Chapter 224: Luffy vs. Don Accino 2"It's been a long time since I've personally taken a pirate's head. Straw Hat, this is your honor."Don Accino wore a cruel smile, thick white steam billowing around him due to his ultra-high body temperature."You're clearly just a cursed steam balloon, yet you dare to be so arrogant."Luffy returned a confident smile, pulling his fist back in front of him as a layer of pitch-black Armament Haki quickly covered it.He stared at the distorted, steaming air surrounding his opponent, judging in his heart:"A Devil Fruit user? Could it be a Logia?""I've seen plenty of pirates like you who talk big," Don Accino said, but before he could finish—"Gum-Gum Bullet!"Luffy's fist had already blasted toward his face like a teleportation!Don Accino calmly raised a palm that had turned bright red to meet the pitch-black fist, his tone carrying the displeasure of being interrupted:"Honestly... can't you let a person finish speaking?"Before the fist and palm even made contact, Luffy's expression changed drastically, wearing a mask of pain as he hurriedly retracted his arm."So hot! Hot hot hot—!"He gripped his right wrist with his left hand, bringing his fist to his mouth and blowing desperately to cool it down; the rubber skin was actually faintly glowing red from being scorched."Hmph!"Don Accino gave a cold snort and casually pulled a decorative metal sun umbrella from the doorway, holding it in his hand.The moment his palm turned red, the umbrella from handle to canopy was like being thrown into a furnace; within a second, it burned, softened, and melted into glowing red molten iron, dripping to the ground with a sizzling sound."I am a 'Heat-Heat Fruit' user," he said coolly. "Anything that comes into direct contact with me will melt in an instant."Now... do you still think you can defeat me, Straw Hat?"What responded to him was, "Gum-Gum Battle Axe!"Luffy gritted his teeth, and the moment his heavy leg, swinging down from the air, touched Don Accino's forehead, white smoke suddenly billowed from the sole of his shoe!He cried out in pain and hurriedly retracted his leg, hopping on one foot on the ice while clutching his foot:"That's burning me to death! Huff huff huff—"He pulled his distorted rubber leg in front of him and blew desperately at the smoking sole.At the bow of the thousand sunny, the Cowardly Trio—Nami, Usopp, and Chopper—were nervously observing the battle through binoculars."Dammit! Luffy's attacks aren't working on that guy at all!" Usopp broke into a cold sweat for Luffy."As Zoro said, the 'Heat-Heat Fruit'... is indeed quite troublesome."Nami's brow furrowed as she scanned the top of the castle with her binoculars."No, we can't leave such an important task as getting the flag back entirely to Robin."By the timeline, they should have succeeded long ago!" She put down her binoculars and nudged Usopp with her elbow:"Usopp, stop just watching! Luffy's side is troublesome, but he can handle it himself. We need to go to the castle again!"Usopp looked sideways at Nami, stroking his chin in thought:"True... we can't just wait. I'll go call Sanji and Franky right now!""No need."Nami grabbed Usopp's long nose with one hand and tucked Chopper under her other arm."This time it's just the three of us, quick and clean!"Before the words finished, her figure flashed, and the three had already appeared on the ice below the ship."Ah! I forgot the bags for the treasure!"Nami suddenly remembered something and her figure vanished again, leaving Chopper and Usoppstanding there with bewildered faces."Usopp, do you think Nami... hasn't finished moving the treasure and wants us to help her?" Chopperasked innocently, looking up.Hearing this, Usopp crossed his arms, his expression grave as he nodded heavily: "Highly likely!"A moment later, not only Usopp, Nami, and Chopper, but even the crew of the Phoenix Pirateswere completely captivated by the peculiar "battle" on the shore."Straw Hat! Watch closely, I can even do this!"Don Accino spread his arms and half-squatted, the contact between his leather shoes and the ice making a violent "sizzle" sound and sending up a large cloud of white mist.Then, he actually used the recoil generated by the steam to slide freely across the ice, his movements slightly clumsy but not slow."Whoa! Amazing!"Luffy's eyes instantly turned into stars, and his feet began to shuffle rapidly on the ice.With a "whoosh," he suddenly charged toward a nearby small ice mountain shaped like an ox horn."Hey! Luffy, what are you doing?" Nami looked at his back with a worried face."I'm sliding—!"Luffy rushed to the top of the ice mountain, looked back with a grin, and then slid down the slope at high speed."This is so much fun! Hahaha!""Hahaha!" Don Accino was also spinning in circles on the ice, laughing heartily.At this moment, the two didn't seem like opponents in a life-and-death struggle, but rather like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years, immersed together in the joy of a childhood game.They changed into various poses and tricks—Don Accino tried sliding while lying down, and Luffyperformed one-legged slides, spinning slides...The audience on the sidelines was completely speechless, their eyelids drooping, almost falling asleep."Screech—!"With a piercing sound of friction, Luffy and Don Accino braked almost simultaneously, confronting each other again in the center of the ice.However, there was a strange sense of mutual respect in their eyes."Heh... heh..."Luffy panted heavily, covered in sweat. "I... I have to re-evaluate the power of the 'Heat-Heat Fruit'.""Sigh... hehehehe,"Don Accino also panted, looking at Luffy with appreciative eyes."As expected of a brat worth 600 million Berries.""You're pretty good!" The two said in unison."How is that 'pretty good'? You're clearly just playing!!" Usopp shouted, unable to take it anymore."Warm-up is over!"Don Accino's expression suddenly turned solemn."Next, I'm going to show you my real skill!"He wove his hands into a strange pattern above his head, and his fat body began to spin rapidly on the spot!The rising air currents were stirred by him, quickly forming a white tornado laden with scorching steam, howling as it smashed toward Luffy!"Heat Infusion!"Luffy, caught off guard, was engulfed head-on by the scorching tornado!"I can't see anything! What is this for?" He squinted, using one hand to firmly hold down his Straw Hatthat was almost blown away."Heat Rise!"Don Accino raised his palm, and the scorching tornado suddenly swept Luffy into the air!"Ah! Hot! Hot! Hot—!" Luffy's screams could be faintly heard from within the tornado."Our flag is in this building."Giro patted the shoulder of Chopper, who was looking at the tornado with worry.Chopper withdrew his gaze and looked at Giro, his expression determined:"Let's go, let's go in! Giro.""But..." Giro looked worriedly at the tornado in the sky."Luffy will be fine!" Chopper took Giro's hand and turned to run toward the castle gates."Stop right there." Don Accino crossed his arms, looking coldly at the two small running figures."Ah?" Chopper and Giro stopped abruptly, looking back in terror.A strange smile curled at the corner of Don Accino's mouth: "I like children very much."Chopper and Giro were just about to breathe a sigh of relief when they saw his brow suddenly crumple, his tone turning cold:"However... I only like my own children!"With that, he raised his hand and slammed it onto the ice—"Heat Breath!"A straight beam of white high-temperature steam shot out like an arrow along the ice, heading straight for Chopper and Giro!"Lightning Spear!" Nami acted in time, pointing her finger at the ice in front of Chopper; a bolt of lightning blasted the ice layer, the rising ice shards and cold air temporarily blocking the steam's advance."Are you okay, Chopper!" Nami shouted worriedly."Thanks, Nami! We're fine!" Chopper and Giroscrambled up, brushing snow off themselves."Streaking Balloon! Your opponent is me—!!"Luffy's rubber fist suddenly extended from the tornado, but before it could hit Don Accino, the hot air current maintaining the tornado abruptly vanished!"Ah? What?"With a face full of terror, Luffy flailed his arms and legs in the air for a moment before landing with a solid "thwack!" on the ice!"I'll give you the finishing blow right now!"Don Accino's belly and chest instantly became glowing red; he ran a few steps toward Luffy and leaped suddenly, his massive body spreading out in the air—"Steam Iron!"His timing was perfect; at the very moment Luffy fell and had not yet gotten up, he lunged down fiercely toward Luffy, carrying a heat that scorched everything!"Ah! Luffy—!" everyone cried out in unison!"Boom—!"A huge cloud of white steam rose from Luffy's position. Once the smoke cleared slightly, a clear humanoid crater was left on the ice.Don Accino stood by the crater, raising a hand whose edge had become glowing red and sharp, like a red-hot branding iron. A murderous glint showed in his eyes:"It's time to take your head, Straw Hat."Just as everyone's hearts were in their throats, a hand suddenly reached out from the pit, grabbed the edge, and then Luffy hopped out with a "heave-ho," not only unharmed but also shouting at the top of his lungs at Don Accino:"That hurt! You bastard!""Unexpectedly... unharmed?" Don Accino looked in surprise at the lively Luffy."It was a bit hot at first,"Luffy looked up, a smug smile spreading across his face,"But after being hit into the ice pit... it wasn't hot anymore! Heehee!""Is that so?"Don Accino's face darkened,"Then this time I'll melt you along with the ice layer, let's see how stubborn you can be then!"His belly, chest, and even his cheeks began to glow with an unnatural deep red."3000 Degrees!"He gave a low growl, and his whole body steamed with a thicker white smoke that almost obscured his form, his nostrils snorting scorching air currents with a "pssh! pssh!""Oh! The smoke on you has become even more intense!" Luffy's eyes widened, showing only curiosity and not a hint of fear."Idiot! That's not smoke!" Don Accino shouted."Anyway, as long as I don't touch you, it's fine!"Luffy had a sudden idea and thrust his right hand into the thick ice layer nearby, then moved a few steps to the left and thrust his left hand in as well.He took a deep breath, his nostrils flaring, and the muscles of his rubber arms bulged exaggeratedly—"He-yah—!!!""Crack! Crack!"The ice layer made an overburdened cracking sound.Under everyone's dumbfounded gaze, Luffy actually used his arms to forcibly "snap" a giant block of ice the size of a house from the ice field and hurled it into the air!"What is he trying to do?" Don Accino looked up in confusion at the falling block of ice."Gum-Gum Bazooka!"Luffy timed it perfectly; the moment the ice block fell to the right height, he retracted his arms to the limit and then, with all his strength and Haki, thrust forward! Both palms slammed hard into the bottom of the giant ice block!"Boom—!!!"The giant ice block, like an accelerated meteorite, smashed with terrifying speed and force toward Don Accino, who hadn't had time to react!"Ah—!"Don Accino only had time to let out a short cry of surprise before being hit head-on by the ice block, his entire person sent flying backward to crash into an ice mountain dozens of meters away, kicking up a sky full of ice mist and snow!"Great! Luffy is so amazing!" Chopper cheered and jumped for joy."So strong!" Giro's eyes were full of admiration."Luffy—! Finish him!" Usopp shouted excitedly with tears streaming down his face, waving his arms."Now is not the time to just be happy,"Nami leaned close to Usopp's ear and lowered her voice,"If this continues, Luffy might find the flag himself!""Ah!"Usopp's waving arms froze in mid-air, his face turning pale instantly as he clutched his head and swayed from side to side,"Oh no! This is bad! Won't he find out right away that we lost the flag? What exactly is going on with Robin's side?""Damn you... Straw Hat—!!!"A low growl full of fury came from the ice mist.Don Accino was on one knee, propping himself up with his hand, the white smoke billowing from his body almost enveloping him.His ears and nose simultaneously snorted scorching air currents; he was clearly beyond furious."You're the first... man to knock me down." He slowly stood straight, his voice low."Eh? You can still fight?" Luffy clenched his fists, leaning his body slightly forward, his gaze still firm."At the same time, you're the first person to make me this angry!"Don Accino raised both hands high above his head,"Heat Rise—5500 Degrees!"A giant scorching air ball over two meters in diameter, with a dark red light swirling inside, quickly took shape between his hands."Scorching Bomb Volley!!"He hurled the giant air ball like a projectile at Luffy, then followed up by swinging both hands repeatedly, sending countless smaller scorching air bombs like a dense meteor shower, covering all of Luffy's evasion space!"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang—!!!"A series of explosions rang out; although Luffy used the flexibility and speed of his rubber body to dodge desperately, he was still caught by the heat waves at the edge of the explosions and the splashing scorching fragments, and the cotton clothes on his back were set on fire."Ah! Hot hot hot! It's on fire!"Luffy was sent scurrying, frantically slapping at the flames on his back.At that moment, Pajelu, having dealt with Campacchino, walked over.At the same time, Sanji also returned to the battlefield from the direction of the thousand sunny."Sanji!" Usopp greeted him as if seeing a savior."Mark and Franky stayed behind to guard the ship."Sanji was brief, gathering Nami and Usopp and lowering his voice,"There's been no news from Robin and Merry for so long, I'm afraid something's gone wrong.We can't just rely on them; we must go in and find the flag ourselves!""Exactly! We must get it before Luffy finds out!" Usopp clenched his fist, his tone resolute."I'll be responsible for keeping an eye on Luffy here and providing support at any time!" Nami said seriously."Good, the strategy meeting is over, move out!" Sanjiwaved his hand, and he and Usopp immediately ran toward the castle gates.Pajelu also walked to Giro's side: "Giro, are you okay?""Captain! I'm fine!" Giro replied happily.Pajelu looked at the boy who had always believed in him, his voice gentle and firm:"During this time... I've made you worry.""I wasn't worried about the Captain!" Giro puffed out his chest,"The most important thing right now is to take back our flag!""Well said!"A long-lost fighting spirit ignited in Pajelu's eyes,"Then let us go and reclaim the glory of the Phoenix Pirates!"He turned to the other crew members: "Stanson, you guys be responsible for guarding our ship and the shore.The mission to take back the flag is up to me and Giro!""Yes! Captain, Giro, we're counting on you!"AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-liteStanson solemnly agreed, then immediately led the other crew members to run towards the wrecked ship."Let's go! Giro! Doctor Chopper, we'll be troubling you too!"Pajelu nodded at Chopper.Taking advantage of Don Accino's attention being completely drawn to Luffy, the three of them quickly snuck into the castle gate.At this moment, the snow-covered ground below the castle was shrouded in thick white steam, the high-temperature mist left behind by the explosion of countless "Scorching Bombs."Nami stood at the edge of the field, waving her clima-tact to create a powerful air current, struggling to disperse the fog that was obstructing her vision."Heh... heh... you... how can you monkey dodge so much!"Don Accino panted heavily; evidently, his continuous use of major moves had taken quite a toll."You're the one... where are you getting so many 'Hot-Air Balloons' to throw!" Luffy was also panting, his body covered in charred spots."But, with this next move... you're done for!"Don Accino clenched his fists in front of his shoulders, arched his body backward, and prepared to strike—"Take this!""Scorching Gatling Gun!!"He roared, his arms transforming into a dazzling red blur, and countless scorching air bullets were fired out at an astonishing frequency!This familiar stance and move name made Luffy's jaw drop in shock, his rubbery chin hitting the ground:"What! Isn't this my move?"Even Nami on the sidelines was shocked: "You've got to be kidding!""Such fast fists!"Just as Luffy assumed a defensive stance, he saw those red, scorching air bullets... floating slowly and driftily towards him."But... how come your 'Hot-Air Balloons' have slowed down? Are you an idiot?" Luffy picked his nose, his face full of disdain."Luffy, dodge! Look at the quantity! Idiot!" Namiyelled anxiously to warn him."Quantity?"Luffy looked puzzled, staring intently—only to see that behind those slowly flying air bullets were dense, overlapping layers of even more air bullets, almost obscuring his vision! They looked slow, but they had blocked off all his escape routes!"Boom—!!!"An unprecedented super-massive explosion occurred! The mist that Nami had just dispersed was completely covered by even denser steam and kicked-up ice dust.The shockwave of the explosion cracked the surrounding ice."The idiot is you, Straw Hat!"Don Accino walked towards the center of the explosion, his voice filled with smug cruelty,"It looks like just one air bullet, but it's actually a 'bomb cluster' of dozens stacked and compressed together! You dare look down on me? Serves you right!"He intended to deal the final blow to Luffy within the smoke."I don't care if you're some six-hundred-million-berry pirate; I have more money than I could ever spend! Today, I'm going to evaporate you completely! Steam made from a six-hundred-million-berry bounty... must be quite luxurious, right? Isn't that so, Straw Hat?!""Boom!"The ice fragments were blasted open from the inside by a force, and Luffy's figure was revealed once again.He brushed the ice shards off his Straw Hat, put it back on, and yelled at the top of his lungs, roaring back even louder than his opponent:"Are you kidding me! I didn't come here to have a sauna—Naked Giant Balloon!!!""Then just go die! 8000 Degrees! Scorching Cannon!!"Don Accino was furious, pulling his hands behind his back and frantically gathering heat.Two super-giant energy balls, several times larger than the previous "Scorching Bombs" and churning with blinding orange-red light inside, formed in his palms, emitting a destructive heat that even made Nami in the distance feel a stinging sensation on her skin."Oh no!!!"Luffy clearly felt the terrifying power contained within those two energy balls and was so scared he turned and ran!"Take this—!!"Don Accino pushed forward with all his might! Two super-giant scorching energy bombs whistled out; wherever they passed, the ice didn't just melt—it vaporized instantly!They slammed into the spot where Luffy had just been standing—"Boom!!!!!!"Amidst the deafening explosion, a massive melting crater over ten meters in diameter appeared on the ice field. The ice-water mixture at the bottom and edges of the crater bubbled, emitting scalding steam."That was close! That was close!"Luffy had jumped into the air at the very last second, looking down at the melting crater with lingering fear."Don't think you can hide! Straw Hat!""Ah! So hot! So hot!" The aftermath of the explosion and the spreading waves of high-temperature air still made Luffy feel scorched in the air.Thick fog filled the air again; Nami tried hard to wave her clima-tact, but the fog was being generated too quickly and too thickly.She furrowed her brows, not only because her vision was blocked, but also because she keenly sensed—The temperature of the surrounding air was rising rapidly at an abnormal rate, the melting speed of the distant glaciers was accelerating, and a faint, pungent odor similar to sulfur was beginning to fill the air."The temperature is getting higher and higher... this isn't just the effect of the Heat-Heat Fruit being continuously activated,"Nami felt a trace of unease in her heart, "I'm afraid... things are becoming more complicated."Meanwhile, inside the castle's greenhouse garden.It was a mess! The once-vibrant greenhouse now looked as if it had been swept by a storm, with broken vines, shattered flower pots, and torn leaves covering the ground.The air was filled with the fresh scent of plant sap and soil, but it was also riddled with the traces of battle.Merry's petite figure darted through it quickly, using her astonishing speed to slash or dodge the thick vines that attacked like living creatures time and again.However, the plants controlled by Lilu's ability seemed endless; as soon as she cleared one area, more would emerge from the ground, walls, and even the ceiling, stubbornly entangling themselves toward her."Sister Robin, Sister Merry, will you promise me?"Lilu stood by a relatively intact flower bed, her voice carrying a child's characteristic stubbornness and a hint of imperceptible pleading, yet her eyes remained locked onto the two of them,"Promise me, you'll stay here forever to keep me company and never leave.""I can't do that, Lilu."Robin stood calmly opposite her. Although several vines attempting to wrap around her were easily snapped by arms that grew out of thin air, her gaze remained gentle.With her ability, subduing Lilu instantly would be easy. However, she could sense that this girl was not acting out of true malice—She was just too lonely and too eager for companionship, to the point that this desire had become somewhat twisted and paranoid."Why?"Lilu's little fists clenched tightly, her purple eyes welling up with tears of grievance and confusion, as she took a step forward,"Why won't you just promise me? Wouldn't it be better if we stayed here and played together forever?"Just then—"Bang!"The door to the greenhouse was slammed open! Sanji and Usopp rushed in, panting."Miss Robin! Are you alright?""Merry!"Seeing the bizarre scene inside and Merry locked in a bitter struggle, the two of them understood immediately."Is that little girl the one causing all this?"Usopp looked at Lilu, rolled up his sleeves, and gritted his teeth,"Watch me... spank her!"Before he could finish, with a "thud," Sanji's foot landed on top of Usopp's head, crushing the rest of his sentence.Sanji looked down and scolded him with a "fierce" expression:"Idiot! Remember this—at any time, you are not allowed to make rude gestures towards a lady! This is something I absolutely will not permit!""Your 'Chivalry' has too wide a range! Does it even count for little brats on the enemy side?" Usoppprotested, clutching his head."Enough talk! Watch me kick all these annoying, stinking weeds to pieces!"Sanji ignored Usopp, his figure flashing, and with a sharp kick that whistled through the air, he instantly cleared away a patch of vines attacking Merry."Merry, I'm here to help you too!""Yeah! Usopp, hurry and help!" Merry shouted.Usopp also immediately joined the battle, using various functional projectiles—mainly binding and cutting types—to clear the plants.Watching the two newcomers protect their comrade without hesitation and fight against the plants she controlled, the confusion in Lilu's eyes deepened.She looked at Robin: "Are companions... really that important? More important than promising me?""Yes, very important."Robin looked straight into her eyes, her voice clear and firm,"And, we have something we must do right now—take back what belongs to us.""Is it that flag? The Straw Hat flag?" Lilu lowered her head,"Although Daddy collected a room full of flags, to me, they're just useless rags.""But, for us pirates," Robin's voice carried a sense of solemnity,"That flag is something more important than life itself. It carries our dreams, our promises, and the honor of all our comrades."Lilu lifted her head, her eyes still filled with confusion:"A piece of cloth... is it really that important?"No sooner had she finished her question—"Rumble—!!!"A violent tremor and the sound of shattering came from overhead! Immediately after,"Crack—Boom!!!" The greenhouse's fragile glass dome and part of the roof structure suddenly collapsed, and countless fragments, bricks, and broken beams came crashing down!"Ah—!" Lilu screamed in fright, instinctively covering her head and crouching down."Lilu!""Look out!"At the critical moment, Robin crossed her arms—"Hundred Flower Bloom: Giant Net!"Countless arms grew out from the ground and the remaining walls, weaving into a giant buffer net."Collier Strike!"Sanji leapt up, his leg wind like blades, kicking away several larger falling stones."Special Attack: Impact Star!"The special projectile fired by Usopp exploded in mid-air, creating an upward shockwave that blasted away a patch of debris.Merry used her speed to knock away several pieces of broken glass that were crashing down toward Lilu's head.The four of them worked together, narrowly protecting Lilu within a safe zone.As the dust settled slightly, Lilu trembled and lifted her head, tears welling up in her eyes, her face still covered in dust."Sister... Robin..."Robin stepped forward quickly, crouched down, and gently pulled the shaken Lilu into her arms, patting her back tenderly:"It's okay, it's okay now. See, everyone will protect you. If you get hurt, your big sisters will be very heartbroken."She wiped the dust off Lilu's face and said softly:"You are the little sister everyone loves the most, aren't you? You have family who loves you—Daddy, your brothers and sisters. Treasure them well; you have never been alone."Feeling the warmth of Robin's embrace and listening to her gentle words, Lilu's long-taut and paranoid emotions finally broke, and she hugged Robin back tightly, bursting into a loud cry, as if to weep away all her grievances and loneliness."Quick! We don't have time!"Sanji glanced at Lilu, who had temporarily calmed down, and turned around decisively,"We must get the flag before Luffy defeats that steam bastard!""Right! Robin, hurry!" Usopp and Merry also urged.Robin gently released Lilu, gave her a gentle and affirmative smile, then also turned around and ran quickly with her companions towards the greenhouse exit, heading towards the flag collection room.Snowfield battlefield, the situation changed abruptly."Huff... huff..."Luffy bent over, gently placing a fist covered in pitch-black Armament Haki onto the ice.With his fist as the center, the ice surface emitted a faint "crackling" freezing sound."I heard... your goal is to go to that 'New World'?"Don Accino's voice rang out nearby; he appeared to approach calmly, but the distorted heat waves steaming off his body showed that he was also gathering power."Yeah! That's right!" Luffy lifted his head, sweat sliding down his cheeks, only to be evaporated by the surrounding high temperature before it could drip off,"But before that, I have to beat you first and take our flag back!""What a pity," Don Accino pulled a hideous smile, his huge body glowing slightly from gathering power, "You're not going anywhere. I'm going to finish you off right here, today!""Just you?" Luffy's eyes instantly turned sharp as blades, and a low roar burst from his throat:"Gear Second!!""Pshhh—!!"As if a steam valve had been opened to the max, Luffy's skin instantly turned crimson, and surging white steam erupted from every pore of his body like an explosion!His aura suddenly climbed, and the surrounding air seemed to tremble due to this suddenly erupted power!The smile on Don Accino's face froze, and for the first time, a trace of shock flashed in his eyes: "What?"In the next instant, only a lingering afterimage and scattered steam remained where Luffy had originally been."He disappeared?" Don Accino's eyes widened sharply, his massive body spinning rapidly in an attempt to capture Luffy's trajectory, but Luffy's speed in Gear Second had already exceeded the range that his naked eye could easily follow!Upper level of the castle, flag collection room."Ah! Found it! Over there!"Chopper's excited voice broke the silence of the room.With the help of Pajelu and Giro, they finally saw that familiar black flag with the Straw Hat skull drawn on it, in the most prominent and highest position in the center of this huge room filled with pirate flags of all colors!Chopper was wild with joy, immediately transforming into his Arm Point, jumping lightly, hanging onto that flag, and rubbing his little face against it happily:"Great! Finally found it!"Giro and Pajelu also revealed smiles of relief; the Phoenix Pirates' flag was not far away, and their goal was right before their eyes.However, at this joyous moment with victory in sight—"Rumble—!!!"The side wall suddenly bulged inward and shattered without warning! Bricks and stones splattered like cannonballs!In the stunned gaze of Chopper, Giro, and Pajelu, a massive figure wrapped in thick steam and firelight, like a meteorite thrown by great force, smashed through the sturdy castle wall, carrying countless fragments and scorching heat waves, and slammed heavily into the flag collection room!Amidst the smoke and steam, that figure struggled to stand up; it was none other than the one who had just been fighting Luffy on the snowfield outside—Don Accino!
Chapter 225: Flag Retrieved, Enemy Annihilated.Top floor of the castle—Don Accino's massive body was like a runaway battering ram. After smashing through the first wall of flags, he didn't lose any momentum, crashing violently into the opposite wall. Debris and torn flags flew everywhere!"So hot—!"Chopper was caught in the explosive shockwave and the spray of scorching debris, but he held onto the pirate flag in his arms for dear life. His small body tumbled uncontrollably through the air, yet he had no intention of letting go."Chopper! Look out!"Sanji's exclamation was blocked by the flames and the collapsing wall. He desperately wanted to rush over, but he was temporarily trapped by the continuing structural collapse and the spreading fire.If Chopper let go now, with his reindeer agility, he could easily dodge the massive, burning chunk of wall hurtling toward him.However, he gritted his teeth, his blue nose twitching slightly, his eyes filled with unprecedented determination—"I won't let go even if I die! This is our honor!"Just at the critical moment when the shadow of the burning boulder was about to swallow Chopper—"Clang—!"A cold ring of a blade pierced the air! Zoro's figure moved like a gust of wind, accurately stepping on several falling pieces of wall to leap up, instantly appearing between Chopper and the boulder."Swish! Swish! Swish!"Several flashes of cold light, so fast they left only afterimages, crisscrossed!The massive burning fragment froze in mid-air, then shattered along smooth cuts, crashing down.Behind the shattered gap, Zoro's resolute and reliable face clearly emerged."Zoro—!"Seeing the person who had saved him from the jaws of death, Chopper's pent-up fear and grievance instantly turned into tears, gushing out like a floodgate opening. "Zoro... wuwuwu..."On the other side, Giro was also clutching the flag of their Phoenix Pirates tightly. He was accurately wrapped around the waist by a chain thrown by Pajelu and pulled back to safety."Well done, Giro!" Pajelu ruffled the boy's hair, his eyes full of approval."Hehehe!" A bright and proud smile bloomed on Giro's face.In the chaotic air, the scorching airflow carried hundreds of other pirate flags from the room, swirling and rising into the air to form a strange and spectacular "flag tornado."And in the center of the tornado, the figure who had caused all this chaos slowly floated up—it was none other than Don Accino, who had taken a direct hit from Luffy's Gear Second and still hadn't fallen!The fierce light in his eyes flared up; he was clearly thoroughly enraged."Scorching Steam: Nostril Blast—!!"He roared, his two nostrils expanding suddenly, spraying out two incredibly thick, solid-looking columns of white steam!Utilizing this powerful reverse thrust, he spread his arms and, like a clumsy but powerful jet plane, began to circle and soar in the air!Zoro put his arm around Chopper's shoulder and landed lightly from the air."Chopper!" Usopp, Sanji, and the others immediately gathered around.Although Chopper was still shaken and had tears hanging on his face, seeing his friends, a huge sense of accomplishment washed over him.He closed his eyes, trying hard to put on his usual tsundere "praise me" look. "Everyone... look!"He took a deep breath, and with a "snap," forcefully unfolded the "trophy" he had been guarding with his life in his arms!"I got our flag!!""So we finally made it..."Zoro, who had been keeping his nerves on edge, finally breathed a sigh of relief and stepped to the side in front of Chopper."Well done, Chopper!!" Usopp punched the air excitedly, feeling genuinely happy."We did it, Miss Robin! Now we don't have to worry about being scolded by that idiot Captain!" Sanjialso revealed a relieved smile.However, as the "flag" completely unfolded—Merry was the first to widen her eyes, her small mouth forming an "O" shape, pointing at the flag, her voice trembling in disbelief: "Th-this green hat is...""Eh!!! Whose pirate flag looks like this!!" Usopp bent down sharply, dumbfounded."Eh?!!""Ha!"Everyone instantly petrified, falling into an eerie silence.It was indeed a "Straw Hat pirate flag"—but the Straw Hat was dyed a bright, vibrant green, the crossed bones had become crooked like two soft noodles, and that skull logo had an extremely punchable, winking, cheeky grin!It seemed to be silently mocking the group of Straw Hat below who had been busy for so long and were covered in sweat.The person most devastated was Chopper. He stared blankly at the "flag" he had protected with his life, his mouth opening wider and wider, the highlights in his eyes gradually fading, rolling his eyes in despair, tears gushing out again, but this time they were tears of breakdown."What the hell is this thing—!!! Why did it turn out like this!!!""It seems... it was all for nothing." Robin looked up at the hundreds of pirate flags dancing wildly in the wind, indistinguishable from one another, and sighed softly.Snowy Battlefield, Nami's WorryOn the snowy ground below the castle, Nami also noticed that huge "tornado" made of countless flags that had suddenly appeared above the castle.Her heart tightened suddenly, her brow furrowed: "Did Sanji and the others... make it in time? Could it be... that our flag is in there?"She quickly shook her head vigorously, trying to shake off the ominous feeling: "No no no! It won't be that unlucky! Robin! Sanji! Usopp! I believe in you guys so, so much! Go for it!!"She clenched her fists and made a cheering gesture toward the castle, trying to boost her own confidence.Immediately, she forced herself to look away, because Don Accino had already landed steadily using "Nostril Blast" and had landed right in front of Luffy. A more severe battle was right before her eyes."My beloved family... my Lovely Land... and my most cherished collection!!"Don Accino's skin turned bright red and shiny, his teeth chattering, "Everything... everything was destroyed by you!!!"He clenched his fists tightly in front of his chest, his body trembling slightly from extreme anger and the concentration of power."I will kill you—Straw Hat Luffy!! Heat-Heat Fruit, full power!!!""10000 degrees—!!!!""Boom—!!!"Like a volcano erupting inside him, the scorching red high-temperature steam was no longer just drifting away in wisps, but like an inverted red waterfall, gushing madly from every pore of his body, shooting straight into the sky!The surrounding air was instantly heated until it distorted and boiled, making a terrifying "hissing" sound."Heat... can it still rise? This is a bit tricky..."Luffy gritted his teeth, lowering his body even further.The white Gear Second steam around him also rose without showing weakness, standing toe-to-toe with the opponent's red heat waves, like several white dragons struggling and roaring in the red purgatory."Hiss hiss hiss—!""Sizzle sizzle sizzle—!"The ice, originally solid around the battlefield, began to let out groans of being unable to bear the load, and columns of scorching white steam kept breaking through the ice everywhere!Nami did an agile forward roll, narrowly dodging the column of steam that suddenly erupted under her feet, her face turning pale: "Oh no! Could this be... triggering an underwater volcano?""Ah! Huh?"The ice layer under Luffy's feet suddenly bulged and cracked upward without warning, and he almost missed his footing and fell into the bottomless ice crevice!"Heat... hot... heat it up! Heat it up!! Heat it up—!!!"Don Accino was completely enveloped by the pale red, rising steam that distorted his vision; his voice was like a roar from the lava hell.The ten-thousand-degree high temperature he released became the source of a chain reaction. The entire battlefield, which was originally a relatively flat ice plain, had now become a death maze composed of countless broken glaciers of various sizes colliding and floating. Beneath the ice, a dark red light was faintly visible."Straw Hat, watch me vaporize you in an instant!"Don Accino roared, his massive body actually curling up and rolling rapidly on the spot—"Scorching Tire!!"He instantly transformed into a massive "tire" with flames burning on the edges and a bright red, scorching center, and with the momentum to crush everything, he rolled fiercely toward the glacier where Luffy was!"Bang!!"The tire smashed directly through the ice layer and dove into the interior of the glacier!Through the thick, semi-transparent blue ice, one could clearly see the bright red "tire" like a firework launching in reverse, carving a straight, upward scorching trajectory inside the ice!"What's wrong? Is it below?"As soon as Luffy finished speaking, he immediately used his rubber arm to grab an icicle on a towering glacier opposite, pulling hard! "Whoosh!"He had just catapulted away from his spot when, the next second, the position where he had just been standing was burned through and broken by Don Accino from the inside! The scorching tire shot into the air with a spray of ice chips."That was close!"Luffy had just landed on a piece of floating ice and hadn't even steadied himself when Don Accino in the air had already adjusted his direction. In his tire form, he attacked again from above with even more violent momentum!"What?"Luffy's pupils constricted. His reaction was extremely fast; he turned instantly, aiming one palm at the incoming "tire," while the other arm contracted behind his back to store power—"JET Bullet!!""Whoosh—!!"The speed of the bullet punch, enhanced by Gear Second, was so fast that it almost disappeared from sight, accompanied by a piercing scream!Don Accino dared not take this heavy blow head-on. "Nostril Blast!"He forcibly changed his descent trajectory, lifting his body upward, narrowly avoiding the wind of Luffy's punch.Immediately, he cunningly used the surrounding broken glaciers as cover, spread his arms, sprayed steam again to accelerate, and from an extremely tricky angle, smashed directly through an ice wall to sneak attack Luffy from the side!It was too fast! Although Luffy was alert, his room to maneuver was limited by the high temperature and the broken ice surface, so he couldn't dodge completely."Bang!""Ah—!"Don Accino slammed solidly into Luffy's stomach, and the terrifying high temperature instantly burned through Luffy's cotton jacket!Luffy let out a cry of pain, sent flying backward by the huge impact, and tumbled in a sorry state on the scorching ice surface for several turns before stopping.He quickly rubbed his stomach with cold snow to cool it down, but a charred burn mark had already been left on his belly, his cotton jacket had a big hole in it, and wisps of smoke were still rising from the edges."Damn it..."Luffy gritted his teeth and stood up, sliding a few meters on the slippery ice before steadying himself. He scanned the complex environment around him with sharp eyes. "Naked Balloon, come out!""Straw Hat, go to hell—!!"A roar came from overhead. Don Accino seized the moment Luffy was adjusting his center of gravity and descended from the sky like a meteorite!"Steam Iron: 10000 Degree Press!!!""Gum-Gum: JET Gatling!!!"Luffy did not choose to dodge, but roared as he countered!His arms turned into countless afterimages, his fists, with compressed air, pouring down like a storm toward the descending Don Accino!Don Accino actually didn't dodge this time; he grinned maliciously, choosing to take it head-on!"Ah—!"The rain-like heavy punches landed on his bright red body, creating patches of indented punch marks, steam gushing out crazily."Ora Ora Ora Ora—!!!" Luffy continued his crazy output."Die—!!"Don Accino endured the excruciating pain, completely abandoning defense, relying on the inertia of his descent, determined to pin Luffyunderneath and melt him!"JET Whip!!!"At the critical moment, Luffy's body twisted at an incredible angle, and a leg whip infused with the full power of Gear Second, like a battle axe from the side, whipped down hard from top to bottom onto Don Accino's waist!Don Accino, who was already falling at high speed, was hit horizontally by this leg full of power, and his direction changed instantly. Like a bright red cannonball being swatted away, with a "boom," he smashed obliquely through the thick glacier under Luffy's feet, sinking deep into it!"Bang—!!!"A huge explosion came from deep within the ice, and the entire ice plain shook violently!"Crack crack crack—Rumble!!!"Centered on the impact point, the ice surface suddenly cracked open into a huge, bottomless crevice over ten meters wide!What was even more heart-stopping was that beneath the crevice was not seawater, but rolling red bubbles, emitting the scorching smell of sulfur, reflecting a dark red light—boiling lava!"Plop!"Don Accino's figure disappeared into the lava pool under the crevice, splashing up a small, bright red wave.Luffy grabbed the edge of the ice wall the moment the ice surface cracked."Ah! Hot hot hot!"He bounced a few times on both sides of the crevice like a rubber ball, his whole body hanging in mid-air.Worse, his feet were less than ten centimeters away from the rolling lava below, and the terrifying high temperature had already caused his shoe soles and pant cuffs to start smoking and charring!Luffy was so scared that he quickly retracted his feet, his rubber body twisting as he tried to hook his neck with his feet, his butt hanging over the lava, still able to feel the deadly burning sensation.He curled his body, blowing desperately at his smoking butt—this comical and thrilling action was something probably only a rubber man could do."Phew... phew... that was close, that was close..."Luffy looked at the bright red hell beneath him with lingering fear, panting heavily."Lava... it really is lava!"Nami also risked approaching the edge of the crevice, looking at the scene below, which confirmed her guess. "The geology of this island is indeed unusual."Her expression was grave, and then, as if thinking of something, her face changed. "Right, where is that guy?"Her pupils dilated suddenly, and a terrifying thought flashed through her mind: "No way? This is lava! Could he..."As if to answer her question, the surface of the boiling lava pool below "glug glugged," bubbling up a series of huge bubbles."Splash—!"A familiar round head broke through the lava and emerged."Pfft!"Don Accino comfortably spat out the lava that had poured into his nose, and a few wisps of bright red molten lava were even still lingering at the corners of his mouth, flowing down slowly.He raised his hand, wiped his face, and actually flashed a smug, even somewhat enjoying smile at Luffy and Nami above."Hmm... the temperature of this 'hot spring' is still a bit low."Inside the castle—"Miss Robin, can't you use your powers to find our flag directly from that tornado?" Sanji asked anxiously.Robin shook her head, her gaze locked on the tornado high in the air, where hundreds of flags were mixed and spinning crazily: "No, the number is too large, the rotation is too fast, I can't see clearly at all, and I can't pinpoint it.""Damn it! Is there really no room for redemption?" Usopp held his head in pain and squatted down, feeling victory slipping through his fingers."Tch, after all that work, is this really how it ends?" Sanji spat out in frustration.Just then—"Oh!"Chopper, with his exceptionally keen animal instincts, suddenly noticed something faint flickering in the center of the chaotic flag tornado."Huh? What's that?"Chopper rubbed his eyes and stood on his tiptoes, straining to see."Hmm?"Sanji and the other crew members were drawn by his reaction and followed his gaze toward the sky."A... bird?"Usopp adjusted the focus of his goggles, sounding a bit unsure.A strange bird with a blue back and white belly shot out like an arrow released from a bow, nimbly weaving through the dancing flags, and dove precisely toward their position! In its beak, it was firmly clutching a black, familiar piece of cloth!"That is...!"Robin recognized it instantly, a look of disbelief flashing in her eyes.The bird circled lightly above their heads and opened its beak.The black cloth, as if imbued with life, spiraled down and landed perfectly, draping right over the stunned Chopper below!"Hey!"The crew members stared, dumbfounded, at the falling black cloth and the pattern faintly visible on it."What is this?"Chopper scrambled around beneath the cloth, finally poking his little head out.He looked puzzled at the edge of the fabric he was holding.The crew gathered around in perfect sync, grabbed the corners of the black cloth, and pulled it wide open—That familiar Straw Hat, that familiar skull, the crossed bones... everything, absolutely everything, was exactly the same as they remembered, without the slightest difference!"Oh~"A faint, relieved smile finally tugged at the corner of Zoro's mouth."This is...!" A flame of excitement ignited in Sanji's eyes."It's our flag! It's our flag—!!! Waaaah!"Usopp and Chopper were the first to react, instantly overcome with wild joy.The two hugged each other in excitement, tears streaming down their faces like a bursting flood."This is great—!!!""You had me worried to death, you idiot! Waaaaah—!!!""That's wonderful, Doctor Chopper! Congratulations!" Giro wiped the corner of his eye, moved."Giro—!"In his ecstasy, Chopper let go of Usopp and lunged at Giro, then Merry... He wanted to share this immense joy of recovering what was lost with every single one of his friends through hugs!Not far away, behind a collapsed wall, little Liluleaned against the cold bricks, her head hanging in disappointment.Tears welled up in her eyes, and she pressed her lips together, sniffling, trying hard not to sob out loud.Just as that crystal-clear tear was about to roll down her cheek—A fair, gentle arm grew silently from the wall.The index finger of that arm gently and accurately wiped the tear from the corner of her eye, then dissolved into petals and vanished quietly."Thank you."Robin folded her hands in front of her, and across the broken wall, offered a smile of understanding and gentleness toward Lilu.Immediately, she turned and hurried to catch up with the crew, who were already rushing toward the stairs."Miss Robin, let's go!""We shouldn't stay here! Full speed back to the thousand sunny!"On Luffy's side, due to the constant melting and collapsing of the glacier, the solid ice he could stand on was becoming increasingly scarce.In the end, he had to jump onto a floating piece of ice that was slowly drifting at the edge of the lava pool and shrinking rapidly, using it as his final temporary foothold."Huff... huff... so hot..."Luffy stuck out his tongue, panting like a puppy, his sweat evaporating as soon as it seeped through his skin."You have nowhere left to run, Straw Hat."Don Accino stood on the churning lava like a demon from the magma, looking at Luffy mockingly, "Even that pathetic piece of ice under your feet will melt soon. This is my home turf!""Hey!"Luffy shook his head, flicking away the sweat on his forehead. A combative grin returned to his face as he clenched his fists and took an offensive stance, "Before that happens, wouldn't it be easier to just beat you?"He grinned, speaking nonchalantly, "Isn't that simple?""Ugh—!"Don Accino pouted exaggeratedly, looking at Luffywith a look of utter disdain as if he were an idiot, "What a... guy who is super annoying from head to toe!"He spread his arms, and circles of visible, scorching ripples radiated from him as the center, causing the lava beneath his feet to churn violently. He leaped up—"Hot-Heat Surf—!!!"Accompanied by his roar, the scalding lava, as if controlled by an invisible hand, surged into the sky along with him, creating a red giant wave over ten meters high that crashed down upon Luffy and his tiny floating ice block!"Ah! What?" Luffy's vision was filled with the approaching, destructive crimson; the shadow of death instantly loomed over him."Luffy! Run away—!!!" In the distance, Nami's heart was in her throat, and she screamed in shock."This is bad—!!!"Luffy gritted his teeth. At this life-or-death moment, all he could do was stretch his rubber arm to its limit, attempting to grab a protrusion on a higher, thicker ice wall in the distance!"Trying to run? Do I look like the kind of fool who would let you get away?!"Don Accino grinned hideously and raised his hand, firing two consecutive "Hot-Heat Bombs" that accurately struck the ice wall target Luffy was aiming for!"Boom! Boom!""Crack—!!"The ice wall was blown to smithereens! Luffy had lost his last foothold!"Ah—!! Oh no!!!"Luffy screamed in despair as his body plummeted uncontrollably, straight into the gaping, boiling maw of the lava below!"I'm dead... I'm really going to die this time... I'm going to be melted."A moment later, Luffy blinked his eyes, subconsciously touching his back, which had suddenly turned icy cold."Huh? Eh?"The expected excruciating pain and annihilation did not come.Luffy widened his eyes, discovering that he was hovering above the surface of the lava, and beneath him, a cushion made of countless Cold Bubble had appeared out of nowhere!"Phew..."Nami let out a long sigh of relief, the tip of her clima-tact still emitting wisps of cold air, "I finally... made it in time."At the critical moment, she had used all her strength to create and launch this "Cold Bubble life raft.""Luffy! Are you an idiot? Didn't you know to grab toward me?" Nami roared, both anxious and angry."Nami—!!!"Having survived the desperate situation, Luffy's mouth hung open in excitement, "I was just afraid I'd drag you down with me! Hehe!""Idiot! Is this the time to be saying that?"Nami was both angry and amused, "The Cold Bubble won't last long! Hurry up and take care of that guy!""Oh!"Luffy's spirits lifted. He bounced off the bubbles and landed back on the ice floe, which had shrunk quite a bit."You really are... tenacious and annoying!" Don Accino's face darkened completely."Bring it on, naked balloon! After I beat you, I'm heading to the New World!"Luffy slid his feet back, leaned forward, and once again assumed his fearless offensive stance. Gear Second had already been deactivated."You pirates... every single one of you is like an idiot!" Don Accino stood on the lava, his expression full of undisguised contempt, "New World this, Pirate Kingthat... all you know how to do is daydream about unrealistic nonsense all day long!"A mocking arc suddenly curled at the corner of his mouth, "However... it's not entirely useless. Thanks to you idiots who value a piece of tattered cloth more than your own lives, 'Flag Hunter' has become the easiest and most profitable profession! For that, I really should 'thank' you idiots who are willing to die for a worthless pirate flag! Pwahahaha!"Listening to his taunts, Luffy's expression remained unusually calm, and he slowly lowered his arms, which had been ready to attack."Pwahahaha! Idiots! A bunch of idiots!" Don Accinocontinued to laugh heartily."Shut up."Luffy's voice was not loud, but it clearly cut through the sound of the churning lava and the hissing of steam."Hmm? Did you... say something just now?" Don Accino stopped laughing, his tone flat."I told you—shut up!"Luffy snapped his head up. There was no longer the usual playfulness or innocence in his eyes, only cold, bone-chilling, tangible killing intent!An indescribable, overwhelming aura erupted from him, pushing the surrounding churning lava away in ripples!He slowly raised his hand and solemnly placed the Straw Hat, which he had been wearing on his back, onto his head."Prepare to die—naked big balloon!!""Ha! You're telling me to die?" Don Accino acted as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world, hands on his hips, looking up at the sky and laughing exaggeratedly, "Hehehehe! You're top-notch at acting tough, that's for sure! Straw Hat!"He pointed to the hellish lava environment around them, "Open your dog eyes and take a good look! Look at the situation you're in! To me, this is nothing more than a hot spring with a pleasant temperature!"He pointed at Luffy again, his tone full of provocation, "And you! It's not comfortable, is it? This high heat is making your blood boil, isn't it? How much longer can you keep up this act?""It's no big deal." Luffy replied calmly."Oh ho?""A guy like you... with a cold heart," Luffy looked straight into his eyes, saying each word clearly, "Are you even qualified to compare temperatures with me?""Eh?"Don Accino was stunned for a moment, then burst into even greater laughter, "Have you lost your mind from the heat? Hahaha! Take a good look! Look at my scorching body! Look at this ten-thousand-degree lava!""Enough talk!"Luffy growled, his arms snapping back, and the steam of Gear Second erupted violently once more!"Come here and die!!""Stop bragging!!"Don Accino roared, his whole body glowing like a small sun, making the surrounding lava appear even more blinding, "My body is ten thousand degrees!!!""So what." Luffy's voice was calm. He suddenly looked up and shouted, "My current rage has already exceeded 1 million degrees!""Then try and blow me away—!!!"Don Accino roared, turning into a crimson meteor as he shot toward Luffy!"Hot-Heat Ten-Thousand-Degree Missile!!!""Gum-Gum—"Luffy's arm stretched to the limit behind him. On his fist, besides the pitch-black Armament Haki, a thin layer of dancing, orange-yellow flames was faintly wrapping around it!That wasn't heat generated by high temperatures, but something more intense, more pure."One·Million·Degrees—""Fire Fist Gun—!!!"The flame-wrapped black fist collided head-on with Don Accino, who had become a crimson missile, above the lava pool!"Sizzle—!!!"There was no earth-shattering explosion; instead, there was a strange sound, like a red-hot iron block being plunged into cold water.Chest and fist pressed tightly against each other, locked in a stalemate for a full three seconds!"How about that? Your hand is about to melt, isn't it? You arrogant brat!!"Don Accino felt the temperature coming from the opponent's fist, which was far lower than his own body temperature, and a smug, hideous grin reappeared on his face.However, the next second, his smile froze completely, turning into extreme horror!"It's not hot at all... it's not hot at all..."Luffy's voice was squeezed through his teeth, but the flames in his eyes burned even more intensely, "My rage... cannot be extinguished by something of your level!!!""No... no... impossible—!!!!"Don Accino roared in terror because he felt, from within his own ten-thousand-degree body, a completely different, soul-burning sensation originating from the opponent's fist, spreading through his skin and muscles, straight toward his heart!The thin layer of yellow flames on Luffy's fist suddenly surged!As if cutting through an invisible barrier, his fist began to sink into Don Accino's crimson chest, inch by inch, with a slow but unstoppable speed!"Bang—!!!"With a dull thud, Luffy's fist, covered in Armament Haki and rage, punched clean through Don Accino's back!"Im...pos...sible..."The light in Don Accino's eyes faded rapidly. He looked down at the hole in his chest in disbelief as the high temperature of his body vanished like a receding tide."Gum-Gum JET Whip!!!"Luffy showed no mercy, immediately following up with a sharp leg whip that slammed heavily into Don Accino's chest!"Get—lost—!!!""Pfft!" Luffy pulled his fist out of his chest.Don Accino's massive body, having lost all its high temperature and power, was thrown helplessly toward the distant sea—in the direction where the thousand sunny was anchored, like a puppet with cut strings.Mark had been standing quietly by the railing of the thousand sunny, watching the distant decisive battle as if he were enjoying the scenery.When he saw that massive crimson figure flying toward them, a cold and cruel arc curled at the corner of his mouth."Ink Meteor," he called out softly, a rare hint of interest in his voice, "It's rare... to have a 'hot' meal."He raised his hand and pointed casually at the black dot in the sky that was getting closer and closer."Whoosh—!"Ink Meteor, who had been crouching quietly by his feet, instantly transformed into a pitch-black afterimage and shot out!It rapidly expanded and deformed in the air, and by the time it reached the path of Don Accino's flight, it had already turned into a majestic and ferocious black Taotie beast, comparable in size to the Phoenix Pirates' wreckage!Facing the incoming "prey," the giant beast silently opened its mouth, which seemed capable of swallowing everything.The next second, the black shadow swept past, and the giant mouth closed.In the air, there was nothing left.Ink Meteor returned to its small beast form, landed lightly back on Mark's shoulder, and let out a lazy burp.The sea breeze blew past, and the battlefield of ice and fire was left with only lingering warmth and silence.The flag was finally reclaimed; the enemy was annihilated.
Chapter 226: End of the Flag Hunter ArcLuffy hunched over, hands resting on his knees. The steam from Gear Second had completely dissipated, leaving only the scorching exhaustion of an intense battle.He gasped for air, each breath carrying a scalding white mist."That... that really was a tricky ability! The Heat-Heat Fruit."On the other side, Sanji's group had successfully retrieved the flag.According to the plan, turning left out of the castle gates would lead them toward where the thousand sunny was moored.However, concern over whether the battle had ended drew them toward the battlefield where Luffywas.They stood at the edge of the lava pool. What lay before them was no longer an ice field, but a scorched hellscape bordering on total destruction.Solidified dark red lava intertwined with fractured glaciers, and the ground was riddled with scorch marks and deep craters."Is this... is this still the same ice field from before? What on earth happened?"Usopp bit his own fist in terror, his voice trembling."Look... over there!"Chopper clutched the reclaimed pirate flag tightly, his gaze cutting through the swirling heat to lock onto a glacial ruin across the way—There was a translucent blue bubble there, and a figure was standing quietly upon it.Everyone looked in the direction Chopper was pointing.Zoro narrowed his eyes. "Luffy?"Usopp lowered his voice, saying in disbelief:"What is he doing over there... isn't it hot?""Hey—Luffy! We got the flag...!" Chopper waved the flag excitedly."Ah!!!"This action scared the wits out of Sanji and Usopp; one lunged to grab Chopper while the other clamped a hand over his mouth."Eh? It's them!"Luffy looked up and calmly gazed at his companions on the other side, then cupped his hands around his mouth like a megaphone:"Hey—! What are you guys doing over there?"The voice carried clearly through the scorching air. Sanji and the others instinctively took a guilty half-step back, gritting their teeth."Crap, we've been spotted!" Cold sweat poured down Usopp's face as he hurriedly turned his back to Luffy."Everyone—!!!"Just then, Nami's shout accompanied by the sound of rapid footsteps came from the side ice path.The group turned to see the familiar figure racing toward them."The ship, the ship! Get back to the ship, quickly—!!"Nami pointed toward the thousand sunny while running at full tilt, her face full of urgency.The crew exchanged looks and nodded in silent agreement. Sanji tucked Chopper under his arm, and the group sprinted toward the thousand sunny."Hey! Wait for me! What about the flag? What happened to the flag? Hey!" Luffy shouted loudly, frowning.Seeing that no one looked back,"Seriously!"He stretched out his rubber arm and grabbed a distant ice wall,using the momentum to slingshot himself forward, landing instantly where Sanji and the others had just been."Stop right there—!!""Eeeaaahhh—!!!""Listen up! No matter what, we have to keep this a secret!!" Nami was incredibly fast, catching up to Sanji and the others in a flash."Wait for me—!""He's catching up! He's really catching up!" Usopp's heart nearly failed him as he did his best to pick up the pace."Hey! What's going on with the flag?"Luffy pulled down his Straw Hat and gave chase from behind. "I said wait for me!" His voice was already tinged with annoyance."Can't hear you, can't hear you, can't hear you..."The group self-hypnotized as they ran, not daring to look back at all."Hey! You guys, hurry up!" Franky was already shouting from the side of the thousand sunny.Finally, the group reached the edge of the glacier. A few dozen meters ahead, the thousand sunny was waiting quietly."Wait!"Luffy's voice was getting closer; it felt like he was already right behind them."What do we do? Luffy's going to catch us!" Usoppclutched the pirate flag for dear life, his voice shaking.Nami's gaze sharpened. "Zoro! Sanji!""Got it.""Understood!"Zoro and Sanji grabbed Usopp by the shoulders from either side."Eh? What are you guys doing!" Usopp looked bewildered."To the sky with you!"Sanji delivered a powerful kick straight to Usopp's backside."It hurts! Sanji, you bastard!!!" Usopp clutched the flag and soared into the air, tears streaming behind him.With a *whoosh*, Zoro leaped into mid-air."Here I come, Usopp!"He drew his wado ichimonji. "You'd better land on the ship—!""Wait, wait, wait! Hold on a second!""Pound Phoenix!"Zoro slammed the back of his blade against Usopp's back."I'm fly—flying—!!!" Usopp's scream faded as his figure receded."Franky!" Nami shouted toward the ship.Standing by the rail, Franky's lips curled into a smirk."Leave it to me!"He bent over and stuck his rear high into the air."Coup de Vent!"*Pffft—!!!*A mysterious gas mixed with the scent of cola erupted from Franky's backside, hitting the flying Usopp head-on."It smells like cola—!!" Usopp pinched his nose.The gas pushed him to change direction again, accelerating upward. With a *thump*, Usopp made intimate contact with the main mast."Bleh—!!" He spat out some saliva and hugged the mast tightly, seeing stars."What on earth are you guys doing!"Luffy arrived beside his companions, panting and sounding very displeased."Wasn't our flag stolen? Why are you all being so slow! Go get it back!!""Eh? The flag?"Sanji, Nami, Robin... everyone turned around at once, their faces forced into extremely unnatural, goofy smiles."Ahaha! The flag? Luffy, what are you talking about!"Cold sweat trickled down Nami's temple, her smile stiff."Did you have a nightmare?"Sanji held Chopper under one arm and covered his mouth with the other, his eyes darting toward Zoro. "Right?"Zoro also hurriedly put on a dim-witted expression. "Oh—!""Hahaha...!"Sanji and Zoro faced each other, letting out dry, forced laughter."Luffy, who told you our flag was gone? They must have been lying to you!"Merry unconsciously rubbed her nose, her eyes shifting—she was clearly not good at lying."Luffy, look over there."Robin smiled beautifully, pointing calmly toward the thousand sunny."Ah?" Luffy slowly looked up.Franky and Mark were waving from the ship's railing.Following where Robin pointed, Luffy looked toward the top of the mast—That familiar pirate flag, with the straw-hatted skull, was fluttering high in the wind, perfectly intact."Eh—? That...! It's hanging right there!"Luffy's face immediately fell, and he said crossly, "That bastard who can split himself actually dared to lie to me..."Then he returned to his usual brilliant smile, his eyes narrowing into two curved lines."Aya! I almost blamed you guys by mistake. Sorry!""Don't—don't worry about it! It's nothing!"The crew waved their hands dismissively, their hearts pounding wildly beneath their serious exteriors.Fortunately, with Luffy's thick-headed nature, he didn't notice a thing."That was close, that was close..." Franky wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.On the deck behind him, half of Usopp's head was buried in the lawn, his body twisted into a bizarre pose, forehead bleeding, and he was still unconsciously mumbling:"Fi... finally... made it..."Meanwhile, not far away, the Phoenix Pirates were also raising their own flag amidst cheers.Pajelu leaned against the railing, staring at the flag flying once more, and thought to himself:"Vigaro... you shouldn't be disappointed in me now.""Brothers—!" He turned and raised his arms, shouting loudly, "Phoenix Pirates, set sail—!""Oh—!!!"A passionate response erupted from the ship. The crew members began running, the rigging was quickly adjusted, and the ship started to move.On the thousand sunny, just as Luffy's group boarded, a violent tremor came from the ice field beneath them.*Crack, crack, crack—!!!*The ice surface shattered and bulged, as if some giant creature was waking up underground."Hey, hey! What's the situation this time?" Usopp, with bandages wrapped around his head, clung to the railing and watched the trembling ice field, his whole body shaking."Because of that Heat-Heat man's ability... the underwater volcano is about to be triggered."Nami looked around, her eyes determined."Leave this place quickly, a volcanic eruption is only a matter of time!""Alright!" Luffy jumped onto the bow and raised his arm high."Set sail—full speed ahead!""Oh—!!!"With everyone's synchronized response, the thousand sunny cut through the waves and sped toward the open sea.Not long after they left, the power accumulated beneath the ice field completely exploded.Crimson lava burst through the ice, carrying steam and black smoke straight into the high sky, dyeing the heavens dark red."Lovely Land," built upon the ice field, was the first to go, vanishing along with the entire ice field amidst the roar and flames.As the sun set, brilliant clouds spread across the horizon, their variegated colors reflecting on the sea and in everyone's eyes."It's... all gone." Usopp stared at the empty sea, murmuring to himself."I wonder... how Lilu is doing." Merry held Robin's hand, her gaze directed into the distance."She has her brothers and sisters; she'll be fine," Robin said softly, though a hint of worry remained hidden in her eyes.At that moment, a large red ship was sailing on the sea, its white sails bearing the emblem of the Achino Family.At the bow, Lilu stood alone, staring expressionlessly at the sea, her figure appearing lonely and forlorn.Alubell walked over gently, hugging her tenderly from behind and whispering in her ear:"I'm sorry, Lilu... Big sister has neglected you lately and made you feel lonely. I'm sorry.""Sister..."Lilu turned around, tears welling in her eyes, and hugged Alubell back tightly.Afterward, the two of them hummed a song on the deck, holding hands and slowly spinning and dancing to the melody."An Alubell who dotes on her sister is also so charming..." Sarugo stood to the side, his face cupped in his hands, entranced.On the railing at the stern, the third son Hokuru and Blinder sat side by side, heads bowed.Hokuru said in a low voice: "I wonder if Brother Campacchino... has found Papa yet."Blinder clenched his fist: "If it's Brother, there will definitely be no problem."Hokuru remembered that Don Accino was an ability user and that falling into the sea meant little hope of survival, so he was full of worry: "But...""Believe in Brother." Blinder interrupted him, looking toward the direction where their former home had been, his tone firm.Ahead of the thousand sunny, on a large piece of floating ice, Campacchino stood at the front with a crowd of family soldiers behind him."Straw Hat—!! Hand over my Papa!""Ugh! You splitting guy, you're so annoying!!" Luffyjumped to the bow and shouted unhappily."I'll stake my life to get Papa back! Straw Hat, prepare yourself." Campacchino gritted his teeth."The naked balloon? I already sent him flying! If you want revenge, then come!" Luffy clenched his fists and took a stance.Just then, the Phoenix Pirates' ship came racing toward them, and Pajelu stood at the bow shouting:"Campacchino—!""Pajelu...?" Campacchino turned his head, his brow furrowed."Boom—!!"The Phoenix Pirates' ship crashed directly onto the ice floe. Pajelu stood with one hand on his hip, gripping the railing, his aura imposing:"Your opponent—is me."He turned his head and smirked at Luffy. "Straw Hat, this guy is my prey. Don't you interfere.""Huh—?" Luffy relaxed his stance, looking confused."Straw Hat, you guys go on ahead. We'll settle things once we reach the New World."Pajelu showed a bold and confident smile."Just you wait!"Luffy pulled down his Straw Hat and also smirked. "Heh... suit yourself.""You arrogant brats—!!!" Campacchino was beyond furious, leading his men as they charged down from the ice."Take them down—!!" Pajelu roared, being the first to leap off the ship. His crew followed close behind, and the two sides immediately clashed in a chaotic battle."Giro...!" Chopper watched the battle on the ice behind them with concern, saying urgently to Luffy,"Luffy, aren't we going to help them? They'll lose...""Hehe," Luffy looked back calmly, "Look closely, Chopper. Do those guys... look like they need any help?"Chopper looked intently—The Phoenix Pirates, who had been suppressed for too long, were now in high spirits. Pajelu swung his iron chain fiercely, driving Campacchino back step by step.Giro and the others coordinated perfectly, their faces full of excitement without a hint of panic."What are you still staring at! Go—!" Stansonfinished off an enemy and turned to shout toward the thousand sunny."Doctor! We'll meet again in the New World—!!" Giro also waved his hand vigorously."Those guys..." Chopper finally smiled, letting out a sigh of relief.Luffy turned to face the vast sea and shouted loudly:"Alright—! thousand sunny, full speed ahead!"He raised his arm, pointing straight ahead:"Destination—the New World—!!!"