Carl stood calmly behind Reiju. The blade of the Sandai Kitetsu rested near her shoulder, still coated in a deep, metallic layer of Armament Haki. Although the Vinsmoke raid suits were famous for their resistance to fire, water, and physical trauma, they offered no more protection than a sheet of paper against Carl's refined Haki.
Carl had noticed Reiju's intent to strike long before she moved, and he acted without hesitation. He knew that Reiju specialized in the use of deadly toxins. Since the crew had very little experience dealing with biological weapons, he had to remain vigilant. Luffy was a particular concern. The captain often ignored the danger of poison and rushed into combat, a reckless habit that could prove fatal.
No matter how powerful a warrior became, there were certain threats that strength alone could not overcome. Diseases and virulent poisons were silent killers that could bring down even the mightiest legends. Gold Roger, the Pirate King, was the ultimate proof of this reality. Carl knew that taking risks with Reiju's poison was not an option.
"Teacher Carl?" Luffy asked, looking at the scene with a confused expression.
"Everyone, stay back and be careful," Carl warned with a stern face. "Sanji's sister has the ability to control poison. A single drop of her toxins could kill a Sea King instantly. Do not let your guard down for even a second."
The atmosphere on the deck shifted immediately. The crew grew solemn as they realized the danger they were facing. It was clear that Reiju had been prepared to attack them just moments ago. While her raw physical strength might not have matched Luffy's, her poison was a terrifying equalizer. Even legendary figures like Whitebeard or Kaido would struggle if they were directly infected. Luffy, despite his immense growth, was no exception.
Sanji stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Reiju! What were you trying to do just now?"
Reiju let out a soft, tired sigh. "Orders are absolute, Sanji. Even if I do not wish to fight, I must obey. You know how our family works."
Her words only fueled Sanji's rage. His anger was not directed at his sister, but at Judge, the man who claimed to be their father. The rest of the crew shared his indignation. They could not fathom a father who treated his own children as disposable tools. Luffy was especially furious, his jaw set in a hard line.
"Sanji," Luffy said, glaring toward the horizon. "I am going to blow your dad away. Is that okay with you?"
"Luffy, don't bother yourself this time," Sanji replied, a cold and murderous aura rising from him. "I am going to kill that man myself."
Even though Sanji had long ago discarded the Vinsmoke name, he still held a deep affection for his sister and the memory of his late mother. Seeing Reiju used as a heartless weapon by Judge was more than he could stand. He wanted to end Judge's life and finally set his sister free from the shackles of Germa 66.
"Alright then!" Luffy shouted. "Let's keep moving. We're heading straight for the Germa Kingdom!"
At the captain's command, the Thousand Sunny and the submarine resumed their journey. On the nearby snail ships, the clone soldiers watched the Straw Hats depart without making a move. These soldiers were programmed to follow specific orders; without a command from Reiju or another superior, they remained as still as statues.
"Ms. Reiju, I must ask you to remove your raid suit," Carl said politely but firmly.
"I have already been captured," Reiju replied calmly. "What reason do I have to resist?"
She activated the release mechanism, and the sleek battle suit retracted, transforming back into a small, pink canister. Carl took the canister from her, effectively neutralizing her primary combat advantage. Without the technology of the raid suit, Reiju's threat level was manageable, and Carl felt it was safe to let her move freely about the deck.
Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper immediately gathered around the small jar, looking at it with wide, curious eyes. Eventually, Carl grew tired of their pestering and tossed the canister to them.
Luffy held the jar high in the air, his eyes sparkling. "Transform!" he yelled.
Nothing happened. A long, awkward silence followed as the wind whistled over the deck. Usopp and Chopper took turns grabbing the jar, striking various heroic poses and shouting different commands, but the technology remained dormant.
Brook wandered over toward Reiju with a skeletal grin. "Beautiful lady, since you are so kind, would you mind if I saw your pan—"
Before he could finish the sentence, Sanji sent him flying across the deck with a well-placed kick. Brook was free to act like a fool with others, but Sanji would not tolerate him disrespecting his sister.
Sanji offered Reiju a cigarette and led her to the side of the ship. The siblings sat together, finally finding a moment of peace after years of separation. The rest of the crew understood the weight of the moment and gave them space. Even Luffy was dragged away by Nami to ensure the two could speak in private.
"Why didn't the soldiers on your ship try to help you?" Sanji asked quietly.
"They are clones," Reiju explained, looking out at the sea. "They do not have wills of their own. They only exist to follow orders. They won't move unless I tell them to."
Sanji frowned. "What kind of existence is that? Does Judge even see them as human beings?"
"No," Reiju replied. "In the Vinsmoke family, clones are just equipment. They are not considered human."
"Then why didn't you order them to save you?" Sanji pressed.
Reiju gave a small, sad smile. "I was captured by 'Lightning' Carl. Do you really think a few clones could have saved me from a man of his caliber? Surrendering was the only logical choice. Besides, this gives me an excuse. I can't fulfill my mission to block the Straw Hats if I am a prisoner."
Sanji was stunned. He realized that Reiju had likely allowed herself to be caught. While she could not openly disobey Judge's commands, she had found a way to fail on purpose. She didn't want to stop the Straw Hats; she wanted them to reach their destination. If Judge knew his most loyal daughter was sabotaging his plans, he would be shocked.
Sanji remained silent for a long time, processing everything. Finally, he looked at her and asked, "Reiju, do you want to be free?"
Meanwhile, in the New World, the massive fleet of the Big Mom Pirates had finished assembling. This was not a simple scouting party; Charlotte Linlin was leading the expedition herself. Along with the Yonko came the Three Sweet Commanders, various ministers, and thousands of elite combatants. It was the full military might of Totto Land.
Big Mom felt comfortable leaving her home territory because it was guarded by countless Homies—objects and animals brought to life by her Soul-Soul Fruit. These creatures were fanatically loyal only to her. The Grand Fleet began its journey toward the Calm Belt. Much like the Straw Hats, the Big Mom Pirates intended to force their way through the treacherous waters. Big Mom's personal cloud, Zeus, grew to an enormous size, lifting the entire flagship and guiding the fleet toward the North Blue.
But the Yonko was not the only one on the move. Marshall D. Teach, known as Blackbeard, had also mobilized. Before the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates could retaliate against him for stealing their territory, Blackbeard had already departed. He used the powers of the Float-Float Fruit to fly his primary commanders and soldiers across the sea toward the North Blue.
Blackbeard did not care about losing temporary control over a few islands. In his mind, the Straw Hat crew represented the greatest threat to his ultimate goals. If he could eliminate Luffy and Carl now, he could always reclaim his territory later with ease.
"Zehahaha!" Blackbeard laughed, his voice echoing through the sky. "Old man Whitebeard, you can't stop me by taking back a few islands! Once I kill Straw Hat Luffy and that brat Carl, I'll return and take everything back ten times over! This is an opportunity I can't let slip away! Zehahaha!"
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