Chapter 191: CompromiseMark returned to human form under the immense recoil of the cannonball, his feet plowing two shallow furrows into the bridge deck.A wave of intense dizziness made his vision go black, and his stomach churned violently."Ugh... this side effect is really something..."He shook his head vigorously to suppress the discomfort, and without the slightest hesitation, turned and sprinted desperately toward the spiral staircase below the bridge.Behind him, Tokikake, having been blasted away by the "Slime Cannonball," smashed through three thick guardrails on the bridge in succession.His momentum unchecked, he finally slammed into the main mast of a warship below like a meteorite!"Crack!" A piercing snapping sound rang out, and the towering mast broke on cue, crashing heavily onto the deck along with the sails and ropes, sending up a spray of wood splinters and causing the Marine soldiers to cry out in alarm."Vice Admiral Tokikake!"Tokikake knelt on one knee, violently coughing up a mouthful of clotted blood mixed with organ fragments, his face instantly turning pale.Several personal guards rushed forward in a panic to help him up, one of them clutching a communication transponder snail tightly in his hand.Tokikake snatched the transponder snail, ignoring the blood constantly spilling from the corner of his mouth, and roared into the receiver with a hoarse, blood-tinged voice:"All units, listen up! Spare no cost, capture the Straw Hat at all costs! Block all exits of the Tower of Justice, destroy the passage leading there completely, do not let them regroup and escape!"The order spread across the entire battlefield like wildfire.Even Koby and Helmeppo, who were left behind on the warships under orders to observe and learn, were driven by this desperate atmosphere and command, joining the surging crowd as they rushed onto the Bridge of Hesitation.Meanwhile, Mark had already rushed down the spiral staircase and arrived at a relatively open connecting platform between the buildings.The rest of the Straw Hat had already assembled there, forming a solid triangular defensive formation, back-to-back."We have 'guests' coming!"Mark shouted without looking back, his figure passing through a gap in the defensive line formed by his companions like the wind, rushing straight to the edge of the platform where a thick stone wall blocked his path.He clenched his right fist, and jet-black Armament Haki instantly covered his fist like quicksilver."One-Inch Punch!"With no unnecessary movements, his fist struck like lightning, exerting force suddenly!With a muffled "Boom," the stone wall was blasted open by the incredibly fierce penetrating force, creating a large hole big enough for several people to pass through.Beyond the hole, the Tower of Justice had completely fallen into a sea of flames, the burning ruins crackling, and the roar of the waterfall below came through even more clearly.Mark closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forcibly suppressed the fatigue that was almost drowning his consciousness. He extended his arms forward, his mental energy being drawn and constructed at an unprecedented speed."Rainbow Passage!"He gave a low shout, and a gorgeous, seven-colored light gate quickly stabilized and formed before him, shimmering with flowing light.At the same time, in the distant Central Square of the Judgment Court, which had already become a sea of flames—another identical Rainbow Passagelight gate appeared simultaneously!"Ink Meteor!"Without need for words, the black lion let out a low growl, transformed into a bolt of black lightning, and leaped into the light gate before it without hesitation, its figure vanishing instantly.Ink Meteor stood above the Central Square of the Judgment Court, now a sea of flames, and let out a low, majestic roar toward the sky.Its body seemed to transform into a bottomless abyss—Glutton Fruit: Devour the World!A huge suction force erupted from its mouth, and the surrounding flames and broken walls were swallowed as if by a whale, transforming into surging fire dragons and torrents of rubble, all disappearing into its bottomless belly.The flames were converted into pure energy, the ruins were cleared, and a scorched passage leading deeper inside was forcibly carved out.Almost at the moment Mark constructed the Rainbow Passage, Momonga and the other Vice Admirals had chased them down like persistent parasites."Don't even think about succeeding!"Momonga's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, his long sword unsheathed, and an incredibly fierce flying slash tore through the air, striking straight at that gorgeous Rainbow Passage light gate!"Clang—!" The sound of metal clashing exploded, and sparks flew everywhere.Three swords steadily blocked this fatal blow.Zoro grinned, revealing his signature, wild smile: "Your opponent is me, 'Mustache' Marine!"He deliberately elongated his tone, his gaze playfully sweeping over the other man's distinct single-sided mustache."Arrogant brat! Challenging the World Governmentand still wanting to run away? Do you take us for decorations?"Momonga was so angry that his mustache was trembling slightly, burning with rage."Boom—!!!" An even more deafening roar did not come from the battle, but from the wall of the elevator shaft they were in, near the side of the Bridge of Hesitation!In his rage, Tokikake, whether using a bizarre Devil Fruit ability or having trained his Haki to the extreme, threw a punch from a distance.The overwhelming impact actually completely shattered and blew away the entire thick wall!Countless bricks and stones, as if fired by a giant cannon, carried astonishing energy and blasted toward the Straw Hat inside the shaft, raining down on them!"Whoa!"Franky, who was standing in the front, had his pupils shrink. With such a dense and rapid attack, his massive steel body almost became a target.A huge broken brick whistled toward him like a cannonball; he couldn't avoid it in time and could only take it head-on with his hard abdomen!"Bang!" A heavy impact sound rang out, and the immense force sent his sturdy body flying backward uncontrollably.In that moment of losing control, he suddenly pulled the weak Chopper from his shoulder into his arms, using his own scapula to build a temporary barrier for the little guy, forcibly enduring all the flying small debris."Franky!"Chopper, who was tightly protected, screamed, his voice filled with tears.Mark's figure flashed like lightning, steadily supporting Franky from behind, skillfully neutralizing the force.Franky took the opportunity to adjust his center of gravity, kneeling on one knee to steady himself, with Chopper safe and sound in his arms.Mark immediately leaped back to the front of the formation, his eyes cold."Glutton!"He aimed his palm at the incoming bricks and stones, and a deep black vortex suddenly appeared, erupting with powerful suction.Like a black hole, it swallowed all those fatal "cannonballs" into his different dimension, clearing the platform.The smoke and dust slowly dissipated, revealing a shocking scene.The originally relatively enclosed elevator shaft had its wall on the side near the Bridge of Hesitationcompletely destroyed, forcibly "carved out" into a lonely, cylindrical platform with a diameter of no more than a few dozen meters.On one side of the platform were the Straw Hat, ready for battle:Luffy and Mark stood at the very front, their eyes filled with identical determination and fearlessness.Zoro, Sanji, and Franky guarded them from behind in a fan formation, wado ichimonji shimmering with cold light, Diable Jambe ready to be unleashed, and steel fists clicking.Usopp was nervously guarding the Rainbow Passage; in front of him was a simple pyramid hastily built from bricks and stones. Atop the peak, that pitch-black bomb, radiating ominous energy fluctuations, stared at everyone like a demon's eye.Nami, Robin, and Merry stood close to the Rainbow Passage, ready to evacuate at any time.On the other side of the platform were the top Marine combatants led by the grim-faced, blood-stained Tokikake, as well as the dense crowd of elite soldiers pouring in from all directions.What was even more suffocating was below the platform—the warships had adjusted their cannon muzzles.The dense muzzles of guns and the pitch-black barrels of cannons had completely locked the Straw Hat into this desperate situation!"This is the end, Straw Hat Pirates!"Tokikake wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his voice cold as a knife, "All fleets, aim! They are already turtles in a jar!""That line should be ours to say!"Mark stepped forward, without any fear, his voice clearly reaching everyone present, "Time's up!"As if to add the most powerful footnote to his words—"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom—!!!" A series of violent explosions erupted from the core of the fleet group below!The sea mines Usopp had pre-installed on the keels of the warships were detonated simultaneously!Huge pillars of water, mixed with ship fragments, masts, and sails, shot up into the sky.The giant pillars of water shot straight into the clouds, then transformed into a torrential downpour mixed with smoke and seawater, crashing down onto everyone on the cylindrical platform!The brief silence was broken by the sound of rain.Mark stepped aside, and Zoro and Sanji behind him tacitly moved, completely exposing Usopp, who was so nervous he didn't know where to put his hands and feet, to the sight of the Marine generals."That was just an appetizer!"Mark's voice, filled with cold mockery in the rain, clearly reached the ears of every Marine."Demolition genius... Yasopp's son, you really are ruthless!"Vice Admiral Onigumo stared coldly at Usopp, his eyes looking as if he wanted to swallow him alive."I... you, don't talk nonsense! I am Sogeking! I have absolutely nothing to do with that long-nosed Usopp!"Usopp was so scared he was flailing his arms and legs, hurriedly trying to distance himself with a distorted voice, causing Nami to helplessly cover her forehead with her hand and sigh."Alright, stop trying to hide it," Mark's gaze remained locked on the Marine generals, his voice calm but with unquestionable force, "In front of these people, any concealment is meaningless."His voice suddenly turned cold, and he raised his hand, pointing to the black bomb, "Our Sogekinghas also prepared a real 'main course' for you all. It's this!""Usopp, start the timer!""Re-received!"Usopp took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and pressed a prominent button on the bomb hard."Tick, tick, tick..." The clear and rhythmic mechanical ticking sound came from inside the bomb, beating against everyone's heart in this silence drenched by the rain."Ten minutes left."Mark's voice drowned out the sound of the rain and the chaotic cries coming from the distant fleet, "Its power is far beyond that of the Buster Call. It is enough to completely wipe the entire Enies Lobbyfrom the world map, along with everyone here, and sink it to the bottom of the sea.""What is there to trust about a pirate's lies!"Onigumo looked sharply at Tokikake and roared urgently, "Tokikake! Order the entire fleet to fire! You absolutely cannot let them leave! This is a disgrace!"Tokikake could clearly feel the destructive energy fluctuations contained within that black sphere; the veins on his clenched fists bulged, his eyes flickered violently, and he was engaged in an internal struggle.Mark snorted coldly, his voice piercing through the rain, "Don't be delusional, Tokikake! I'm saying so much just because I don't want those ordinary Marines who still have a future to die in vain because of the stupid decisions of you high-ranking officials."He paused, his voice firm and decisive, carrying the meaning of a final ultimatum, "This is not an ordinary bomb; this is the ultimate weapon Crocodile intended to destroy a country with. Once the timer starts, the core stabilization device melts, and there is absolutely no possibility of disarming it. If you want to drag everyone, including the future seeds of your Marine, to be buried with Enies Lobby, then—try firing!""Tokikake! You can't hesitate anymore!"Onigumo urged him again sharply, his tone extremely anxious."...So that's it; this is the ultimate confidence you have to dare to confront the Buster Call head-on."Tokikake finally spoke, his voice carrying a trace of exhaustion after the exertion and an indescribable complexity, "It really is quite a'surprise'."He took a deep look at the ticking bomb, as if wanting to engrave it into his soul, then turned to the almost enraged Onigumo and said in a deep voice, "I believe what he says."He raised his hand, heavy as iron, and made a gesture for the entire army to be on highest alert but strictly forbidden from firing."A wise choice."Mark tilted his head slightly and said to Luffy, who had been silent beside him, "Captain, what's the next step?"Luffy adjusted his Straw Hat. The shadow under the brim could not hide the light in his eyes. His voice was calm yet carried an unquestionable power, clearly reaching the ears of every partner: "We're leaving.""Stop!" Onigumo and Momonga, who had just caught his breath, stepped forward simultaneously and shouted sternly.Onigumo stared fixedly at Tokikake, his voice hoarse from extreme unwillingness: "Are we just going to let this lawless group of pirates go like this? I absolutely cannot accept this! Where is the justice of the world?""Idiot! Do you think I want to?" Tokikake turned his head abruptly. The pent-up anger, frustration, and immense pressure as a commander erupted completely. His roar shook the platform, even drowning out the sound of the rain."Do you want to drag all the recruits who haven't grown up yet to be buried with this island that is destined to be destroyed? Open your eyes and look! Who among them can we still keep here now? Do you want to gamble the lives and future of countless Marines on the possibility of mutual destruction?"This roar, containing Haki and endless resentment, struck Onigumo and Momonga's hearts like a heavy hammer, leaving their faces livid and their teeth chattering, yet they had to lower their heads in the face of this cruel reality."This time... our misjudgment was complete." Tokikake turned around, his back to the Straw Hat, his voice low. "Regarding their strength, determination, and trump cards... the intelligence was completely wrong."He took a deep breath of air filled with the smell of gunpowder and blood, as if he had unloaded a heavy burden, or as if he had made some kind of vow."After this incident, you will face the endless pursuit of the World Government! Countless Bounty Hunters, the Four Emperors entrenched in the New World! And countless vicious pirates who want to step on your corpses to climb to the top... take care of yourselves."He waved his hand powerlessly, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible hoarseness and relief: "Let's go."The Marine soldiers looked at each other, and finally, under the complex and silent gaze of the generals, they slowly and extremely reluctantly separated to the sides, clearing a path back to the Bridge of Hesitation."If you're afraid of death, why be a pirate!" Luffy and Mark turned around almost simultaneously, exposing their backs to the powerful enemies without any defense, and walked firmly toward the light gate that symbolized freedom and victory.Usopp was the first to scramble in, followed by Franky supporting Chopper, Nami, Robin, Merry... The partners evacuated quickly one by one, each with a look of relief at surviving a disaster and the excitement of victory on their faces.However, just as Zoro and Sanji were also preparing to step into the light gate, and Luffy and Mark were about to enter as the rearguard—a sudden change occurred!"Spider Blade: Strangling!" Onigumo's eyes were blood-red, his reason completely swallowed by anger and obsession!His body suddenly expanded and mutated, tearing his uniform from his back, and six spider limbs covered in hard hair and Armament Haki extended, while he spat out a massive, viscous spider web that shimmered with an ominous black light.It covered Luffy and Mark, who had their backs to him, as well as the Rainbow Gate that carried their hope, in a massive, overwhelming sweep!Onigumo's sudden attack caused a violent commotion in the Marine camp behind. The soldiers let out suppressed exclamations, and many even subconsciously took a step back.However, the Vice Admiral-level Momonga and Yamakaji just gripped their sword hilts with heavy eyes and watched. They were also unwilling, but no one could bear the consequences that might arise from forcibly stopping him.Tokikake remained expressionless and did not even speak to stop him. Perhaps in his heart, there was also a trace of the thought of using the Straw Hat's hand to let this colleague, who was blinded by anger, personally experience the gap in strength between the two sides.Facing the viscous spider web whistling from behind and the sharp killing intent that had almost solidified, Luffy and Mark, who were about to step into the light gate, tacitly stopped at the same time, but did not turn back, and even their postures remained unchanged.That was not negligence, but absolute, unreserved trust in their partners behind them after experiencing countless life-and-death moments together."Spiders are actually a delicacy!" Sanji's voice was as cold as the eternal ice of the North Blue.The spark of the cigarette he was holding drew a dazzling red line in the air, his figure blurred and disappeared from where he stood, and the next instant he appeared above the side of Onigumo as if teleporting! The speed was so fast that it seemed to break the limitations of space!"Diable Jambe... Overheat: Point of the Dragon!" His right foot became a blinding crimson at this moment, like a molten branding iron. The extreme high temperature even distorted the surrounding air, and the jet-black Armament Haki covered and hardened it completely like the toughest armor!With Observation Haki fully activated, all of Onigumo's subtle muscle tremors and possible evasion routes had already been clearly rehearsed in his mind!"Bang—!" This kick, wrapped in the momentum of wind and thunder, slammed fiercely into the intersection of the two thickest spider limbs that Onigumo had hurriedly raised!The hard limbs, which were enough to withstand swords, actually made a cracking sound!"It's not over yet! Hell Memories: Barbecue Platter!" The anger in Sanji's chest completely transformed into explosive kicking techniques. His figure rotated at high speed in the air in a strange way, and his legs turned into a dazzling, crimson-black storm of afterimages!Every kick was incomparably precise and fiercely decisive, slamming into Onigumo's joint connections, his weakly defended flank, and his unprotected back! The speed was extreme, and the power was at its peak!"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!" The dense, drum-like impact sounds were continuous.Onigumo could only rely on the powerful physique brought by his awakened Zoan fruit and the hurriedly mobilized Armament Haki to protect his vital points. The six limbs waved wildly to block, but they couldn't keep up with Sanji's fierce attack that integrated pre-judgment and extreme speed!He was like a clumsy humanoid sandbag, being kicked left and right, stumbling backward, with charred footprints on his body constantly increasing and deepening. Painful groans spilled uncontrollably from his mouth. A dignified veteran elite Vice Admiral of Marineford was actually beaten to the point where he could only parry, with no power to fight back! The scene could be called a crushing defeat!"Onigumo!" Seeing this, Momonga's pupils shrank. He could no longer sit by and watch his colleague suffer such humiliation and serious injury. His famous sword was unsheathed again, and a sharp, extremely condensed slash, faster than before, broke through the air, heading straight for Sanji's seemingly defenseless back, intending to save him by attacking his ally!However— "Don't disturb our cook while he's cooking." Zoro's low and oppressive voice sounded in Momonga's ear like a ghost.I don't know when, but he had appeared in front of Momonga again as if teleporting. Three swords were unsheathed, and a tragic aura like a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood soared into the sky.It was as if he was surrounded by the whispers of Shura from the Avici Hell, and the cold killing intent almost froze the air. "It seems the lesson just now wasn't profound enough... then let me show you exactly how deep hell is..."Zoro's eyes sharpened, like a Shura opening its eyes. The three swords crossed in a mysterious trajectory, and the majestic sword energy and chilling ghost energy gathered and compressed crazily, as if to devour the surrounding light."Three Sword Style: Secret Technique: Shura: Hell Wind!" It was no longer an ordinary sword energy tornado, but a terrifying sword energy storm entwined with countless black threads of resentment as if from hell!This black tornado let out a roar like ghosts crying and wolves howling, easily devouring and shredding Momonga's slash. Its momentum remained undiminished, carrying the destructive will to tear and crush everything, and it ferociously engulfed the terrified Momonga!"Arghhh—!" Vice Admiral Momonga tried his best to insert his beloved sword deep into the rock platform under his feet to resist, but he was still like a leaf in a gale, sent flying along with his sword by this irresistible destructive energy. He slammed heavily into the ruins a hundred meters away, dust and smoke soared into the sky, and no sound came out again."Diable Jambe: Premium Barbecue Set!" Sanji's figure drew a crimson-black spiral in the air, and the final heavy kick, like a red-hot giant hammer, slammed into Onigumo's crossed blocking limbs.With a crisp "crack" sound, the limbs broke, and Onigumo slammed heavily into the ruins in the distance, with no sound left.Sanji landed lightly, dusted off his suit, lit a cigarette, took a deep puff, and blew a series of smoke rings in the direction where Onigumo fell: "Spider dish complete, though it seems a bit overcooked."This mocking closing remark left the remaining Marine generals livid, but no one dared to step forward again."Boom!!!" Two incomparably majestic and terrifying auras, containing the will to rule the world, erupted without reservation, centered on Luffy and Mark!The Conqueror's Haki, crimson as blood and jet-black as night, was no longer hidden. Like two substantial tsunamis of energy, they mixed and intertwined, sweeping across the entire platform and even a wider area with a destructive force!Visible dark red arcs filled the air, and an invisible heavy pressure descended. The weaker Marines couldn't even scream before their eyes rolled back, and they fell in swathes like harvested wheat. Even some of the capable officers were pale, sweating profusely, and tottering, needing to rely on their weapons to barely stand.Koby was trembling violently at this moment. Under this double Conqueror's Haki, especially the Hakiimpact full of unyielding and oppressive feeling, his legs went weak, his soul was trembling, and he almost fell to his knees directly.He gritted his teeth and held on, his eyes full of unparalleled shock and a trace of confusion. He stared closely at the two figures who seemed to stand at the pinnacle of the world.Luffy and Mark turned around slowly, their eyes like the sharpest blades, sweeping over the Vice Admirals with ugly expressions who no longer dared to step forward, and the silent Marine camp.The two's voices were like nine-day thunder, mixed with Haki, exploding in the depths of the souls of everyone who could still remain conscious: "Who else wants to trade blows?" "We'll accompany you to the end!"The entire broken, doomsday-like Enies Lobbyseemed to have been pressed with a mute button at this moment. Only the cold, ruthless "tick-tock" of the bomb and the unyielding crackle of the flames in the distance reminded everyone of the countdown to destruction and the passage of time.Finally, Luffy's gaze crossed the crowd and landed precisely on the pink-haired boy who was still struggling to support himself with tenacious will.The coldness and majesty belonging to a conqueror on his face melted away like ice and snow in an instant, revealing that familiar, brilliant smile like the sun that could dispel all haze.He waved his hand forcefully at Koby, full of farewell and encouragement.Then, he had no more lingering attachment, nodded at Mark, and the two turned around together, stepping side by side into that gorgeous, dreamlike Rainbow Gate that led to the unknown and freedom, their figures swallowed by the colorful flowing light.The light gate rippled slowly behind them, dissipated, and finally turned into countless points of light.
Chapter 192: The Rage of the World GovernmentThe colorful streamers faded behind them, and the feeling of solid ground returned.Mark and Luffy stumbled out of the Rainbow Gate, back to their companions.The scene outside had changed drastically.Ink Meteor's massive body was like a moving abyss; with the Glutton-Glutton Fruit's abilities fully unleashed, it was frantically devouring the surrounding wreckage and flames, converting them into pure energy.The originally fiery ruins had been forcibly cleared into a scorched empty space.All their companions were gathered in front of the Rainbow Gate, anxiously looking toward the light. Only when they saw the two return safely did the heavy atmosphere relax."Luffy! Mark!" Nami shouted with delight."Are you okay?" Robin asked with concern."We're fine! Let's go, no time to explain!" Markshouted, unable to catch his breath.He was pale; continuously constructing long-distance Rainbow Passages had nearly exhausted his energy.He forced himself to stay focused and shouted to Ink Meteor: "Ink Meteor!"The black lion let out a low roar. The devoured energy made its body visibly swell again, becoming as huge as a small mountain."Everyone, get on!" Mark called out.Without hesitation, their companions leaped onto Ink Meteor's broad, sturdy back."Hold on tight!"Ink Meteor's four paws exerted force, turning into a black flash as it sprinted toward the perimeter of Enies Lobby, moving so fast it left a black shadow behind.Just as they rushed out of the main island area of Enies Lobby and reached the outer coast, a group of people they never expected were waiting there—it was the Franky Family and several familiar shipwrights!Under their feet was a large, sturdy-looking raft temporarily pieced together from door panels and other materials, and the Emperor Ox-fish was properly settled to the side."Big Brother!" The Cutty Flams Sisters, Kiwi and Mozu, shouted excitedly when they saw Franky."Big Brother Franky! It's so good that you're all okay!" Zambai also came up to greet them."You guys..."Franky jumped off Ink Meteor's back, looking at his cute underlings who hadn't listened to his order to escape and were still waiting for them at the gate.A trace of imperceptible emotion flashed in the iron-hearted man's eyes, but he immediately struck a "Super" pose."I really can't do anything with you guys! But this week, I am Super moved!""Now is not the time to be moved!" Mark interrupted hurriedly, his tone urgent."Enies Lobby is about to explode! A real, island-sinking explosion!""Traveling on the going merry won't be enough to escape the blast radius!""What?" Everyone was shocked."Then what do we do?" Nami asked anxiously.Mark didn't answer. Instead, he forced himself to stay focused again, his hands tracing in the air in front of him.A Rainbow Space gate, larger than any before, was forcibly opened.He gave a low shout: "This is the only way! Come out—rocketman!"Following his words, that sea train which had once carried them on a wild ride toward Enies Lobby—its front resembling a giant steel shark—the rocketman, with a fresh coat of paint and a roaring whistle, slowly drove out of the Rainbow Space and stopped steadily on the tracks at the gate of Enies Lobby!"Th-this is!" Franky was dumbfounded."It's Mr. Iceburg and Kokoro," Mark explained quickly, his voice tinged with fatigue."While we were fighting, they used my space, brought tools and materials, and completely repaired it, even reinforcing it!"Mr. Iceburg poked his head out of the train window, looking tired but gratified: "You've taken care of the Straw Hat crew. Get on!"Kokoro laughed heartily, holding a bottle of sake: "Momo! This is a project supervised by yours truly!""Great! Shark head!" Luffy was the first to excitedly jump onto the front of the rocketman.The Straw Hat crew, the Franky Family, the shipwrights, and the giants immediately took action, quickly boarding the "Noah's Ark" they had made from door panels.The Emperor Bull and Emperor Ox-fish were also towed into the rear carriage.Almost the moment everyone boarded and the rocketman's boiler began to pressurize to the maximum—"BOOM——————!!!"A sound beyond description, as if from the end of the world, erupted from the center of Enies Lobby!An ultimate destruction where both light and darkness were torn apart.A massive, all-consuming ball of light expanded first, instantly vaporizing and annihilating the entire Enies Lobby, along with all the buildings, ruins, and Marine warships that hadn't retreated in time!Immediately following, unimaginable energy converted into a shockwave, carrying a tsunami-like giant wave, spreading crazily in all directions from the original site of Enies Lobby!"Hold on—!" roared Kokoro, who was driving the rocketman.The rocketman was kicked hard by an invisible giant god, the powerful thrust causing its already extreme speed to surge again, almost "flying" right against the sea surface!Behind them was a giant wave mixed with destructive energy and seawater, crushing down like a ten-thousand-foot wall!This scene was full of irony.A few days ago, a super giant wave called "Gods of Water" blocked them from coming to Enies Lobby; and now, a terrifying giant wave of no less magnitude, set off by the destruction of Enies Lobby, had become the final driving force pushing them to escape death and return to Water 7!The rocketman sped along the sea tracks, fleeing madly under the pursuit of the destructive tide, breaking through the misty water, and driving toward the dawn.In the speeding carriage, however, it was a different scene of surviving a disaster.Usopp was standing on the sofa, vividly recounting the heroic deeds of the great battle against CP9 and breaking through the encirclement of Enies Lobby to the Franky Family sitting around him."...No sooner said than done, I saw my gunpowder star hit the warship's ammunition depot precisely, and with a boom—"He spread his arms, making an explosion gesture."The whole warship turned into a sea of fire, and the Marines knelt down and shouted 'Sogeking is invincible'!"In another corner of the carriage, Zoro was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, sleeping soundly. The rhythmic snoring intertwined with the roar of the train to form a unique lullaby."Amazing, falling asleep just like that." Mark smiled and shook his head, his hands lifting slightly, and an invisible ripple swept across the entire carriage.In an instant, the blood stains and dust on everyone disappeared, and even the damaged clothes were restored to cleanliness, making the entire carriage look brand new."Wow! So convenient! Long live Big Brother Mark!""Long live!"Franky's underlings cheered in unison, but this commotion interrupted Usopp's brilliant storytelling."Hey, hey! Mark, don't interfere with my storytelling!" Usopp stomped his feet in dissatisfaction."I was just getting to how the Marines worshiped me..."Mark just winked at him and continued cleaning every corner of the carriage.On the other side, Sanji was spinning around the three ladies, infatuated: "Nami-san, Robin-chan, little Merry... The three beautiful ladies have worked hard in the battle! Would you like a cup of coffee to refresh yourselves?""Haa—" Nami let out a long yawn."I really need it, I feel like I haven't closed my eyes for days. Thank you for your hard work, Sanji-kun.""Would you like a cup of coffee too, Robin-chan?" Sanji asked eagerly."Mm, thank you for your hard work, my knight." Robin smiled and pursed her lips."But there is no night on the Nightless Island, so I can't even tell how long we've been fighting.""Knight! I am the knight of love!" Sanji was overwhelmed by this title and immediately turned to Mark."Hey! Mark, hurry up and open the Rainbow Gate! I want to brew a unique cappuccino for the princesses!""Prioritizing women over loyalty, this is the 386th time I've misjudged you, Sanji." Mark complained, but honestly opened the Rainbow Gate."If you complain again, there won't be any bubble tea for you!"Sanji rushed into the rainbow mist as soon as he finished speaking."Hey! Stinky Sanji, you haven't asked what I want to drink yet!" Merry stomped her feet angrily at the closed Rainbow Gate.Nami smiled and wrapped her arms around her shoulders: "Don't worry, Sanji-kun never disappoints when it comes to cooking."The three girls looked at each other and smiled, and the carriage was filled with a relaxed atmosphere."Speaking of which, are the brakes of this sea trainreally fixed, stupid Iceburg! It won't break down halfway, will it!" Franky poked half his body out of the train window to check the wheels.Before Iceburg could answer, Chopper on his back was hit on the head by the window frame due to the sudden movement.To prevent the weak Chopper from sliding off Ink Meteor's back, Franky had long ago tied the little reindeer firmly to his back with torn cloth strips."Franky, you bastard! Did you forget I was still on your back!" Chopper yelled in pain."Ow! Sorry! It's just that our combination is too perfect!" Franky retracted his head and struck a signature pose."Super!""You're still the same as always, Franky." Iceburg sat on the sofa, his tone calm."Are you blind? Can't you see how perverted I am? If your eyes aren't working well, I'll replace them with mechanical ones for you!" Franky retorted unceremoniously."Don't worry, my technology is not something a half-baked guy like you can compare to." Iceburg calmly picked his ear."What did you say? When has your shipbuilding technology ever surpassed mine? It hasn't before, and it doesn't now! Even less likely in the future!" Franky pushed his sunglasses excitedly."Stupid Iceburg, I'm going to build a ship for the future Pirate King! Just like Mr. Tom, what do you have to compare with me?" Franky raised his head proudly."About that," Iceburg's mouth curled slightly."I've also been invited by Mark to participate in shipbuilding.""Are you kidding me! Your conservative design style can't satisfy our partners full of masculine romance at all! Don't come here to make trouble!" Frankymocked loudly."Whether it's helping or causing trouble," Iceburg put away his smile and said seriously."Franky, do you think that after this heaven-piercing incident of yours, the Straw Hat crew still has time to wait for you to build the ship slowly?"Franky was silent for a moment, lowering his voice:"I'll just say it straight, don't forget your status, you are the mayor of Water 7. Are you going to join the pirates too?"He thought of the past when Mr. Tom was convicted for building a ship for the Pirate King, his tone filled with worry."Oh, you two stop arguing." Mark interjected at the right time."Just prepare the materials and build it in the Rainbow Space, wouldn't that be better? Call all the shipwrights!"His eyes lit up. "By the way, let's upgrade the Rainbow Space too!""Building the space is your real focus, right!" Iceburg exposed him in one sentence."Hehe, if you see through it but don't say it, we can still be friends! You're going to lose all your friends acting like this, Iceburg!"Mark rubbed his nose and shyly turned his face away."You haven't gone inside to look yet, right? I've already made some simple arrangements," Iceburg said to Mark."Really?" Mark was instantly excited.Iceburg nodded affirmatively.Just then, Luffy nimbly vaulted in through the train window: "Sanji, meat! I'm hungry!"He looked around, searching for the cook."Mark, where's Sanji?""He's in the Rainbow Space! Let's go, I was just about to go take a nap, I'm so sleepy!"Mark yawned and led the way toward the reopened rainbow mist."I'm going to go restock on cola, and get the deer-gorilla settled in while I'm at it." Franky followed, carrying Chopper on his back.In the carriage, Usopp's story continued, Nami and Robin rested together, and Zoro's snoring remained as loud as ever.On this speeding train, the fleeting tranquility felt so precious.While the rocketman raced along the tracks toward Water 7, the Marine headquarters at Marineford, located at the end of the first half of the Grand Line, was shrouded in an unprecedented low-pressure atmosphere.On the azure sea, a truly wretched fleet dragged itself slowly and heavily toward the magnificent fortress that symbolized the absolute justice of the Marines.Of the twenty-five well-equipped Buster Callwarships that had set out, only fifteen remained, and every single one was ravaged—the hulls were riddled with gaping holes and deep cracks;most of the towering masts were snapped, leaving only bare stumps; the pristine white sails were tattered and riddled with holes;the once-bright Marine emblems and identification numbers on the ships were obscured by smoke and fire.Seawater poured in incessantly through various cracks, and exhausted, wounded sailors lined up, mechanically and numbly scooping out water with whatever containers they could find, desperate to keep the warships from sinking.Even more shocking were the decks of each warship.The once-spacious combat platforms were now packed with Marine soldiers evacuated from Enies Lobby.The over 30,000 officers and soldiers who had been stationed on the island were now packed together like sardines in a can, with barely any room to stand.Wounded soldiers occupied most of the space, and the sounds of painful groans and the urgent shouts of medics rose and fell.Inside the flagship's special medical ward—Spandam, Rob Lucci, and Doberman, the three senior officials/officers, lay motionless on hospital beds, wrapped from head to toe in thick bandages like three mummies,only the faint, pulsing waveforms on the vital sign monitors beside them proved they were still alive.Meanwhile, in a small cabin temporarily serving as a conference room, the three veteran Vice Admirals—Onigumo, Yamakaji, and Momonga—sat.Each of them had blood-soaked bandages wrapped around their bodies, their expressions grim.Tokikake was alone in the communications room, the doors and windows tightly shut.He took off his hat, which he always wore in a somewhat sloppy manner, revealing slightly disheveled hair, his face etched with exhaustion and a deep sense of defeat.He took several deep breaths before slowly picking up the transponder snail.The transponder snail mimicked his heavy, bitter expression."Fleet Admiral... the mission... has failed."His voice was dry and hoarse, every word seemingly squeezed from his throat.On the other end of the line, far away in his office at Marineford, Sengoku fell silent for a full five seconds after hearing these words; the expression mimicked by the transponder snail was filled with suppressed rage and disbelief."Tokikake," his cold voice came through the transponder snail: "I need an explanation. A detailed one that can convince me.""We... severely underestimated the strength of the Straw Hat, as well as their... resolve and hidden potential." Tokikake struggled to organize his words, finding it exceptionally difficult."Not only do all of their core members possess the strength to fight head-on against elite Vice Admirals from headquarters and even hold the upper hand, but that Usopp also possesses a type of... destructive bomb suspected to be at the level of an ancient weapon.""Its power... based on the energy fluctuations, is enough to completely wipe Enies Lobby off the map.""Under the circumstances at the time, in order to preserve the main force of the Buster Call fleet and the tens of thousands of Marines on board... I... had to make the decision to prioritize preserving our living forces."He omitted his fear of Garp's warnings, as well as the heart-stopping growth potential of the Straw Hat."So," Sengoku's voice suddenly rose, carrying undisguised anger and skepticism, "you just watched as this bunch of lawless pirates, after destroying Enies Lobby and heavily damaging the Buster Call fleet, strutted away right in front of you?""Where is the face of the Marines? Where is the majesty of the World Government?"Tokikake closed his eyes, as if he could see again the countdown ticking on that pitch-black bomb, as well as Mark's terrifyingly calm gaze.He said bitterly, using almost all his strength: "Fleet Admiral... under those circumstances, if we had chosen to pursue them by force and provoked them into detonating it immediately... I'm afraid we would now... be at the bottom of the sea along with Enies Lobby, turned into dust in history.""I cannot bear this responsibility, nor could any Marine officer.""Bang!" In the Fleet Admiral's office at Marineford, Sengoku slammed his palm onto the sturdy solid wood desk. The immense force instantly caused spiderweb-like cracks to spread across the heavy tabletop, sending documents, the transponder snail, and ornaments flying in all directions."Old Garp, you rascal!!!" He turned his head abruptly, glaring at Garp, who was sitting on the sofa, still loudly munching on rice crackers with a "crunch, crunch" sound, veins bulging on his forehead."Look at your good grandson! Look at the good deed he's done! Openly attacking Enies Lobby, defying the Buster Call, defeating CP9, and now he's suspected of mastering an ancient weapon! Is he trying to poke a hole in the sky?""Wahahaha!" Garp let out his signature, heartless, heroic laugh, stuffed the remaining rice crackers into his mouth all at once, and slapped his thigh."That's my grandson for you!" His booming laughter sounded particularly jarring in the oppressive office.However, behind that deafening laughter and seemingly heroic expression, his large, calloused hand holding the teacup tightened imperceptibly.He knew that Luffy's path would be even more perilous from now on, and the gaze of the World Government would be focused on this Straw Hatwith unprecedented intensity.Seeing Garp like this, Sengoku was even more infuriated and roared uncontrollably: "You can still laugh! This is a Buster Call! One of the Marine's highest deterrent forces!""A Buster Call that has never had a record of failure since it was established!""Today, this shameful record has been completely broken because of your bastard grandson!""How do you expect me to answer to the World Government? How do I explain this to the people all over the world who are paying attention to this?"An hour later, in the highest-level strategic conference room at Marine headquarters.Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood at the head of the table, with the massive world map and Marine flag behind him. His face was livid, his hands pressed on the tabletop, his body leaning forward, and an invisible pressure enveloped the entire room.For once, Garp wasn't eating snacks; he sat with his arms crossed and a blank expression in the first seat to Sengoku's right, though his slightly furrowed brow showed he was not unmoved.Vice Admiral Tsuru sat opposite him, calmly flipping page by page through the detailed battle reports that had just been compiled, the ink still wet, her eyes sharp as a hawk's.Admiral Aokiji Kuzan leaned lazily against his chair with his eye mask pushed up to his forehead, seemingly indifferent, but the occasional gleam in his deep eyes showed he was paying close attention to everything.On both sides of the long table, dozens of elite Vice Admirals from headquarters and various branches sat upright, each with a solemn expression. The room was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard, with only the rustling sound of Tsuru turning pages and Sengoku's powerful, cold voice echoing."...In summary, the danger and threat level of the Straw Hat and their related forces must be re-evaluated and raised to the highest level!"Sengoku scanned the room, every word sounding as if it had been dredged from an ice cellar."From now on, Monkey D. Luffy and all his crew members are officially listed in the Marineheadquarters' 'Extremely Dangerous Pirates' registry, with a priority level equal to that of veteran Shichibukai!""I demand that the intelligence department, the Science Unit, and the bounty assignment department all get to work!"Just as the top levels of world power were making their decisions, the headquarters of the World Economic News was plunged into a state of frenzied excitement.Editor-in-Chief Morgans, that bird-man in the form of a giant albatross, was pacing back and forth in the editorial office excitedly, waving his wings, his voice sharp and high-pitched:"Quick! Quick! Quick! All printing presses! Start them all up for me! Warm them up to maximum efficiency! Front-page headline! Use the biggest font! The most shocking layout! The title is—'The Collapse of Justice? Enies Lobby Completely Sunk, the Legendary Buster Call Suffers Its First Defeat!'"He rushed to the layout workstation and pointed his wing at the wanted poster photo of Straw Hat Luffywith his bright smile:"Him! The photo of Straw Hat Monkey D. Luffy! Make it as big as possible! Take up a quarter of the page! And his crew, find the photos of everyone who participated in the battle and put them all up! This is a super headline big enough to shake the entire global landscape! We're going to make the whole world tremble at our newspaper's exclusive report!!"The next moment, the entire newspaper office shook, and dozens of large printing presses started simultaneously, emitting a deafening roar.Copies of the newspaper, bearing shocking headlines and striking images, flew out of the printing presses like white snowflakes, or like a manifesto of war. They were snatched up by the long-waiting news coos, about to be delivered at the fastest speed to every corner of the Four Blues and the Grand Line, setting off unprecedented waves among countless kingdoms, factions, civilians, and pirates.
Chapter 193: He Is Coming With An Iron Fist!"We have arrived at Water 7!"Before Kokoro's drawn-out voice had even faded, the commotion inside the carriage—Usopp's exuberant bragging, the boisterous shouting of Franky's henchmen—Came to a sudden halt, as if severed by a sharp blade.Immediately after, an even more enthusiastic roar erupted:"Finally—we're here!!!"Inside the Rainbow Space, Mark was carefully placing Chopper onto the bed in the going merry's infirmary.He exchanged a glance with Luffy, silently entrusting the still-sleeping little reindeer to Robinand Merry, before passing through the shimmering Rainbow Gate and returning to the noisy carriage.The moment Luffy appeared in the carriage, his rubber body shot toward the window like an arrow released from a bow.With a "thwack,"his entire face pressed tightly against the clear glass, his nose flattened,yet he still gazed greedily at the water metropolis looming in the mist in the distance."Skreeeee—!"The ear-piercing sound of metal grinding tore through the air as the rocketman began an emergency stop.The immense inertia caused everyone in the carriage to lurch forward involuntarily."Clang!"A dull thud rang out, exceptionally clear.Zoro, who had been sleeping against his seat, slammed his forehead squarely into the hard metal back of the seat in front of him."Enemy attack?"Zoro's eyes snapped open, his drowsiness instantly replaced by sharpness.He sprang up like a cheetah, the wado ichimonjialready drawn half an inch from its scabbard,the cold glint of the blade reflecting in his eyes as he scanned the surroundings vigilantly, his body radiating killing intent.However, he was met with the gazes of his companions, filled with pity for the mentally challenged."?"Zoro froze in place, blinked, and finally realized what had happened.He expressionlessly sheathed his sword, sat back down in silence, a faint, imperceptible blush coloring his bronze face as he tried to hide the awkward moment with a cold demeanor.Outside the window, the traces left by the "Gods of Water" were still striking.Most of the seaside buildings had collapsed, with broken timber and furniture piled high; the low-lying areas were still flooded, the murky water reflecting the daylight.But this city, known for its resilience, had already awakened—Citizens were busy clearing rubble, driving new piles, and repairing the crisscrossing waterways, the clanging sounds of hammering playing the symphony of reconstruction.As soon as the train came to a stop, Mark was the first to leap off.He stretched his sore muscles and immediately turned to Nami, who had just disembarked, his tone urgent:"Nami, how much longer until the log pose is full?"His experience at Enies Lobby made him keenly aware that they must be prepared to deal with a Marine counterattack at any moment."About five more days!"Before Nami could answer, Kokoro, who was standing nearby holding a bottle of liquor, happily provided the answer.She knew the navigational data for this island like the back of her hand."Five days, huh... That's enough time for necessary rest and resupply."Mark rubbed his chin, his mind rapidly calculating the logistics for repairs, procurement, and intelligence gathering.Just then, Iceburg walked over leisurely.He looked at the devastated streets, his gaze firm, as if he had made up his mind:"Don't worry about accommodation; there are still spare rooms at Dock 1. Although simple, they are safe enough and can serve as your temporary base."He turned to his capable assistant, Bally, regaining the efficiency of a mayor:"Bally, summon all the foremen and team leaders immediately; we need to come up with a city-wide reconstruction plan as soon as possible!""Yes, Mr. Iceburg!"Bari did not hesitate, immediately taking a few shipwrights and riding a Yagara Bull toward Central Street at full speed."Tilestone, settle our Giant Race friends near Dock 3!"Iceburg continued to instruct,"There is a wide coastline there, and Franky from the back street can also help host them.""Oh! The manly men of the Giant Race, leave it to me, Super!"Franky gave a thumbs-up and pointed to his eager henchmen behind him,"It just so happens I need to go back and see what kind of state my lovely 'Franky House' has been devastated into!""These cute henchmen of mine are Super strong when it comes to fighting, but as for building houses..."He shook his head exaggeratedly,"Without me, their boss, leading the way, I'm afraid they couldn't even set up a tent!""That's right! We wouldn't deign to do low-class work like building houses!""Exactly! Without Big Brother, we'd have to sleep under the bridge!"The henchmen chimed in one after another, their words filled with blind adoration for Franky."Hey! What are you idiots acting so proud about! When did building houses become low-class work!"Usopp couldn't help but facepalm and retort, then looked nervously at Franky,"Hey, don't forget the main business! Ship building! Before the Marines surround us, we have to hurry up and build a new ship to get away!"The shadow of Enies Lobby was clearly still lingering in his mind."Super—leave it to me!"Franky slapped Usopp's shoulder hard,"Once I've settled this bunch of troublemakers, I'll come find you right away!""The blueprints for the new ship have already been boiling in my brain!"Having said that, he took his noisy henchmen and headed toward the back street in a flurry."Aqua meat... want to eat... let's go..."Luffy pointed toward the direction of Central Street, mumbling vaguely, his voice growing quieter and quieter.The next second, he remained in that comical pointing pose, standing there completely motionless.Everyone was startled at first, but upon getting closer, they discovered a translucent snot bubble blowing out of his nostril, rising and falling slightly with his breathing—"He's asleep?"Everyone was shocked."It's a sense of relaxation."Mark shook his messy hair with realization; he himself felt the exhaustion after the mental drain,"His nerves, which had been tense the whole time, have finally relaxed. The adrenaline has worn off, and his body's protective mechanism has forced him into a deep sleep.""It looks like he won't wake up for three to five days.""Honestly, this willful Captain..."Usopp sighed helplessly, but didn't hesitate to step forward, skillfully hoisting the rubbery, limp Luffyonto his back,"Alright, alright, leave this manual labor to Lord Usopp!"Led by Kokoro and Chimney, the group boarded the Yagara Bull that had been waiting for a long time, and headed slowly toward the central district of Water 7, facing the rising sun.Two days later, in front of the main gate of Dock 1.The entrance to the shipyard, originally used for shipbuilding, was now being guarded by a human wall made of a dozen nervous shipwrights.Outside the gate, hundreds of restless people were blocking the passageway completely."I'm a reporter from the World Economic Journal! Please, let me interview the Straw Hat, even if it's just for five minutes!""I just want Roronoa Zoro's autograph! One! Just one!""I am a loyal admirer of Vice Captain Mark! Please, please help me deliver this burning heart of mine to him!"A big man with a beer belly and a full beard was squeezing forward desperately, waving a pink envelope."I'm from the local newspaper of Water 7! We need first-hand information!""At least let us take one photo! Just one!"Somehow, the news had leaked, exposing the hideout of the Straw Hat.Since yesterday, this crazy crowd had been gathering here."I said no! It's not happening! There's construction going on here, unauthorized personnel are forbidden to enter!"The shipwright in charge of blocking them had a hoarse throat, and sweat had soaked the cloth on his forehead.In contrast to the chaos at the dock gate, on the surrounding streets, the Galley-La shipwrights were taking advantage of their breaks to enthusiastically help residents repair houses damaged by the "Gods of Water."Further away, the Giant Race members Kashi and Oimo, like moving mountains, easily erected giant steel columns to secure foundations, each display of strength drawing cheers from the onlookers.In the office of Iceburg, at the temporary headquarters of the Galley-La Company.The pencil made a rustling sound on the paper.Iceburg was hunched over the desk, drawing complex blueprints with a focused expression.Franky was sprawled out carelessly on the sofa nearby, sipping ice-cold cola contentedly."I see..."Iceburg did not look up, his voice calm,"Since you've offended the World Government, joining the Straw Hat is perhaps the best choice.""Right! But I didn't join them just to hide from the government."Franky took a big gulp of cola, the bubbles fizzing.He turned his head, his sunglasses reflecting the light from outside the window,"Hey, stupid Iceburg, what have you been drawing since just now?""Blueprints for the new ship? That should be my job!"Iceburg's pen tip paused, still not looking up, but his tone carried a hint of heaviness:"The Gods of Water are getting more violent year by year.""If it goes on like this, this island... probably won't hold out for too long.""Eh!"Franky put the empty cola bottle on the coffee table with a "clatter," his tone becoming serious,"At this rate, this island is going to be finished sooner or later.""Then what... do you plan to do?""I'm going to make the whole island..."Iceburg finally lifted his pen, casting his gaze toward the city he loved deeply outside the window, his voice not loud, but resonant,"...float on the sea.""What?"Franky jumped up from the sofa in shock, his sunglasses sliding to the tip of his nose,"You want to turn Water 7... into a giant ship?""Is such a thing... really possible?""Have you forgotten?"Iceburg finally turned around, looking at Franky with burning eyes,"The two of us have always followed a great man who could always turn the 'impossible' into the 'possible'."He paused, his voice filled with memories and determination, repeating that teaching carved into his marrow:"If you're a man... you have to do it with a bang, bravely!"Franky was silent for a moment, then slowly pushed his sunglasses back up, hiding the surging emotions in his eyes.He looked at the busy reconstruction scene outside the window, the corners of his mouth slowly curling into a wild grin:"Do it with a bang, bravely, huh?""It seems... there's no time to slack off at all!""Our new ship is still waiting for me!"He strode toward the door, his footsteps pausing slightly as he gripped the doorknob, but he didn't turn back, his voice uncharacteristically low and solemn:"My good-for-nothing henchmen... I leave them to you, stupid Iceburg!"Without waiting for Iceburg to answer, he opened the door and left with the Cutty Flams Sisterswithout looking back.Straw Hat's temporary rest area."Creak—"The door was pushed open."Everyone~ Granny is coming in!"Kokoro's loud voice came through."Welcome! Kokoro, and little ones!"Sanji, wearing an apron, happened to be walking out of the kitchen carrying a tray filled with exquisite desserts, his clean white shirt making him look exceptionally sharp."Pirate Swirly-Brow Brother!"The little girl Chimney, holding the rabbit Gonbe, followed behind, skipping and jumping."Croak! Croak! Croak!"The giant frog Yokogang also wanted to squeeze in, but its massive body got stuck in the doorway; after trying for a long time, it only managed to squeeze its head in, making the door frame creak.Everyone watched this comical scene, unable to help but sweatdrop.In the end, Kokoro spoke up:"Yokogang! You just stay outside!""Croak..."Yokogang let out a wronged cry, obediently backed out, pressed his massive head against the window, and stared longingly inside.Inside the room, the food on the dining table was disappearing at an astonishing speed with a "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh."No need to ask, it was definitely the handiwork of a certain rubber man."Everyone is finally awake! You must be exhausted after sleeping for two whole days! That's only natural."Kokoro approached the table, watching Luffy as he was "furiously inhaling" food, and sighed with genuine admiration, "Oh~ our future Pirate King, you really have plenty of energy!""Well..." Sanji explained from the side, sweating, "Grandma, it's not what you think...""If it's not that, then what is it?" Kokoro asked curiously.Sanji helplessly pointed at Luffy: "Because this guy didn't want to miss a single meal after the battle ended, he somehow managed to master the bizarre skill of eating with precision while in a deep sleep!"Luffy's eyes were tightly shut, a translucent snot bubble blowing from his nostril, yet his hands moved with the speed of afterimages, continuously stuffing food into his mouth with precision."What? He's sleeping?" Kokoro's jaw nearly dropped in shock."So amazing! Pirate big brother!" Chimney clapped and jumped with excitement."What a... smart man! Hahaha!" Kokoro paused for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter."Click." The door was pushed open again."Hey! We're back!" Chopper, Merry, Mark, and Robinwalked in carrying large and small shopping bags, clearly having just finished a big shopping trip."Miss Robin—!" Sanji instantly transformed into a spinning top, elegantly sliding over to Robin's side, kneeling on one knee, and solemnly taking the actually small and light bag from her hand, "Please, by all means, entrust such a heavy burden to your knight!""Thank you, Mr. Sanji." Robin covered her mouth and chuckled."Sanji! Sanji!" Chopper immediately ran up to Sanji, puffed out his little chest, and said with the seriousness of a military report, "I have successfully completed the mission! Apart from stopping to check on the Emperor Ox-fish's injuries, I kept a close eye on Miss Robin and Merry the whole way, ensuring no suspicious characters approached!""You worked hard! Doctor Chopper!" Sanji replied with a solemn military salute."Hehe, we aren't going anywhere, right, Merry?" Robin smiled and looked at the young girl beside her."Exactly," Merry said with a grin, "Besides, Mark was with us the whole time too!""Hey, hey... isn't it a bit too much to only notice me now?" Mark, who had been completely ignored, couldn't help but protest, still wearing the strange mask that covered the upper half of his face."What?" Sanji glanced at him, his tongue sharp, "Do you want to learn from Usopp, wearing a mask to achieve the title of 'King of Trash'?""King of Trash, my foot!" Mark angrily took off the mask and threw it on the sofa, "You have no idea, I beat up five groups of people just going out to shop!""Why are you beating people up for no reason?" Sanji lit a cigarette and asked indifferently."Pfft—" Robin, who was standing nearby, finally couldn't hold it in, switching from a chuckle to loud laughter, "Hahaha! Those five people... were all 'passionate admirers' of our Vice Captain Mark!""What? You guy...!" Sanji instantly gritted his teeth, but then looked Mark up and down and had to admit, "However... in all fairness, our Vice Captaindoes have a face that is... well, quite delicate and cute.""It seems normal to have a few little fan girls, right?""No, no, no!" Merry and Chopper had already collapsed on the floor, rolling around while clutching their stomachs, "Not little fan girls! They were big, burly, rough-looking middle-aged men! Hahaha!"Even Robin was bent over with laughter, tears practically streaming down her face."...This!" Sanji really couldn't laugh.Sanji looked at Mark, then recalled his own dark history from their first meeting, and suddenly felt like he'd taken an arrow to the knee.Mark, on the other hand, had a dark expression, wishing he could put the mask back on."What's so funny? Tell me about it too!" Namipushed the door open, carrying bulging shopping bags with a curious smile on her face."Nami-san! You're back!" Sanji instantly flashed in front of her, his eyes turning into heart shapes, his hands elegantly outstretched, "Thank you for your hard work shopping! Please, by all means, entrust these heavy burdens to me!""Did you find money or something? You're so happy?" Mark took the opportunity to change the subject, tossing a grape into the air and catching it precisely with his mouth."Pretty much!" Nami lifted her chin proudly, casually hanging all the shopping bags on Sanji's outstretched arm, "A fashion magazine company asked me to be a print model today, and I easily made some extra cash!""Print model?" Mark chewed the grape and muttered vaguely, "It wouldn't be the kind of 'model' that takes wanted poster photos, would it?""It's not like that at all!" Nami pulled a thick stack of Berries from her wallet and tapped it proudly against her palm, "Ten thousand Berries per photo! And I've already scheduled a shoot for tomorrow!"She looked at Mark slyly, "How about it? Do you want your big sister to take you along to make a fortune? As long as you dress up a little, stuff two buns in...""Stop, stop!" Mark quickly waved his hand to interrupt this dangerous topic.He looked around, trying to find a savior, "I'm in a bad mood, where did my drinking buddy Zoro go?"Just then, the door was pushed open with a "bang.""Aww—! Everyone, how's your condition today!" Franky appeared in the doorway in his signature handstand pose, his hands clasped above his head."Super!" Behind him, the Cutty Flams Sisters, Kiwiand Mozu, also struck the same pose."Regarding our new ship," Franky flipped over and stood steady, excitedly pulling a roll of blueprints from his chest, "Yours truly has come up with another super awesome new plan!"He shoved the blueprints into Mark's hands.Mark unfolded them and raised an eyebrow after just one glance: "Oh? This design... isn't it a bit too perverted?""Aww! You really have a good eye for appreciation, Jelly Boy!" Franky proudly struck a Superman pose, puffing out his steel chest even further."If you call me by that nickname again," Mark's temple throbbed with a vein, "Do you believe I'll shove your mechanical butt into your own mouth?"Franky's eyes flickered, as if he were actually imagining the scene, and he became even more excited: "Super—perverted!"Meanwhile, by the seaside.Zoro was on the beach, conducting his daily sword training, sweat sliding down his muscular lines.Suddenly, a long, majestic whistle cut through the roar of the waves, catching his attention.He stopped, turned around, and squinted toward the horizon.A uniquely shaped warship was slowly sailing toward them—the bow featured a conspicuous dog-head design, and there was even a striking wooden birdhouse built on the main mast."A Marine warship? How did they find us so quickly?" Zoro's brows furrowed tightly, and he deftly sheathed wado ichimonji, "I have to inform them quickly."He turned around without hesitation and sprinted toward the alley he remembered from his arrival.A minute later, Zoro's figure reappeared by the seaside.He stood in place, his single eye filled with confusion and annoyance: "What the hell is going on?"He gritted his teeth, refusing to believe it, and turned again to rush into the intricate streets.Ten minutes later, Zoro was leaning on his knees, gasping for air beside a reef that looked vaguely familiar, his sweat having soaked his haramaki."What kind of damn planning is this city? It's built like a maze!"Two kids playing nearby noticed this stranger who kept circling the same spot, exchanged glances, and approached with ill intent."Yo~ mister, you look new around here!" One kid with a buzz cut shook the flute in his hand."Come play with us, won't you? Hehe..." The other kid, holding a fan, chimed in with a grin.Zoro slowly lifted his head, shadows covering his face, and a palpable low-pressure atmosphere began to spread.He slowly turned around, dangerous light flickering in his eyes, his voice terrifyingly low: "Huh?"Meanwhile—Garp's signature dog-head cap fluttered slightly in the sea breeze, and he walked with a dragon-like, tiger-like stride down the main street of Water 7.His tall frame carried an oppressive aura that commanded respect without him even trying.Koby and Helmeppo, wearing Marine coats with "Justice" on the back, followed closely behind, their expressions firm.Behind them were hundreds of Marine elites, marching in unison with solemn expressions.This silent and elite troop was like a white torrent of iron, instantly bringing silence to the bustling street.The crowd parted like a tide separated by an invisible hand, retreating to both sides of the street.They watched this troop heading straight for Dock One, their faces filled with worry, and suppressed whispers of sympathy for the Straw Hat crew arose from the crowd:"It's the Marine Hero Garp...""You mean, the Garp who pushed Roger to the brink of death several times!!!""Are they going to cause trouble for the Straw Hat?""But they are the benefactors who saved Mr. Iceburg..."Garp turned a deaf ear to the surrounding gossip; his goal was clear, his actions swift and decisive, and in a few strides, he arrived before the heavy, closed iron gates of Dock One."Stop! This... place... is restricted...!" A brave shipwright bit the bullet and stepped forward to block him."Bang!"Garp didn't even look at him properly; he just gave a casual flick, and the burly shipwright was sent stumbling backward as if hit by a battering ram, barely caught by his companions.Garp stood still before the iron gate, squeezed his pot-sized fist, and his knuckles let out a "crack" sound.He casually blew on his fist, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp, and he roared loudly toward the other side of the door, his voice so booming it seemed capable of piercing through steel:"Two unfilial brats! Just hide in there!"Before his words had even faded, his right fist, wrapped in invisible Haki, blasted out like a cannonball!"Boom—!!!"A deafening roar! The heavy steel gate, capable of withstanding cannon fire, was instantly torn and twisted, a huge hole with jagged, radiating edges—large enough for several people to pass through side-by-side—blasted open in the center!Shattered metal fragments scattered everywhere, and dust filled the air.Garp withdrew his fist and stepped into the interior of the dock through the "passageway" he had created himself.Luffy, Mark—Danger!