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The door to Iceberg's office flew open with a bang that shook dust from the rafters. Franky stood in the doorway, his massive frame blocking the sunlight, blue hair styled in a ridiculous pompadour that somehow survived the morning's rain. His bare chest gleamed with metal parts, and his Hawaiian shirt flapped open in the breeze. His tiny sunglasses had slipped down his nose, revealing eyes wide with concern.
"Yo, Ice-bro! Heard you got your ass handed to—" Franky froze mid-sentence, jaw dropping at the sight of Iceberg's bandaged torso and the demolished office. "Holy hell, it's true!"
Iceberg winced as he shifted in his makeshift bed, blueprints and design papers now serving as his pillow. "Eloquent as always, Franky." His voice was rough with pain, but his eyes remained sharp. "Good of you to drop by. I wasn't sure if you'd come."
Franky stomped into the room, kicking aside splinters and broken models. "Course I came! Half the shipyard's talking about how someone tore you up like cheap fabric." He jabbed a metal thumb toward the gaping hole in the wall. "That your new ventilation system?"
"That would be my entrance." A voice rumbled from the corner.
Franky spun around, arms transforming with a mechanical whir into defensive position...!...! A very tall woman stood by the window, white hair cascading down her back, horns jutting proudly from her head. She towered over him, her club resting casually against her shoulder.
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?" Franky demanded, eyeing the horns with curiosity. "Some kind of demon-woman?"
The big girl didn't seem to like his comment; her eyes narrowed. "I am Yamato." She offered nothing more.
"She saved my life," Iceberg cut in, coughing slightly. "My own workers tried to kill me last night, Franky. World Government agents in disguise."
Franky's face darkened instantly. "Government? Those bastards were here?" He turned back to Yamato, giving her an appraising look. "And horn-girl here took them on?"
"I'm not 'horn-girl,'" Yamato muttered, but the protest went ignored.
Iceberg nodded grimly. "They were after the Pluton blueprints. Their leader—leopard Zoan, most likely—nearly ripped my heart out before she intervened." He gestured toward Yamato, who shuffled awkwardly at the acknowledgment.
"PLUTON?" Franky's roar shook the remaining glass in the windows. His mechanical arms clanked as they clenched into fists. "Those SUPER bastards! After all these years, they're still chasing that nightmare?" He paced the room, metal feet leaving dents in the floorboards. "Government thinks they can just waltz in and take whatever they want!"
"Just like that train incident," Iceberg said quietly.
"EXACTLY like that!" Franky slammed his fist into his palm with a metallic clang. "First Tom, now this!"
Yamato perked up. "Train incident? What train—"
"Not now, horn-girl," Franky dismissed without looking at her. He turned back to Iceberg, striking a dramatic pose. "Say the word, Ice-bro! I'll gather the Franky Family and we'll throw a SUPER welcome party for these government dogs when they show their faces again!"
Iceberg shook his head, grimacing as the movement pulled at his wounds. "Your 'army' isn't enough, Franky. These aren't ordinary agents. They're trained killers—CP8, maybe. Top-tier government assassins."
"Then what?" Franky demanded, throwing his massive arms up. "We just let them waltz back in to finish the job?"
"There's a pirate crew in town," Iceberg said, voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Their captain has a bounty of 356 million berries. From what I have heard and read. They've tangled with government forces before and survived. Paulie and the others are already spreading word about the attack—bringing sympathetic parties to our cause."
"356 million?" Franky whistled. "That's a hefty price tag."
Yamato snorted, drawing both men's attention. "That's smaller than Ulti's bounty," she remarked casually, inspecting her nails.
Iceberg and Franky exchanged puzzled glances.
"Ulti who?" Franky asked, brow furrowed.
Yamato froze, suddenly realizing her slip. She straightened, gripping her club tighter. "Just... someone I've heard of. From the New World." She turned toward the window, feigning interest in the shipyard below.
Franky stared at her back for a long moment before shaking his head. "You run with a weird crowd, Ice-bro." He flexed, striking another pose. "So! We're asking pirates for help now? How the mighty have fallen!"
"Says the man who steals from pirates for a living," Iceberg countered dryly.
"Dismantling! It's called dismantling, and it's a legitimate business model!" Franky protested, though a grin broke through his indignation. "Alright, where do we find these pirates of yours?"
Iceberg sagged back against his papers, exhaustion finally showing through. "Their sniper's in a clinic in the lower district. Had some internal fight, apparently. Start there."
Franky nodded, turning to Yamato. "Well, horn-girl? You coming or what?"
Yamato frowned at the nickname but nodded curtly. "I should accompany you. In case the government agents return."
"SUPER!" Franky exclaimed, striking his signature pose with both forearms pressed together above his head. "Let's go recruit some pirates!"
As they headed for the door, Iceberg called after them. "Franky... be careful. This isn't like our old squabbles. These people... they're different."
Franky paused, his back to Iceberg. For a moment, the bombastic persona fell away, revealing something harder underneath. "I know, Ice-bro. I'll watch our backs." Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the serious mood vanished. "Besides, I've got horn-girl here as backup!"
"My name is YAMATO!" she protested as they disappeared through the doorway.
Iceberg sank deeper into his makeshift bed, staring at the gaping hole in the wall. "What strange allies we find in desperate times," he murmured to the empty room.
The clinic door creaked under Luffy's hand, swinging open to reveal the tense faces of his crew. The cramped room seemed to constrict further as he stepped inside, his crimson vest still damp from the morning mist. His storm-gray eyes immediately found Usopp's bandaged form on the narrow cot, the sniper's chest rising and falling in shallow rhythm beneath the wrappings.
He looks like hell, Luffy thought, keeping his face impassive. The guilt gnawed at him—a storm he couldn't control, churning beneath his skin. He could control the weather, yet he could not control what he felt in his heart. The memory flashed: his Storm Crown attack, the crackling electrical discharge that had sent Usopp flying, the smell of burning flesh.
He pushed it away. Captains didn't have the luxury of regret.This is what being captain means, Luffy thought, Shanks' words echoing in his mind. Making the hard choices and living with them.
"How is he?" Luffy asked, voice carefully neutral as he approached the bedside.
Chopper looked up, his pink hat askew, dark circles under his eyes. The little doctor had clearly been working through the night, his hooves stained with antiseptic and medicinal herbs.
"Stable," Chopper said, his voice scratchy from exhaustion. "But recovery will take weeks, Luffy. The electrical burns damaged deep tissue. I..." He trailed off, then gathered himself. "I managed to reattach his fingers. They should heal enough for him to use his weapons again, but he'll never have the same dexterity."
Luffy nodded once, feeling the weight of that information settle heavily on his shoulders. He sensed the eyes of his crew on him—Sanji leaning against the wall, Nami perched on a stool beside Nojiko, Vivi standing near the window, and Robin, who had just slipped in behind him.
They're waiting for me to fix this, he realized. But some things can't be fixed.
"We're leaving Water 7 as soon as we have a new ship," Luffy announced, his voice cutting through the silence. The wind outside picked up slightly, responding to the turbulence in his heart. "We'll give Merry a proper burial at sea. She deserves that much."
The crew exchanged glances. Chopper's eyes welled up with tears.
"And... Usopp?" the reindeer asked, his voice small. "Will he...?"
Luffy didn't answer. The silence stretched, becoming its own reply. He could feel the temperature in the room drop, the atmosphere shifting with his mood.
A captain protects his crew, even from themselves sometimes, he thought, remembering Shanks' words from so long ago.
"Luffy," Vivi spoke up, her blue hair tied back, sand particles glittering faintly around her fingers—a nervous habit since acquiring Crocodile's fruit. "There might be a delay with the new ship."
Luffy's jaw tightened. "Why?"
"There was an attempt on Iceberg's life last night," Vivi explained, her royal upbringing evident in how she maintained composure. "His own workers tried to kill him."
"Which ones?" Luffy asked, though a suspicion was already forming.
"The ones you and Nami thought were suspicious," Vivi replied. "Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa, and that bartender with the strange door. Blueno, I think."
Luffy wasn't surprised. Something about Lucci's eyes had reminded him of predators he'd encountered during his training—cold, calculating, merciless. "And why did they try to kill him?"
Vivi shook her head. "I don't know. The dockworkers are in chaos, and information is scarce."
"They're from the World Government," Robin's voice cut in smoothly as she stepped forward. Her clothes were slightly disheveled, dirt smudging the hem of her purple dress, and fatigue shadowed her eyes.
"Robin-chwan!" Sanji immediately straightened, concern etched on his face. "You look exhausted! Can I get you something to drink? A coffee, perhaps?"
Robin shook her head gently. "I'm fine, Sanji. Thank you."
Luffy studied her, noting the subtle signs of a sleepless night. "How do you know they're government?"
A small, enigmatic smile touched Robin's lips. "Information gathering is my specialty, Captain. I used my Devil Fruit last night to listen in on some... interesting conversations."
Of course she did, Luffy thought, impressed despite himself. Robin always worked in the shadows, collecting secrets like some pirates collected devil fruits.
"And?" he prompted.
"They were after something called Pluton," Robin said, her voice dropping lower. "A weapon of some kind, from what I gathered. Ancient and powerful enough to make the World Government send assassins."
Nami's golden eyes narrowed, the Ra Ra no Mi's power shimmering faintly beneath her skin. "Just what we need—goverment near us once again." Her hand touched the scar left in her belly, which Akainu had caused her months ago.
"There's more," Robin added. "Iceberg was saved by a woman with horns—tall, white hair, carried a massive club. I couldn't learn much about her, but she drove off four government agents single-handedly."
Nojiko whistled low, the water in her glass rippling in response to her surprise. "That's impressive."
Luffy absorbed this information, the pieces clicking together in his mind. A government weapon. CP7 or CP8 agents masquerading as shipwrights. A mysterious horned woman.
The storm's brewing larger than I thought, he realized, feeling the familiar tingle of electricity dance across his skin. The Arashi Arashi no Mi responded to his rising tension, tiny sparks crackling between his fingers.
"Luffy?" Nami asked, noticing the sparks. Her voice carried concern—not for herself, but for him. She knew his tells better than most.
He closed his eyes briefly, reining in the power. When he opened them again, his decision was made.
Usopp's choices had consequences, Luffy thought as he turned toward the door. Now it's time to face mine.
The commotion outside swelled like an approaching storm front. His senses prickled in alert. He reached instinctively for his straw hat, securing it against what was coming.
"Company," he muttered, moving toward the door. The others followed.
Luffy stepped onto the clinic's rickety porch just as two figures rounded the corner. His eyes narrowed, taking in the strangers approaching with confident strides.
The first was a bizarre sight—a large man with blue hair styled in a ridiculous pompadour, mechanical limbs gleaming in the midday sun, and ridiculously small sunglasses perched on his nose. He strutted down the street like he owned it, his Hawaiian shirt flapping open to reveal a metal-plated torso.
Beside him walked a woman who immediately caught Luffy's attention—tall, powerful-looking, with distinctive horns jutting from her white hair. She carried a massive club with casual ease, as if it weighed nothing.
But it wasn't her unusual appearance that made Luffy tense. It was the aura she radiated—raw power, like a thunderhead waiting to burst.
Strong. Really strong, Luffy thought, instinctively calculating battle scenarios. Maybe even stronger than me.
"Yo! You must be the Straw Hats!" the blue-haired man called out, flashing a cocky grin. "I'm Franky! The leader of the Franky Family!"
Recognition clicked in Luffy's mind, and his expression darkened. "Franky? The leader of those bandits who tried to rob us yesterday?"
Franky's grin faltered slightly. "Oh... you met my boys, huh? Ice-bro told me. About that—minor misunderstanding! My boys get a little enthusiastic about tax collection."
"Tax collection?" Nami scoffed behind Luffy. "Is that what you call highway robbery now?"
"Entrepreneurship!" Franky corrected with a theatrical flourish.
Luffy's patience, already thin, threatened to snap. A small arc of electricity crackled between his fingers—not a threat, just a reminder. "What do you want? We're busy."
The horned woman stepped forward, drawing herself up with formality that seemed at odds with her wild appearance. "I am Yamato," she began, as if reciting something rehearsed. "Daughter of—" She caught herself suddenly, clearing her throat. "Just Yamato. I saved Iceberg from—"
"Whoa, slow down, horn-girl," Franky interrupted. "Let me handle the talking."
Yamato's face flushed with irritation. "I told you to stop calling me horn-girl!" She swung her club into the ground, cracking the stone with barely any effort. "It's YAMATO! Ya-ma-to! Is that so hard to remember?!"
The casual display of strength made Luffy reassess. Definitely not someone to take lightly.
"Robin mentioned you," he acknowledged, studying her more carefully. Something about her seemed... off. Like she was trying too hard to appear normal while being anything but. "You drove off Iceberg's attackers."
"Yes!" Yamato brightened immediately, seemingly pleased to be recognized. "I was just running from debt collectors—I may have forgotten to pay for meals at seventeen restaurants this week—when I felt their Haki spiking." She looked awkwardly proud of herself.
Seventeen restaurants? Luffy blinked. The woman was strange, no question about it. But her feeling their Haki, that meant this woman could use Observation Haki.
Franky cleared his throat. "Look, we're not here for small talk. Ice-bro's in trouble—serious trouble. Those 'workers' of his? Government agents. They'll be back to finish what they started."
"And this concerns us... how?" Luffy folded his arms, unimpressed.
Vivi pushed forward. "Luffy, if the Government is operating here, it's everyone's concern. Water 7 has been good to us."
"We've got our own problems," Luffy countered, though his resolve wavered at Vivi's concerned expression. His gaze flickered briefly toward the clinic where Usopp lay. "Finding a new ship is priority one."
Franky's face split into a triumphant grin. "That's where we can help each other! I'm the best shipwright you'll ever meet—better than anyone at Galley-La." He struck a pose, forearms together. "SUPER shipbuilding runs in my blood!"
"He's not exaggerating," Yamato added, nodding enthusiastically. "Iceberg said he's brilliant, despite looking like a metal peacock."
"OI!" Franky protested. "I look SUPER, not like a peacock!"
Luffy felt the corners of his mouth twitch despite himself. He exchanged glances with Robin, whose subtle nod confirmed that this alliance might be worth considering.
"Help us protect Iceberg," Franky continued, "and I'll build you a ship that'll make that damaged ship of yours look like a bathtub toy."
"Sixty percent off," Luffy countered immediately.
"Forty-five," Franky shot back. "And that's highway robbery already!"
"Rich coming from an actual highway robber," Nojiko murmured.
"Fifty percent off and you build us the best damn ship on the Grand Line," Luffy said, voice hard. "No compromises. It needs to survive the New World."
Franky hesitated, then thrust out his hand. "Deal, Straw Hat. But I need your crew's muscle tonight. Those bastards are coming back, and we're setting a trap."
Luffy clasped the mechanical hand, a small spark jumping between them. "Sanji, Chopper, Vivi—stay with Usopp. The rest of us will go with these two."
As they prepared to leave, Yamato sidled up to Luffy, club slung over her shoulder. "So... you control storms? That's pretty impressive. I've only met one other person who could manipulate weather, but it wasn't nearly as cool."
"Yeah? Who was that?" Luffy asked, curiosity piqued despite his wariness.
Yamato's eyes widened in panic. "Oh, just... someone. From somewhere else. You wouldn't know them." She laughed awkwardly, swinging her club into a nearby barrel, accidentally smashing it to splinters. "Oops! Did you need that barrel? I can get you another barrel. I'm great with barrels."
Hiding something, Luffy thought, watching her fumble through apologies to the barrel's owner. But what? He filed the question away for later as they headed toward Iceberg's mansion.
"She's weird," Nami whispered, sidling up beside him, golden sparks dancing around her wrists.
"Yeah," Luffy agreed. "But she's strong. Really strong." He glanced ahead where Yamato was now enthusiastically pointing out cloud shapes to an increasingly irritated Franky. "And right now, we need strong."
The unspoken thought hung in his mind: Even if we can't trust her completely.
Mansion
Iceberg's mansion hadn't escaped Aqua Laguna's fury. Water stains ran down the ornate wallpaper, and the carpet squished underfoot as they entered what had once been an elegant bedroom, now transformed into a makeshift war room. Maps of Water 7 covered every surface, weighted down with shipbuilding tools and medicine bottles.
Luffy surveyed the room, mentally cataloging its occupants. Zoro leaned against the wall, three swords at his hip. Nami and Nojiko stood near the window, sisters side by side—one with the power of a big golden bird, the other with command over water. Robin had positioned herself in the corner, arms crossed, ever watchful. And then there was Iceberg himself, propped up in bed, looking pale, with Franky flanking him. Yamato stood nearby, she seemed like she didn't know where to stay.
Quite the war council, Luffy thought, adjusting his straw hat. Wonder if it'll be enough.
"Let's get to the point," Iceberg began, wincing as he shifted against his pillows. "The people who attacked me weren't ordinary workers. They're World Government agents—likely CP8."
"Cipher Pol," Robin murmured, drawing everyone's attention. "The Government's covert operations unit."
"Four of them," Iceberg continued. "Their leader, Lucci, has a leopard Zoan fruit. Incredible speed, strength beyond anything I've seen. The others have their own specialties—one moves like he's walking on air, another can transform doors into portals."
"And the woman?" Nami asked.
"Don't know her ability," Iceberg admitted. "But she's lethal with a blade."
Franky slammed his fist into his palm with a metallic clang. "They're after Pluton's blueprints. Ancient weapon that could destroy islands with a single shot."
Luffy frowned. Always chasing weapons. Never changes.
"They've already stolen a critical section of the plans," Iceberg said grimly. "But they'll be back for the rest—and to finish me off as a loose end."
"When?" Luffy asked, getting to the heart of the matter.
Robin stepped forward. "Tonight. I've had eyes on the city all day." She exchanged a knowing look with Luffy. "They're preparing. Moving into position."
Yamato, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly perked up. "I could just smash them all with my club!" She swung the massive weapon in demonstration, narrowly missing a priceless vase. "Oops! Sorry about that. But seriously, I'm really good at smashing things."
"We noticed," Franky muttered, pushing his tiny sunglasses up his nose.
"We need a trap," Luffy stated flatly, commanding the room's attention. Time to take charge. "They expect to find Iceberg alone and vulnerable. Instead, they'll find us."
Zoro straightened, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "The leopard's mine."
"You'll need help," Nami insisted, golden sparks dancing around her fingertips. "These aren't ordinary opponents."
"I'll take the bird-nose," Franky declared. "Payback for working under my nose all this time."
Yamato frowned. "Who's left for me, then?"
"Door-guy," Luffy decided, studying the horned woman. Something about her fighting style remained a mystery, but her power was undeniable. "Can you handle him?"
"Of course!" Yamato beamed with childlike enthusiasm that seemed completely mismatched with her intimidating appearance. "I once fought a man who could make doors into... wait, actually I shouldn't mention that." She trailed off awkwardly.
She's definitely hiding something, Luffy thought, filing away another mental note.
"I'll take the woman," Nojiko volunteered, water swirling between her fingers. "Water against blades. Should be interesting."
"No," Robin countered. "The woman—Kalifa—is mine." Something in her tone brooked no argument.
Iceberg unrolled a detailed floor plan of the mansion. "They'll come through here, here, and possibly here." He pointed to various entrances. "We need to position ourselves strategically."
"I should be on the front line," Nami insisted, her golden eyes flashing. "The Ra Ra no Mi isn't just for show."
"Same with me," Robin added coolly. "I have unfinished business with CP8."
Luffy studied both women, seeing the determination in their eyes. This wasn't about protection anymore—it was about proving something. He understood that drive all too well.
"Fine," he conceded. "Nami and Robin take point positions. Zoro, you and I will flank. Nojiko covers our rear. Yamato and Franky guard Iceberg directly. We funnel them into the main chamber where we have the advantage."
Zoro nodded, the quiet confidence of a predator who knew his prey was coming. "Works for me."
"What about you, Straw Hat?" Franky asked. "Who do you fight?"
Luffy stared out the window where storm clouds gathered on the horizon. "Whoever's left," he said, electricity crackling faintly between his fingers. "Or whoever's in charge."
As the others fine-tuned positions and signals, Luffy found himself drawn to the window. Something felt off—a pressure in the air that wasn't entirely natural. His storm senses tingled with warning.
There's something else coming, he thought grimly. Something worse than CP8.
He just hoped they'd be ready when it arrived.
Night
Night fell on Water 7 like a heavy blanket. Iceberg's chamber was bathed in shadows, with only a few oil lamps casting an amber glow across the ornate furnishings. Luffy stood perfectly still near the window, storm clouds gathering outside in response to his focused tension.
They'll come, Luffy thought, eyes fixed on the door. And we'll be ready.
The trap was set. Iceberg lay in his bed, seemingly alone and vulnerable, while the Straw Hats and their allies waited in strategic positions throughout the chamber. Zoro crouched behind a large armoire, his hand resting on his sword. Nami had positioned herself behind a silk screen, golden sparks occasionally dancing across her fingertips. Robin blended into the shadows of an alcove, arms crossed. Nojiko had concealed herself behind heavy drapes, a small orb of water hovering at the ready. Paulie waited beneath the bed itself, ropes coiled and ready. Franky and Yamato stood in adjacent rooms, poised to burst in at the first sign of trouble.
A floorboard creaked in the hallway outside. Luffy's fingers twitched, a tiny spark arcing between them. The door to Iceberg's chamber slid open without a sound.
They moved like wraiths—four figures slipping into the room with practiced precision. Lucci entered first, still in human form. Kaku followed, his long nose silhouetted against the dim light. Kalifa stepped in with the click of high heels against hardwood, glasses gleaming. Blueno brought up the rear, his massive frame blocking the doorway.
"Time to finish this, Iceberg," Lucci said, voice cold as he approached the bed. "No interruptions this ti—"
"Now!" Luffy commanded, lightning exploding from his fingertips to illuminate the room in a blinding flash.
The Straw Hats burst from their hiding places in a coordinated assault. Zoro launched himself at Lucci, swords drawn. Nami unleashed a torrent of golden flame toward Kaku. Robin's multiple arms sprouted from the walls to grab Kalifa. Nojiko's water whip lashed out at Blueno. Paulie erupted from under the bed, ropes spinning around him. Franky and Yamato crashed through the side doors, weapons ready.
But the CP9 agents didn't seem surprised. In fact, Lucci's lips curled into a cruel smile.
"How predictable," he purred, effortlessly sidestepping Zoro's attack. "We were counting on this."
Kaku chuckled, bouncing off the air itself to avoid Nami's flames. "Did you really think we wouldn't check for an ambush?"
"You're out of your depth," Kalifa said, breaking free of Robin's grasp with a flick of her wrist.
Blueno simply stood still as Nojiko's water whip passed through him, a door opening and closing in his torso.
Luffy stepped forward, storm winds beginning to whirl around him. "You knew we'd be waiting?"
"Of course," Lucci replied, his body beginning to transform, fur spreading across his skin, teeth elongating into fangs. "You pirates are so predictable."
Paulie stared at his former coworkers, betrayal etched across his face. "Why, Lucci? We worked together for five years! We shared drinks, built ships together!"
"It was just a job, rope-boy," Lucci answered, now fully transformed into his leopard hybrid form. "Nothing personal."
"You're not even CP8, are you?" Robin stepped forward, her eyes narrowed in recognition.
Lucci's smile widened, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. "Very perceptive, Nico Robin. No, we're CP9—the World Government's most elite assassination squad. CP8 is just a cover."
"Doesn't matter what number you are," Luffy growled, lightning crackling along his arms. "You're not getting Iceberg or those blueprints."
Kaku laughed, drawing his swords. "The blueprints were just phase one. Phase two is eliminating witnesses and acquiring... additional assets." His gaze shifted meaningfully to Robin, then to Luffy.
"Let me guess," Luffy said, the air around him beginning to churn. "You want Robin for her knowledge, and you want me dead for my Devil Fruit."
"Precisely," Lucci confirmed. "The Arashi Arashi no Mi will be quite useful to the Government once we pry it from your corpse."
"You can try," Luffy challenged. Lightning danced between his fingers as storm winds began to pick up around him. "But I've faced Admirals and lived. What makes you think you stand a chance?"
The confrontation might have exploded into violence then and there, but a new presence silenced the room. The air itself seemed to warp, a pressure descending that made even Lucci pause. The door swung open without a sound.
A tall figure stepped into the chamber, red hair blazing like fire even in the dim light. For a heartbeat, Luffy's eyes widened, his mind flashing back to North Blue, to those years of training.
"Shanks?" he whispered, momentarily thrown off balance.
But as the figure stepped fully into the light, Luffy realized his mistake. This man merely resembled Shanks—same red hair, similar build, but his eyes were different. Colder. Emptier. And the aura he radiated wasn't the familiar warmth of his mentor.
Even Lucci seemed taken aback. "You... what are you doing here?"
The red-haired stranger surveyed the room with casual indifference. "Step aside. My business is with Monkey D. Luffy."
"Who are you?" Luffy demanded, gathering his power, sensing that this newcomer outclassed everyone else in the room.
The stranger's gaze finally settled on Luffy, and a chill ran down the pirate captain's spine. "I am a Knight of the Gods," he stated, his voice resonating with unnatural power. "And I am here to bring justice to Monkey D. Luffy."
Luffy widened his stance, storm clouds thickening outside the windows, rain beginning to lash against the glass. "I won't be an easy enemy to kill."
The red-haired man chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. "You seem to be mistaken," he said softly. "You are not my Enemy."
And then he moved—faster than should have been possible, faster than Luffy could track even with his enhanced reflexes. One moment he stood at the door, and the next he was directly in front of Luffy, sword drawn, its edge gleaming in the lamplight.
"You are just an ant in front of my boot."
The blade flashed. Pain erupted across Luffy's chest. The world blurred around him as he felt himself flying backward, crashing through the window, through walls, through buildings. Water 7 became a smear of lights and shadows as he hurtled through the air, blood trailing behind him like a crimson comet, before colliding against the hard concrete.
Luffy groaned in pain, opening his eyes with difficulty, and gasped. He was back at the Docks; he had been sent flying from the center of Water Seven all the way to the docks.
Who is he?
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