Chapter 211: Flag Hunter Achino FamilyIn this tense moment, Stanson suddenly stepped forward, trying his best to explain in a fluster, with fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead."Oh! Everyone, please calm down!""Let me clarify! We... we aren't suspicious characters! We're just ordinary fishermen, yes, fishermen. Hahaha!"He gave a dry laugh and turned his head, winking at his companions."Right! Everyone?""Stop acting, I'm feeling embarrassed for you."Franky approached step by step, his mechanical fists creaking as he clenched them."Be honest, who exactly are you people?""Roar!"The three-meter-long Taotie Ink Meteor appeared behind them, its golden pupils flashing with a dangerous light in the night, completely cutting off their retreat."Big brothers, please don't do anything... let's talk this out!"Stanson was still trying his best to mediate, his voice trembling noticeably."They didn't come with entirely malicious intent either!"However, his subordinate named Kyle, with the explosive dreadlocks, had already reached his limit."Cut the crap! I can't take it anymore!"Kyle suddenly charged forward; Stanson reached out to stop him but grabbed only thin air."Stop, Kyle!"Stanson broke into a cold sweat, secretly crying out in alarm.Kyle drew a long blade with a 'clink,' pointing it directly at Sanji and Franky."They're just bluffing! How could they stay awake after taking anesthetics?""Exactly! You've seen how great this ship is. As long as we take it, we can definitely fight back and win!"Two lackeys behind Kyle also drew their weapons, eager to try."But isn't this biting the hand that feeds us?"The young man in the Viking helmet lowered his head, his voice full of shame."If you won't do it, I will!" Kyle charged toward Sanjiand Franky with his two lackeys, blades raised."Is this the answer you've given?"Sanji elegantly shifted his foot behind him to build power, his gaze becoming sharp."Simple and clear, I like it!"Franky twisted his mechanical neck, and the weapon system on his hand made a 'click' as it activated.Just as Kyle leaped and swung his blade at Sanji, Stanson suddenly jumped from the back to the front, grabbed the back of Kyle's head, and slammed it hard onto the deck."All of you, back down!""Thud!"The dull sound of a skull hitting metal echoed in the night sky.Stanson clearly hadn't expected perforated steel plates under the lawn; with this heavy blow, Kylewas knocked unconscious on the spot, blood slowly seeping from his forehead."Hey, hey!"This sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.Stanson immediately stood up, rubbing the back of his head and squeezing out an awkward smile."Oops, they're just hot-headed, really no malicious intent!"He rubbed his hands together, trying to maintain that fawning look."What the hell are you laughing at! You've made a mess of my lawn!"Franky looked at this guy playing the fool, his fists clenched tight."I told you, your clownish performance is just nauseating."Sanji pointed his cigarette at the unconscious Kyleon the ground."You don't think we'll let you go because of this, do you? Utterly ridiculous!"Zoro pushed the door open and walked out wrapped in a brown cotton coat, looking disgusted."So cold! Why isn't this settled yet?""I felt something was wrong from the start. Did you think we were all as easy to fool as these two idiots?"Nami said as she dragged out Luffy and Usopp, who were sleeping like dead pigs.The two were sleeping soundly, snot bubbles growing and shrinking with their breath."Captain Stanson!! This is bad!""We seem to be surrounded!"Stanson's face changed rapidly; the fawning expression vanished, replaced by a desperate resolve."Since it's come to this, there's no other way!""Run!"Having said that, Stanson suddenly charged toward the ship's railing."What?"The lackeys were still holding their weapons ready for a fight to the death, not expecting their captain to run away directly."Hundred Flower Bloom!"Robin gave a light shout, and countless arms instantly bound Stanson tightly.Stanson lost his balance and fell heavily onto the deck.Mark leaped lightly down from the mast, his crimson eyes locking onto the remaining people.He pressed his hand downward, and invisible Conqueror's Haki accurately struck the crowd."Kneel and talk!"Several people knelt on the ground in unison, their bodies going limp."Oh? That's a bit cool!"Watching this, Sanji couldn't help but show a bit of envy.A moment later, the members of the Phoenix Pirates were tied back-to-back with iron chains, huddling on the wind-and-snow-swept deck, shivering from the cold."Eh? Where's Chopper? I haven't seen him at all."Nami looked around and suddenly realized the small figure was missing."Chopper? Oh no, Chopper's gone!"Sanji immediately became nervous."Roar roar roar!"Ink Meteor roared several times toward the broken ship being towed behind.Mark gently stroked Ink Meteor's large head and turned to his companions."Ink Meteor says Chopper and a little boy went to their ship; there's no danger."Nami looked toward the stern. "I see! Then there's no rush to untie the tow rope."She looked up at the sky, the piercing cold wind blowing her long golden hair."We have to hurry; the wind speed has changed, a blizzard might be forming.""That being said, what about these two?"Zoro kicked the still-sleeping Luffy and Usopp, twitching his lips helplessly."Truly hopeless guys!"Nami breathed warm air onto her fist and suddenly gave a loud shout."Get up!""Bang! Bang!""Hey~ it's so cold!"Luffy jumped up suddenly, hugging his shoulders and shaking like a sieve.Usopp also woke up, an icicle hanging from his long nose and a steaming large bump on his head."Not just cold, my head hurts too, it hurts like crazy!""Achoo!"The two were so cold they kept sneezing.Usopp subconsciously went to wipe his snot with his finger, wiping it to the right,about to smear it on Zoro's new cotton coat."Hey!"Zoro jumped away in horror, then gave each of them a kick on the butt, sending them into the room to change clothes."Bulu bulu bulu!"Just then, the transponder snail in Stanson's arms rang.The Straw Hat crew immediately surrounded the Phoenix Pirates, applying pressure with sharp gazes.Mark spoke in a cold voice."Answer it normally, don't play any tricks!"Stanson nodded with difficulty.Robin used her Hana Hana no Mi ability to take the transponder snail from his arms."Click."She held the receiver to Stanson's mouth.A sleazy male voice came from the other side of the transponder snail."How is the mission going?"Stanson looked at the Straw Hat crew's stern expressions and answered with a trembling voice."The... the anesthetic plan... failed."A roar immediately erupted from the other end."Idiot! Didn't I say to wait for my word? Why did you act on your own! That's the Straw Hat Pirates! How could it be that easy to succeed!"Stanson sniffled back the snot frozen out by the cold."Sorry, very sorry, next time for sure...""Wasted such a perfect battle plan! Just a bunch of fools!"The voice on the other end paused, its tone suddenly becoming contemptuous."Tsk! Forget it, you lot get lost!""Huh?""Can't you hear? Useless trash, get out of my way, do you hear me? You're worse than trash."The voice on the other end was full of mockery."Yes!"Stanson's voice suppressed anger, then immediately switched back to fawning mode."Yes, yes, yes, we are trash, we understand...""Click!"The call was abruptly hung up.Stanson lowered his head, snowflakes falling on his trembling shoulders, his clenched fists making a slight scraping sound against the iron chains."Tell us! Who is the person behind you? And why are you targeting us?"Sanji spoke coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade."It's... it's the Flag Hunters, the Achino Family."Stanson lowered his head dejectedly, his voice carrying the exhaustion of resignation."Flag Hunters?"Nami frowned slightly; it was the first time she had heard this name."That's right... a criminal organization that finds pleasure in seizing pirate flags."Stanson explained bitterly."The higher the bounty on the pirate flag, the more they crave it... to them, those are supreme trophies.""What a bad taste!" Zoro crossed his arms, his tone carrying obvious disdain."You... should also be pirates, right?" Mark keenly caught something.Stanson nodded heavily, his voice barely audible."Phoenix Pirates... we were defeated, not long ago."Just then, angry footsteps came from the other end of the deck.Luffy and Usopp, now changed into thick cotton clothes, were walking over aggressively while rolling up their sleeves, with Merry following closely behind—evidently, she had told them the whole story."Damn it! How dare you lie to us!"Luffy's cheeks were puffed with anger, his rubber arms unconsciously stretching a bit."After we were kind enough to treat you to a meal! This is so disappointing!"Usopp pointed at Stanson with even more righteous indignation.
Chapter 212: Seeing Through Sarugo's Seagull Trap"I treat you to a meal, and you actually want to steal our thousand sunny? Are you guys even pirates?"Luffy clenched his fists, two plumes of white steam snorting from his nostrils.Usopp poked his head out from between Mark and Sanji, lowering his voice:"Hey, Luffy, don't you think acting like this makes them seem more like pirates?"Merry crossed her arms, her eyes full of disdain as she spoke coldly:"If you ask me, ungrateful bastards should just be thrown into the sea to feed the fish!"Facing the accusations of the Straw Hat Crew, Stanson lowered his head deeply.He took a deep breath of the freezing air, and when he looked up, his eyes were pleading:"Everyone of the Straw Hat Crew, I have done something irredeemable.If someone must take the blame... then let it be me alone."His voice was hoarse yet filled with determination."The idea was mine, and I was the one who drugged you. I beg you... don't take your anger out on my partners.""Captain Stanson!!!""No, that's not how it is!"The members of the Phoenix Pirates were still trying desperately to explain.Hearing this, Mark took a step forward."Oh~! Playing the part to the end, are we? Then I'll grant your wish."He grabbed the iron chains on Stanson, his palm instantly hardening with Armament Haki, and gave a violent yank!Clang—!The crisp sound of metal snapping echoed through the cold night.He seized Stanson by the throat; with just a little force, he could snap that fragile neck.The Straw Hat members just watched quietly.They understood Mark; even if he truly killed him, he would have his reasons."Captain!!" Seeing this, the other members of the Phoenix Pirates struggled desperately."Benefactor! Don't!""Please, let our Captain go!""I did it!" Kyle, with his explosive afro hair, suddenly roared, tears bursting from his eyes."It was all me! The idea was mine, and I drugged you! The drug is in my coat, that's the proof!"He gave Mark a pleading look and then turned to Luffy."Mr. Luffy! You're right, pirates have a code! If you do wrong, you have to admit it!"Giro also looked at Stanson with a complex gaze:"Ever since our Captain was heavily injured, we've been forced to work for the Flag Hunter Achino Family... I looked down on you.Your groveling appearance made me sick; I felt your actions brought shame to our proud Phoenix Pirates."He looked up, letting the icy snowflakes fall on his face and melt into watery trails."Now I finally understand... before absolute power, life is as frivolous as these snowflakes. If it's lost, what's the point of talking about pride?"Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke, the mist mixing with the cold air and dispersing in the dark night:"So, you regret it?""I don't know..." Giro shook his head."But Stanson and I have the same goal—to protect everything of the Phoenix Pirates and wait for our Captain, 'Phoenix' Pajelu, to return! Then, we will challenge the New World again!"Kyle's face showed a smile mixed with confidence and determination:"Our Captain Pajelu will definitely become the Pirate King! Come on, kill me!""Kyle!"The members of the Phoenix Pirates wept together, appearing exceptionally tragic in this piercingly cold night."How cunning... making us look like the bad guys." Usopp muttered again in a low voice.Nami also nodded in agreement.Luffy reached out and slowly lowered his Straw Hat."Let them go."The three simple words caused the surrounding air to suddenly freeze.The crying stopped abruptly, and everyone looked at Luffy in disbelief.Luffy looked up and grinned, revealing his signature wide smile:"Hehe! To be honest, I don't hate pirates with backbone! Nor pirates who risk their lives to protect their Captain and partners!"Mark let go upon hearing this. Stanson slumped to the ground, coughing violently.Almost simultaneously, Zoro's blade flashed—Clang! The chains on the Phoenix Pirates members snapped!The freed pirates hugged each other excitedly, tears and snot flowing freely."Truly a bunch of crybabies," Nami said with a look of disdain.Mark tossed over several thick wool blankets, his tone still cold:"Beat it! Don't freeze to death on our ship, it's bad luck.""So... so warm! Thank you, Big Brother Mark!" The young man in the Viking helmet quickly wrapped himself in a blanket and bowed repeatedly."We are eternally grateful! The Phoenix Pirates will always remember this kindness!"Stanson shouted to his partners, "Everyone back to our ship! Don't cause trouble for our benefactors!"After saying that, he was the first to jump back to that dilapidated pirate ship, and the other crew members followed suit.Meanwhile, in the darkness, a disguised ship lurked quietly.The people on the ship wore ridiculous outfits resembling 'Teletubbies' (Teletubby headgear with formal restaurant server uniforms below).Among them, the yellow-haired, blue-eyed man in a jazz suit—Sarugo—was the one who had just been commanding Stanson.He held binoculars, carefully observing every move of the thousand sunny.Zoro seemed to sense something and suddenly turned his head, his gaze sweeping toward Sarugo's direction like a blade!Sarugo hurriedly lowered his binoculars and took a sharp breath:"Tsk... they really aren't comparable to ordinary pirates; I was almost spotted.""Lord Sarugo, the 'Seagull Trap' is ready!" a Teletubby crew member reported with a salute."Alright!"Sarugo struck an elegant ballet pose and snapped his fingers crisply in the air."Performance—start!"With his command, a melodious yet eerie symphony abruptly surrounded the Straw Hat Crew."Hey!" Sanji immediately stood up from the steps."Did you guys hear that?" Usopp alertly took off his earmuffs."What is that sound?" Nami and the other crew members leaned against the ship's railing, looking for the source of the sound."What's that?" Zoro narrowed his single eye, looking toward a point of light in the dark night."Eh?" Everyone followed his gaze.Usopp quickly raised his binoculars, and after just one look, he cried out:"No way?""M-Marines!" His voice was trembling."Nani?" Amidst their shock, everyone found it even more unbelievable."They found us so quickly?" Zoro gritted his teeth."No, it's a trap."Mark opened his eyes and said with certainty, "There's no life force on that warship.""I see... is it that guy on the other end of the transponder snail?"Nami put on a pink knit hat and wrapped herself tighter; the snowy wind was getting stronger."What's his goal? Should we escape?" Sanji looked at Mark and Luffy.Mark shook his head:"Using fake Marines to scare us suggests their goal is to drive us away, not to capture us.Don't panic... if I'm not mistaken, the encirclement is coming soon."Before his voice had even faded, a series of explosions suddenly rang out all around!"Hmph! This is clearly the sound of gunpowder barrels exploding; a warship should be firing cannonballs!"Usopp pushed his sniper goggles, his face full of confidence."Before Captain Usopp, the 'King of Blasting,' such petty tricks have nowhere to hide!""Alright, alright, we know you're amazing!"Nami walked over to him, snatched away the binoculars, and began to observe for herself."Look closely, the light and shadows on the warship's sails are wrong. Who shines a searchlight onto their own sails? It's definitely a fake!"Just then, the surrounding sea surface lit up with countless lights and shadows like flowing colored lamps—Identical "warship" images surrounded the thousand sunny, leaving only one obvious gap."Are they trying to play us for fools?"Zoro pointed at the only gap with a look of disdain."That's obviously a trap!""Eh? I thought that was the only exit!" Luffy said solemnly, arms crossed."Idiot! Only you would believe that."Usopp was so annoyed he smacked the back of Luffy's head, making the rubber head wobble like a tumbler toy.Luffy steadied his head, ignored Usopp, and turned to Mark:"Mark, can you sense where the enemy is?""They're a bit far, I'll try..." Mark closed his eyes, his Observation Haki spreading out like a tide.A moment later, he suddenly opened his eyes and pointed in one direction:"That way!"Where he pointed was exactly where Sarugo was hiding!On Sarugo's disguised ship, the outer layer of the sails was covered with Marine insignias, using searchlights to confuse the view just like the fake ships around them. He thought he was foolproof.He stood with hands on hips, his pupils under the blue eyeshadow flashing with malice:"What will you do? Straw Hat Crew...""Report! They've started moving!""Did they fall into the trap? Hahaha! Of course, just look at whose idea it was!" Sarugo laughed triumphantly to the sky."Something... seems wrong..." The Teletubby guard's voice began to tremble."Ah? What's wrong? Stop making a fuss!" Sarugoscolded."S-Sarugo-sama... the Straw Hat Crew... they seem... to be coming straight for us!!" The guard collapsed onto the deck in fear, his binoculars falling with a clang."Get out of the way! You useless thing!"Sarugo kicked the guard aside, grabbed the binoculars himself, and his face instantly turned pale."Nani!"He snorted coldly: "Hmph! So what if you found us? I have a backup plan!It's an upwind now, what are you going to use to chase me? I thought you were impressive, but you're just a bunch of rookies."On the thousand sunny, it was a different scene now.The ship was rocking violently, and Luffy and Usoppwere rolling around on the lawn deck."What's going on, Nami?" Luffy clung tightly to Ink Meteor's leg to steady himself."It's no good! The wind direction is completely unfavorable, we can't chase!" Nami held her knit hat tightly, fearing it would be blown away by the gale."The rudder isn't responding either! The currents are against us too!"Sanji tried desperately to turn the locked steering wheel, but to no avail."Get aside!" Franky shoved Sanji away."You bastard! What are you doing?" Sanji staggered a few steps and shouted angrily."Leave it to me!" Franky's large hand pressed buttons on the control panel, inputting commands at lightning speed."Ding ding ding ding!""Creeeeak—!"A series of heavy mechanical sounds of gears coupling came from inside the thousand sunny."Furl the sails! Quick!" Nami ordered decisively.Mark and Zoro exchanged a glance and leaped up simultaneously, climbing the mast in a few bounds to furl and secure the sails at incredible speed."The 'Soldier Dock System' was made for moments like this!" Franky slammed the dial to Channel Zero."Channel Zero! Activate!" He pulled the lever down hard!"Clack clack clack—clack!""Cola Engine! Paddle Wheels - Sunny!!"The circular steel plate of Channel 1 on the side of the thousand sunny slid open like a pocket door, and a huge red paddle wheel quickly extended from it!"Click!" The moment the gears perfectly coupled, the paddle wheel began to spin frantically!"Charge—!!" Franky roared!AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-liteThe thousand sunny, like an arrow released from its bow, dragged the dilapidated pirate ship behind it, cleaving through the waves as it charged toward its target!Inside the broken ship, Chopper was nearly knocked over by the sudden inertia."What's happening? Oh no!"He shrieked, desperately hugging the unconscious Pajelu on the sickbed,"Giro, help me! The wound I just managed to stitch up is about to rip open again!""Coming!" Giro also hurried forward, pinning down their Captain."What the hell is this? What kind of ship can move this fast even against the wind?!"Sarugo watched the thousand sunny charging over like a sea beast, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets."What do I do? What do I do?" He was completely panicked."It's too late, Lord Sarugo!!" One of the antenna-headed minions had already strapped on an oxygen tank and jumped into the sea with a splash to escape."Give that to me!"In a panic, Sarugo stripped the diving suit off a guard, put it on himself, and donned an oxygen mask."Remember this! Straw Hat!" He spat out a threat and also jumped into the icy sea with a splash."Boom—!!"Almost the very second they hit the water, the special explosive star shot by Usopp exploded violently on Sarugo's ship! Fire shot into the sky, kicking up massive waves!"Damn it! Still a step too slow, let them get away!" Usopp punched the sea surface in frustration."We'll meet again."Zoro patted his shoulder, cold light flickering in his eyes,"A hunter doesn't easily give up on prey they've set their sights on. It's just that next time we meet... who is the hunter and who is the prey remains to be seen.""Anyway, let's find Chopper and get the lay of the land."Nami looked at the stern, "We can't keep dragging this 'dead weight' forever."The "dead weight" she referred to was none other than the Phoenix Pirates' battered pirate ship.Nami carefully observed the weather and sea conditions, her brows furrowing slightly, then she decisively gave the order:"Franky, drop anchor!""Understood!" Franky made an OK gesture and executed the order without hesitation. He completely trusted the judgment of this top-tier navigator.Nami walked to the center of the deck and explained to everyone,"We have likely entered the winter island sea area. Visibility at night is too poor, and it's easy to hit an iceberg; it's too dangerous. It's safer to wait until daybreak to set off.""Our genius Navigator-san,"Franky asked, tilting his head, "Our thousand sunnyhas ice-breaking capabilities; should we activate them?"Nami shook her head:"There is an even more important reason. Didn't those guys want to force us into a trap? The trap is likely set in this area. Moving forward blindly will only make us fall for it.""As expected of Miss Nami! Not only is she incredibly intelligent, but even her cautious look is so cute!"Sanji put his hands behind his head, his eyes turned into hearts, and his body twisted into a pretzel."Speaking of which... where is Luffy?" Usopp always felt like something was missing, and after looking around, he realized the Captain was gone."Hey! Chopper! Where are you?" Luffy's voice came from the broken pirate ship nearby, breaking the silence of the night."Hey! If you're there, answer me! I've come to take you home!"Inside the cabin of the broken ship"This voice is..." Giro looked up alertly toward the deck.Chopper's ears twitched, and he immediately recognized it, "It's Luffy! I'll go out for a second!" Saying this, he was about to run to the deck."Wait! Doctor Chopper!" Giro hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed.On the deck of the broken ship"Hey! Chopper!" Luffy was still shouting on the deck.The first to come out of the cabin was Stanson, because it was too cold on the deck, and the other members had already returned to the cabin to rest."Big Brother Straw Hat,"Stanson bowed respectfully, "Your ship's doctor should be with Giro, treating our Captain. I'll take you there now."Just then, Chopper came panting out of a small door,"Luffy!""Chopper! So you're here; we were worried about you."Luffy smiled and turned his head, saying to his crew behind him, "Right, everyone!" The crew nodded."Let's go back! You're hungry too, right?" Luffy put his hands on his hips and gave Chopper a brilliant smile."Wait! You can't take him away!"Giro's voice came from the small door, carrying a hint of ferocity,"If the doctor is taken away by you, our Captain will be in danger!""Who are you?"Luffy picked his nose disdainfully, not taking the other's threat to heart at all.Giro looked left and right, his gaze locking onto an old mop in the corner."If you insist on taking him away..."He grabbed the mop, like a giant hammer, and rushed toward Luffy, desperate and reckless!"What is this guy doing?"Luffy looked at this kid holding a mop aggressively and was completely speechless."Stop! Giro!" Stanson lunged forward and held him tight."Let me go!" Giro struggled desperately."Don't do anything stupid! You'll be killed!" The other crew members who heard the commotion also ran out, shouting in horror."So what? I'm not afraid of death!"Giro roared, his stubborn face full of tears,"I'm different from you cowards! No matter how strong the enemy is, I won't give up!"The word "coward" stung Stanson like a needle. In the moment he was stunned, his arms loosened,Giro broke free and fell onto the deck. Without a word, he grabbed the mop again and smashed it hard toward Luffy's head!"No! Giro!!"The members of the Phoenix Pirates were all terrified. They had just escaped death, and this was like running into the tip of a blade!Just as the mop was about to descend, a fair hand firmly grabbed it.Mark appeared like a ghost and, with a casual flick, threw Giro, along with the mop, aside like trash."What is this? A hothead or a chuunibyou?"Mark's tone was cold, with a hint of impatience,"Are all the kids on this sea this brain-dead and stubborn?""Stop him!" Stanson hurriedly called his companions."Damn it!" Giro flexibly dodged the obstruction of the fat guy and the Viking helmet guy, and rushed at Mark recklessly again.Mark was completely annoyed, and killing intent suddenly appeared in his eyes."Really... disgusting.""Don't! Mark!" Chopper shrieked to stop him.Mark's fist, full of killing intent, stopped abruptly one millimeter from Giro's nose.The sharp wind from the punch blew the cloth off his head, and nosebleed, caused by the air pressure, oozed out and dripped onto the cold deck.Giro froze in place, his pupils shrinking to the size of pinpoints.Just a moment ago, he truly saw the face of death.If it weren't for Chopper calling to stop at the critical moment, his head would have exploded like a watermelon by now."Disgusting."Mark shook his hand, tossing the limp Giro aside like brushing off dust, letting his involuntary urine soak his pant legs and the deck."Chopper, you have to fill your stomach to save lives."The coldness on Mark's face dissipated instantly, and he took out a fluffy cotton candy from the Rainbow Space and handed it over gently."Cotton candy!"Chopper's eyes lit up immediately, all tension swept away, and he bounced over to take the cotton candy, eating it happily with his eyes narrowed."Thank you Mark! You are the gentlest person in the world!" Chopper praised indistinctly while chewing."Gentle?" The members of the Phoenix Piratesdidn't dare to keep their eyes on Mark."Chopper, what is going on?" Luffy scratched the back of his head, not yet fully grasping the situation.Chopper stopped eating the cotton candy and lowered his head guiltily,"Luffy, actually... I need to stay on this ship for a while. There is a patient on board with very serious injuries, on the verge of death."He raised his head and looked at Luffy with firm eyes,"Luffy, if I leave now, he will definitely die. So, please! Before he is out of danger, let me stay and take care of him!""Is that so!" Luffy grinned, showing a hearty smile, "No problem! Then we'll wait for you!""Thank you, Luffy!" Chopper rushed over, moved, and hugged Luffy tightly."Heeheehee!" Luffy happily stroked Chopper's furry head."Ah! Right!" Chopper suddenly remembered something, and flashed to the side of the crew surrounding Giro."Doctor Chopper is here!""Let the doctor see! Giro won't wake up no matter how we call him!"Chopper squeezed in, crouched down, and checked carefully,"It's okay, just excessive fright; he fainted, and he will wake up in a while. You guys take him to take a hot bath and change into clean clothes first.""Great!""Good that he's okay! We're going now!" A group of people lifted Giro and carefully walked toward the cabin.Half an hour later, inside the infirmary—Giro lowered his head, his voice thin as a mosquito's buzz, "About what happened just now... thank you, Doctor Chopper."Chopper didn't look at him, focused on changing the dressing for the unconscious Pajelu, the dim candlelight dancing in his serious eyes."Giro, I warned you, my crew members don't all have good tempers, and they are all very, very strong."He stopped his work, turned to look at Giro, his tone peaceful but powerful,"I don't know much about your situation; it seems you have many hidden troubles. But please rest assured, I am a pirate, and more importantly, a doctor."His gaze was pure and firm, "As long as there is a patient in pain, I will do my best to cure him!""Actually... we are also pirates." Giro's words made Chopper stop, looking at him in surprise."Eh?"Then, Giro began to slowly recount their tragic experience after heading to the New World: how the Vice Captain died fighting to cover everyone, how Captain Pajelu was seriously injured and on the verge of death, how their pirate flag was taken away by the Achino Family, and how they, in order to survive, humiliatingly became the lackeys of the Achino Family...As he spoke in a low voice, Luffy, leaning against the wall nearby, had long since fallen into a steady, snoring sleep.And on the thousand sunny, similar scenes of sleep were also playing out.However, they did not notice that beneath the dark, icy sea, a group of giant mutant penguins was silently pushing the thousand sunny and the broken ship it was dragging, slowly drifting in one direction...
Chapter 213: Cornered Beast's StruggleThe early morning sunlight was exceptionally piercing, as if the entire world had been set ablaze.The light didn't come directly from the sun, but was instead reflected repeatedly by the prism effect of countless surrounding glaciers, enveloping the thousand sunny in a dazzling, pale glow.Sanji gripped the thousand sunny's helm, his brow furrowed as he looked around in confusion."Are you kidding me... only one night has passed, what kind of hellhole have you brought my dear Sunny to?"He muttered to himself."Is this still the sea I know?""A—choo! C-c-cold!"Usopp, tightly wrapped in a thick cotton coat, shivered as he made his way to the ship's railing.He rubbed his bleary eyes vigorously, and once his vision cleared, the sight before him made him scream out loud:"W-where is this?""Didn't we drop anchor in open waters last night?""Strange, so strange..."Nami surveyed the surroundings, her sharp navigator's intuition giving her a strong sense of unease."I feel like something's not right..."Before she could finish, a sudden, thunderous "Boom!" erupted from the stern, sounding like a landslide."Ah! What happened?"The three of them turned back in unison to see two massive icebergs collide without warning right where the thousand sunny had just passed, kicking up a cloud of ice crystals that drifted down like diamond dust."That was close! Too close!" Sanji patted his chest, still feeling the lingering fear."Watch out, Sanji! Look ahead!" Nami's cry rang out again.At some point, a towering, giant iceberg had appeared in the previously empty waterway ahead, standing like an impassable wall."Tsk! What's the deal now? Wasn't it an open waterway just a second ago?"Sanji clicked his tongue, his hands quickly spinning the helm.The thousand sunny barely avoided the iceberg with a precarious turn, the hull tilting slightly and causing a minor sway on the deck."It sounds a bit unbelievable, but I feel like these icebergs... are moving consciously." Nami turned to Sanji, her tone grave."It seems Miss Nami and I are of one mind; is this love?" Sanji's entire body was covered in heart symbols, his infatuation showing even in this dangerous situation."Don't act up! The glaciers have completely restricted our route. We must be extremely careful next, especially with those... that seem to 'actively' block our way.""Understood, Miss Nami! Leave it to me!"Sanji's gaze sharpened as he focused intently on sensing even the slightest changes around them.The ship continued cautiously for a while, and the other crewmates began arriving on deck one by one."Icebergs moving with the ocean current, what's so strange about that?" Zoro crossed his arms, offering his opinion dismissively."What Miss Nami is referring to is likely not a natural phenomenon."Robin said softly, a snowflake sliding off the collar of her cotton coat.She had been observing from the deck for a moment."I've also noticed some unusual trajectories.""Exactly,"Nami said with a wise expression that saw through everything."Their movement isn't just drifting with the tide; it's... purposeful, as if they're leading us in a specific direction.""Conscious?" Usopp tilted his head, even more confused."Could it be... Snow Spirits?"Merry, wearing a cute pink rabbit onesie, immediately thought of this possibility as a ship spirit."Snow Spirits? That's actually possible!"Usopp picked Merry up to sit on his shoulder. "After all, our Merry is the best spirit!""Hey! Hey! What kind of sleep-talk are you on about so early in the morning!" Franky expressed his disbelief.Nami sighed helplessly:"It seems just talking won't do... let me show you!"She swung her right hand suddenly, lifting her handsome face like a commanding, tsundere queen."Sanji! Please, try heading toward that open water to the front-right!""As you wish, my Princess!"Sanji, with a blissful yet focused smile, slammed the helm all the way to the right.The thousand sunny had only traveled a short distance when a hill-like glacier actually shifted horizontally in an instant, once again blocking the path directly ahead!This scene left everyone on deck dumbfounded."It... it really is moving!" Merry covered her small mouth in surprise."What on earth is that?" Usopp was speechless."Do glaciers get lost too?" Zoro rubbed his chin, answering seriously."No, no, no!" Usopp, Merry, and Franky waved their hands in unison.Seeing they were about to hit the glacier, Sanji grit his teeth:"One more try!"He yanked the helm to the left, and as expected, the glacier shifted left simultaneously, firmly blocking the way!"This iceberg is too full of itself! Super—annoying!"Franky pushed up his sunglasses, his mechanical arm clicking as he prepared to clear the obstacle by force.But Zoro was faster!With a few light leaps, he reached the bow, kicked off, and soared high into the air."Clang—"The wado ichimonji unsheathed, and a cold flash of light like a crescent moon descended from the sky, instantly piercing through the entire glacier!Zoro landed steadily on the flatly sliced top of the glacier.As he sheathed his sword, the scabbard tapped lightly against the ice—"Crack—cr-cr-crack—!"The massive glacier split apart along the smooth cut, ice mist filling the air as a deafening cracking sound erupted."It's just a slightly larger piece of ice."Zoro stood disdainfully on one half of the split glacier, watching as the ice slowly drifted away under the push of the current, forming a new passage.The waves surged for a moment before returning to calm.There were no cheers or gasps on deck; for Zoro's strength, this was just a routine operation.Usopp took a sharp breath:"Now it's certain... these glaciers are indeed blockading us based on our course!"As the thousand sunny passed through the crack, Robin carefully observed the cross-section of the glacier:"The ice itself... is just ordinary glacier ice.""Combined with the enemy's attempt to lure us into a certain area last night..."Nami looked thoughtfully at the deep seawater beneath the ship."Perhaps the abnormal movement of the glaciers and our sudden transfer to this unfamiliar sea overnight are the work of the same ability.""I don't care who it is, if they want a fight, bring it on! Super—!"Franky struck his signature pose, his fighting spirit high.The thousand sunny moved slowly through the narrow ice channel opened by Zoro, while Zorowalked easily alongside on the glacier."First, we need to know who the enemy is."Sanji said calmly, then remembered something and looked back."By the way, those two idiots, Luffy and Mark, didn't come back last night?""Mm-hmm,"Merry recalled."Luffy said the broken ship behind us felt like the 'windmill', I didn't quite understand...""Mark was asked by Chopper to help clean the infirmary, saying it would help the patients recover.""'windmill', huh..."Upon hearing this, a nostalgic smile appeared on Nami's face as she remembered the time back in Orange Town when she, Luffy, Zoro, and Mark first gathered to set sail."It really brings back memories..."Inside the Phoenix Pirates' infirmaryChopper leaned against the edge of a bed, his head down, breathing evenly.Luffy was sprawled out in an 'X' shape on several stacked wooden boxes, drool glistening at the corner of his mouth and a large snot bubble blowing from his nose.Mark had turned into a basketball-sized Slime Form, wrapped in a pure white wool blanket, and had found a comfortable nest on Luffy's soft, bouncy belly, sleeping soundly."Bi... Bigala..."Pajelu, on the hospital bed, suddenly reached out unconsciously, his fingers twisting in pain as he let out a blurred and pained mutter."Bigala... run..."This painful groan woke Giro, who had fallen asleep at the table.Last night, he had apologized to Mark with tears of gratitude, prostrating himself until Mark finally gave a reluctant nod, only then daring to sleep peacefully.Giro rubbed his bleary eyes:"Captain?""Captain Pajelu!"He woke up instantly and rushed to the bedside in surprise.The sound of footsteps and movement woke everyone else.Pop!Luffy's snot bubble burst."Is it time to eat?"He sat up abruptly, habitually grabbing Mark the slime from his belly, looking around groggily."What happened?"Chopper rubbed his eyes with his little hoof, only to see Giro looking at him with a face full of ecstasy."It's Pajelu! Captain Pajelu...!"Thump!"Ouch!!"Pajelu tried to sit up suddenly, but his forehead slammed hard against the bedboard of the upper bunk.He clutched his head in pain, looking around blankly."Where am I...?"Looking down, he saw a familiar figure."Giro!""Captain Pajelu! Great! You're finally awake!"Giro was so excited he turned and hugged Chopper, spinning in place."Doctor! This is great! Doctor Chopper! You truly are a legendary doctor!""Legendary doctor? Even if you call me a legendary doctor..."Chopper was stunned at first, then switched to his signature bashful pose, his face flushing red."I won't be happy at all, you bastard~!""Giro, why am I here?"Pajelu's voice still carried the weakness of someone newly recovered from a serious injury."Do you remember? Captain! In the New World, we encountered that powerful enemy and were attacked..."Then, Giro recounted everything from their crushing defeat and Pajelu's serious injury to everything that happened while he was unconscious.Mark, on the side, yawned, his slime body shaking slightly."Flag... Hunters?"Pajelu was confused by this unfamiliar term.Giro continued to explain:"They were indeed strong... but our failure was more because we were physically and mentally exhausted after returning from the New World...""We were defeated, and even the glory of our Phoenix Pirates—our pirate flag—was taken away."A spark of hope then ignited in his eyes."But starting today, it's all over! Our 'Phoenix', Captain Pajelu, has been resurrected!"However, hearing these words, Pajelu lowered his head deeply and said nothing.After a long silence, he slowly stood up."Captain Pajelu!"Giro quickly stepped forward to support him."You can't move around yet!"Chopper jumped up in worry."It's fine... my body is already fine."AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-litePajelu gently patted Giro's hand as he helped him, his voice low but carrying a certain resolve."Notify all the crew members. Assemble on the deck."On the deck of the broken ship"I heard the Captain has woken up? Is it true?"The look of decadence that had previously filled the eyes of the guy with the Viking helmet was swept away, replaced by a glow of hope."Really? We've been waiting for this day for far too long!""Great! Our Phoenix Pirates are finally going to be revived!"The crew members gathered together in high spirits, their cheers carrying even to the thousand sunnynot far away."Creak—"Pajelu pushed open the heavy cabin door and walked out.Luffy, holding the Slime Form Mark, followed behind him with Chopper, tacitly stepping aside to leave the center stage to the Phoenix Pirates."Captain Pajelu!"The crew members' eyes welled with tears as they excitedly crowded around him.Pajelu slowly scanned his companions. There was no joy on his face as expected, nor was there any sadness—only a deathly silence, his eyes terrifyingly hollow."Everyone... I've put you through so much."His voice was flat, without a ripple."This bit of hardship is nothing!""Exactly! As long as you, Captain Pajelu, can come back, that's better than anything!""We must celebrate properly today!"The crew members remained immersed in their ecstasy, not immediately noticing their Captain's anomaly.Luffy glanced at the dilapidated deck beneath his feet, his tone flat:"Let's go.""Mm!"Chopper nodded happily.He felt no disappointment that the patient hadn't thanked him after waking up; for him, being able to cure a patient was, in itself, the most gratifying thing."Clatter—"Giro strained to drag a heavy iron chain onto the deck; it was the weapon their Captain habitually used.Seeing Luffy and his group preparing to leave, Giroimmediately shouted aloud:"Doctor Chopper! Mr. Luffy! Mr. Mark! Thank you very much!"Luffy turned his head, a gentle and hearty smile on his face:"Don't worry about it!""I just did what a doctor ought to do!"Chopper danced with joy, his body twisting involuntarily.Mark squirmed in the blanket and continued to sleep soundly; he really couldn't muster any interest in the Phoenix Pirates."Our Phoenix Pirates will keep your kindness in our hearts! We will definitely repay you in the future!"Giro also responded with a confident smile."Hehe, next time we meet, it will be in the New World!"Luffy's lips curled up, carrying an undisguised, unyielding spirit."Yeah... you guys are also going to the New World..."The chubby crew member sighed with emotion."Then... next time we meet, we'll be rivals!"The guy with the Viking helmet gave a provocative smile filled with fighting spirit."Oh! I can't wait! Captain, let's also recover our strength as soon as possible and head to the New World again!"Kyle looked at Pajelu with full expectation.However, the latter only lowered his head in silence, teeth clenched, his fists trembling slightly at his sides."Captain..."Kyle sighed softly.At this moment, all the crew members clearly felt that something was wrong with their Captain."Captain?""Captain Pajelu!"Pajelu raised his head, his hollow eyes gazing toward the distant glacier, and stated that earth-shattering decision:"We... will never go to the New World again.""Eh???!!!""Clang!"The iron chain in Giro's hand slid onto the deck, making a jarring sound."How could this happen..."All the crew members felt as if they had been doused with ice water, looking in disbelief at the "Phoenix" they had once been so proud of.Pajelu turned his head and looked at Stanson, who had been leaning against the cabin wall:"Stanson's previous decision... was correct.""From now on, let's just live on... as companions of the Flag Hunter.""How could this happen...""Why..."The crew members whispered in a daze, the fire of joy and hope in their eyes instantly extinguished.Luffy and his group also stopped their ascent, standing on the steps, wanting to hear the reason.Finally, the emotional Kyle was the first to explode:"Are you crazy?! Captain?!""We were all prepared to die for you! Just like Vice Captain Bigala!"The chubby crew member also shouted out what everyone was feeling.Pajelu lowered his head, his voice hoarse:"Yeah... Bigala died... for me.""Even so, we still have you! Captain Pajelu!""We have been waiting! Waiting for the revival of the Phoenix!""Where on earth has our fearless Phoenix Captaingone?!"The crew's dissatisfaction and despair erupted completely; the huge drop from heaven to hell was something they found hard to bear.Facing his companions' questioning, Pajelu only buried his head lower:"The Phoenix... is just a fairy tale.""I, who couldn't even protect my companions... have lost the qualification to head to that hell."Giro's tears fell in large drops onto the cold iron chain.He lifted the heavy chain with both hands and walked in front of Pajelu with steps as heavy as if they were filled with lead:"I absolutely do not agree! What about our flag? What about the flag that was stolen?!"He raised his head, letting the scalding tears streak down his young cheeks.Pajelu gazed toward the top of the bare mast:"I see... the flag was stolen?""That's perfect... we no longer need a pirate flag.""Clang!"Giro threw the iron chain down hard in front of Pajelu's feet."Are we to abandon even our last bit of pride?!"He fell to his knees in despair.Pajelu's fist clenched and then relaxed; in the end, he still said nothing.Luffy watched this scene, then turned around, expressionless."Luffy!"Chopper hurriedly followed."Wait!"Pajelu looked at Luffy with calmness (or rather, numbness)."Although... I really want to thank you for curing me.""But, I lost everything... in the New World."He looked down at the weapon by his feet."The New World is not as simple as you imagine..."Luffy stopped his steps, his lips curling up:"It's fine, we'll know once we go."He turned his head, grinned, and revealed his snow-white teeth, his smile blindingly bright."Besides, we are strong!"He looked at the Slime in his arms."Right? Mark!"The Slime Form Mark extended a small tentacle and patted its mouth like a human (if that counted as a mouth), letting out a yawn:"What's the point of talking to a loser? It's a waste of our baby Chopper's medical skills.""Do as you please!"Pajelu, as if stung, turned around angrily and headed straight for the cabin.Giro still wanted to reach out and grab the hem of Pajelu's clothes, but he tripped over the iron chain on the ground and fell heavily onto the deck.Chopper looked at Giro's thin, trembling back and called out with a pained heart:"Giro...""Let's go, Chopper."Luffy's voice came, and he stepped onto the stairs, one step at a time.Accompanying his steady footsteps, an invisible aura of a king quietly spread, and the loose wooden planks and debris on the surrounding hull actually made a "crackle" of faint bursting sounds."Having abandoned the honor of a pirate, they... can no longer be considered pirates."Luffy raised his head, his gaze fixed firmly on the Straw Hat pirate flag fluttering in the cold wind on the main mast of the thousand sunny, his eyes filled with unquestionable determination and pride.Just as they were about to board the thousand sunny, a sudden change occurred!"Rumble—!"The sea surface around the ship suddenly exploded, and countless ice pillars of varying sizes and extreme sharpness broke through the water like the fangs of a giant beast!With a "snap," the thick cable connecting the thousand sunny to the broken ship was instantly severed by a sharp ice shard!The violent shaking caused Luffy's hand to slip, and the Slime Mark in his arms was tossed into the air, about to fall into the freezing seawater!At the critical moment, Mark instantly reverted to human form and flipped nimbly in the air, while Luffy also reacted extremely quickly, grabbing his wrist and pulling him back onto the deck of the broken ship."What the hell is going on?!"Luffy grabbed the dilapidated railing of the ship tightly to steady himself."You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?!"Mark felt his stomach churning from the sudden shaking, his face turning green."The thousand sunny! Oh no, the thousand sunny!"Chopper looked in terror at the surrounding ice pillars and glaciers that were constantly rising and closing in, like a rapidly growing fence, completely cutting them off from the thousand sunny."Dan-dan-dan—ger!!!"Usopp was so shocked by the sight that his tongue stretched out long and vibrated at high speed like a flag!"Chopper! Mark! Luffy!"Sanji looked anxiously toward the back from the thousand sunny."Sanji! Keep the helm steady! They will be fine! The top priority right now is to protect our ship!"Nami only took one look at the direction of the broken ship being swallowed by the ice wall and immediately made a decision."Hard to starboard!""Got it!"Sanji executed the order without hesitation.On the deck of the thousand sunny, the companions were thrown into a heap by the violent turn.Usopp unfortunately became Nami's "stepping stone" to maintain balance.Robin promptly activated her ability, sprouting countless arms to secure the companions and important items on the deck."No! Sanji, turn around! Quick!"As soon as Nami finished shouting, an even larger iceberg suddenly rose from the sea ahead, blocking the way!Sanji steered hard, the ship tilting violently; the side rigging of the main mast grazed the edge of the glacier, scraping off a sky full of ice shards that rained down like hail, clattering onto the deck.Usopp shook his head vigorously, shaking off the ice debris from his head, and looking at this eerie, seemingly alive labyrinth of glaciers, he used all his strength to let out a wailing cry toward the sky:"What the hell is this place—?"
Chapter 214: Losing Zoro and the Pirate Flag"Blegh..."Mark slumped by the railing of the violently rocking broken ship, feeling as if he had been stuffed into a pirate ship ride at an amusement park from his past life, or thrown into a tumble dryer.His stomach was churning; his face turned green, and he let out a burst of uncontrollable dry heaving over the side of the ship."Oh no! Doctor, where is the doctor!"Chopper paced back and forth in a panic on the deck that had finally stabilized a bit, then suddenly stopped and slapped his forehead with a small hoof."Ah! I'm the doctor!"He hurriedly rushed to Mark's side to check on him."What should I do! Dr. Kureha never taught me about this situation!"Chopper laid the nearly collapsed Mark flat on the deck and peeled back his eyelids, only to see that his pupils had turned into spiral circles."It's okay, Chopper,"Luffy stood with his hands on his hips, wearing a confident "I have experience" expression."As long as we give Mark meat, he'll be fine!""Really?" Chopper looked at Luffy excitedly, as if grasping at a lifeline.Luffy nodded vigorously, then stroked his chin as if remembering something."But... I remember back at Twin Cape when this happened, Zoro said something about drinking wine? Let me think..."He rubbed his temples, trying hard to search his chaotic memory bank, before finally waving his hand dismissively."Forget it! To be safe, let's feed him both meat and wine!"Hearing this "universal prescription," a large drop of cold sweat slid down Chopper's forehead; he finally understood what Luffy's medical advice was all about."This... this is!"While Luffy was looking around for meat, his gaze was suddenly drawn to the scene directly ahead of the bow.A sharp-edged, diamond-shaped iceberg reflecting brilliant light in the sun was firmly blocking the river channel ahead.Of course, Luffy's brain would never think of jewelry; his foodie filter made him blurt out:"What a huge shaved ice! It looks delicious!"Golden stars sparkled in his eyes, and drool flowed down like a waterfall, instantly freezing into a thin layer of ice on the cold deck."Shaved ice?"Chopper turned and ran to the side of the ship, and upon taking a closer look, he also cried out,"No! It's clearly a giant chestnut!""Right, right! It looks super tasty!" Luffy was eager to try, his rubber body already starting to store power."Hey! Luffy! Now is not the time for that!"Chopper saw Luffy grab the railing with both hands as his rubber legs began to compress, and hurriedly tried to stop him.Too late. "Wait for me!" Luffy shouted.He catapulted out like a human rocket, instantly reaching the air above the "giant shaved ice.""Gum-Gum... Gatling!"Countless fist shadows fell like a rainstorm on the iceberg's surface, kicking up a sky full of white ice mist as shards of ice flew in all directions like fireworks."Wadatadatadata—!"This violent scene left the Phoenix Pirates members on the broken ship's deck stunned."A... Devil Fruit user?"Seeing that the punches weren't very effective, Luffygritted his teeth and suddenly extended his rubber right leg into the air, stretching it to the limit!"Gum-Gum...""It's no use!" Stanson shook his head as he saw Luffy trying to split the glacier with his leg. "With this size...""How could that be possible!" The guy with the Viking helmet also expressed his disbelief."Battle... Axe!!"With a loud roar from Luffy, that power-charged rubber leg, like a giant axe, used its powerful recoil to slash down with the force to split mountains and shatter rocks!"Boom—!!!"The top of the iceberg instantly exploded into a massive ice mist, and cracking sounds came from within.Then, amidst a roar, the entire diamond-shaped iceberg collapsed, turning into countless ice blocks falling into the sea."Wha... what?"Every member of the Phoenix Pirates gaped, their eyes nearly popping out as they stood there like wooden chickens, as if they had witnessed a miracle.Luffy landed lightly back on the bow, looking at the empty river channel ahead with only floating ice left, his face full of loss and grievance."My shaved ice... is gone...""The thousand sunny... the thousand sunny is gone?"Chopper's attention was focused behind the iceberg—The thousand sunny should have been in that stretch of water, but now there was only a winding, empty ice river."This is the Ice Sea Road," Stanson explained with a heavy face. "Once a ship loses its way here, it's very hard to find the way out."At a distant glacier observation point—Two guards wearing Teletubby-like clothes, belonging to the Achino Family, were setting up a special X-shaped telescope, carefully observing every move of the Phoenix Pirates' broken ship.One of the guards quickly searched through a thick stack of bounty posters, finally stopping his finger on one."Found him! No mistake! Phoenix Pirates Captain, 'Phoenix' Pajelu, bounty 100 million Berries!""Wasn't he dead a long time ago?" the other guard said in surprise."We were tricked by that guy Stanson!"The first guard continued to observe through the telescope for a moment, his voice suddenly becoming tense."And... 'Straw Hat' Luffy with a 600 million bounty, and that 'Devourer' Mark are also on that broken ship!""This is big! We must report to Lord Blinderimmediately!"Achino Family StrongholdUpon receiving his subordinates' report, a sinister and greedy smile formed on Blinder's face."'Phoenix' Pajelu is actually still alive... Those damn down-and-out pirates, to dare to deceive our Achino Family, they've got some nerve!"He hung up the transponder snail and looked out into the distance, his finger tapping rhythmically on his arm."It seems another precious 'collectible' can be added to Father's birthday gift collection room."On the thousand sunnyThe thousand sunny used the paddle wheels on its sides to struggle through the complex Ice Sea Road.On the bow deck, Usopp sat at Sanji's feet with a bruised face and a fresh lump on his head."You damn long-nose, how dare you hug Miss Namiin the chaos!"Sanji glanced at Usopp at his feet with a murderous look while controlling the helm.Usopp held his head, not daring to make a sound in his grievance.Nami, Robin, and Merry sat leisurely on the red sofa behind the helm.Franky walked up the stairs from the lower deck; hearing the sound of the paddle wheels, he asked:"Why did we start using the paddle wheels? What happened?""Franky, where were you just now?" Nami turned to look at him."I went to the energy room to refill the cola barrels,"Franky adjusted his sunglasses, which reflected a confident white light."My super intuition tells me we'll definitely need it later.""In any case, we have to leave this strange sea area first!" Merry said, clutching a soft cushion."If we want to leave this hellhole, we have to figure out the secret of the glacier's movement first."Usopp stood up and pointed at the distant icebergs that seemed to be alive."Could it be some kind of mechanism controlling them?" Robin analyzed, pinching her chin.Franky spread his hands generously. "Does that kind of thing even matter?""Doesn't matter?"Nami, Robin, and Merry... almost simultaneously jumped up from the sofa and looked at him in surprise.Franky crossed his mechanical arms, a smug smile curling his lips."Isn't it very simple if we want to leave here?"Everyone was stunned for a moment, then realized, and smiles of understanding appeared on their faces."Right! I see!" Nami cheered happily.Just then, a glacier quickly approached from the side. There were four people on the glacier, three wearing skates.One of the men was holding a little girl in blue clothes. They skillfully skated to the starboard side of the thousand sunny."Finally found you!"A man wearing a yellow hat and carrying a hockey stick pushed his goggles up to his forehead and shouted loudly."I'm telling you, once you lose your way in the Ice Sea Road, don't even think about returning to the open sea."A woman with a hot body and long purple hair said in a cold tone."In my, Sarugo's, perfect plan, escape? You'd better give up!"The man named Sarugo and the purple-haired woman looked at each other affectionately, then began to waltz on the ice."We're truly two hearts beating as one, Honey!"Sarugo held the purple-haired woman's slender waist, and the two of them kissed in public.This eyesore of a scene left the men of the Straw Hat crew dumbfounded.Sanji was especially devastated, looking dejected."It's so hard to watch... such a lovely lady, with such a disgusting idiot..."He suddenly looked up, furious flames burning in his eyes, as he pointed at Sarugo and roared:"Hey! Idiot! Fight me! Let's settle—""Thump!" Nami's iron fist ruthlessly interrupted his declaration of war."Ow!""You shameless couple, we don't have time to play house with you."Nami stood with her hands on her hips, looking smug. "It's about time we left!"Hearing Nami's words, Franky immediately turned and walked toward the control room of the Soldier Dock System.The purple-haired woman frowned slightly upon hearing Nami's words."Didn't I say? You have nowhere to run. Do you not understand human speech?""Well said, my Honey!" Sarugo's eyes turned into hearts again.The purple-haired woman looked at Sarugotenderly, and the two of them held hands, twirled, and kissed again in one smooth motion, as if no one else was there."Ready! Franky!" Nami decisively gave the command."Leave it to me! Super—!"Franky pressed the start button, and the cola engine let out a surging roar.The thousand sunny began to shake violently, its hull slowly accelerating forward!"Coup de... Burst!!!"Along with Franky's earth-shattering shout, a massive energy erupted from the thousand sunny's stern.The entire ship soared into the air under the powerful recoil, like a great bird spreading its wings and soaring into the sky!The scene left behind only crashing waves and the dumbfounded expressions of the Achino Familymembers."Wha... what was that?""Quickly report to Brother!"In a dark room—A strong man in a blue T-shirt picked up the ringing transponder snail."What is it, Sarugo?""The... the ship... it flew away!" Sarugo's incoherent voice came through."What kind of nonsense are you talking?""But...""Give me the phone,"The purple-haired woman's voice took over. "Brother, it's true, it flew away right before our eyes."The dark room fell into a brief silence.The strong man in the blue T-shirt slowly stood up and said respectfully to a huge sofa in the center of the room:"Father, this is bad."A thick arm reached out from the sofa, its index finger lazily pointing to a collection wall full of various pirate flags behind the sofa."Let's take their flag first."A deep and authoritative voice came from the sofa."As expected of Father! What a brilliant idea!"On the glacier—Sarugo and the purple-haired woman held a red transponder snail together, listening to the instructions.The purple-haired woman spoke first: "He said to take their flag first, Honey."Sarugo held the purple-haired woman tightly: "I understand, my baby."The two completely ignored their embarrassed brother and the pouting little sister, kissing passionately again, until the transponder snail fell onto the ice with a 'clack.'Sarugo finally pulled away and said in a sleazy tone to the little girl in blue:"Lilu, I'm counting on you as usual~""No!"The little girl named Lilu turned her face away, pouting her small mouth."Eh! That... excuse me!"Sarugo, the son-in-law who married into the family, instantly froze in place, at a loss.Seeing this, the purple-haired woman bent down, holding Lilu's shoulders with both hands, and said in an extremely gentle tone:"Lilu, Sister is also counting on you; this is Father's order~"Hearing this, Lilu's face finally brightened. She reluctantly took a red disc from her small bag and threw it hard toward the sea."Go! Flying Fish!""Doo~..."The disc fell into the water, and the next second, a strange creature with a blue back and white belly, looking like both a fish and a bird, burst out of the water, about half a meter long.It vibrated its pectoral fins and, like an arrow from a bow, shot off in the direction the thousand sunnyhad disappeared.Open sea, thousand sunnyThe thousand sunny didn't open its wings to glide this time because they still had to wait for Mark and the others to regroup, so after flying out of the Ice Sea Road, it came to a steady stop on the open sea.Just as the hull touched the sea and regained its calm,A strange blue and white flying bird zoomed past above the thousand sunny, holding a piece of black cloth in its beak.Usopp sprawled out in a "star" shape on the deck, looking at the long-lost blue sky and white clouds as he let out a long sigh."Finally I can breathe easy... it feels so good to be back on the sea!Blue sky, snowy white clouds, pirates under the brilliant sunshine...!"His gaze accidentally swept over the top of the main mast, and his voice stopped abruptly."Ah—!!!"Usopp looked at the bare mast; where was the pirate flag! He sprang up from the deck like a spring."What? The pirate flag is gone?"Everyone's gaze instantly focused on the empty masthead, their eyes filled with terror and disbelief."By the way... have you guys seen Zoro?"Merry's innocent words once again plunged everyone into deep thought and a sense of foreboding.Far away in the Ice Sea Road, on a lonely glacier—Veins bulged on Zoro's forehead as he stood with his arms tightly crossed over his chest, his teeth grinding.He looked at the thousand sunny, which had long since disappeared in the distance, and squeezed out a sentence word by word through his teeth:"I—HAVEN'T—GOTTEN—ON—THE—SHIP—YET—!"The biting cold wind blew past his lonely and angry figure, carrying endless resentment into the distance.
Chapter 215: Target Set—Return to Reclaim the Flag"Don't move... Hey! I said don't move, you bastard...!"Zoro was sprawled flat on the smooth surface of the glacier, watching helplessly as the massive block of ice beneath him began to move uncontrollably on its own.His teeth ground together until they almost looked serrated. His voice, fueled by urgency and anger, even went slightly out of pitch:"I said don't move—!!"However, no matter how he roared, the glacier continued on its own path, carrying the lost Greatest Swordsman and drifting steadfastly in the opposite direction of the thousand sunny.Zoro's desperate shouts grew weaker and weaker on the empty ice plains, until finally, along with his figure, they vanished into the vast glacial labyrinth.The Deck of the thousand sunnyEveryone was still in a state of shock over the disappearance of the pirate flag, staring blankly at the bare top of the mast."Hey, hey... when did this happen?" Franky muttered to himself, finding it hard to believe."Where? Where did it fall?"Usopp ran around the lawn deck in a panic like a headless chicken, looking everywhere."It's gone... it's really gone... what are we going to do..."Just then, Robin's eyes suddenly widened as if she had remembered something. She rushed to the other side of the ship, her sharp gaze searching the sky urgently.Seeing this, the others immediately followed her."What's wrong, Nico Robin?" Franky asked, puzzled."Could it be..." Robin stared intently at a tiny black dot in the distant sky."What is it? Is there something over there?"As Usopp asked, he quickly pulled a pair of binoculars from his coat and held them to his eyes.The next moment, he cried out, "Ah! I found it! It's our pirate flag!"Franky also craned his neck to look. "Where?"Usopp adjusted the focus of the binoculars, his tone becoming more certain:"There! It's being carried in the mouth of a strange creature that looks like both a fish and a bird!""Just as I thought." Robin pinched her chin, a look of realization appearing on her face."Eh?" Everyone looked at Robin together, waiting for her explanation.Robin's expression became slightly solemn. "The flag was stolen by that group just now. I clearly saw that little girl release a fish."As if to confirm Robin's words, Usopp suddenly shouted:"Hey! That thing is flying back with our flag in its mouth! It's heading back to where those people were!""Dammit!"Hearing this, Sanji didn't hesitate for a second. Like an arrow released from a bow, he instantly rushed toward the helm on the forward deck."Sanji?" Nami was confused by his actions.Sanji didn't have time to explain. His hands flew as he spun the helm. The thousand sunny carved a sharp arc across the sea and suddenly turned around!The violent turn nearly knocked everyone on board off their feet, making them even more bewildered."Hey! Where are you going?" Franky shouted in a questioning tone.Sanji turned his head and responded loudly, his tone brook no argument:"Isn't it obvious? We're going back, of course!""Are you kidding me?! We used up two precious barrels of cola and barely managed to break out! Going back now is just walking into a trap!"Franky craned his neck, expressing his dissatisfaction just as loudly.If he hadn't been off-balance from the sharp turn, he probably would have rushed forward to seize the helm."Calm down, Sanji."Nami also tried to soothe him from the side while analyzing the situation."Luffy, Mark, and Chopper haven't come back yet!""And Zoro! Zoro isn't here either!" Merry added.Nami continued, "In this situation, it's best if we don't act rashly."Sanji kept his head down, his expression dark."A pirate flag is a pirate's life, their soul! It absolutely cannot be taken away!""We all know that! But can't we meet up with Luffyand the others first?"Usopp tried to persuade him, cold sweat dripping from his brow."There's one more reason!" Sanji suddenly raised his voice!Everyone was stunned by his rare display of severity.Sanji's voice softened at first, carrying a hint of helplessness. "Setting that guy Mark aside for a moment..."Then, he suddenly looked up and erupted with a thunderous question:"Do you really want to be scolded into the ground by that idiot Captain because of such a rookie mistake?""Eeeehhh—!!!"The entire crew was instantly petrified, then realization dawned on them. They understood Sanji's well-meaning intentions and the gravity of the situation.The thought of Luffy picking his nose and flicking something unknown at them while mocking them in that punchable tone..."Honestly... you guys are so useless..."Just imagining that scene made their hearts ache so much they could barely breathe!"Ah! No! Anything but that!"Nami and Usopp were suddenly filled with adrenaline. Their bodies seemed to erupt with scorching flames as their fighting spirit instantly reached its peak."Our pride will never allow us to be lectured by that idiot!""These guys, honestly..." Franky crossed his arms, helplessly commenting on the two who had instantly changed their attitudes.Beside him, Robin and Merry shared a knowing giggle behind their hands."Alright! Let's go!" Sanji's gaze was firm as he gripped the helm once more.However, the thousand sunny had barely moved forward when a massive glacier, as if possessed by a life of its own, suddenly shifted sideways and completely blocked the path ahead again."Tsk!" Sanji had no choice but to stop the ship again."Why is it moving? It's just a glacier!" Usopp found it unbelievable."It seems we won't be able to move an inch until we figure out the truth behind these moving glaciers." Nami sighed and quickly calmed down.She pulled out her notebook, which contained detailed records of the thousand sunny's various functions and parameters."Franky!" Nami turned her head, looking at the shipwright with expectant eyes."Let's use that!""Ah? Which one?" Franky didn't react for a moment.Nami didn't explain. She walked straight to the control panel in front of the helm, quickly entered a password, and then decisively turned the channel knob to '3'."Soldier Dock System, Channel 3, activate!"A section of the deck opened up, revealing a passage leading down.Nami and Franky quickly entered the Soldier Dock System located in the ship's hull.The space here was spacious; even someone as tall as Franky could walk upright without hitting his head.Inside this high-tech cabin, a streamlined blue shark-shaped submarine was held firmly in place by four powerful suction cups.It wasn't a real shark but a precision vehicle made of special materials—the Shark Submerge No. 3.Franky and Nami nimbly sat in the narrow cockpit. The shark submarine's eyes immediately lit up with a ghostly blue light, and the watertight hatch automatically closed and sealed."Shark Submerge No. 3, launch!"Franky pressed the start button. The two large turbine thrusters at the rear of the submarine began to spin at high speed, emitting a low hum.The shark submerge no. 3 slowly moved out of the dock room, entered the open sea, and then steadily submerged.The visibility beneath the icy sea was unexpectedly high; objects within a range of dozens of meters were clearly visible."Hahaha, how does it feel to ride in the shark submerge no. 3? It's Super, right?"Franky held the helm, proudly showing off his masterpiece to Nami beside him, even turning his head away arrogantly."Sanji, can you hear me?" Nami, however, ignored Franky's boasting and picked up the nearby transponder snail to stay in contact with Sanji on the ship."You don't understand romance at all!" Frankygritted his teeth and huffily decided not to talk to Nami for the time being."I hear you loud and clear, Miss Nami." Sanji's voice came through the transponder snail."Any discoveries on the seabed?""I'm afraid we need to dive a bit deeper to find the cause."Nami replied while carefully observing the surroundings through the submarine's periscope."Franky, take the submarine directly under that iceberg, please!"Although Franky whistled and pretended not to hear, he still obediently controlled the submarine, diving toward the area directly beneath the target iceberg.When the submarine was stabilized directly under the base of the iceberg, Nami carefully controlled the periscope to rotate slowly, observing intently."Wait... what is that?" she suddenly asked in a confused voice."What's wrong, Miss Nami?" Sanji's voice carried a hint of tension."Did you find something?" Franky also dropped his playful attitude and cast an inquiring look."Stop, right here!" Nami blinked, her eyes glued to the eyepiece."What... exactly is that thing?"Just then, in the originally dark waters beneath the iceberg, thousands upon thousands of crimson points of light suddenly lit up!Like countless evil spirits awakening in the dark, they all "stared" at the submarine where Nami was."Oh no! We've been spotted!" Nami shrank back in fear, a chill rising up her spine."Ah? Spotted by what?" Franky was still completely in the dark."I don't know what they are! Anyway..."Nami leaned in closer to the eyepiece to see more clearly. This look made her pupils suddenly constrict, and she screamed in terror:"Ah—! They're charging right at us!""So I'm asking, what exactly are 'they'?!" Franky's curiosity was completely piqued."Never mind that! Just run—!!"Nami shouted in a voice that was almost a shriek."Ah? Got it!"Seeing this, Franky also realized things were bad. He immediately pushed the thruster power to the maximum, maneuvering the submarine to flee at full speed!"Miss Nami! What's wrong? What happened?""Nami! Franky! Answer me! Hey—!"Through the transponder snail, Sanji's anxious shouts kept coming, but the two inside the submarine were already in no position to respond."My god... what on earth are those things!!"This time, even Franky saw the scalp-numbing sight on the rear-view sensor—A massive swarm of strangely shaped, incredibly fast marine creatures was converging into a black torrent, chasing closely behind their submarine!