Chapter 216: Melee on the Ice PlainFranky and Nami rode the shark submarine like a blue lightning bolt in the deep sea, instantly speeding away from beneath the thousand sunny, leaving only a trail of churning bubbles."Damn it! Miss Nami—!"Sanji gripped the ship's railing tightly, roaring anxiously at the now-calm sea."Nami...!"The other crew members' attention was also drawn to the port side, watching with worry in the direction the submarine had disappeared.However, at that very moment, an ominous sound of rushing water echoed from behind them.By the time the Straw Hat crew reacted, it was too late.The monster underwater was not only attacking itself, but it was also driving two massive glaciers like two slowly closing gates of death, pincering the thousand sunny!"Ah! It's over—!" Usopp let out a desperate scream.Before the two icebergs could fully close, the violent currents they churned up were like an underwater volcano eruption, suddenly throwing the thousand sunny high into the air, narrowly avoiding the fate of being crushed into fragments.But the people on the ship weren't so lucky. Due to the intense inertia, the four of them were thrown into mid-air.Robin reacted extremely quickly. Her left hand instantly activated her ability, sprouting countless arms to firmly grasp the white railing on the ship to stabilize herself.Her right hand also went full power, extending long chains of arms like a relay in the air, barely catching the screaming Merry at the critical moment."Oh no!" Robin's heart tightened as she looked at the companion she failed to catch.Immediately after, "Boom—!!"With a deafening roar, the thousand sunnyslammed back onto the sea surface, kicking up a huge pillar of water dozens of meters high, like a giant lotus blooming briefly in the ice channel.This massive disturbance was particularly glaring in the relatively quiet ice channel.The members of the Achino Family, who were searching for the Straw Hat crew, immediately locked onto their target.Hokuru—the third son of the family, that man carrying a hockey stick and wearing a small yellow hat and goggles—curled his lips into a smug smile."Heh heh, found them.""Let's go too!" Alubell, the eldest daughter of the family, that purple-haired beauty, took the hand of her fiancé, Sarugo. The two of them, like dancers on ice, sped toward the direction of the thousand sunny.Deep inside the ice cave—Sanji and Usopp slowly woke up."It hurts..." Sanji propped up his nearly falling-apart body and stood up shakily.Usopp also sat on the ground, eyes brimming with tears, carefully "clicking" his crooked long nose back into place.The two looked around and found themselves in a naturally formed glacier cave.The surrounding ice walls were crystal clear, and clear, cold spring water trickled from the cracks in the glacier, gathering into a shallow pool at their feet.A beam of light shone down from above, illuminating this eerie blue space."Did we fall from above?" Sanji looked up, analyzing."Ga ga!"On a protruding piece of ice stood a blue penguin, tilting its head and curiously sizing up the two uninvited guests."What is it, it's just a cute penguin!"Seeing this, Usopp immediately forgot his pain and ran forward happily.He crouched down, extended his gloved hand, and used the unique tone he used to call chicks back home, coaxing gently:"Deng deng deng! Come here, little cutie~"Suddenly, the penguin opened its beak wide, revealing two rows of sharp, serrated teeth!Usopp had no time to react before his palm was bitten hard!"Ah—!!""It hurts! You bastard!""Let go! Let go right now! You bad bird!"Usopp jumped in place from the pain, swinging his arm desperately.After a great deal of effort, he finally threw the ferocious penguin away like a hammer throw.He clutched his bitten-through glove and his throbbing palm, his face full of disbelief."It hurts so much...""Hey! Usopp, look..." Sanji's voice carried a hint of imperceptible trembling.Usopp couldn't care about his palm and slowly looked up."What's wrong?""Ah! There are so many of them!!" Usopp was scared out of his wits, his tongue vibrating at high speed like a frightened flag.I saw that the surrounding ice ridges, the dark corners, and even the ice edges above their heads,did not know when they had been densely surrounded by those blue penguins,countless small eyes were flashing with malicious light, staring fixedly at them.Sanji kicked the toe of his shoe, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag, trying to calm his mood.Seeing this, Usopp also forced himself to calm down, took out his slingshot, and looked solemn:"What do we do? Should we fight?"Sanji's eyebrows twitched, analyzing calmly:"In this situation... we can only run."As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly lifted his foot and stomped hard on the ice under his feet!"Crack!"With a crisp sound, the ice layer collapsed, temporarily blocking the surrounding penguin group. Sanji didn't hesitate and turned to run!"Damn! Wait for me, Sanji!" Usopp screamed, scrambling to keep up.However, Sanji was still too naive. This group of penguins didn't play by the rules at all!They were like well-trained javelin soldiers, turning themselves into arrows leaving the string, and that sharp, pointed beak was the deadly arrowhead!Wherever Sanji and Usopp passed, the ice was filled with "do do do" sounds of penguins,as if a strange "penguin forest" had instantly grown. If they were half a second slower, the outcome would be imaginable."Damn it! What kind of monsters are these penguins!!""We're going to be pierced! Faster! Faster!"It wasn't that they didn't want to fight back, but if they fought with full force here, it might trigger a chain reaction, causing the entire glacier structure to collapse and be buried alive under the vast ice field.At this moment, they could only do their best to flee in this deadly "arrow rain."Phoenix Pirates wreck site—The hatch below the Phoenix bow opened, and Mark and Luffy walked out.Mark waved his hand, and a uniquely designed ship appeared in the colored mist, landing steadily on the water—It was the "windmill" they had set out from Windmill Village with, which had been improved by Franky's ingenious hands and was now a luxurious private yacht.The pure white streamlined hull, the spacious transparent windshield, the iconic windmillpropeller at the stern, and four comfortable red leather sofas inside all showed its extraordinary nature.This scene made the members of the Phoenix Pirates drool with envy."This is too rich!""So envious!""Their main ship is luxurious enough, and they actually have a private yacht!""Didn't you notice? The ship seemed to have been taken out of Brother Mark's body!"Ignoring the discussion of the crowd, Luffy jumped into the driver's seat in one bound, stroking the familiar rudder, his eyes flashing with nostalgia:"So nostalgic..."Then, he looked at Mark, revealing an iconic, trusting, and happy smile: "Hee hee!""Don't you dare mess around,"Mark also jumped onto the boat, leaning leisurely on the sofa, holding his head and warning,"This boat doesn't use Moon Steel, it's just ordinary Adam Wood material, it can't withstand your tossing.""Oh! You can rest assured when I drive the boat!" Luffy was full of excitement, eager to try."It's because it's you that I'm not at ease." Markcouldn't help but roar at Luffy."Hahaha"Luffy didn't care at all and shouted at the wrecked ship behind him:"Chopper, aren't you done yet? We're ready to go!"On the deck of the wrecked ship, Chopper was listening to Stanson tell the secret of the glacier trap."Domon Penguins?" Chopper tilted his head, looking at Stanson in confusion."Yeah!" Stanson nodded affirmatively, "They live in this area, and their nature is extremely violent. The abnormal movement of the iceberg is caused by them pushing it on the seabed.""So amazing!" Small stars appeared in Chopper's eyes, marveling at the wonders of nature."In short, the Flag Hunter leads the prey into this ice channel, and once lost, it is very difficult to escape."Stanson pointed out the general dangerous areas to Chopper on the map."I see!" Chopper suddenly realized."Hey! Chopper, let's go!" Luffy's urging voice came again."Coming!"Chopper turned his head and shouted back, then politely said to Stanson:"Thank you for telling me so much, goodbye!"After speaking, he moved his short legs and jumped bravely from the bow, landing steadily on the windmill."Everyone is here, let's go!"Luffy stepped on the accelerator excitedly, and the windmill shot out like a wild horse off the leash.The power of the current windmill is far from what it used to be, and it doesn't need Mark's ability to drive it.The two large Wind Dials obtained on Sky Islandwere perfectly installed by Franky. Now the windmill is a veritable speed boat!Just after Luffy and the others left..."Step... step... step..."A heavy and rhythmic sound of footsteps rang out. A strong man wearing a red vest and white pants, with muscular knots all over his body, walked steadily down the deck from the stern of the wrecked ship via the ladder."Finally gone?"One of the twin eldest sons of the Achino Family—Brandy, held a wanted poster of Pajelu in his hand.His sharp gaze passed through the crowd and locked directly on Pajelu."I heard you were already dead... Ho ho ho! It's a great honor to see you again, 'Phoenix' Pajelu."Brandy and Pajelu's eyes met, and the invisible pressure made Pajelu sweat profusely instantly.In the ice cave labyrinth—Sanji and Usopp hid behind a relatively hidden ice pillar, bending over, hands on their knees, panting heavily."Finally... finally shook off... those guys.""What the hell... were those... bastards!"Usopp leaned against the cold ice wall, still feeling lingering fear, out of breath.Just then, a cheerful and sticky singing voice came from the passage ahead:"La la... la~!"The two looked over vigilantly."~Oh!" Sanji's eyes instantly turned into hearts, attracted by the figure of the purple-haired beauty Alubell.Usopp's mouth twitched, and he whispered: "How is it this pair of lovebirds again..."Alubell elegantly brushed her long purple hair and said in a mocking tone:"You guys are really stupid. You already escaped, and you came back to die?""Yo ho!"Sanji's body immediately twisted into a passionate whirlwind, sliding to Alubell's side in the blink of an eye, kneeling on one knee, and gentlemanly taking her hand,"It's so good to see you again! To celebrate this fateful reunion..."As he spoke, his lips were about to kiss the back of her hand.Alubell lowered her head, looking at the infatuated Sanji with extreme disgust:"Stay away from me!"Before the words fell, a sharp whip kick had already swept towards Sanji's head with the sound of breaking air.Sanji reacted quickly, tilting his head slightly and dodging easily. Alubell was relentless, using the flexibility of her ice skates to kick out a continuous offensive, the trajectory of the ice blades carrying chilling cold, with amazing lethality.Sanji's hands were still in his pants pockets, and he resolved these attacks one by one with only slight body swings and flexible footwork.Seeing this, Alubell did a backflip, followed by a heel strike, with great force!Sanji dodged calmly, and the leg wind fell, brushing against his clothes."Boom!"Under this blow, the ice at his feet was actually split into a deep crack! The strength of the Achino Familyis evident."Oh~?"Sanji's eyes finally became serious, with provocation,"It seems you really want to compete with me?""It seems you do have some skills." Alubell's voice lowered, putting away some of her contempt.At this time, Sarugo slid to Alubell's side, naturally taking her hand and praising: "The performance just now was great! My baby.""Honey!" Alubell's voice became sweet and greasy instantly, their eyes met, and their lips looked like they were about to stick together again."Hey! Making out in front of me again! Separate!"Sanji was furious, jealousy and anger surging together."A bunch of lunatics..." Usopp looked at this speechless scene, holding his forehead and sighing.On the other side, on the floating ice—The shark submarine driven by Nami and Frankyrushed out from under the sea like a dolphin jumping in the water, landing accurately on a flat piece of floating ice."Creak!" The hatch above opened, and Nami poked her head out, still terrified, panting heavily on the submarine shell."What kind of monster is that... scared me to death!""It's really a Super—painful!"Franky also poked his head out, looking unlucky. However, as soon as he poked his head out, he was treated as a target.A black sphere shot over! Franky subconsciously blocked with his arm,"Boom!"The sphere exploded on his mechanical arm, instantly spreading white cold air, freezing his forearm!"What's wrong?" Nami turned to ask upon hearing the sound."Get out here!" Franky roared at an ice cliff on the shore."Heh heh, finally found you guys."Hokuru played with the ice ball in his hand and appeared from behind the ice cliff, a wicked smile hanging on the corner of his mouth."Who are you?"Franky climbed out of the shark submarine, moved his arm, and shook off the ice slag on the surface."I am the third son of the Achino Family, Hokuru."He pointed at the two below with his hockey stick, his eyes full of disdain, "The mission is to capture you guys and give you to Dad as a birthday present!""Dad's gift? What is that? Is something wrong with your brain?"Nami's eyes turned cold, lightning flashed in her eyes, obviously truly angry."Take this! Freeze you all into ice sculptures!"Hokuru threw a handful of ice balls into the air, and the hockey stick in his hand hit them quickly like playing baseball!"Pa! Pa! Pa!"Several ice balls shot towards the area where Namiand Franky were in a covering manner, instantly raising a patch of ice mist.The ice mist dispersed, Franky squeezed his fist hard, and the ice remaining on his arm "cracked" into powder."Just in time, Nami, don't make a move."Franky's mouth raised a wild smile, striking a fighting pose,"I'm bored to death! Want to play, right? I'll play with you, little—young—master!"On the deck of the thousand sunny—Robin was carefully brushing off the ice chips on Merry's hair and clothes."Big sister, let's play together!"An innocent and sweet voice suddenly sounded.A little girl named Lilu had silently boarded the thousand sunny at some point, standing not far away, looking at Robin with a harmless smile.Robin frowned slightly, remaining vigilant: "Who are you?""My name is Lilu." The little girl's voice was cloyingly sweet,"Come play with me!"This seemingly innocent invitation echoed on the empty deck.But Robin knew clearly that this girl was definitely not simple—That strange flying fish that took away the pirate flag was released by her.
Chapter 217: The Reversing windmill and the Lost ZoroWith his head covered in swollen bumps, Luffyoperated the windmill, moving slowly through the narrow icy river.Frowning, Mark breathed hot air onto his frost-reddened fists and grumbled irritably:"I really don't know what's going through your head, racing the boat in this ghostly weather!Reflect on your actions! If the three of us non-swimmers fall into this icy water, who's going to fish us out?""I'm berry sorry (very sorry)!" Luffy's mouth was beaten crooked, making his speech slurred."I wonder how the thousand sunny is doing..." Chopper leaned over the side of the boat, looking toward the sea with a face full of worry."What are you talking about? Those guys will definitely be fine!"Luffy turned his head, his tone filled with unconditional trust in his partners."Right, Mark?"Mark closed his eyes and leaned lazily against the seat, only giving a slight nod upon hearing this.Getting an affirmative response, Chopper felt slightly more at ease and showed a small smile.He poked his small head toward the front row and looked sideways at Luffy:"Luffy, where are we steering this thing?""Hahaha!"Luffy gave his signature loud laugh first, then suddenly switched to a calm and composed expression."Who knows!""Ah?"Chopper broke down instantly, tears streaming down his face."After all that, it turns out we're the ones we should be most worried about?""Eh?""Ah?"An iceberg suddenly emerged from the side, catching Luffy off guard. The windmill tilted violently, nearly capsizing.Fortunately, the boat's power was strong. Luffyslammed on the "accelerator," and the windmillperformed a thrilling roll amidst the giant waves it kicked up, eventually stabilizing without further incident.But the iceberg didn't stop moving; it pushed the windmill, forcing the vessel to begin sailing backward."What's going on?" Mark was quick and nimble, pressing Chopper back into his seat just as he was about to be flung out."Is it those Domon Penguins causing trouble?"Chopper looked back at the constantly approaching iceberg, his voice carrying a sob."We're being pushed back again!""Hahaha, how interesting!"Luffy, however, excitedly held down his Straw Hat, thoroughly enjoying this novel experience of sailing in reverse."Interesting my foot! Turn the bow around already! I'm about to puke..."Mark fought back the churning in his stomach, his face already turning a sickly pale green.On the deck of the broken ship,Blinder clenched his fists, his knuckles making a "creak" sound as he approached Pajelu step by step."'Phoenix'? You really dare to use that title!"He growled, his heavy footsteps snapping the wooden planks beneath him."That name isn't something a piece of trash like you deserves!""Please wait!"Stanson immediately stepped forward respectfully, trying to explain."Lord Blinder, it's not what you think!"He pointed at Pajelu behind him and said urgently:"This guy isn't our Captain! He's just an ordinary casualty we took in on our ship. Our Captain long ago..."Before Stanson could finish, Blinder interrupted impatiently.He suddenly reached out and grabbed Stanson by the neck, lifting him off the ground like a chick."Still trying to lie to me? It seems I'll have to make you taste the price of deception!"Blinder grinned cruelly and threw Stanson hard onto the nearby deck."Cough! Cough!"As Stanson tried to struggle and lift his head, Blinder's large foot stomped down heavily on it, grinding his face into the broken wooden planks."Stanson!""Are you okay?"Seeing this, the other companions were both worried and angry, their gazes involuntarily turning back to the silent Pajelu."Hmm?"Blinder swept a cold gaze over them, scaring the crew of the Phoenix Pirates into falling back onto the deck, silent as cicadas in winter.He ground his foot into Stanson's face, leaned down, and said sinisterly:"Come on, tell the truth! That piece of trash over there who's worse than garbage—he's your Captain, right?"Pajelu was drenched in sweat, retreating three steps in terror.The image of Vice Captain Bigala's tragic death surfaced uncontrollably in his mind again.He knelt on the ground and began to retch uncontrollably, his hollow eyes filled with dread—It was a bone-deep fear of losing his companions again."What are you doing, Captain?"Giro rushed in front of him, grabbed his collar forcefully, and shouted a reprimand."Get up and take this guy down! Pull yourself together, Captain!""Ugh..."Pajelu seemed to be awakened, slowly and tremblingly standing up, but the terror on his face hadn't faded in the slightest."Oh ho ho ho!"Blinder pursed his lips and let out an exaggerated laugh."Look! Even this brat said it—you are the Captain!""Pui!"Blinder dropped his playful expression and spat on Pajelu's face with disgust."Someone like you deserves the name 'Phoenix'? I'm starting to doubt if there's some fluff in that 100 million Berries bounty of yours!""You bastard! How dare you insult our Captain like that!"Giro glared fiercely at Blinder, then turned back to Pajelu, shaking his trouser leg hard."Captain! Quickly change back into the Captain we used to know!""Dammit...!"Pajelu closed his eyes tightly, his jaw clenched, his fists trembling slightly.In this tense moment, a familiar and hearty voice approached from a distance:"Hey—! We're back again, hahaha!""It's Big Brother Luffy's voice!"The members of the Phoenix Pirates looked as if they had seen a shooting star in the dark night, joy spreading across their faces.They looked toward the vessel rapidly reversing in the river channel behind them.Seizing the moment, Mark grabbed Luffy with one hand and Chopper with the other, then violently hurled them toward the deck of the broken ship!He himself leaped into the air, instantly recalling the windmill into the System Space, and then landed gracefully on the deck.Chopper, falling from the sky, landed a kick squarely on Blinder's face!The latter was caught unprepared and was sent flying backward, only stopping when he slammed hard into the cabin door.Luffy flipped nimbly several times in the air and landed steadily. With hands on his hips, he looked triumphant:"Hahaha, looks like we'll have to bother you for a bit longer!""Big Brother Luffy, didn't you guys already go back to your own ship?""Ow, ow, ow..."Chopper clutched his head and complained,"Because of the iceberg, we were pushed back again."He then turned angrily toward Mark,"Hey! Mark, how did you become as unreliable as Luffy!If I hadn't happened to step on a soft cushion, I'd definitely be seriously injured right now!"Chopper jumped up and hung onto Mark like a koala."I'd be seriously injured! You stinky squid!"He angrily took a bite out of Mark's thick blue cotton coat.Mark gave a tug but couldn't pull the little reindeer off, so he just let it be.He scanned the situation on the deck, his gaze finally settling on Blinder, who had just climbed back up, and sized him up."This..." Mark's expression became somewhat solemn.Just as everyone thought he was about to deliver some important analysis, he asked in all seriousness:"Aren't... you cold?"Duang...!Everyone present was floored by his sudden, bizarre question!"Oh ho ho ho, I heard your flag has gone missing!"Blinder rubbed his kicked face, a mocking curve hooking his lips."Ours?" Luffy pointed to himself."That's right!"Blinder looked at Luffy, his tone full of provocation."You really want it back, don't you, Straw Hat Luffy!"His gaze swept over Luffy, Mark, and Chopper:"Two bounty fugitives?""It's three! Three!"Chopper immediately jumped off Mark and rushed in front of Blinder, roaring loudly."Are you blind! I have a bounty too!" Then he lowered his head, his voice becoming extremely low as his foot traced circles on the deck, "Al... although it's only 50 Berries... 50...""Who are you?"Luffy asked plainly, then as if remembering something, added,"By the way, are you really not cold?"The crowd, who had just steadied themselves, stumbled again."Hey! Is that the point?" the Phoenix Piratesmembers collectively complained."You guys really are unlucky!"Blinder struck a pose to show off his muscles."Listen up, I am the second son of the Achino Family, Lord Blinder!"He then answered Luffy's question with a tone of disdain:"Also, I'm not cold at all.""Hey! Uncle, what's wrong with you?"After asking, Luffy completely ignored Blinder and crouched next to Stanson to ask with concern."Hey—!" Blinder felt completely ignored and shouted at Luffy in anger.He suppressed his rage and returned to a confident posture with arms crossed and eyes closed:"Listen up, your flag will soon become one of our family's precious collectibles.""Collectibles?" Luffy looked up, his attention seemingly caught. "Is there meat?"Blinder's mouth twitched, and he emphasized while holding back his anger:"The flag! I'm talking about that flag with the skull wearing a Straw Hat!""Skull... wearing a Straw Hat!" Luffy suddenly stood up!"Ah! That's our flag!""Exactly! It's your Straw Hat Pirates' flag!" Blinderheld his arms, a smug smile on his face."What did you... do to our flag?"Luffy slowly lowered his Straw Hat. His voice was soft, yet very steady.However, the surrounding air seemed to compress instantly, then rippled outward from him in circles with invisible pressure."Getting your flag was so easy. It seems your 600 million Berry bounty isn't all that much!" Blinderspread his hands, continuing to provoke."Since you know how to provoke a pirate..." Luffylooked up, his eyes sharp as knives."Then you should have already prepared yourself, right?"He asked in a low voice, every word carrying weight:"Where is our flag?""Now that's more like a pirate! Unlike some trash who isn't even fit to be a toy."Blinder's gaze swept between the battle-ready Luffy and the still-cowering Pajelu as he sneered."Your flag is at Lovely Land! If you want it, come and get it yourself!""Lovely Land?"Meanwhile, on a certain ice plain,A figure with conspicuous Marimo-like green hair, wearing a brown cotton coat, was struggling forward through the violent blizzard."So cold...!"Zoro gritted his teeth. Relying on his tenacious will, he finally withstood the blizzard's assault and walked out of that white expanse of ice.He climbed with effort to the top of an iceberg, and his field of vision suddenly opened up.What met his eyes was a giant, brightly colored yellow castle standing in the world of ice and snow, looking like an amusement park from a fairy tale."Lovely Land..."Zoro squinted, reading the sign hanging above the gate, and fell into thought."A place like this... should have a bar!"
Chapter 218: Cho-beard Shows His PowerOn the deck of the thousand sunny, Lilu looked around curiously with a sweet smile."What a lovely ship!"Robin and Merry cautiously approached slowly, stopping at a safe distance of about two meters from Lilu."Does it have a name?" Lilu's eyes curved into crescents, looking innocent and romantic."It's the thousand sunny." Robin answered with a smile."Thousand..." Lilu put her small hands behind her back and shook her head gently,"No~ What I want to ask are your names.""Our names?"The corners of Robin's mouth curled up slightly,"I'm Robin, Nico Robin."Her gaze lowered gently to the side,"She is Merry.""Nico Robin... Merry."Lilu lightly tapped her finger on her lower lip, tilted her head to examine the two carefully, and then broke into a more brilliant smile,"My name is Lilu.""Hello, Lilu."Robin walked forward a few steps, knelt down, and asked in a gentle tone,"You're that little girl from just now, right? Do you know where our other crew members are?""I don't know!"She immediately turned her face to the side, clearly not good at lying.She then turned her head back, switching to a playful tone:"But, I know where your pirate flag is~ Do you want to know?"Robin's heart stirred, and she immediately nodded:"Yes, I really want to know. Where is it? Can you tell me?""Hmm—"Lilu intentionally dragged out her voice, playing coy."Tell me quickly! Or else I'll punch you!"Merry clenched her small fists and puffed out her cheeks, putting on a posture that said she'd give her a hard time if she didn't come clean."Haha!" Lilu covered her mouth and giggled, "What a cute little sister.""Sister?" Merry looked down at herself; her figure did indeed look smaller than Lilu's."Mm-hmm! Just like a little sister! Your clothes are so cute!" Lilu reached out and gently pinched the fluffy ears of Merry's rabbit winter outfit."At least you have good taste!" Merry then raised her proud little head, quite enjoying the compliment."Then, can you play with me?"Lilu pouted, her fingers gently tapping together in front of her,"If you're willing to play with me, I'll tell you~"Robin thought for only two seconds before reaching out to gently pat Lilu's head, an indulgent smile appearing on her face:"Sure.""Really? That's great! That's great!" Lilu jumped up happily.After a brief moment of excitement, she lowered her small head again, her tone full of disappointment:"Lately, my sister hasn't been playing with me much; she's always sticking with that guy..."Lilu looked disgusted, "That disgusting guy."In the ice cave—Salugo, the "disgusting guy" Lilu spoke of, was currently cornering Sanji and Usopp in the middle of the ice path with a sleazy look."Good, very good! Hahaha!"Salugo and Alubell were like ice ballet dancers, spinning at high speed on the smooth ice, bringing up gusts of cold wind.Usopp tightly gripped his slingshot, fully focused and alert to every move of the two, guarding against any sneak attack they might launch at any moment.Sanji, on the other hand, had long been infatuated by Alubell's graceful dancing:"Miss Alubell, your dancing is truly wonderful...""Salugo, your condition today is absolutely fantastic!"Alubell a leap, was caught and held up steadily by Salugo.When sliding past Sanji, Salugo intentionally threw Alubell in Sanji's direction!"Beautiful lady, please fall into my embrace!" Sanjiimmediately opened his arms, hearts flashing in his eyes.What greeted him, however, was the sharp ice blade on the sole of Alubell's shoe! Sanji was kicked flying and crashed into the ice wall nearby."Damn it..."Sanji slowly stood up, a suspicious blush actually appearing on his face,"To dare treat a lady so rudely and even commit such a heinous act as throwing her around!"Just as Salugo and Alubell's attention was drawn by Sanji, Usopp's feet seemed greased as he silently and rapidly climbed up a higher glacier on one side."The ones who stole our flag must be these guys!"Usopp took down his slingshot and adjusted his gear, which functioned as both goggles and a telescope, his eyes turning sharp."To dare touch Lord Usopp's reverse scale..."He pulled the rubber band back to his ear, his aura suddenly surging as if he were standing on a mountain peak,"At the mountain's peak, looking down on the world, where there is Usopp, there is heaven! Sure-Kill: Fire Star!""Ah! Oh no!"Alubell, who was being tossed into mid-air by Salugo and was adjusting her posture for another kick at Sanji, had no leverage. She sensed the danger but was unable to dodge.The yellow pellet, with the speed of a lightning bolt, made "intimate contact" precisely with her pretty face."Boom!" The pellet exploded violently the moment it made contact, and the rising flames instantly swallowed Alubell's entire face."Alubell—!!"Salugo held his face in horror, unable to believe it."Alubell... my Alubell!"He no longer cared about anything else, sliding rapidly toward his falling lover and catching her in his arms in a panic,At the same time, he looked up, staring fixedly at Usopp on the glacier with eyes full of extreme malice."Clang!"Usopp heavily planted the elongated black slingshot into the ice and coolly rubbed his long nose,"Humph! This is what happens when you dare to harm a pirate's dignity!""You actually... dared to lay a hand on my partner?"Salugo gnashed his teeth, wishing he could immediately skin Usopp alive."Ugly! Where are you looking?"Sanji's specially made shoes were as stable as flat ground on the ice. He sprinted a few steps, leaped into the air, and launched a sharp flying kick straight at Salugo!Salugo turned his head in horror, only to see a pitch-black sole rapidly enlarging before his eyes."Fighting doesn't hit the...""Bang!"Salugo was kicked squarely in the face, his entire body embedded like a cannonball into the glacier behind him, then he slowly slid to the ground.With his face covered in blood, he barely managed to spit out the last word: "...face!" and then completely fainted.The Floating Ice Battlefield.On the other side, Franky held out his palm, the dark cannon barrel aimed at Hokuru on the ice cliff.Nami stood to the side with her arms crossed, her lips curled in full disdain:"This idiot really needs a beating; he's one of the ones who stole the flag, right?"She turned to Franky: "Franky, don't show any mercy!""Don't worry! This week's me is Super— strong!"Franky grinned, revealing a signature confident smile."Alright."Nami waved to Franky and turned toward the shark submarine,"It's so cold! I'm going back into the submarine first, finish it up quickly." Leaving behind a cool silhouette."How dare you look down on me!"Hokuru tossed several black ice pellets into the air, but before he could swing his stick, Franky's attack had already arrived."Boom, boom, boom—!" The rockets on Franky's arms poured out as if they cost nothing.Hokuru was blown up and down, looking extremely disheveled:"Ah! Young man, you have no martial ethics!""Sorry, since the day I became a cyborg, I haven't known how to spell the word 'ethics'!"Franky responded verbally, but the attacks from his hands didn't stop for a moment."Time out! Time out! Match suspended!"Hokuru tried to use words to interfere while dodging pathetically,"Always using long-range weapons, you're too unmanly! Didn't we agree on a fair duel?""Oh~?"Franky stopped his cannon fire and beckoned Hokuru with his finger,"Come, let me see your backbone.""You asked for it!"Hokuru's eyes flashed with a hint of treachery as he took out a whistle and blew it hard."Beep—!""The match officially begins now!"The panic on Hokuru's face vanished instantly, replaced by a wicked smile.He slid directly down from the ice cliff, scattering a large number of ice pellets along his path. His hockey stick swung like the wind, and wherever he passed, the ice pellets shot out like bullets!"Swish, swish, swish!" Several black ice pellets hit Franky's lower body, and extreme cold instantly spread, freezing his legs firmly in place."My rare winter gear... you're making things difficult for me!"Franky complained while continuing to fire shells at Hokuru,"But when it comes to long-range weapons, I won't lose!""You shameless pervert! Wearing only a pair of underwear in this cold weather, does your family know you're this perverted?"Hokuru tried to use provocation to make Frankyshow a weakness."Aow! I didn't expect you to be quite good at complimenting people!"Instead of being angry, Franky smugly struck a pose."Who... who's complimenting you!" Hokuru broke his own composure first, roaring at Franky."Still dare to stand still? Heh!"Franky's lips curled, and he took a sudden deep breath,"Franky Fresh Fire—!"Raging flames gushed from his mouth, heading straight for Hokuru."Ah! Hot, hot, hot! My butt's on fire!"Hokuru frantically patted the flames on his butt, spinning in place from the pain."Not over yet, Strong Left!"Franky's mechanical left arm whistled out with a chain, accurately wrapping around Hokuru's neck, then gave a sudden pull!"Cough, cough! I apologize!...I apologize!" Hokuru, dragged into the air, struggled desperately."Too late!"Franky slammed him hard at his feet,"Strong Right!" The metal right fist, carrying the force of a thousand pounds, smashed vertically into Hokuru's abdomen!"Bang—!!""Crack, crack, crack—!"The terrifying impact directly shattered the thick ice layer beneath their feet!"Tsk!"To avoid becoming a drenched chicken, Franky had to leap onto the nearby shark submerge no. 3 and quickly duck into the hatch."Need to replenish cola..."The energy consumption caused Franky's pompadour hairstyle to droop."Hey! If you don't capture that guy, how are we going to find out where the flag is?" Namiquestioned Franky."Let me see..."Franky manipulated the dashboard, and a green life signal light immediately appeared on the screen."Shark Mechanical Claw—Fire!"He pressed the red button on the console hard. At the front of the submarine, the shark-mouth-shaped mechanical device lunged out with a chain!"Snap!"The mechanical teeth bit down on the butt of Hokuru, who was floating on the water's surface.The originally unconscious Hokuru was startled awake by the sharp pain: "Ah—!!"Just as he opened his mouth to scream, the cold, salty seawater filled his throat, and he painfully clutched his neck."Rattle—!" The chain quickly retracted!Hokuru seemed to have been swallowed by a shark; the next moment, his head popped out from the trapdoor of the back seat in the cockpit, looking miserable.Nami turned around, looking at the disoriented Hokuru, a "kind" smile with a dark aura surfacing on her face. The next second—"Zap—!"Inside the cramped cabin of the shark submerge no. 3, a blinding flash of lightning suddenly erupted."Wuwu... you should have interrogated me first! Who just starts with torture!"Hokuru was electrocuted until his face was charred black, his hair standing on end, spitting out black smoke."I... I definitely have to use insulating materials to remodel my body again..."Franky was also spitting black smoke, slumped in the driver's seat, his hair completely out of shape.Seeing this, Nami could only awkwardly rub the back of her head:"Ara, I accidentally made the range too big..."The Phoenix Pirates' broken ship—Back at the broken ship. Luffy's "Gum-Gum Bullet" struck out fiercely, his fist grazing the tip of Blinder's nose and punching a large hole right through the sturdy ship boards behind him!Blinder's eyes widened, and cold sweat instantly slid down: "So fast! That was close!"He turned his head and roared at Luffy: "Hey! Straw Hat, is a tattered flag really that important?"But little Chopper had already bravely stood up, gritting his teeth and shouting loudly:"Of course it's important! The flag is our honor, something more important than anything!""Gum-Gum Battle Axe!" Luffy's massive rubber sole cleaved down from the air!"Huo!" Blinder nimbly jumped to avoid it, and when he landed, he happened to be standing right in front of Chopper.He bent down, a huge shadow looming over Chopper, meeting his gaze playfully."This has nothing to do with a little raccoon like you, right? What we're talking about is business between pirates."Chopper looked up, his momentum not losing at all to the tall Blinder, staring back with equally sharp eyes."Shut up! I—am also a pirate!"Chopper lowered his head slightly, seemingly biting and swallowing something."Don't think... it ends like this!"Blinder stepped back, hands on his hips, and laughed out loud:"Hahaha! 'Don't think it ends here'? Hahaha! You're killing me! What can a raccoon do?"Seeing this, Luffy was about to rush forward to give the guy who mocked his companion a good beating, but he was stopped by Mark's hand beside him.Mark shook his head slightly, thinking: If you take care of him now, won't the rumble ball Chopper just secretly swallowed go to waste?Blinder stood with hands on his hips, saying in an extremely contemptuous tone, "Eh? So, what can such a little raccoon do?""What can I do...?"Chopper's gaze suddenly changed, a fierce light bursting forth!"Jumping Point!" His figure vanished from the spot instantly!"Arm Point!"Chopper appeared before Blinder like a phantom, his two front hooves clenched tightly together."Kokutei: Sakura Fubuki—!"Chopper's attacks were as fast as the wind, turning into a sky full of afterimages! It was as if countless pink cherry blossoms and cold snowflakes were dancing and scattering wildly across the deck.Chopper landed lightly, the fierce light in his eyes not yet faded,"I am a Reindeer!"While Blinder was as if frozen in time, his entire body eerily suspended in mid-air.The next second, "Crack, crack, crack, crack—!"A rapid series of tooth-aching sounds of joints and bones breaking rang out! Blinder's body shook violently in the air as if struck by electricity."Bang!"He slammed heavily onto the deck, blood dripping from his mouth, eyes rolled back, completely losing consciousness."Hmph! That's what you get for messing with Chopper! Serves you right!" Luffy skipped over and made a huge face at the unconscious Blinder
Chapter 219: Everyone Sets OutLovely Land——This was the core stronghold of the Flag Hunter, the Achino Family.At this moment, the leader of the family, the father of the members out hunting the Straw Hat crew—Don Accino, was lying leisurely on a wide sofa.The entire wall behind him could be called a "Pirate Flag Exhibition Hall."It was densely hung with all sorts of flags from different pirate crews, each representing a plundered glory and a voyage brought to an end.*Creak—*The heavy door was pushed open, and a muscular man wearing a blue T-shirt walked in.His appearance was almost identical to Blinder's—He was the eldest son of the Achino Family, Campaccino, the twin brother of Blinder.Carrying a glass of specially mixed pink wine, he walked respectfully to Don Accino and bowed slightly:"Happy Birthday, Papa. Please taste the 'Ice Sea Celebration' wine I have carefully prepared for you."Don Accino lazily took the goblet and took a small sip, but his gaze wandered to the ornately decorated ceiling."The Straw Hat crew's flag... hasn't it arrived yet?"His voice was low, carrying a trace of imperceptible urgency.Campaccino elegantly raised his hand, signaling his father to be patient:"It will be delivered very soon, please wait a moment longer. The best gifts are always worth the wait, aren't they?"Don Accino turned slightly. His obese upper body wore only a tie printed with the family's flame emblem,While his lower body wore a hula skirt, and the thick black beard on his face was like a carefully drawn frame.His round belly trembled slightly with his movements."I've already been very patient, Campaccino," he said, his tone unreadable."That's good."Campaccino picked up a feather fan and gently fanned his father on the sofa, continuing to soothe him in a gentle and submissive voice,"By waiting a little longer, won't the joy of the harvest be even stronger, Papa?"Don Accino suddenly jerked his head up and looked through his sunglasses toward the window."Ah?""What is it, Papa?" Campaccino looked in the direction of his gaze with some confusion; outside the window, there was only white snow.Don Accino pushed the sunglasses on the bridge of his nose, slightly hesitant:"Just now... did someone walk past the window?"Campaccino turned to look carefully; there was no one outside."No, Papa. You must have had too much wine and are seeing things.""I see..."Don Accino didn't pursue it further. He lay back down and continued sipping his wine, his gaze returning to the ceiling as if admiring the new flag he was about to obtain in his mind.However, Don Accino had not seen wrong.That fleeting Marimo figure was indeed Zoro.At this moment, he was boldly "strolling" through the enemy's headquarters!"Where on earth is this?"Zoro crossed his arms, walking down a grand corridor covered in pink carpet with an impatient look on his face, looking around,"It looks like an amusement park... A place like this should have a bar, right?"On the deck of the thousand sunny"I won! I won!" Lilu jumped up and down on the deck happily, celebrating the game that had just ended.Robin and Merry glanced at each other and nodded slightly in silent understanding.Robin crouched down and spoke with a smile:"Lilu, the game is over. Can you tell us where our pirate flag is now?"Lilu blinked, revealing a pure yet slightly mischievous Vivi-like smile:"It's in Papa's room!"After saying that, she spun around happily and hummed a victory tune she had composed herself:"La~ la~ victory belongs to Lilu~""Lilu-chan!"Merry affectionately linked her arm with Lilu's, swaying side to side while acting spoiled,"When we were playing Monopoly on the sea just now, I didn't perform well because of seasickness! Can I go to your house to play? I'll definitely win at your house!""Eh!! Really? That's great!" Lilu's eyes lit up,"My house is huge and has lots of fun things! Let's go right now!"She immediately ran to the side of the ship, took out a few small red discs from her satchel, and scattered them onto the sea.Immediately, ten blue-and-white flying fish burst out of the water, flapping their wings and flying.They didn't rush to speed up but maintained a steady pace, flying gracefully directly in front of the thousand sunny."Follow the flying fish, and we'll reach my home very soon!"Lilu announced cheerfully, then pulled Robin along to start studying a new game.Merry stepped onto a small stool, stood on her tiptoes, held the giant steering wheel with her small hands, and steadily steered the thousand sunny, following the lead of the flying fish toward 'Lovely Land.'In the Ice Cave LabyrinthSanji hung up the transponder snail in his hand, his expression somewhat complex."What did Nami say?"Usopp asked while using strips of cloth torn from Sarugo to tie the two unconscious people up securely."She told us to make some big noise so the detector on Franky's submarine can capture our exact location."Sanji explained, his gaze falling on Alubell, whose face was blackened by Usopp's Fire Star. He immediately looked pained and turned to glare at Usopp,"I say, you long-nose! How could you use a fire bomb on a lady! That's too crude!"Usopp was so angry his hair stood on end:"Whose side are you on anyway?! Fine, next time I'll use a 'Piercing Star'!""Hmph! A barbarian who attacks a lady! Don't talk to me!" Sanji turned his face away arrogantly."Yes, yes, yes! You're so great, you're so noble!"Usopp said crossly, suddenly lifting the unconscious Alubell as if to throw her,"To show my 'apology,' I'll 'clean' this lady's face right now!"As he spoke, he actually made a move to throw Alubell into the nearby bone-chilling ice river!"Hey! What do you think you're doing? Stop!"Sanji was quick and lunged forward, practically "snatching" Alubell from Usopp's hands and shielding her carefully in his arms."Are you a cold-blooded animal? The water is freezing!"Usopp's teeth instantly turned into shark-like teeth as he roared at Sanji:"If we don't throw them into the water to make some noise and movement, how will Nami and the others find us? You love-cook Marimo whose head is only filled with ladies! Why don't you go down there!""Anyway, throwing a lady is just not okay!"Sanji spoke with righteous indignation, then his gaze flicked to the nearby Sarugo, who was wearing only a tattered short-sleeved shirt and was unconscious, and he pursed his lips,"Look, isn't there another ready-made 'noise generator' right there?"Usopp and Sanji exchanged a glance and instantly reached a consensus.The two looked at Sarugo's miserable state, simultaneously covered their eyes with their hands (though with wide gaps between their fingers), turned around in unison, and kicked out with their heels together—*Splash!* Sarugo was accurately kicked into the ice river.Shocked by the bone-chilling ice water, Sarugoimmediately began to scream:"So cold! I'm freezing to death!!""Curly... curly brow! Let... my darling... go...!" Even as he thrashed about, he didn't forget to roar at Sanji.Sanji looked arrogant, holding his head high:"I don't have the habit of throwing ladies. The ground is so cold; what if my Miss Alubell catches a cold?""You guys... just wait... *glub glub*..." The frozen Sarugo's thrashing grew weaker and weaker, and he sank directly toward the riverbed, leaving only a string of shrinking bubbles on the surface.Only then did Usopp unhurriedly turn the handle of a simple fishing rod, "fishing" up Sarugo, who was about to hit the bottom.Floating to the surface along with Sarugo was a blue shark-shaped submarine—it was the shark submerge no. 3 carrying Nami and Franky!*Clang!* The hatch was pushed open forcefully.Nami poked her head out, and her first words upon seeing the soaking wet, miserable Sarugo on the deck and Alubell being carefully held by Sanji were a deadpan remark:"Are you two... demons?"On the Phoenix Pirates' Wrecked ShipBlinder, who had been knocked out by Chopper's "Cloves-Carving: Sakura Blizzard," was now firmly tied to the mainmast with thick iron chains by the Phoenix Pirates' crew."Wake him up, I have some things to ask him," Marksaid to Chopper.Chopper nodded, took out a small bottle with a skull warning sign from his bag, dipped a cotton swab into the dark green liquid inside, and smeared it under Blinder's nose.Blinder's nose wrinkled subconsciously, and then his eyes snapped open, his pupils shrinking!"So stinky—!!""Urgh—!!""Let me go... urgh... what the hell is this... urgh!""What did you smear on him?" Mark asked Chopperwith curiosity and a hint of wariness. "Such a strong reaction?"Chopper looked proud, putting his little hands on his hips and raising his head:"'Usopp's Sock Essence Concentrate'!""Refined through my exclusive process, it can directly penetrate the skin to stimulate the olfactory nerves!""It's also specially blended with refreshing and brain-stimulating medicinal herbs to ensure the effect is concentrated, won't diffuse, and absolutely won't let the person faint!"After hearing this, Mark silently took a large step back, his gaze toward Chopper filled with unprecedented "awe."At this moment, he deeply realized the truth: you can offend anyone, but never offend the ship's doctor.A moment later!"Forget... forget it! If this continues, he's going to have a mental breakdown."Mark looked at Blinder, whose eyes were glazed and who was drooling from the torture, and for the first time in his life, he felt strong sympathy for an enemy."Ah! I almost forgot!"Only then did Chopper react. He quickly took out another bottle of medicine that emitted a fresh fragrance, applied it over the area he had just smeared, and then patted his little chest,"Close call, close call. Any later and he would have gone insane.""It really... really is like that!" The nearby Phoenix Pirates members were dumbfounded and remarked in unison.A moment later, Blinder finally managed to recover. His eyes were filled with fear, and without waiting to be asked, he confessed everything:"Your flag is in Papa's room!""Follow the Ice Sea Path to the end and you'll reach Lovely Land!""I beg you... don't use that thing again... urgh..." At the end, he couldn't help but dry heave again."That was quite efficient." Mark gave Chopper a thumbs up. "Great job, as expected of Doctor 'Cho-beard'!""'Cho-beard'?" Chopper froze for a moment, somewhat bewildered by this new nickname, but seeing Mark's thumbs up, he immediately started swaying his body happily, though he said:"Even if you praise me, I won't be happy, you bastard~!"
Chapter 220: Campacchino's Attack, Zoro's Chance Encounter with Don AccinoIn Blinder's pocket, the transponder snail suddenly started ringing, "Bulu bulu bulu.""Hey, kid," a flicker of imperceptible ruthlessness flashed in Blinder's eyes,Then he quickly put on a seemingly kind but actually hypocritical smile and said in a low voice to Giro, who was leaning against the ship's railing,"There's a Baby Transponder Snail tucked into my belt. Help me get it out."Giro was stunned. Looking at the tied-up, fierce man, he hesitated for a moment before gathering his courage and cautiously stepping over.He leaned in, fumbling around Blinder's waist, and finally pulled out a very small transponder snail—It had a red shell, two funny black mustaches on its head, and a yellow and blue polka-dot pattern on its back.The transponder snail mimicked a gentle but somewhat stiff voice:"Blinder, you're taking too long to return. Father is already starting to get unhappy. Come back quickly."The voice spread clearly across the silent deck. Everyone held their breath and listened intently.After receiving no response for a long time, the voice rang out again, tinged with a hint of urgency:"Can you hear me, Blinder? Answer me quickly."Giro stared at the small transponder snail in his hand, his brow furrowed as if he were making a major decision.Suddenly, his eyes became incredibly determined, and he shouted loudly into the microphone:"Blinder is in the hands of the Phoenix Pirates! If you dare to attack us, we will kill him immediately!"This response surprised the other crew members, but Pajelu stumbled in fear upon hearing it, nearly collapsing.He had originally thought of sacrificing himself for his comrades' safety, but now they had completely offended the Achino Family with no room for turning back.There was a dead silence on the other end of the transponder snail. After a moment, there was only a "click" as the communication was unilaterally disconnected.Seeing his goal achieved, Giro turned his head impatiently, wanting to enjoy Blinder's panicked expression or even hear him beg for mercy.However, reality was the exact opposite of what he had imagined.Instead of fear, Blinder's face was radiant, and he even wore a sinister grin as if his plan had succeeded."The person coming for me... is here."Blinder scanned the area, closed his eyes, and said with a wide grin,"We will take you to Lovely Land."His gaze passed over everyone, looking expectantly at the distant sea horizon, mentally adding the unspoken second half of the sentence—But we'll be taking your heads back with us."What? The person coming for you?" Giro's eyes widened in disbelief."Yes, my older brother is here," Blinder said in a relaxed tone."Older brother?"Luffy leaned against the ship's railing with one arm, picking his nose with the other hand as he casually interjected,"I have an older brother too!""Hahaha—!"Blinder suddenly burst into laughter. At the same time, his body began to emit an eerie red light, and the surrounding air seemed to distort slightly."Wh-what are you trying to do? I'm warning you, if you dare try anything funny, I won't let you off!"Giro's voice trembled from the sudden change, yet he still tried to remain calm, holding up the small transponder snail like a dagger pointed at the chained Blinder.Luffy ran over excitedly, his rubbery neck stretching so that his curious large eyes were almost pressed against Blinder:"Wow! How are you doing that?"Chopper's eyes were also sparkling with stars, full of admiration:"So cool! He's a glowing man!""Just you watch!"Blinder's expression was even more excited than Luffy's and Chopper's. He stared intently at the distant sea, his whole body trembling slightly with excitement.Mark looked in the direction of his gaze, while quietly activating his Observation Haki to sense the surroundings.After a moment, he opened his eyes and gave a flat warning:"Something is coming this way at a very high speed.""What? What's coming?" Chopper immediately leaned over the railing to look."Is it a wild boar? It looks pretty fierce." Luffycommented with a calm expression, tilting his head.As the figure got closer, Luffy's mouth slumped in disappointment:"Ugh! It looks like a person... I thought we'd have roasted wild boar for dinner."On a fast-moving ice floe in the distance stood a robust man dressed in blue martial arts attire, his body emitting a faint blue glow.While still some distance from the broken ship, the blue-glowing man leaped into the air!The ice floe beneath him surged forward due to inertia, hitting the side of the broken ship with a loud "boom." The violent vibration caused everyone on board to stumble.In mid-air, the blue-glowing man completed an elegant three-and-a-half-turn spin and landed firmly on the high railing. He crossed his arms, looking down with a sinister chuckle."Eh? Huh? When did you break free?" Luffy shouted in surprise, mistaking the newly arrived Campacchino for Blinder."What a fast person!" Chopper couldn't help but exclaim.Mark wordlessly pointed his finger at the mast.Luffy and Chopper followed his gaze and saw the red-glowing Blinder still firmly tied to the mast with iron chains."Huh?""What's going on? Is it a clone technique?"Luffy's gaze darted back and forth between the blue-glowing man on the railing and the red-glowing man on the mast, his disbelief filled with intense curiosity."My dear younger brother, thank you for 'taking care' of him!"Campacchino's gaze swept across the deck, finally landing on his younger brother, his eyes filled with cold killing intent.He puffed out his chest and shouted toward the mast, "Brother!""Brother—!" Blinder responded with a powerful roar.Simultaneously, with a "Clang! Crash!", the sturdy iron chains snapped, as if they weren't binding a human but a prehistoric beast finally breaking its shackles!The red light around Blinder's body flared up, and he "floated" toward Campacchino as if drawn by a magnet.The two of them tacitly held their palms out toward each other, and then Blinder landed firmly on the railing, standing side-by-side with his older brother."It's been a long time since we used this move together..." Campacchino's lips curled up.Blinder also wore a hideous smile: "Our—Combination Technique!""Wow! So cool! How did you do that just now?"Luffy's curiosity completely overwhelmed his awareness of enemy and ally, and he asked excitedly."Ohohoho!"Campacchino crossed his arms and looked down at Luffy and the others, explaining in a boastful tone, "What we use is 'Magnetism'!"As soon as he finished speaking, both of their bodies turned a ghostly blue and emitted a low "hum," then they smoothly slid apart to opposite sides on the railing.Immediately after, Blinder's body turned a fiery red and hummed again. The two of them drew together like magnets, their shoulders pressing tightly against each other as they stuck together."Hey! Did you guys eat a Devil Fruit?" Luffy asked directly after watching this strange "performance.""Hehehe, you're asking why we're attracted to each other?"Blinder and Campacchino were face-to-face, one hand pressed together above their heads and the other high-fiving below, their movements synchronized like a reflection in a mirror.Blinder: "That's because we—"The two of them said in unison, their voices booming: "Are twins!""Oh—! Twins are amazing!" Luffy clapped and shouted excitedly, completely forgetting whose side he was on."Hey! There's definitely something wrong with them, right?" the members of the Phoenix Pirates couldn't help but complain in unison."Blinder, who are today's targets?"Campacchino maintained his ridiculous face-to-face pose, his gaze sweeping across the deck like a hawk.Blinder looked toward the stern: "Yes! First, there's 'Phoenix' Pajelu, bounty: 100 million Berries!"Pajelu, having been named, felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar. His skin crawled, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.Blinder turned his gaze back to Luffy in front of him:"Then there's this one, 'Straw Hat' Luffy with a bounty of 600 million Berries!""And the one next to him, Tony Tony Chopper with a bounty of 50 Berries!""5... 50..." Chopper was devastated, tilting his head back in a breakdown, unconsciously muttering the number he both loved and hated.Blinder continued:"That one over there should be the Vice Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, 'The Devourer' Mark. His bounty is also 600 million Berries.""Brother, I suggest... giving up on making the Straw Hat crew our primary target."Blinder lowered his head unusually, his tone carrying a hint of lingering fear."Just now, I was defeated by that... pet with the 50-Berry bounty.""Oh? This is the first time I've seen an expression like fear on your face."Instead of being worried, Campacchino became even more excited."But after all, this isn't the New World. No matter how strong they are, they can't escape our brothers' invincible combination technique!"Hearing this, Blinder's confidence seemed to return: "You're right, brother! Our combination technique is invincible!"Before he finished speaking, Campacchino exerted sudden force, hurling Blinder like a cannonball toward Mark!The moment Blinder landed on the deck, a punch charged with red light was already fiercely aimed at Mark's head, as he shouted arrogantly:"The rubber man is too flexible, so I'll start with you, the one who looks the weakest!"Blinder's mouth didn't stop, and his punches and kicks were even more powerful, each strike carrying the force to tear through the air.Mark, however, still had his hands in his pockets. With just slight bends, side-steps, and leans, he dodged the storm-like attacks by a hair's breadth, his posture as relaxed as if he were taking a stroll."Hey! Luffy, they actually said Mark is weak!" Chopper could hardly believe his ears."Haha! They picked the opponent they should've avoided most!" Luffy also leaned against the railing, grinning as he prepared to watch the show."What's wrong? Pretty boy, is dodging all you can do?" Blinder grew more and more impatient as he fought, launching a heavy high kick aimed straight for Mark's head.Mark sighed helplessly, finally crouching to dodge the kick while pulling his hands out of his warm pockets.As he slowly raised his head, the lazy and casual aura vanished instantly, replaced by a stern and overbearing pressure that quietly rippled out!The next second, Mark's figure vanished from the spot like a ghost!"Bang—!"When everyone could see clearly, Mark had already appeared in front of Blinder, slamming a vicious elbow solidly into Blinder's chest!Blinder grunted and flew backward. Mark gave him no room to breathe, his figure following him like a shadow.It was a fluid, almost imperceptibly fast combination of punches, elbows, knees, and kicks.He rained blows down on Blinder, finally blasting him heavily into the air with a powerful "Earth-Shattering Sky Cannon"!Mark held his finishing pose with his fist pointing toward the sky and slowly closed his eyes.As if he had only done something insignificant, he complained softly:"My hands... I finally got them warm.""So... so powerful!" The members of the Phoenix Pirates watched in stunned silence, their jaws nearly dropping to the deck."Brother—!"Furious and shocked, Campacchino immediately activated his ability, "sucking" the heavily injured Blinder back to him from mid-air and holding him tightly in his arms."Bro... ther..." Blinder's breath was weak as he barely managed to squeeze out the words.Campacchino glanced at his brother's wretched state, a fierce light flaring in his eyes. However, he didn't choose to seek immediate revenge; instead, holding Blinder, he leaped without hesitation toward the sea!"Eh?"Luffy, Chopper, and Giro immediately rushed to the railing, only to see Campacchino land on a piece of ice below that had been prepared in advance.AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-liteA group of blue Domon Penguins had gathered under the ice at some unknown time, pushing the floating ice and escaping at an astonishing speed!Campacchino stood on the rapidly receding ice floe, looking back and staring fixedly at the Straw Hat, his eyes as savage as a wounded beast, his voice carried over by the cold wind:"Straw Hat! Your flag is at my house! If you have the guts, come and take it! Next time we meet, I'll be sure to make you pay!""Escaped... they escaped?"Giro and the other members of the Phoenix Pirateslooked on in disbelief, while at the same time, gaining a clear and shocking realization of the unfathomable strength of the Straw Hat Pirates.Lovely Land, deep inside the castle.Don Accino was in a warm room, his agitation becoming increasingly apparent. "Campacchino!""Campacchino! Haven't you brought the flag back yet?" he growled at the empty room."What's the matter?" Zoro, who happened to be passing by outside the door, heard impatient muttering coming from inside."Creak—" Without a second thought, Zoro pushed the door open and walked in.The room was steaming with mist, vision was somewhat blurred, and the temperature was as high as a sauna."Is anyone there?"Zoro looked around, narrowed his eyes, and walked toward the depths of the mist."How much longer must I wait? Where is my birthday flag? Is the birthday party still happening or not?""So hot... what the hell kind of place is this?"Zoro muttered, his eyes drawn to the birthday cake and exquisite delicacies spread out on the table.Just as he was considering whether to "replenish some energy" first, he looked up and suddenly found himself face-to-face with a huge, fat face!Zoro was startled and instinctively took a step back. With a "clang," the wado ichimonji was unsheathed by half an inch, and his sharp eyes locked onto the weirdo on the sofa:"Who are you?""What is this? It's not Campacchino."Don Accino lay on his side on the large sofa, smoking a thick cigar, speaking in a flat, indifferent voice, as if he didn't care at all about the intruder."Hmm?" Seeing that the other party didn't seem to have any intention of attacking immediately, Zororelaxed his vigilance slightly, but his hand did not leave the hilt of his sword.Don Accino slowly pulled out a bottle of red wine that looked quite expensive from behind him, waved it in front of Zoro, and softened his voice deliberately:"I have a bottle of fine wine here, but it's no fun drinking alone... care to have a drink with me?""Oh?" Zoro's eyes lit up immediately, his killing intent dissipated, he neatly sheathed his sword, and with an "you should have said so earlier" expression, he sat cross-legged on the floor nearby,"Then I won't stand on ceremony!"Don Accino poured a full glass of wine for Zorowhile saying in a "lonely" tone:"Drink as much as you like, have a few more glasses, it doesn't matter.""Ah, thank you very much!" Zoro happily took the wine glass and couldn't wait to gulp down a large mouthful, letting out a sigh of satisfaction, "Ha—!""Sigh, my family was throwing a birthday party for me, and it was going well..."Don Accino sighed,"But halfway through, everyone disappeared, and they still haven't returned.""Ah~ what good wine!" Zoro wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, enjoying it, completely unaware that anything was wrong. Instead, he replied with a self-deprecating smile of shared misfortune:"Your experience is quite a coincidence. My companions are the same; I don't know when they all disappeared!I was looking for them, but I ended up getting lost in this ice and snow."Accino brought the bottle over again and filled Zoro's empty glass to the brim:"Is it the same for you?""Yeah, really! I don't know where those bastards went to have fun, leaving me all alone." Zoro happily took the second glass of wine, his complaints laced with trust in his companions."Yeah... it seems we really are in the same boat." Don Accino wore a kind smile on his face, and the surrounding mist seemed to thin out a bit because of his good mood.At this moment, Zoro finally noticed the spectacular "flag wall" behind him."Hmm?" His brows furrowed instantly."Oh! This?" Don Accino's mouth curled up high, the arc exaggerated, with undisguised pride,"How about it? These are all my prized collectibles.""Collectibles?""That's right, pirate flags hunted down! Pretty impressive, right?" His tone was full of showing off.Zoro glanced at the wall and also curled his lips, but the smile was full of undisguised contempt and coldness:"That's really... a disgusting hobby that makes one extremely unhappy.""Haha, don't say that." Don Accino didn't take offense, but laughed even more happily."Flap, flap, flap!" At this moment, a blue and white flying fish flew in nimbly from the window, holding a piece of black cloth in its mouth."Oh, oh, oh!! It's here, it's here, it's finally here!" Don Accino became excited at once.The flying fish glided past, and the black cloth happened to land in Accino's open hands."Take a look at this, you should understand completely now, right?"All the disguise on Don Accino's face faded away instantly, leaving only cruelty and mockery.He spread his arms and fully unfolded the black cloth in front of Zoro—it was that missing black pirate flag with the Straw Hat skull drawn on it!The moment Zoro looked up and saw the flag clearly, his pupils contracted like needles!The calm aura around him exploded, turning into a tangible, fierce killing intent that instantly filled the entire high-temperature room!"Crack!" The wine glass in his hand was crushed, and shards and wine splashed all over the floor.The "Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro, with a bounty of 300 million Berries, stared at Don Accino with eyes like a drawn cursed sword, squeezing four chilling words through his teeth:"You... bastard!"Don Accino's huge, fat, but exceptionally agile body sprang up from the sofa, forming a tense standoff with Zoro."Your companions, I'm afraid they have all fallen into the hands of my children by now." He tried to apply pressure with his words."Oh." Zoro's reaction was surprisingly calm; he just replied indifferently."You... aren't you worried at all?" The smile on Don Accino's face faded, revealing a hint of surprise. The other party was abnormally calm."Worried?"Zoro's brows twitched slightly, and his mouth curled into a nearly mocking arc instead,"The ones who should be worried are probably you guys. That idiot Captain of ours, when he's starving, could wipe out all your winter food reserves."He paused, and with a clear "clang," the wado ichimonji was unsheathed, its bright blade pointing directly at the center of Don Accino's eyebrows,"And our Vice Captain... if he gets serious, he could eat you until even the concept of a 'home' doesn't remain."As Zoro spoke, he drew the yodo himawari from his waist with his left hand, the scorching blade patterns faintly flowing in the air."As for me..."He bit the wado ichimonji horizontally in his mouth, his voice coming through his teeth with a hint of chilling regret,"It's a pity, I actually have to cut down someone who just offered me a drink.""Ho, ho, ho! You said... you're going to cut me?" Don Accino acted as if he had heard a joke, spreading his hands exaggeratedly to show off his round body,"If you can do it, feel free to try!"Before the words fell, the heat accumulated around him exploded!The scorching white steam, like an explosive wave of air, carrying a terrifying high temperature, instantly swept toward Zoro!"Oh?"Zoro's eyes narrowed, his right hand quickly reached behind him and drew the third sword—the shura, which was deep blue and exuded an ominous cold aura.He just swung the shura in front of him, and a wave of extreme cold blade wind gushed out, colliding violently with the incoming heat wave and white mist!"Ssss—!" Amidst the piercing sound of vaporization, the dense white mist was forcibly dispersed."A Devil Fruit user?"Zoro was not afraid; instead, the flames of excitement at seeing a strong enemy ignited in his eyes.With three swords in hand, his momentum climbed sharply."To not be afraid of my heat... worthy of a hot pirate crew with a bounty of over 100 million, the courage is indeed different!"Don Accino's eyes became strange in the steam, one red and one white, flickering with light.White mist swirled around him, the temperature continued to rise, and the carpet under his feet even began to char and curl, a very terrifying image."Afraid?"Zoro sneered, bit the shura in his mouth as well, all three swords ready, and set up his opening stance for attack,"Just because of you, a fat balloon that only knows how to generate heat? Not quite!""Good momentum, but it's a pity, a real pity, that you happen to be a swordsman."Don Accino shook his head, as if in pity, and as if in mockery.He first carefully placed the stolen Straw Hat pirate flag in the center of the sofa, as if it were already his possession.Then, he picked up the thick glass bottle he had just used to pour wine for Zoro and extended it toward Zoro.Zoro frowned, not understanding his intention.The next moment, an astonishing scene occurred!"Sss... ssss..." Under the terrifying high temperature radiating from Don Accino's palm, the hard glass wine bottle quickly turned red and softened, like a wax block thrown into a furnace!The bottle melted and was pierced at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the residual wine inside didn't even have time to flow out before it was completely evaporated into a pungent white smoke with a "poof" sound!"Boom!" A small burst of flame flashed, and the whole bottle of wine, along with the glass bottle, disappeared without a trace in an instant, leaving not even a single residue."Hahaha! Did you see that?"Don Accino laughed triumphantly, his voice echoing in the high-temperature room,"I am the natural nemesis of you swordsmen!No matter how much you cherish or take pride in your 'famous swords' or 'precious blades,' in front of my ability, they will eventually turn into a pool of useless molten iron!"The red light around him grew stronger and stronger, and the temperature in the room became suffocating.Don Accino's voice became deep and threatening:"This is my 'Heat-Heat Fruit' ability! Temperature, I control it!Now, you Greatest Swordsman, what are you going to do? Do you still dare to use your sword to cut me?""Oh? In the end, you're just a hot-air balloon with a higher temperature, isn't it enough just not to touch you..."Facing this threat that could be called a desperate situation for a swordsman, Zoro did not retreat; instead, the fighting spirit in his eyes became more intense.He slowly stepped back, his three swords swung behind him at different angles, his whole body's muscles tensed, like a fully drawn bow, gathering, compressing, and accumulating all his strength and momentum to the extreme.A sword intent as chilling as the winter wind began to contend with the scorching hell around him.He leaned forward slightly, the blade in his mouth humming, and spat out the name of the slash that was about to erupt, word by word:"Three Sword Style..."