Who does this masked kid think he is?""Talks a big game, doesn't he!""Want to find our Boss? Ask the weapons in our hands first!""Brothers, let's get him."With a wave of Zambai's hand, a dozen or so burly men grabbed their weapons and swarmed forward.However, in the next second, screams echoed through the narrow alley.Lucci casually took off the mask and threw it on the ground, his eyes indifferent:"I intended to spare your lives, but since you're seeking death..."Before his voice fell, his figure was already weaving through the crowd like a ghost.In just over ten seconds, the members of the Franky Family, who had been so aggressive just a moment ago, were all lying on the ground, unable to get up.Only Zambai could barely support himself, but he had clearly lost his fighting strength—This was the result of Lucci's deliberate control."Kaku."Lucci called toward the end of the alley."Understood."Kaku landed lightly and skillfully squatted down beside Zambai.It was the same familiar interrogation method:Proposing hypotheses and listening to the heartbeat. Before long, Lucci's gaze locked onto a certain direction.Kaku delivered a precise knife-hand strike to the back of Zambai's neck and watched him slump down."Better to let the tsunami decide his fate than to die at our hands."This way, the mission was completed while avoiding the charge of killing innocents—After all, on the surface, they were still civil servants representing the World Government.Kalifa leapt lightly down from the top of the wall: "Did you find out?""Yeah, that guy has another secret base near Dock No. 3, right behind this alley," Kaku replied."Go." Lucci ordered briefly, and the three black shadows quickly disappeared into the depths of the alley.At this time, inside the secret base just a wall away, the atmosphere was completely different from the tension outside."Ugh... so moving..."Franky knelt on the ground, his mechanical body trembling slightly, tears streaming down. Nearby, Mozu and Kiwi hurriedly handed him towels."Hey, what are you crying about, you pervert?" Usopp looked at this scene helplessly."...I'm not crying!"Franky was being stubborn, but he grabbed a towel soaked with tears with his mechanical hand and wrung it hard, and the tears immediately formed a small puddle on the floor."Anyway, that's the whole story of how we saw Merry appear on Sky Island and then helped her get a new body on the Moon."Usopp took a sip of tea, quite satisfied with his narrative effect.It had to be said that the story of the going merry, after his artistic processing, indeed possessed a tear-jerking magic."Ding-ling— Ding-ling—"The doorbell suddenly rang.Sanji's eyes lit up: "Could it be Luffy and the others?"He walked quickly toward the door, his hand already on the doorknob.It was too quiet inside and outside the door—all sounds fell silent at this moment, the entire city holding its breath in anticipation.
Chapter 158: DeathmatchJust as Sanji's fingers brushed against the cold doorknob, a powerful sense of crisis surged up his spine to the back of his head.His Observation Haki screamed a sharp warning at that exact moment.He twisted the knob without hesitation, and the moment he saw the three dark figures outside, his body reacted instinctively."Get back!"He barked the command, his legs carving two perfect arcs through the air.After two consecutive backflips, he landed steadily in front of Franky.Almost simultaneously, the spot where he had just been standing was pierced by a finger coated in Armament Haki, the air letting out a shrill whistle as it was torn apart.Lucci slowly retracted his finger, his icy gaze bypassing the battle-ready Sanji to lock directly onto Franky."Cutty Flam, it's time for this farce to end."He took two steps forward, his leather shoes echoing clearly against the stone floor. Kaku and Kalifa followed closely behind him like shadows."Will you hand over the blueprints for Plutonvoluntarily, or shall we wait until we've broken every bone in your body to take them?""You government lapdogs! Besides, I don't have bones."Franky roared as he stepped forward, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Sanji."What happened to Iceburg? What did you do to him?""Mr. Iceburg?"Lucci's lips curled into a cruel arc."If he's lucky, he's probably drawn his last breath by now. Just like those overconfident little lackeys of yours at the shipyard."Those words were like lighting a fuse.Sanji's eyes were instantly stained red with rage, and his right leg suddenly erupted with scorching blue flames."Diable Jambe: Premier Hachis!"His figure turned into a streak of blue light, his burning right foot slamming violently into Lucci's face.Lucci's face contorted under the heavy impact, and he was sent flying back like a broken kite, smashing the thick solid wood door into splinters.The offensive didn't stop there!Using the recoil, Sanji spun gracefully in mid-air, his left leg carrying a searing current of air straight for Kaku's face.Kaku hastily raised his arms, coated in Armament Haki, to block, but was shocked to feel a searing pain—His sleeves were reduced to ash the instant they touched the eerie blue flames."Manipulating flames? Don't tell me you're also of the lunarian race?""What... did you just say?"Sanji's voice dropped several degrees, his eyes narrowing dangerously.Kaku patted out the remaining sparks on his arm and said expressionlessly,"That little girl who's always wearing the yellow raincoat, she's a lunarian, isn't she?""You're dead!"Sanji's figure vanished instantly, appearing before Kaku in the next second.This kick was wreathed in unprecedented blue flames, striking Kaku squarely in the chest.The immense force caused Kaku's eyes to roll back, and he was sent flying backward like a cannonball.However, he didn't hit the ground.A massive claw covered in leopard spots caught him steadily.The fully transformed Lucci slowly set his comrade down, arching his powerful back in the posture of a predator about to pounce."He's not a lunarian, but he has a special Lineage Factor flowing through him... He's worth capturing alive for research."The two figures collided violently within the narrow space.However, the gap in speed was far too obvious; with a flash of Lucci's silhouette, Sanji was seized by the neck by a massive furry claw and slammed hard against the wall."Cough!"Blood leaked from the corner of Sanji's mouth.Lucci's other claw began to gather the aura of death, his pitch-black fingertips aimed at Sanji's shoulder."The weak are the ones who commit the sin!"Swoosh—The sound of something tearing through the air suddenly rang out.A pitch-black pellet shot toward Lucci's eye at a speed nearly impossible for the naked eye to track.Lucci hastily raised a palm coated in Armament Hakito block, only to discover in horror that the pellet pierced straight through his hand.If he hadn't tilted his head to dodge at the last moment, the strike would have surely punctured his eyeball.Lucci stared in disbelief at his bleeding palm, then snapped his head around to look at Usopp, who was still in a shooting stance."As expected of a target the higher-ups specifically ordered to be taken alive."Lucci said through gritted teeth,"What kind of bullet is that?""Where are you looking?"Enduring the intense pain, Sanji delivered a vicious upward kick that slammed into Lucci's chin.The massive force sent Lucci's beastly form soaring into the air, crashing heavily into the ceiling."Lucci?!"Kalifa cried out in shock.She had never seen the invincible Lucci look so pathetic.Amidst a thunderous boom, the granite ceiling cracked into a spiderweb pattern, and rubble began to rain down."It's going to collapse! Get out of here!"Franky scooped up the Cutty Flams Sisters and charged toward the hole Lucci had smashed."Mere cyborgs..."Kaku's figure suddenly appeared at the opening."Before us masters of the Six Powers, your only option is surrender!""Strong Right!""Hissatsu: Kayaku Boshi!"Franky's mechanical arm and Usopp's special ammunition fired simultaneously.The three forces collided violently in mid-air, and the resulting shockwave caused the already unstable ceiling to finally collapse completely."Diable Jambe: Premier Hachis!"Sanji endured his injuries and leaped into the air, his right leg glowing with a blinding red light like a reverse meteor heading straight for the falling boulders.After a deafening explosion, the dozen tons of granite were kicked into powder, falling as a rain of stone."So cool! Sanji!"Usopp shouted excitedly while dodging the falling debris.As the dust settled, the pile of stones in the center of the ruins suddenly exploded.Lucci shook off the rubble and actually began to laugh softly."That really hurt... It's been a long time since I felt anything like that.""Is this guy crazy?"Usopp peeked out from behind Franky and whispered."Why hasn't Straw Hat arrived yet?"Franky watched the abnormal Lucci, cold sweat soaking his back.Just then, the transponder snail in Lucci's pocket began to ring."Bulu bulu... bulu bulu..."Lucci took out the transponder snail and pressed the answer button."Speak, Chief.""Hot, hot, hot... Curse this coffee!"The other end of the line first featured a frantic scramble, followed by the crisp sound of ceramic shattering."Cough... Lucci? How is the mission progressing?"A voice asked, feigning a deep tone."We are in the process of capturing Franky... Tom's other apprentice."Lucci reported calmly."Franky?... Wait, you mean Cutty Flam?!"The voice suddenly became excited."The brat who was supposed to have died eight years ago? Unbelievable! But I'm just so happy!""Who the hell are you? Do I know you?"Franky roared.Sanji and Usopp also held their breath, wanting to hear the true identity of this CP9 chief."Hahaha, did you forget? The man who arrested Tom's Workers eight years ago as the Chief of CP5 on the grounds of attacking the judicial ship."Spandam said smugly."So it was you! Spanda! You were the one who manipulated my battle-ships to attack the judicial ship and framed us back then, you bastard!"Franky's mechanical fists creaked as he clenched them."It's Spandam!"Spandam corrected him angrily from the other end."That's right, I did it. What are you going to do about it?"Now you're all about to become my prisoners. I look forward to seeing you at Enies Lobby."He continued to give orders:"Listen up, bring all the prisoners to Enies Lobby..."Before he could finish, another chaotic sound came from the other end; it seemed he had been hit in the face by a candle stand that bounced back when he tried to chop it with a sword."Ah! Hot, hot, hot! Curse this candle stand!"The communication was then cut off.Lucci put away the transponder snail and rolled his neck."Small talk is over. Time to complete our mission.""Soru!"His figure vanished instantly."Give Miss Robin back! You damn cat!"Sanji's kick accurately intercepted Lucci's path of advancement.The two instantly engaged in a blur of combat, their speed so fast it was dizzying.Sanji leaned back to dodge a heavy punch from Lucci, but it was just a feint—Lucci's thick tail whipped out like a steel lash, striking Sanji squarely in the waist."Ugh!"Sanji was sent flying by the unexpected blow, crashing heavily into a wall."Sanji!"Usopp was about to step forward to help when Kaku's Rankyaku flew past the tip of his nose, leaving a deep slash in the wall behind him."You should worry about your own situation first."Kaku walked over slowly.Usopp raised his slingshot with trembling hands."Don't—don't push me! I am Captain Usopp, commander of eight thousand men!""Who would believe such nonsense?"With a "Soru," Kaku instantly appeared in front of Usopp, reaching out to snatch his slingshot.However, Usopp suddenly grinned and threw a right punch.Kaku easily raised a hand to block, but unexpectedly, Usopp's fist opened to reveal a conch-shaped shell."Flash Dial!"A blinding white light erupted instantly, and Kakuinstinctively closed his eyes and retreated.By the time he regained his vision, Usopp's palms were already pressed against his chest."Go to hell! Reject Dial!"The terrifying impact sent Kaku flying, leaving a deep human-shaped indentation on the heavy iron door."Nice job, Long-nose!"Franky, who was stuffed inside a sack, shouted excitedly.However, Usopp's victory was short-lived.Kalifa's thorny whip coiled around his body like a venomous snake, its sharp barbs instantly leaving him bloodied."Oh no! It hurts!"Usopp screamed in pain.Tch.Seeing this, Sanji forced himself to take a Shiganfrom Lucci to break through the combat zone and rush to Kalifa.His right foot, carrying a gust of wind, stopped right in front of her face, but he hesitated to let it fall."Shigan!"Kalifa didn't hesitate to open two bloody holes in Sanji's body, followed by a Rankyaku that kicked him away.The blood-covered Sanji struggled to stand up, but felt his collar being gently lifted from behind."I won't hit a woman, even if it kills me..."Sanji turned his head with difficulty and finally sighed in relief upon seeing the newcomer's face.Mark stepped slowly out of the shadows, his long black hair fluttering gently in the air currents."I really do have to admire that damn chivalry of yours."His gaze swept over his heavily injured comrades before finally settling on Lucci.Multicolored light began to gather around him, like the final light before a storm."Leave the rest to me."
Chapter 159: The Defeat of CP9Mark's figure slowly stepped out from the shadows, his long black hair fluttering slightly in the air currents following the fierce battle.He first glanced at Usopp, who was tightly bound by thorn whips and looked completely disheveled."Mark!"Usopp looked as if he had seen his savior, his voice carrying a sob of relief after surviving a disaster."Yo! Usopp,"A barely perceptible curve formed at the corner of Mark's mouth,"That look of yours... is quite unique."His gaze then swept over Sanji, who was leaning against a wall, covered in blood but still forcing himself to stand.The fleeting softness in his eyes when looking at his comrades was instantly replaced by cold killing intent the moment he turned toward the beast-form Lucci.The air around him seemed to freeze, with faint black electrical arcs jumping and flickering in the air, making subtle crackling sounds."My partners were 'taken care of' quite well by you, Lucci."Mark's voice was terrifyingly calm, like the suffocating surface of the sea before a storm.Lucci licked the blood off his claws and pulled a cruel smile:"It was alright. Once you're all escorted to Enies Lobby, I'll 'take even better care' of you.""Merry,"Mark's voice suddenly dropped, each word squeezed out from between his teeth,"You took her too, didn't you? Is she alright?"Lucci shrugged indifferently, his mottled fur shaking with the movement:"That little girl? Who knows, for now... she should still be alive."Mark lowered his head and let out a chilling low laugh.When he looked up again, his eyes had turned completely crimson:"Haha... So, have you thought about how you want to die?""Ptui!"Lucci spat a mouthful of bloody saliva onto the ground with disdain."Very well,"Mark's voice was so cold it seemed capable of freezing the soul,"Then I'll choose for you."*Whoosh!*Mark's figure vanished from the spot. It wasn't a move like'Soru' that relied on extreme speed, but rather a flicker more akin to a spatial jump, closing in on Lucci's front in an instant!Lucci's beastly pupils constricted sharply, his wild instincts screaming a warning as his claws swung out with a whistle that tore through the air.Mark neither dodged nor retreated. His left hand, shaped like a palm, parried and hung like a swimming dragon. His Taiji soft energy flowed smoothly, skillfully deflecting the lethal claws while his right fist, like a released bowstring, struck out at close range!"Baji: Heart-Piercing Elbow!"*Thud!* A dull, heart-wrenching boom rang out.Lucci's solid chest visibly caved in, his massive body lifted off the ground as a mist of blood sprayed from his mouth.Mark's offensive was like thunder, continuous and unrelenting, giving his opponent no chance to breathe!"Iron Mountain Lean!"He turned his side and sank his shoulder, concentrating his entire body's power into a single point, as if transforming into a mountain, and slammed hard into Lucci's chest.*Crack!* The clear sound of bone fracturing was exceptionally piercing in the silent ruins."Three Hands of Yama!"Fists, palms, and fingers struck like a torrential rain, hitting Lucci's throat, heart, and solar plexus in rapid succession!Every strike contained a terrifying force capable of shattering stone monuments.Lucci coughed up blood wildly, his beast-form body retreating step by step. The speed and power he prided himself on seemed so pale and weak before Mark's close-quarters, violent Baji Quan!"Rankyaku!"Seeing this, Kalifa nearby forced a breath and sent a sharp vacuum slash through the air, attempting to save her comrade by attacking the enemy.Without looking back, Mark reached into the void. A pitch-black staff with a ferocious lion head and dragon patterns—Ink Meteor—appeared out of thin air."In a fight, I only distinguish between those I can beat and those I can't."Mark's cold voice sounded like a pronouncement.Ink Meteor suddenly woke up like a sleeping black dragon, arriving later but striking first, accurately hitting the weak point of the Rankyaku and shattering it into chaotic air currents.The staff followed through with a press, like a mountain collapsing!"I don't distinguish between men and women."*Bang!*The staff pressed heavily onto Kalifa's shoulder. The terrifying force made her legs buckle, and she slammed to her knees, the stone slab beneath her shattering!"Women only slow down the speed at which I eat.""Hey! Usopp, Sanji—! We're here!"Just then, Luffy's energetic voice, like sunlight breaking through dark clouds, came from the hole.He and Zoro were each carrying two lackeys from the Franky House, jumping through the large hole and landing steadily.The moment the voice rang out, Mark's attention was inevitably diverted for a brief second.Kaku, who had been holding his breath and waiting for an opportunity, had a sharp glint in his eyes!"Soru!"Enduring the intense pain throughout his body, he exploded with his final strength. His target wasn't to attack, but to lunge toward Kalifa, who was being suppressed by Ink Meteor.He wasn't foolish enough to clash head-on with Ink Meteor; instead, he accurately kicked the side of the staff where it met the ground!"Clang!"A crisp metallic ring echoed as the staff vibrated slightly under the clever force.Almost at the same instant, Kalifa's body slid down like a boneless snake, followed by a desperate but effective "Soru," narrowly escaping the suppression range of Ink Meteor.She stumbled to join Kaku, and both retreated to the side of Lucci, who was struggling to crawl out of the ruins.Now, the three members of CP9 were finally reunited, but they were all tattered, covered in blood, and their auras were extremely weak, clearly at the end of their ropes.Kaku clutched his mangled chest, his voice hoarse and low:"Lucci, the situation is too bad. We must retreat!"Lucci looked at the Straw Hat crew gathered opposite them, especially Luffy's eyes, which burned with a raging fire like a predator eyeing its prey. He coughed up blood and let out a low, raspy laugh:"Heh... Does their gaze look familiar?It's exactly the same as the way we usually look at our prey."He stared fixedly at Luffy, trying to create a final psychological pressure with words:"Even if you win against me here, so what?It's already too late for that lunarian race girl and Nico Robin!They have probably already arrived at Enies Lobby!That is the official gateway of the World Government, an impregnable fortress. Do you dare to break in?!""Enough talk!"Luffy suddenly pulled down his Straw Hat, the shadow under the brim unable to hide his resolute tone."Since you dared to hurt my partners, you must be prepared to be completely destroyed by us!"The battle that followed had no suspense.Luffy and Zoro struck out in anger, their offensive like a violent storm.The already critically injured CP9 trio completely lost their ability to resist, falling one after another into pools of blood and rubble. Even the "Life Return" they relied on to save their lives could no longer repair their broken bodies.Just as Mark's gaze sharpened, preparing to deliver the final blow to the fallen Lucci—*Vroom!*A rectangular space door opened rapidly beneath the three CP9 members without warning!Blueno's figure stumbled out from the door on the other side. His face was as pale as paper, and his breathing was rapid; clearly, using his ability continuously had pushed him to his limit."Go, quickly!"Blueno shouted with all his might.The bodies of Lucci, Kaku, and Kalifa instantly fell through the door, which then began to close rapidly."Trying to escape?!"Mark's reaction was incredibly fast. Almost the moment the door was about to disappear, the Ink Meteor staff shot out like a bolt of black lightning, accurately wedging itself into the closing gap of the door!He let out a great roar, his immense Haki and physical strength exploding simultaneously, forcibly tearing open a gap in the unstable space door once more!He reached one hand into the alternate space without hesitation!"Get out here!""Thud—"Blueno was forcibly dragged out of the disappearing spatial passage by him, slamming heavily back onto the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.Meanwhile, the Lucci trio completely vanished behind the closed space door, taking advantage of that brief, almost negligible obstruction.Blueno struggled to lift his head, looking at the surrounding Straw Hat crew who were watching him like tigers, then looked back at the empty air behind him, a faint and complex smile appearing on his face.By becoming a prisoner himself, he had exchanged a slim chance of survival for his three comrades."Rumble—!"Just then, a low roar that seemed to originate from the deep sea itself and shake the soul approached from afar. The entire Water 7 was vibrating violently, as if a giant hand were shaking the city."Something's wrong!"Franky rushed to the hole in the wall and looked out. His face instantly turned pale."The sea... the seawater is receding frantically!"The seawater at the harbor was pouring back into the depths of the ocean at a visible and alarming speed. In an instant, the seabed that had never seen the light of day was revealed—silt, shipwrecks, and reefs were all exposed, as if the entire ocean had been sucked dry by an invisible giant hand!This was the most terrifying and clear sign before a super tsunami—The more violent the ebb tide, the more horrific and vengeful the subsequent giant wave would be!"This year's Gods of Water... its scale is beyond imagination! Unprecedented!"Franky's voice was dry with shock."No time to waste!"Mark instantly retracted Ink Meteor, his expression more solemn than ever before."We must head to the central highlands immediately! Move!"Luffy glanced at the unconscious Blueno and his injured partners, then decisively ordered:"Take them with us, let's go!"Mark immediately opened the Rainbow Space and quickly sent the seriously injured inside, leaving them to Chopper for emergency treatment.Without hesitation, everyone rushed out of the crumbling ruins and sprinted toward the inland area with the highest terrain in Water 7.Behind them, at the distant horizon where the sea met the sky, a wall of water connecting heaven and earth—A white wall of water that swallowed everything had already formed, pressing toward the beautiful city on the water with the force of a mountain and the power to destroy all things.The roar was like countless giant beasts howling at once!At the critical moment when the giant wave was about to swallow all low-lying areas, Mark once again forcibly opened the Rainbow Passage while running.This time, the light of the passage was noticeably dimmer, but it needed to extend further to reach a safe shelter."Get in! I... can't hold it for long!"Mark gritted his teeth. Maintaining such an overloaded passage was a huge strain on both his mind and body.No one dared to delay and rushed into the passage one by one.When the last person's figure disappeared into the seven-colored light, the passage abruptly closed.Almost at the same instant, the world outside was completely swallowed by the boundless, murky seawater, as if the entire world had sunk into the dark, deep sea.Only the desperate roar and the groans of the building structures under unbearable pressure echoed in their ears."Are we... are we saved?"Usopp slumped on the relatively dry floor of the Galley-La Company's top-floor warehouse, looking at the chaotic deep blue outside the window, panting heavily with lingering fear.Sanji immediately entered the Rainbow Space to check on Nami and Chopper.Zoro held his sword, guarding the warehouse door like a rock, his sharp gaze locked onto Blueno, whose abilities were sealed by Sea Stone handcuffs in the corner.Luffy pressed down his Straw Hat and silently watched the destructive scene outside the window.In those eyes that were always full of sunshine and smiles, there was now only a depth like the sea and an unprecedented seriousness.Partners kidnapped, powerful enemies surrounding them, natural disasters raging, and an uncertain future... all of this weighed heavily on the shoulders of this young Captain.Taking advantage of the raging tsunami and the inability to go outside, interrogating Blueno became the top priority.Blueno, physically woken up, was silent at first. But under the gaze of Mark's crimson eyes that seemed to see through souls, and in the face of Luffy's undisguised—Anger at wanting to avenge his partners, and especially after feeling Sanji's killing intent that was almost enough to char him, he finally spoke."Robin and that little girl... have indeed been sent ahead to Enies Lobby."Blueno panted as he spoke,"We didn't report the news about the lunarian race; after all, it involved too much.Nico Robin is the key to activating the ancient weapon... They will be imprisoned directly in the deepest part of the Tower of Justice.""Enies Lobby... How do we get there?" Luffy asked directly."The sea train 'Puffing Tom' has tracks leading to Enies Lobby..."Blueno glanced at the still-raging seawater outside the window, "...but in this weather...""How did you suddenly appear?"Sanji suddenly interrupted coldly, kicking the rubble at his feet.Blueno was silent for a moment, seemingly unwilling to talk much, but under Mark's increased pressure, he let out a groan and explained reluctantly:"It was... Chief Spandam's order.He originally wanted to use a transponder snail to contact Lucci to confirm the mission progress, but Lucci's transponder snail... was probably destroyed in the battle and couldn't be reached."He paused, a hint of humiliation appearing on his face:"Chief Spandam contacted me. He... he was very angry after learning about the situation.He ordered the train to depart ahead of schedule, then forced me to use my ability to return immediately, confirm the situation, and take Lucciand the others away if possible.He... he couldn't wait to personally 'punish' the man who left a scar on his face eight years ago.""I see,"Mark sneered, "So you didn't come back to save them out of camaraderie, but because you were following that idiot chief's orders?"Blueno remained silent.Stopped🔊 Browser
Chapter 160: Determination and the Journey Ahead"Tell us everything you know about Enies Lobby."Mark's voice was low, carrying an unquestionable pressure as the five pairs of eyes converged on Blueno.Blueno looked up, a hint of mockery on his face."You... it's better if you don't know.""Knowing will only make you more desperate.""Cut the crap!"Sanji tapped his foot impatiently on the ground, sparks faintly flickering at the tip of his shoe."Tell us everything you know!""Hmph."Blueno sneered."So what if I tell you? Your companions will eventually be escorted across that drawbridge to the Gates of Justice—""That is the end of hope for all prisoners.""Do you know why?"He paused deliberately, enjoying the process of applying psychological pressure."Because the currents behind those two giant gates lead to only two places—"His voice turned cold."One leads to Marineford, the headquarters of the Marine, representing the World Government's ultimate military power;""The other goes straight to Impel Down, the Great Underwater Prison where countless vicious criminals are held.""For Nico Robin, either path is hell.""As for that little girl..."He curled his lip."As a precious living specimen of the lunarian race, she will surely be sent directly to the research facilities at Marineford.""We set out immediately!"Luffy stood up abruptly, his gaze beneath the Straw Hat sharp as a blade, his voice decisive."But Luffy!"Usopp hurriedly stepped forward, pointing at the still-raging sea outside the window."Look at those giant waves! Even the going merry in its best condition couldn't possibly cross that!""Nami is still injured, and we don't even have a navigator who can determine our course!"Zoro held his swords, his brow furrowed."The waves are getting stronger and stronger... This indicates that the waves ahead will likely be even more terrifying than the ones before.""I said, we set out immediately!"Luffy's voice rose, filled with an unyielding determination."It'll be too late by dawn! Every minute we wait, Robin and Merry get one step closer to hell!""But Luffy!"Usopp was practically pleading."This isn't a matter of courage! Going out to sea in this weather is suicide! We can't even manage basic navigation!""Then what do you want me to do?!"Luffy suddenly roared, his voice carrying uncontrollable pain and anxiety, his clenched fists trembling.The harsh reality clashed violently with his urgent desire to save his companions immediately."Luffy..."Usopp called out softly, realizing his words had plunged the Captain into deeper struggle.Luffy turned sharply toward the terrifying wall of water outside that seemed to connect heaven and earth, his voice low but incredibly clear:"Whether it's Impel Down or Marineford... I will never give up on any of my companions!"An invisible aura erupted violently with him at the center!"Even if it means death—!"The window glass shattered! The gale made his clothes flap loudly.He held down his Straw Hat, which was nearly blown away, his eyes blazing like torches as he stared unflinchingly at the destructive giant waves, as if to split them with his will."Heh, naive."Blueno sat on the ground and let out a sneer."Making an enemy of the World Government? It's nothing more than a foolish act of seeking death."Clang—A flash of sword light vanished in an instant.Slash—Blueno's head rolled onto the ground, that mocking smile still frozen on his face.Zoro slowly sheathed his sword, his gaze icy."My Captain is not for a piece of trash like you to judge."While the chill still lingered on Zoro's blade, the black lion formed by Ink Meteor silently devoured Blueno's remains.There were no gasps, no questions; the Straw Hatshowed a startling calm, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.Only Franky stood frozen in place, his pupils trembling.A weapon turning into a beast to devour a corpse, Luffy's reckless determination, Zoro's decisive and sharp killing intent, and the fiery passion of this group to protect their comrades unto death—wasn't this exactly the Captain and crew he had been waiting for?"Count me in!"Franky suddenly spoke up, his voice filled with unquestionable firmness.Luffy turned around, looking at him with burning eyes."You are my shipwright. Have you thought this decision through?""Is that even a question?!"Franky pushed up his sunglasses, his mechanical mouth splitting into a wild grin."Beating up my underlings, assassinating Iceburg! If I keep swallowing my anger after they captured my master, Mr. Tom, how can I hold my head up on the future Pirate King's ship?This week, I am Super strong!""Does that mean...!"A look of surprise and joy blossomed on Luffy's face."My ship hasn't even been built yet, and two of my intended crew members have already been kidnapped! For a shipwright, that's Super unlucky!"Franky's words were clear—he had decided to join the crew."Then what do we need to do to change our luck, our pervert shipwright?"Mark's lips curled slightly as he followed up with a question."Aowww—!"Franky suddenly struck his signature exaggerated pose, hands joined above his head, backside sticking out."By causing a huge scene, of course! We'll take our comrades back Super flashily!Then we'll hold a grand banquet for three days and nights! That will be Super lucky!""Great idea!" Luffy's eyes lit up."Franky," Mark said, his smile fading as he turned serious."How far is it from here to Enies Lobby?""The sea train goes 150 kilometers per hour, it takes about three hours to complete the trip!""At least 450 kilometers..."Mark pondered, subconsciously stroking his chin.He had originally considered whether he could rely on Ink Meteor's flight ability to cross the distance directly, but that number was clearly beyond the feasible range.He also thought about using the time difference of the Rainbow Space to recover and travel, but with a 1:10 time ratio between inside and outside, it would likely be too late by the time they finished resting.Seeing Mark deep in thought and then shaking his head, Franky spoke again, his voice more serious than ever:"Actually, Long-nose was wrong just now.If there's one ship in this world that can cross the 'Gods of Water'... it's the one built by my master, the world's best shipwright Mr. Tom—the Puffing Tom!""Are there still sea trains running at this hour?" Usopp asked doubtfully."Of course—not!"Franky deliberately drew out the words."I'll punch you!"Usopp waved his fist in anger."But, do you dare to play for even higher stakes?!"A mad light flickered in Franky's mechanical eyes."Back then, my master and I built an experimental model—the 'rocketman'!""The rocketman? Is it a sea train too?" Zoro raised an eyebrow."That's right! The first-generation sea train! To be precise, it's a Super failure that I modified myself because I thought the sea train was too slow, boosting its speed to 200 kilometers, which resulted in the brakes failing completely!"Franky looked around at everyone, his tone provocative."Well?""As long as it's fast enough!" Luffy shouted almost immediately, his eyes sparkling."Brakes? What do we need those for?""That's so you!" everyone deadpanned in unison."But!"Franky put his hands on his hips and stood tall, announcing with immense pride,"This out-of-control rocketman... even I can't handle it at all!""What are you so proud of?!"Usopp was about to go crazy."However!"Franky changed the subject."There's an old lady, and there isn't a sea train she can't drive!""Old lady... you don't mean Granny Kokoro, do you?"Sanji said thoughtfully."Exactly! Don't let her usual drunken appearance fool you; she's the person who has driven Mr. Tom's trains the longest!"Slap!Mark slapped Franky's solid back, a smile of approval on his face."What a perverted yet reliable man!"He turned to the whole crew, his thoughts now clear."Then the plan is simple. We'll split into two groups: one will follow Franky immediately to inspect and prepare the 'rocketman'! I'll go find Kokoro."Inside the luxury carriage, the atmosphere was oppressive.Lucci stared at the vivre card in his hand as it slowly burned away, finally turning to ash; it belonged to Blueno.He spoke into the transponder snail, his voice hard as iron."The situation is as described. Blueno is confirmed dead in the line of duty. The mission to capture Franky and Usopp... failed.""Failed? No, no, no, Lucci, look at the big picture!"On the other end, Spandam's voice carried uncontrollable excitement."As long as that little girl in yellow is confirmed to be of the lunarian race, this operation is an unprecedented success!""My promotion and fortune are just around the corner! As for Blueno... it's a pity, but sacrificing himself for the organization is his honor."He changed his tone, his voice becoming an unquestionable command."But Lucci, listen up! I want Nico Robin and that lunarian girl delivered to me without a single scratch!""That's a direct order! Their value, especially the latter's, is far beyond your imagination.""Yes, Director."Lucci responded expressionlessly."But you said just now... that all three of you were defeated?"Spandam's voice held a hint of disbelief, which then turned into smugness."It seems the Straw Hat has some skill. But don't worry, I've already anticipated every possibility!""Enies Lobby is already a trap; if they dare come to rescue the prisoners, we'll catch them all at once!""You'd better bring me that Franky too! Hahaha—""Ow! Who put this damn nail here?!"The transponder snail mimicked Spandam hopping in pain, and the communication cut off.Lucci slowly put away the transponder snail and closed his eyes, whether in mourning for Blueno, calmly analyzing the dire situation, or simply resting from exhaustion.Just then, a long whistle from the train fully jolted Robin awake.She quickly looked around: Lucci, Kaku, and Kalifawere sitting in the front of the carriage; though they were injured, their presence was still oppressive.At the rear of the carriage were over a dozen high-level agents, armed and on high alert; she was locked in Sea Stone handcuffs and placed in the middle.Then, her gaze froze on the person beside her—Merry was lying there quietly, unconscious."Merry!"Robin's pupils shrank as she cried out in a low voice."You... you even took her...""Oh? You woke up just in time."Kaku, covered in bandages but with his square nose still prominent, turned his head and spoke coldly."Nico Robin, recognize your current situation. Being cooperative will be better for everyone.""You caught her..."Robin's voice trembled slightly with anger, and her body instinctively moved closer to Merry, trying to offer a meager bit of protection."So her name is Merry? The name doesn't matter."Kaku's tone was flat."Soon, she and the value of her bloodline will belong to the World Government.""You don't understand at all..."Robin looked up, her eyes a mix of anger and a near-pitying mockery."You've caused a huge problem!""Problem?"Lucci, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them, a cold light flashing in his gaze."Without you two 'problems,' the Straw Hat should be grateful to us.""I'm talking about you!"Robin's voice suddenly rose, filled with determination."You don't know them... You don't know how crazy Luffy can get for his companions, you don't know how terrifying Mark is when he's being protective, you don't know how deep the bond between Nami, Usopp, and Merry is! When they come together, fueled by the rage of saving their comrades, the power they unleash..."She said, enunciating every word with absolute certainty:"They will definitely come! And when they do, your so-called impregnable fortress will be completely destroyed!"
Chapter 161: Destination Enies LobbyRain hammered densely against the roofs of Water 7. In the middle of the night, several figures were moving rapidly through the dim light of the underground tunnels."This is the ancient waterway system of Water 7," Franky explained as he walked, his mechanical arm pointing to the clear water flowing on both sides. "It is also the birthplace of the smoking Tom."Usopp looked around at the exquisite tunnel built from white stones and couldn't help asking, "Are we going underground? It feels like we have been heading down the whole time.""That is right!"Franky led the group through a tunnel and stopped at a turn. "We are here!"A heavy iron door blocked their path. Frankysuddenly panicked and grabbed his head: "Oh no! Only Kokoro and Iceburg have the keys!""Haha! It is fine!" Luffy said, hands on his hips, full of confidence. "Zoro can cut through this kind of iron door in an instant!"He looked around, then suddenly paused. "Huh!...Where is Zoro?""Zoro?" Sanji and Usopp asked in unison.Usopp awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Well... he seemed to be running at the very back... needless to say, he definitely got lost.""Haha, just leave Zoro to Mark! He is the best at finding people," Luffy said optimistically."Franky, didn't you participate in building this train? How come there is no key?" Sanji asked suspiciously."Do you see any pockets on me?" Franky asked, gesturing to his body, which was only wearing swimming trunks, and asked back with righteous indignation."That is actually pretty convincing, damn it!" Sanjistepped forward, exhaling smoke rings. "No need for the Marimo to intervene, I can handle it." He raised his right leg, and blue flames ignited instantly. "Diable Jambe!"The tip of his foot lightly touched the lock. Under the high temperature, the steel softened rapidly, making a sizzling sound, and soon melted a large hole in the door.The moment the door opened, the sensor lights in the garage turned on one by one, illuminating the steel beast sleeping on the tracks.The rocketman was parked quietly on the tracks, the shark-headed nose emitting a dangerous aura.The cone-shaped smoke box was painted gray, the white sharp teeth glistening with a cold light under the lights, and the black, imposing eye pattern seemed to be staring at the intruders.On the side of the nose, there was a striking red circular mark with a white "R" letter printed in the center."Super—!" Franky spread his arms and shouted excitedly, "This is the monster that Tom and I created!""So amazing!" Luffy and Usopp exclaimed in unison, stars in their eyes."This is too cool!" Usopp added."Of course!" Franky lifted his chin proudly.Luffy was the first to rush up, his rubber arm wrapping around the railing of the nose, and he climbed up. "Wow! The view from this special seat must be great!"Meanwhile, Mark's Observation Haki had already locked onto three figures in the municipal building—it was Kokoro, Chimney, and Gonbe.He crossed the rain in a few leaps and soon arrived at the brightly lit municipal hall.The sight of wounded soldiers everywhere was heartbreaking, but Mark walked straight into the office inside.Kokoro was sitting on Iceburg's office chair drinking, and the safe opened by Bally was scattered on the floor.Mark got straight to the point: "Kokoro, we need your help."Kokoro took a swig of alcohol. "Iceburg isn't dead, is he?""Mr. Iceburg and Bally are currently receiving treatment from our ship doctor," Mark explained the situation concisely. "Our crewmate was taken by CP9, and we need to go grab them back immediately tonight."Kokoro's expression was serious. "Was Frankycaptured?"Mark shook his head. "Our Captain has decided to set off tonight, and Franky and the others are already at the rocketman."Mark continued, "Franky has joined us; he is now the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates."Kokoro laughed loudly. "Looks like he found someone to realize his dreams. Then let this old lady see you off!"Mark was speechless: "Can you use a different phrase..."Before Mark could finish, Tilestone and Lips pushed the door open."We are going too!" Tilestone's loud voice made the windows rattle."Keep it down! You idiot!" Lips lowered his voice. "Since they hurt Iceburg and Bally, we are definitely going to take revenge for this.""The opponents are the World Government; I advise you not to get involved," Mark advised sincerely."What? World Government!" Tilestone exclaimed."The culprits are even your former partners! Lucci, Kalifa, and the bar owner Blueno!" Mark added."What?"Lips patted his pointed hair and said firmly, "Then we must go even more. Otherwise, Bally will look down on us."Mark nodded. "Since that is the case, I have no reason to stop you."He immediately opened the Rainbow Passage and brought everyone directly to the street.Just as they stepped out of the passage, they saw Zoro standing in the rain, scratching his head. "Where exactly is this?""Zoro? Weren't you following Franky and the others?" Mark asked."Who knew the underground tunnels were so complicated...""Enough, let's go together! Walk in front of me!" Mark sighed, holding his forehead. He brought the directionally challenged swordsman along and had Kokoro lead the way to the garage.On the way, they happened to run into Usopp, who had returned to look for Zoro, and Zoro inevitably got another scolding.When everyone arrived at the garage, the rocketman was already emitting white smoke—the steam train needed to preheat the boiler for about half an hour.Taking advantage of this time, Mark opened the Rainbow Gate to let everyone meet.The scene inside the Rainbow Space amazed the shipwrights: the island clouds of Sky Island covered the sky, the going merry was docked on the sea, and next to it was a platform made of spliced wooden boards, piled with building materials—all of which would be handed over to Franky to build later.The wounded were temporarily placed on the deck of the going merry: Iceburg, Bally, and the Franky Family.Chopper was sprawled on the deck panting, clearly exhausted.Bally and Iceburg had woken up and were talking to Tilestone.Franky was with his subordinates, and although they were all wrapped in bandages, they were in high spirits when they saw Franky.Upon learning that their boss had joined the Straw Hat, the subordinates felt no loss at all; instead, they were happy for him—facing such powerful enemies as the World Government, only the Straw Hat could protect their boss.While Franky was still worrying about the future of his subordinates, Mark threw a briefcase to him: "One hundred million Berries, spend it wisely! I have already talked to Mr. Iceburg; you are all civil servants of Water 7 from now on."Mark curled his lips, but thought to himself: It sounds nice to be a civil servant, but in reality, they are just going to the shipyard to work like cattle and horses.The key was that the subordinates were so moved that they looked at Iceburg in unison, waiting for his response.Iceburg smiled and nodded, and the subordinates cheered instantly."Keep it down! If you tear the wounds I just stitched, I will throw you all into the sea to feed the Sea Kings!" Chopper's combo attack made all the subordinates apologize obediently.Even Bally, Tilestone, and Lips, who were with Iceburg, stood up and straightened their posture.Iceburg also immediately lay back on the bed and covered himself with the quilt, fearing that Chopper's anger would affect him.Nami walked out of the room, her complexion having recovered a lot—only three hours had passed outside, but she had rested for a whole day in the Rainbow Space. Coupled with Chopper's superb medical skills and her own thunderous body's recovery ability, she was now fine except for not being able to fight."Nami!"The Straw Hat saw the familiar figure and all showed happy smiles."Miss Nami, it is great that you are okay. I will bring you the chicken soup I made specially for you right away!" Sanji ran into the kitchen in a flash."Nami, you cannot get out of bed yet!" Chopperimmediately ran up."I am fine, look!"Nami did a few signature moves, scaring Chopperinto checking her immediately."Amazing recovery!" Chopper concluded after checking.Nami looked around and suddenly noticed something was missing: "Where is Merry?"The silence of the crowd made her realize something was wrong.After Mark finished telling the story, faint lightning flashed around Nami: "CP9... I will definitely make them pay!"Everyone felt that the outside world was more real, so the group returned to the garage.Obviously, the original carriage could not hold so many people, so Franky used the materials provided by Mark to add a simple carriage in ten minutes.There were two other tethers on the side prepared for his two pets, the Emperor Ox-fish; their names were Sodom and Gomorrah.Meanwhile, Usopp was sweating profusely in the boiler room adding coal, his face covered in coal ash.Kokoro sat in the driver's seat and pressed the start button."Prepare to depart!"The steam pistons began to move violently, and the wheels turned slowly.But as the train rushed out of the garage, the speed was not fast. At this time, Sodom and Gomorrah, who had been waiting on the sea for a long time, saw the sea train and immediately stuck to it, putting their heads into the hoods prepared by Franky in advance, providing assistance to the rocketman."This is too slow!" Luffy picked his nose, looking very disgusted.Kokoro smiled slightly: "What is the rush? We haven't connected to the main track yet!"The track ahead was broken in the tsunami and needed to be precisely connected to the moving main track.Kokoro changed from her usual drunken state and operated with full concentration.After three attempts, with a crisp clatter, the train finally successfully docked."Hold on tight!"The old woman shouted.The instantaneous acceleration almost made Luffyfly out, and the people in the carriage were turned upside down.Surprisingly, Kokoro walked into the carriage with a bottle of wine at this time."Grandma, aren't you going to drive?" Nami asked in surprise."It is useless." Kokoro took a swig of wine. "Once this train starts, it cannot stop, and it cannot be controlled; it can only rush forward."Water 7 gradually shrank into a speck of light behind them.Just as everyone was marveling at the speed of the rocketman, a desperate scene appeared ahead—a hundred-meter-high giant wave like a moving mountain range blocked the way."This is the real Gods of Water," Kokoro said in a low voice. "Even the rocketman cannot get through."The shipwrights and the Franky Family were terrified at first, then jumped to the front of the car one after another, firing at the giant wave with the cannons they carried.But the cannonballs were like pebbles entering the sea in front of the giant wave, with no effect at all."Mark, Zoro, let us go!"Luffy lowered his Straw Hat.The three stood side by side on the front of the train.Luffy's legs sank, and his skin began to turn red: "Gear Second! Gomu Gomu no Jet Gatling!"Zoro drew his three swords: "Three Sword Style: 800 Pound Cannon!"Mark's Ink Meteor staff drew a mysterious trajectory in the air: "One Force Breaks Ten Thousand Laws!"The three powers converged in the air, turning into a huge energy cannon, hitting the center of the giant wave directly.Amidst the deafening roar, a hundred-meter-wide hole was forcibly opened in the wave wall."Charge!"Luffy shouted.The rocketman accelerated and rushed through the water hole, successfully breaking through before the giant wave closed again.Cheers erupted in the carriage."How terrifying! Good thing they are teammates!" Usopp said, wiping cold sweat."As expected of the man who will become the Pirate King. Hahaha!" Kokoro took a big gulp of wine."Only such a person is worthy of being our boss's boss!""Boss's boss? That means our big boss!""Big Brother Luffy, Big Brother Mark..."The subordinates cheered, feeling incomparably proud to have such a powerful boss.The train continued to speed through the night, and everyone knew that the real battle had just begun.
Chapter 162: Interesting Happenings on the sea train."Three Sword Style: 800 Pound Cannon!""Gum-Gum: Jet Gatling!""One Force Breaks Ten Thousand Laws!""Ahhh—!!"Accompanied by several imposing shouts of techniques and one synchronized scream.Chopper, Usopp, Chimney, and Gonbe fell neatly onto the train floor like a human pyramid.After a brief silence in the carriage, an arm snuck out from the pile and scratched its butt—it was Usopp."Alright! It's my turn to act!" One of Franky's henchmen was the first to revive from his "corpse" state, shouting excitedly."No, it should be my turn to play Big Brother Zoro!" Another henchman immediately retorted, unconvinced."I'll play Big Brother Luffy!""I'll play Big Brother Mark!""Look at your ugly mug! You playing Big Brother Mark? Pfft... disgusting!""What, you want to fight?..."Several grown men were arguing until their faces were red over who would play their idols, nearly coming to blows in the swaying carriage."These idiots... they're truly hopeless."Nami rested her forehead on one hand, watching the chaotic scene before her, a deep sense of helplessness rising from the bottom of her heart!Had these guys completely forgotten they were charging toward the dragon's den of Enies Lobby?"Hey! Nami, you... what are you doing?!"Mark turned his head and saw Nami nonchalantly starting to unbutton her top, his mouth dropping open in shock right then and there."Oh~~!"The shipwrights and Zambai's group nearby instantly had their full attention captured, staring unblinkingly, letting out tacit gasps of admiration."What's the big deal? I've got bandages wrapped underneath anyway! Making a fuss over nothing."Nami said this matter-of-factly, her hand already resting on the zipper of her skirt, making a move to take it off."Holy crap!"Mark's expression changed drastically. Almost instinctively, he waved his hand, and a brilliant, hazy rainbow mist instantly generated between him and Nami, acting like a mosaic, perfectly obscuring any potential wardrobe malfunction.The mist dissipated quickly, as if it were just a momentary visual lapse."Ready, complete!" Nami's voice came through.She had a brand new look—a sexy bikini covering her vital areas, with an open, short denim jacket thrown on casually over it.On her lower body was a pair of tight denim shorts, perfectly outlining her shapely curves.That pitch-black tyrant iron clima-tact was now held firmly in her hand, like a beautiful accessory.She looked around at everyone, who were still in a daze, and tilted her head in confusion: "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"Mark rubbed his temples hard and sighed helplessly: "I'm telling you... can you please be aware of the occasion when changing clothes? This is a carriage!""You're still asking what's wrong?! You... you shameless woman!"Bari's face turned bright red instantly. He pointed at Nami, his finger trembling with agitation, stuttering out a harsh criticism!"Well done!"In stark contrast to Bari's reaction, the shipwrights and Zambai's trio simultaneously shed tears of happy nosebleeds, giving Nami a collective thumbs-up.After using their last ounce of strength to shout this praise, they collapsed satisfied, with a few "thuds," falling unconscious once again."Say, how about... I try changing into something too?"Kokoro, who had been sitting on the sofa watching the show, crossed her legs leisurely, shook the liquor bottle in her hand, and teased the shipwrights "playing dead" on the floor."No! Please, we beg you to have mercy and spare us!"Before the words even finished, Zambai and the shipwrights, as if injected with adrenaline, instantly sprang up from the floor.They "revived" in perfect unison, bowing in a standard ninety-degree angle to Kokoro, their voices loud and their attitudes earnest."You really hurt my feelings! You brats, hahaha—"Kokoro didn't mind, instead being amused by their reaction and laughing heartily, tipping her head back to take another large swig of liquor.Just then, "Miss Nami~ The love-filled chicken soup, carefully prepared for you, is here!"Sanji spun out elegantly from the rainbow mistdoor, steadily holding an exquisite soup bowl in his hand.However, when he saw Nami's brand new look, his whole body froze instantly, his eyes turning into heart shapes:"Hm? Miss Nami! Goodness, you... you are truly radiant today! When did you change into this beautiful battle outfit?""Just a moment ago!"Nami took the soup bowl, blew on it gently, took a small sip, and a happy smile bloomed on her face instantly, "Mmm~, super delicious!""Just now... right here... in this carriage?"The smile on Sanji's face froze, and his expression turned dark at a visible speed. He subconsciously adjusted his tie, trying to mask the turbulent turmoil and unease within his heart!No one answered him.Franky's henchmen and the shipwrights who had just climbed up all simultaneously swallowed hard, their Adam's apples bobbing, and then they nodded heavily in perfect unison."Ahhh—!! What the hell did I miss!!"Sanji let out a shrill wail, dropping to his knees with a "thump," grabbing his hair tightly with both hands, his body swaying back and forth with immense regret, as if he had lost the most important treasure of his life."No—!! Unforgivable! You all saw it, didn't you?! I'll gouge out the eyes of you lot who took advantage, wash them with disinfectant, and stuff them back in!"Sanji suddenly raised his head, his eyes burning with raging jealousy, and lunged aggressively toward Bally, who was closest to him. Judging by his posture, he was genuinely planning to fight."Forget it, forget it! Calm down, Sanji!"Mark grabbed his wrist and immediately changed the subject, "By the way, aren't you going to change your outfit? Zoro and Luffy both specifically went to change into new clothes!"Thinking quickly, he threw out another topic to divert Sanji's attention."Change clothes?"Sanji's movements paused. He looked down at his classic casual plaid shirt paired with a slim-fit black vest, frowned, and said, "Is there a problem with this outfit? Elegant, and never out of style.""It's the bounty poster, my brother!"Mark leaned into his ear, lowered his voice, and reminded him with a "you know the drill" tone, "Think about it, with us causing such a ruckus at Enies Lobby this time, regardless of the outcome, as long as we survive, the World Government will definitely update our bounty posters!""Do you really want to keep using that hand-drawn abstract portrait from last time? Don't you want to take a handsome, brand-new photo that can captivate thousands of girls?"Mark's words struck Sanji like a bolt of lightning.He widened his eyes abruptly, heart shapes seemingly flickering in his pupils."Bounty poster... new photo... captivate thousands of girls... Mark! You are a freaking genius!"He excitedly grabbed Mark's shoulders and shook him hard, then turned around without hesitation.He dashed into the rainbow mist door connecting to the going merry with the speed of a hundred-meter sprint, with a "whoosh."He was muttering to himself, "I must become the most handsome man on the bounty poster!"Watching Sanji's disappearing back, Mark finally let out a long sigh of relief, raising his hand to wipe away non-existent cold sweat.He had finally managed to coax the troublesome cook away. Otherwise, heaven knows if he would fall into a dark, depressed mode or start a indiscriminate, berserk kicking spree, and this carriage would never know a moment of peace.As if to confirm that the time for changing clothes had arrived, the mist door at the other end of the carriage fluctuated again. Zoro and Luffy walked out one after the other, both having changed into new outfits."Hey! Nami! Why do we have to change clothes too!"Luffy complained first. His red vest remained the same, but he had changed into a pair of black breeches on his lower body.Right now, he was tugging hard at the pockets on both sides of his pants, which were clearly a size too small.They were stuffed aggressively with oversized bone-in meat, bulging out, almost bursting the seams."These pockets are so small! They can't even hold much meat!"Nami glanced at him, picked up the empty soup bowl, and walked to the side, her tone carrying a hint of imperceptible heaviness: "Because new clothes represent a new beginning! If we win, this is the start of a new beginning for the Straw Hat; if we lose..."AI Model: gemini-3.0-flashShe didn't finish her sentence."I won't lose!"Luffy's voice was resolute; he pressed down on the Straw Hat on his head, his eyes exceptionally determined."Before I rescue Robin and fix Merry, I will never be crushed by anyone!"Just after he finished this grand declaration, the back of his head took a solid punch from Zoro."What are you doing, you idiot! Get your greasy meat out of my bag!"Zoro was so angry that veins popped on his forehead, and he growled through gritted teeth.It turned out that after Luffy found his own pockets were full, he had casually stuffed several extra meat-on-the-bone sticks into the pockets on both sides of Zoro's newly changed, loose green Haramaki."Just help me carry some, Zoro~ It's not like you're using your pockets for anything anyway!""No! Don't even think about it!"Zoro refused without hesitation, turning his face away in disgust and looking straight ahead, not wanting to give this idiot Captain even a single glance."This bag is specifically for carrying sake flasks! It's not your meat warehouse!""Stingy Three Sword Style!"Failing to get his way, Luffy huffily snatched his meat bones back from Zoro's bag and began gnawing on them ferociously, completely ignoring whether his already round, ball-like belly could hold any more.Just then, "Mark!"Zoro's eyes suddenly narrowed, and his hand instantly moved to the hilt of the sword at his waist."Yeah!"Mark understood immediately, his expression becoming serious. He slightly closed his eyes, and his powerful Observation Haki spread out like invisible ripples, sensing everything around them."It's Sea Kings, two of them! They're huge and approaching rapidly from dead ahead!" He immediately reported the results of his perception."What? Sashimi!"Hearing this, Luffy's eyes immediately lit up.His first instinct was to squeeze out of the window, but unfortunately, having eaten too much, his bulging belly got stuck firmly in the window frame. He tried several times, but he was like a jammed cork, unable to move forward or backward."Dammit! I can't get out! Zoro, I'll leave it to you!"He slapped his own belly hard, and then, with a solemn expression of 'the organization trusts you,' he gave the order to Zoro."Got it."Zoro was concise, offering no useless words.He grabbed the handrail above the carriage, swung his body lightly, and flipped out through the open window, landing steadily on the roof of the high-speed train.The sea breeze instantly whipped the hem of his coat. Facing the strong wind, he walked toward the front of the train with steady steps."O-Oh my god! Ahead... what is that thing ahead?!"Zambai happened to stick his head out of the driver's cabin to get some air, only to see a scene that scared the soul out of him, his voice cracking with terror."S-Sea Kings! And two of them! We're finished, we're finished!"Another shipwright saw them too, his face instantly turning deathly pale."We're dead! They've opened their mouths! Are they going to swallow us along with the train?!"On the sea directly in front of the train, two behemoths burst from the water, firmly blocking the rocketman's path.One was a Sea King covered in black and white ringed patterns, shaped like a giant sea eel; the other was bright yellow and resembled a giant seal.Their massive bodies were like two small mountains, especially the seal-like Sea King.It had already opened its abyss-like maw, looking as if it intended to bite the entire sea train in half in one go!Zoro stood alone atop the violently jolting front of the train. His figure seemed so small before the massive Sea Kings, yet he possessed a mountain-like stability.He pulled off the dark green bandana tied to his left arm and, with practiced solemnity, tied it around his forehead, signaling the start of his battle state.His hands rested steadily on the hilts of the wado ichimonji and the shura, which radiated an ominous aura.His low, magnetic voice pierced through the howling sea breeze, clearly reaching the ears of everyone watching tensely from behind:"Living in a chaotic world, I shall cut through the mundane—"As he recited his poem, he leaned forward slightly, his legs bent and his center of gravity lowered, entering a state of extreme readiness, like a fully drawn bowstring.The rocketman continued to hurtle toward those giant maws of death at high speed, the distance closing in an instant!Just a second before the train was about to plunge into that darkness, Zoro moved!He pushed off the front of the train with his feet, his body leaping high like an arrow from a bow, actively charging toward the two all-consuming maws!Leaping to the highest point in mid-air, facing the terrifying creatures at close range, Zoro's eyes were as sharp as a hawk's!Clang!That was the hum of blades leaving their sheaths!His speed was at its limit, leaving only two fleeting silver arcs in the air!The crowd couldn't even clearly see his movement of drawing the swords; they only felt a fierce, peerless slashing will sweep past like a storm!Swish—Two massive, cyan-blue vacuum slashes swept precisely through the centerlines of the two Sea Kings' bodies!In the next second, Zoro had already sheathed his swords, and his body began to fall.Just as he was about to touch the surface of the sea, his toes tapped lightly on the rolling waves, and his figure rose again, his movements swift and fluid.As if using'Shave' from the Marine Six Powers, with a few leaps and bounds, he landed back atop the violently shaking front of the train with ease.He stood firm and expressionlessly raised his hand, pulling off the bandana on his forehead that had been dampened by seawater.Almost at the same moment he pulled off the bandana—Rumble!Behind him, the two massive Sea Kings' bodies slowly shifted along the mirror-smooth cuts, splitting into four halves.Accompanied by a deafening roar and pillars of blood shooting into the sky, they crashed into the sea on either side, kicking up monstrous waves!The rocketman did not slow down, instantly charging into that crimson-stained stretch of sea. The wheels rolled through the bloody water, and the splashing droplets showered the train body like a rainstorm.A few drops of warm liquid even slapped directly onto Zambai's face, who was still in shock with his mouth wide open.Zambai stood there dazed. It took several seconds before he managed to close his mouth, swallowed hard, and murmured in a trembling tone of absolute awe:"Y-You've got to be kidding me... So strong... strong like a monster... Why... why isn't a person like this the Captain?!""Hmm... the meat doesn't look like it would taste very good."Mark merely cast a casual glance at the massive chunks of corpses rapidly receding on the sea, then withdrew his gaze, having no intention of collecting these'spoils' into his rainbow mist space."Eh? There's another... frog?"Zoro had just returned to the carriage when his brow furrowed slightly again; his Observation Hakisensed another life form rapidly approaching ahead."Don't cut it, Zoro! That's a frog with super strong willpower!"Luffy quickly pressed his entire face against the window glass, flattening his nose, and shouted outside, "I promised not to eat it! It's a friend!""Could it be... Yokozuna?!"Zambai also poked his head out again and exclaimed."Hey—! Yokozuna! It's us! Don't misunderstand!"Franky's lackeys reacted quickly, rushing to the window in unison and waving their hands frantically at the dark shadow swimming rapidly in the sea ahead."The Boss and Granny Kokoro weren't captured! We're going to rescue people!""Yeah! Yokozuna! It's me, don't push the rocketman!"Granny Kokoro also immediately came to the driver's cabin, leaning most of her body out the window and waving her thick arms vigorously, shouting in a loud voice.As for why Franky, who should have been one of the protagonists at this moment, had not appeared?He was still in that rainbow mist space isolated from the current world,drenched in sweat and fully focused on researching and forging secret weapons from a pile of special materials!The clamor and fierce battles outside seemed temporarily irrelevant to him.