"This time, I'm going to beat the shit out of those Celestial Dragons' pigs!"
Jozu's voice carried a hint of anger and frustration, clearly dissatisfied with his past experiences.
Above them, Whitebeard couldn't help but laugh at Jozu's words.
"Gurararara! Do as you please, but remember—make it quick," Whitebeard's deep and commanding voice left no room for doubt.
"The moment those Celestial Dragons encounter any trouble, the Marine Headquarters will immediately dispatch an Admiral for backup."
"While we don't fear the threats of an Admiral, our base can't withstand their bombardment," Whitebeard continued, a trace of concern in his tone.
Especially Ron's experimental facility—it's one of the island's most valuable assets.
Any damage caused by the battle would be an unacceptable loss for the entire crew.
"If any of you dare let him suffer even the slightest harm, I won't forgive you," Whitebeard warned sternly, his piercing gaze sweeping over everyone present to ensure they understood the gravity of his words.
Jozu's lips twitched slightly.
He thumped his chest hard, as if to reinforce his promise.
"Don't worry, Pops," he declared with unwavering confidence. "Even if I get blasted to pieces, I won't let big bro Ron's facility face any threat."
Standing to the side, Ron watched the scene unfold, feeling somewhat speechless.
Though he didn't doubt Jozu's capabilities, hearing himself suddenly referred to as "big bro" felt a little awkward—especially since Jozu was older than him.
So, he tried to correct him.
"Jozu, just call me Ron."
But Jozu shook his head, his expression turning serious.
"No way," he insisted. "I lost the bet before, and you've given me so much help and support since then. You've earned the title 'big bro.'"
Seeing Ron about to protest further, Jozu cut him off, his tone resolute.
"This matter's settled, Ron. I've made up my mind."
Ron fell silent for a moment before finally nodding.
"Alright," he conceded. "If that's your decision, then so be it."
Marco stood up as well, his expression relaxed.
"If there's nothing else, let's head out," he said, a hint of anticipation in his voice, clearly confident about the upcoming mission.
"Wait!" Ron quickly slung his small bag over his shoulder, his face filled with determination.
"I'm coming too," he declared firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Huh?" Marco turned to Ron in surprise, clearly not expecting this sudden request.
Others also turned their concerned gazes toward him, and someone couldn't help but speak up.
"Ron is going too? That's too dangerous."
They all knew the risks of this operation and were worried about Ron's safety.
"Ron, you don't even know how to fight or anything. What are you going to do? If something unexpected happens..." another person added, their tone full of concern.
After all, in their eyes, Ron wasn't the type skilled in combat.
Facing unknown dangers inevitably made people uneasy.
However, Ron waved his hand dismissively and flashed a confident smile.
"Don't worry, with all of you here, what could possibly happen to me? Besides, I'm not completely helpless."
As he spoke, his eyes shone with determination, as if telling everyone he was no longer the frail person he once was.
In truth, Ron's physique had undergone a dramatic transformation these past days.
Through automatic training, his physical abilities had improved tremendously—even surpassing those of an average pirate.
More importantly, the martial technique he had mastered—Sky-Splitting Sword Draw—had grown even more powerful alongside his physique!
Now, against ordinary pirates, he was fully capable of protecting himself.
When facing opponents of admiral-level strength, he had his companions by his side for support.
"Actually," Ron continued, "I mainly want to see the scenery outside. Staying here for months has been suffocating."
His words carried a longing for freedom, allowing everyone present to sense his yearning for the outside world.
Hearing this, they finally understood Ron's intentions.
Though concerns lingered in their hearts, they were also moved by Ron's resolve.
Eventually, everyone nodded in agreement to let Ron join them.
"Don't worry, I'll protect Ron personally."
A fragrant breeze swept in as Haruta appeared silently beside Ron without anyone noticing.
His arrival not only surprised everyone but also made them secretly marvel—Haruta's strength seemed to have reached another level!
Faced with this situation, though others still had reservations, they couldn't say much more.
After all, at such a critical moment, any unnecessary arguments might affect the team's morale and operational efficiency.
Thus, they could only turn their eyes to Whitebeard, hoping the old man would make the final decision.
"Marco, Ace, Jozu," Whitebeard's voice was deep and commanding.
"The three of you are responsible for protecting this brat. If anything happens to him, don't bother coming back."
"Yes, Pops!" the three responded in unison, their voices filled with determination.
"Don't worry, Pops. We'll do everything to keep him safe," Ace added.
"Even if something happens to me, nothing will happen to Ron!" Jozu also declared, showing just how much he valued Ron.
Hearing this, Ron smiled slightly, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere with a relaxed tone.
"Let's go. It's not that easy for something to happen. We'll just finish this quickly."
"Alright, let's move out!"
*****
On a certain small island,
This once-prosperous little nation, blessed with a uniquely favorable environment and incredibly fertile soil, The agriculture and animal husbandry here were highly developed, with vast fields teeming with cattle and sheep, and various other edible livestock visible everywhere.
Yet now, all this scenery has been ravaged by artillery fire.
The air is thick with the smell of gunpowder, and the once peaceful countryside has turned into ruins.
Everywhere, people with scarred faces wail in agony.
The city walls have been shattered by cannon fire, and the charred remnants of broken walls bear silent witness to the endless suffering brought by war.
...