Chapter 339 - 197

Chapter 197She suddenly covered her face with both hands, letting out a whimper like a small animal's cry, shrinking into a ball."I'll go get you more food!"Merry's voice leaked through her fingers, as faint as a mosquito's buzz, filled with obvious panic.She didn't even dare to look up at Robin, a shimmering light flashed around her, her figure instantly blurred, and she shot up with a whoosh, floating back to the passage connecting to the thousand sunny without looking back.On the deck, only Luffy and Nico Robin remained.Chapter 281: Releasing Pressure, GuidanceLuffy scratched his head, looking in the direction Merry had disappeared.He turned his head and met Nico Robin's deep eyes.After experiencing so many trials and tribulations, especially under the torment of the [pirate king training plan], Luffy's thick skin was indeed not what it used to be."Nico Robin, are you still staying here?"This was a hint to leave.Nico Robin didn't speak, just quietly looked at him for a few seconds."Then I'll go first!"If you don't go, I will.When Luffy saw Nico Robin's sly expression, he remembered the incident that had made his legs go weak and tremble last time.His gaze involuntarily swept over her rosy lips.Suddenly, Nico Robin took a small step forward, closing the distance between them. The sly smile on her face became even more pronounced. She lowered her voice and softly said, at a volume only they could hear:"How about we try it next time too?"Luffy's brain didn't process it for a moment, and he subconsciously echoed her words, asking, "Try what? With our feet?"As soon as the words left his mouth, Luffy wished he could tie his Rubber tongue in a knot!He suddenly realized, seeing the triumphant smile in Nico Robin's eyes, and couldn't help but let out a light cough."Sure~""What?""I said, sure."Nico Robin's reply was light and airy, without any shyness. Instead, she moved half a step closer, almost pressing against him.The faint scholarly scent and mature feminine fragrance from her body drifted into Luffy's nostrils, making him feel a bit dizzy.Before Luffy could react, Nico Robin had naturally reached out and gently took his wrist. Her fingers were slightly cool, and her touch was delicate."I remember no one is on the going merry right now," Nico Robin said."Where are we going?" Luffy felt his voice was a bit dry.He was pulled by Nico Robin, involuntarily following her movement.Nico Robin turned her head and winked at him, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings in the Moonlight, her smile mysterious and alluring:"Let's go try it."Try it?How to try?Where to try?!Then Luffy was once again pulled into the going merry's girls' dormitory by Nico Robin.Why 'again'?Meanwhile, near the thousand sunny's kitchen.Merry floated into the kitchen like a gust of wind, leaning against the cold wall, panting heavily.She covered her still burning cheeks with both hands, her heart pounding rapidly."Too, too embarrassing!"To actually be seen by Sister Nico Robin, and Luffyactually...She mumbled incoherently, the blush-inducing scene on the deck constantly replaying in her mind.The warm touch of Luffy's fingers seemed to still linger on her toes, making her feel uncomfortable yet also a little tingly."Merry, what's wrong? Your face is so red?" Chopper, who had come to the kitchen for milk, immediately ran over worriedly when he saw Merry like this. "Are you having a fever?""N-nothing!"Merry waved her hands repeatedly, "I'm just a little hot!"Wait a minute.What is Sister Nico Robin doing?Damn it, let go of Luffy now!Have they forgotten that I am the Klabautermannof the going merry? Don't think you can do whatever you want just because no one is on the ship!Merry transformed back into her small Merry form, letting out a mournful wail, and glanced at her small feet with a flushed face.No, why do these two look so practiced? Did something else happen when I wasn't aware?"Merry? What's wrong?" Vivi's voice came from beside her, as she drank a glass of water.Merry was startled, seemed to see something else, and then said with lost light in her eyes, "I-I'm fine..."...The morning sun shone on the thousand sunny's deck, and the sea breeze carried a salty scent.Early in the morning, Luffy looked energetic.He had returned to his previous state.At least he confirmed that Portgas D. Ace was temporarily safe in Impel Down.Those captured by the Marine and imprisoned in Impel Down, it seemed, with the exception of Pirate King Roger who was publicly executed, powerful Devil Fruit Users were mostly imprisoned. Besides punishment, the purpose was to prevent powerful Devil Fruits from circulating.No matter what, Portgas D. Ace should be out of danger.This allowed his sense of urgency to find the right direction.Becoming stronger was the only way.Coupled with Nico Robin's deeply spiritual and careful 'guidance' last night, which released all the accumulated pressure, Luffy now felt fully charged, with boundless energy to expend."Zoro, do you want to clash with my Armament Haki?" Luffy immediately spotted Roronoa Zoro in a corner of the deck. "It's been a while since we sparred.""I'd be honored."Roronoa Zoro was swinging super-heavy dumbbells, sweating profusely. After warming up, he stopped and casually put down the dumbbells with a dull thud.He accepted that his overall strength couldn't temporarily catch up to this monster Captain, but in Haki training, he absolutely refused to fall too far behind.Moreover, having seen black blade moyi, Roronoa Zoro felt there might be some connection between black blades and Haki.Could he make his own sword a black blade too?Nami walked out of the kitchen with a glass of orange juice, looking at the two who had instantly entered battle mode, tilting her head in confusion: "Strange, why do I feel like Luffy is especially energetic today? Yesterday he looked so preoccupied."Not far away, Nico Robin sat elegantly in a beach chair, holding a thick book.Hearing this, she looked up, pushed up her glasses, and a meaningful, faint smile played on her lips: "Hmm, it's not good to have too much pressure accumulated in one's heart. Sometimes, a thorough release and guidance are indeed necessary."As she spoke, she naturally crossed her long legs, adjusting to a more comfortable sitting posture.Release.Guidance?Nami didn't delve too deeply into the meaning of Nico Robin's words, and enthusiastically invited: "Nico Robin, the weather is so nice today, do you want to go swimming together?""It is indeed a good day for swimming,"Nico Robin smiled and gently shook her head, her tone carrying a just-right hint of laziness: "But I'll pass. I was a bit too tired last night, and I want to rest."Her words were soft, yet they instantly turned the tips of Merry's ears crimson, who was nearby pretending to wipe the railing.Merry stealthily peeked at Nico Robin, and Nico Robin seemed to notice.As soon as she looked up, she met Nico Robin's glance, which held understanding and a hint of teasing.Nico Robin even winked at her, which made Merrylet out a squeak, like a startled little rabbit, dropping the rag in her hand and running away with a flushed face.She screamed wildly in her heart:"Ahhh, they last night! Only I know that smile from Sister Nico Robin!"This is too embarrassing!"Oh hohohoho, what a vibrant morning! I arrive to see such a fierce prelude to battle."Brook, holding a cup of black tea, stood by the ship's rail, watching Luffy and Roronoa Zoroinstantly become tense. Even his hollow eye sockets seemed to ignite with fighting spirit. "A clash of Haki? Although I am just a pile of bones, I am very interested in such profound techniques!"Chapter 282: Sly WomanSoon, the center of the deck became a temporary training ground.Luffy did not use his Devil Fruit ability, purely relying on martial arts wrapped in black and red Armament Haki, and fiercely collided with Roronoa Zoro's arm, which was also covered in pitch-black Haki!Boom!A dull thud sounded, and an invisible wave of air spread out from the two of them, making Usoppand Chopper's hair fly wildly as they watched."So, so amazing!" Chopper hugged Usopp's leg, his eyes sparkling."This is a man's romance!"Franky struck his signature pose, "Super—!"After the collision, the two quickly separated, then engaged in battle again at an even faster speed.Fist winds, arm shadows, occasionally interspersed with Roronoa Zoro's hand-as-sword slashes, each clash of Haki erupted with astonishing energy.Luffy waved to Brook, "Come join us."Brook watched for a moment, then couldn't hold back either, drawing his Soul Solid sword, "Then I shall also join in! Night Requiem: Straight Through!""Brook still doesn't have Armament Haki, so take a few more hits."Luffy laughed, his figure swaying. While dealing with Roronoa Zoro's fierce attacks, he backhanded a punch precisely onto Brook's sword spine, knocking it away."Oh hohohoho, even if I'm bones, it still hurts."The battle grew more intense, attracting more people to join.Vivi warned, "Luffy, be careful."She was surrounded by a gentle breeze, using her Wind-Wind Fruit ability to interfere with Luffy's movement.Nika, meanwhile, yawned, looking bored.Luffy shouted, "Don't be lazy either, get up and train."Nika wanted to retort, but was silenced by Luffy's glare and joined the fray. In her white tanuki form, her strength was astonishing, and she slapped Luffy, whose Armament Haki-hardened arm steadily blocked it."Everyone's gotten so strong," Usopp muttered, looking at the several figures in the arena who had almost turned into afterimages.Although he also yearned to become stronger, this kind of close-quarters Haki melee combat was really not his domain.He should probably focus on honing his Observation Haki instead.It wasn't until late morning that this chaotic yet efficient morning training session temporarily concluded with Luffy's reluctant call to stop.Everyone was sweating profusely, but their eyes were exceptionally bright, especially Roronoa Zoro, who, despite having a few new bruises, seemed to have gained a new understanding of Hakiapplication.As everyone prepared to rest, Vinsmoke Sanji was already clamoring to prepare lunch to replenish their energy.From the crow's nest at the top of the mast came Merry's clear and urgent shout:"Everyone! Ships spotted! It looks like the Marine is chasing pirates!"Everyone's gaze instantly turned to the distance.Luffy dashed to the bow in a few steps, shading his eyes with his hand. He saw two small black dots on the horizon, one in front of the other. The front ship appeared smaller, while the one behind was a standard Marine warship, with cannon fire flashing intermittently, clearly attacking the ship ahead.