171Chapter 172 Homecoming! The Ship's Last Miracle
Chapter 172 Homecoming! The Last Miracle of That Ship
With Lucci's defeat, CP9, symbolizing the dark justice of the World Government, was completely wiped out.
The Straw Hat Pirates supported Luffy, who was covered in wounds but still desperately tried to stand up.
Protecting Robin, whom they had just rescued, they rushed out of the crumbling tower.
However, what awaited them was not the dawn of victory.
"BOOM!!!!"
With a deafening roar, the only escape route to the Gate of Justice—the Bridge of Hesitation—was blown apart fifty meters ahead.
That was a bombardment launched by the naval fleet that had already surrounded Enies Lobby.
Although the Buster Call was forcibly cut off by Victor, the 10,000 elite naval troops stationed on the island remained.
Together with several support warships from headquarters, they still formed an impenetrable encirclement.
"Don't let them get away!!"
"Straw Hat Luffy is no longer able to fight! Everyone, fire!!"
The dense array of gun barrels, like a black forest, pointed at the Straw Hat crew, who were forced to the edge of the broken bridge, from all directions.
Countless shells exploded around them, kicking up clouds of rubble and dust.
"hateful!!"
Franky stared at the broken bridge and the bottomless whirlpool below, his eyes behind his sunglasses bloodshot.
"There's no road left!! Those bastards blew up the bridge!"
"Are we supposed to swim back? Down below is a whirlpool that can swallow everything!"
"Luffy...Luffy can't move!"
Chopper, carrying the completely limp Luffy on his back, cried out:
"The battle just now exhausted him completely. If he doesn't receive treatment soon..."
Robin, seeing the approaching Marines, gritted her teeth and crossed her arms in front of her chest:
"If it's to protect everyone, I can do it again..."
"Shut up, Robin."
Viktor coldly interrupted her: "Now that I've taken you back, there's no reason to give you back."
"However... the situation is indeed not very good."
Sanji lit a cigarette, his brow furrowed as he looked at the ten thousand marines who were tightening their encirclement.
"There are so many of them, we couldn't kill them all even if we broke their legs."
A desperate situation.
Ahead lies a broken bridge, behind are pursuers, and below is a deep abyss.
Victor stood at the very edge of the broken bridge.
He is the first mate.
If the captain falls, the responsibility of protecting everyone falls on his shoulders.
"call..."
Viktor took a deep breath of the gunpowder-smelling air and slowly raised his right hand.
His eyes became resolute and cold.
"Zoro, Sanji, get everyone ready."
"I will use my last bit of chakra to blast a path through the encirclement over there."
"While we may not be able to clear them all outright, it's enough for you to rush out and seize a warship."
"Victor?! What do you want to do?!" Nami grabbed his clothes in terror. "You mustn't..."
"Leave me alone. That's an order."
Victor said with a smile:
"Someone has to cover the rear. I'm the first mate."
As he spoke, Victor prepared to form a hand seal.
At this critical moment.
"Wait a moment!!!!"
A shout, tinged with tears yet filled with intense excitement, abruptly interrupted Viktor's actions.
It was Usopp who was always following behind him.
At this moment, his body stopped trembling, and he gripped the edge of the sun mask tightly with both hands.
His ears were perked up, as if he were listening to something that no one else could hear.
The sound of the wind?
The sound of rain?
The sound of gunfire?
No... not those.
Amidst the cacophony of the battlefield, a faint yet soul-stirring sound could be heard.
It pierced through the gale and the waves, reaching his ears clearly.
"No...it's not necessary, Viktor!!"
Usopp suddenly ripped off the mask he had been using to disguise himself, revealing a face covered in tears and snot.
He is no longer the Sniper King, he is Usopp.
He is the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates.
"It's here...!!!"
Usopp rushed to the edge of the broken bridge, pointed to the surging sea below, and shouted hysterically:
"It's here to pick us up!!!!"
"Huh? What are you talking about, Usopp! There's only the ocean down there!" Zoro frowned.
"Can't you hear me?! Can't you all hear me?!"
Usopp pointed to the sea and cried like a child:
"It's talking!!! It's saying, 'Even if it's just for a moment, I want to help everyone one more time'!!!"
Right at this moment.
A miracle happened.
In everyone's mind, a tender, gentle, yet incredibly firm voice resonated.
It was a sound as crisp as a wind chime, and as comforting as the creaking of a wooden plank:
[Jump down!]
[Jump down, everyone!!]
[Go back to sea once more! I've come to get you!]
That sound even drowned out the shouts of the navy and the roar of the cannons.
Luffy, who had been unconscious, suddenly opened his eyes at that moment.
Although he was unable to move his body, his eyes shone with an astonishing light.
He heard it.
That was the voice of his most familiar partner.
"Everyone----!!!!"
Using the last ounce of strength in his body, Luffy gave the captain's command:
"Jump into the sea!!!!!"
Without any hesitation.
Even if below is a bottomless abyss, even if below is a whirlpool that guarantees certain death.
This was because it was the captain's order, and also because of unconditional trust in that voice.
"Walk!!!!"
Zoro carried Luffy, Victor held Nami's hand, Sanji led Chopper and Usopp, and Robin followed closely behind.
Even Franky's group and several bigwigs were infected by this atmosphere.
Everyone, take the leap!
"Are they insane?!" the sailors exclaimed. "That's suicide!!"
whoosh whoosh—
The wind whistled in my ears as my body plummeted downwards.
Below are black waves that could swallow everything.
It's getting closer.
We're closer now.
Just as everyone was about to fall into the water.
There was no feeling of cold suffocation.
"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!"
Instead, there were muffled yet warm sounds of impact.
That was the sound of feet stepping on a wooden board.
That's... the feel of home.
The smoke cleared, and the waves parted.
Amidst the surging waves, a battered little boat lay quietly, catching the group of companions who had fallen from the sky.
Although its main mast was broken, it could only be supported by temporary wooden planks.
Although its hull was covered in patches, its keel groaned under the weight of the load.
but.
On the bow of the ship, the familiar ram's head still wore that endearing smile, as if saying, "Welcome home."
Going Merry!
"Merry…Merry…"
Nami knelt on the deck, stroking the familiar railing, and covered her mouth, sobbing uncontrollably.
"It really is the Going Merry..." Chopper looked around in disbelief.
"Isn't it...incapable of sailing?"
"Idiot..." Zoro sheathed his sword, but a gentle smile curved his lips. "It's our partner, after all."
Usopp lay on the deck, already sobbing uncontrollably, his face pressed against the wooden planks.
"Thank you...Merry...thank you for picking us up..."
Viktor was the last to land.
He crouched on the deck to cushion the impact of the fall.
Viktor slowly stood up, without saying a word, within his sight.
This ship is more than just a pile of wood and nails.
He saw it clearly.
Beside the broken steering wheel, a small figure was struggling to grip the steering wheel, which was larger than its own body.
It has big eyes, is holding a small wooden hammer, and is giving Viktor a bright smile.
The spirit of the ship.
That little guy who once repaired the ship's hull on Skypiea, that soul that was declared "dead" in Water Seven.
At this moment, it is burning with the last embers of life, navigating its wrecked vessel, braving the raging storm, and arriving here.
"You...you reckless fellow."
Viktor pursed his lips.
He gazed at the ship spirit, visible only to him, his voice so soft it was as if afraid to shatter the dream:
"They were clearly sentenced to death... their dragon bones were already broken..."
"It's amazing that it can sail to a place like this on its own."
"Since we're here..."
Victor walked to the wheelhouse: "Then take us home, Merry."
As if understanding Viktor's words, the little elf in the raincoat nodded vigorously and tapped the steering wheel with the small wooden hammer in his hand.
"Buzz—"
A miracle happened again.
There was clearly no wind, and the sails were clearly tattered.
But the Going Merry seemed to be propelled by an invisible hand, suddenly accelerating.
"Hold on tight, men!!"
Although Luffy couldn't move, everyone seemed to hear the captain's voice.
"Hard to port!!"
Nami instinctively shouted, and although no one was steering, the ship deftly tilted to the left, avoiding an incoming cannonball.
"Charge!!!"
The Merry was like a nimble fish, weaving through the dense barrage of gunfire.
It carried all its crew and forcefully broke through the encirclement formed by the ten thousand navy personnel.
"What's going on?! How can that ship move on its own?!"
"It's already completely dilapidated! Why are you still moving it?!"
The sailors watched in horror as the ghostly ship sailed away, their guns seemingly rendered useless.
As the enormous "Gate of Justice" receded further and further behind, and as the blinding searchlights of Enies Lobby were gradually swallowed by the night, the scene unfolded.
This earth-shattering battle that shocked the world, a battle in which the world was at odds with the people in order to win back a comrade.
Finally, at this moment.
It's over.172Chapter 173 Farewell in the Snow! Thank you, Going Merry
Chapter 173 Farewell in the Snow! Thank you, Going Merry
They escaped from Justice Island, which felt like hell.
They shook off the naval warships that were chasing them like mad dogs.
At this moment, the sea gradually calmed down.
The Going Merry, carrying the wounded Straw Hat crew, sailed on the vast ocean.
Although the ship was in a dilapidated state, with a broken mainmast and sails riddled with bullet holes, it still stubbornly forged ahead through the waves.
Ahead, the silhouettes of several huge ships emerged in the dawn light.
That was a Carrera company rescue ship, personally led by Mr. Iceberg.
"Hey everyone!!"
"We're here!!"
Luffy stood at the bow of the ship, waving his arms, a bright smile of relief on his face.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and their tense nerves could finally relax.
"Thank goodness...we're finally safe."
Nami slumped onto the deck, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
Chopper was bandaging Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, who were covered in blood, while Usopp was hugging the broken mast and crying bitterly.
Just as everyone was cheering and preparing to move closer to Carrera's large ship to transfer,
Sudden.
"Snap—!!"
A sudden, abrupt cracking sound rang out on the silent sea without warning.
The sound wasn't loud, but it struck like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart hard.
The smiles on everyone's faces froze instantly.
"Boom..."
Before Luffy could react...
The Going Merry's proud ram's head prow, along with the forward deck, broke off without warning.
Like an old man who had burned out his last bit of life force, he finally couldn't support his heavy body and collapsed.
The bow separated from the hull, and seawater rushed wildly into the break.
"Merry—!!!"
Luffy let out a terrified scream.
Ignoring his own injuries, he rushed to the broken section like a madman.
That was his favorite first-class seat; it was the soul of the ship.
Luffy stretched out his hands, desperately trying to pull the broken bow back together, attempting to piece it back together with his bare hands:
"Hey! Merry! What are you doing!"
"Don't joke around! We've already escaped! Everyone's here! We're going on an adventure together!!"
"Connect it quickly! Connect it quickly!!"
However, no matter how hard he tried, the broken keel could never be restored.
The icy seawater relentlessly poured into the cabins, and the Merry was slowly sinking.
"H-How could this happen..."
Usopp rushed over with a hammer and planks, his usual tools for repairing ships.
"Repair it! Repair it quickly! Just stop the water..."
However, looking at the huge crack that had completely broken in two, Usopp's hands trembled violently, and he couldn't even hold a nail steady.
The nail fell to the ground with a desperate clanging sound.
He knew better than anyone else... that this was no longer a problem that could be solved by repairs.
"Frankie!!!"
Luffy suddenly turned around and grabbed Franky beside him.
His fingers gripped Frankie's arm tightly, his eyes filled with pleading:
"You're a cyborg, right? You're a shipwright, right?!"
"Fix it quickly!! We have all the money you need! All the hundreds of millions of Berries we just stole are yours!!"
"Please! Save it!!"
Nami, also crying, looked towards Barry and the other foremen who were rushing over:
"Mr. Barry! You're top-notch foremen at Carrera! You must have a way, right?"
Please... think of something!
"Merry…it just saved us!"
Faced with Luffy and Nami's heart-wrenching pleas.
Franky, who was always arrogant, was silent at this moment.
He looked at the broken keel, the ship's spine and its lifeline.
Franky slowly removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of bloodshot eyes.
That usually carefree face now showed an unprecedented seriousness and respect.
He didn't speak, but just looked at Luffy and gently... shook his head.
"..."
Luffy froze, then weakly let go of Franky's hand.
"How could this be..."
Barry, standing to the side, lowered his hat brim, gritted his teeth, unable to bear seeing Nami and Chopper cry, his voice low and hoarse:
"...It's no use, Miss."
"The dragon bone... is completely broken."
Barry pointed to the wrecked boat, his voice filled with deep shock:
"In fact, it was already sentenced to death back in Water Seven."
"Logically speaking, it should have no way of sailing here."
"It carried you out of those doomed waves, and even managed to hold on until now..."
"This is a miracle that defies all common sense about shipbuilding."
"This ship... in its final moments, pushed beyond its limits to save you."
Franky stepped forward, placed his large hand on Luffy's trembling shoulder, and his voice was choked with emotion:
"Straw Hat Boy, let go."
"This ship... has done its best."
"It fought to the very last moment, protecting all the crew members."
"Let it... rest properly like a man."
"..."
Luffy knelt on the flooded deck, his head bowed.
Large tears fell onto the wooden planks; that was the last warmth of the Going Merry.
He knew Franky was right.
As captain, he had to accept this harsh reality.
Not far away.
Viktor stood there quietly.
His trench coat billowed in the sea breeze, and his black, tousled hair obscured his eyebrows and eyes.
"Buzz—"
Viktor saw a different scene through his Sharingan.
The boat sprite wearing a yellow raincoat and holding a small wooden hammer was standing on the broken ram's head prow.
Its body is becoming increasingly transparent, as if it might vanish into the wind at any moment.
However, there was no pain or regret on its face.
It was smiling, looking at each of its crying companions with its gentle, large eyes.
It stretched out its little hand, as if trying to wipe away Luffy's tears, but it passed right through them.
[Don't cry... everyone...]
Victor seemed to understand its lips.
Viktor took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness in his heart.
He walked over to Usopp, who was crying so hard he was almost fainting.
"Don't cry, Usopp."
Victor reached out and gently patted Usopp's shoulder, his voice soft:
"It's very happy."
"What did you say..." Usopp looked up, his face covered in snot and tears.
"It's about to sink... how can I be happy!"
"Because it has accomplished its mission."
Viktor adjusted his glasses, his gaze tenderly fixed on the small figure in the void:
"It protected its beloved companion until the very last moment."
"For a ship, there could be no happier ending than this."
"I can see...it's laughing."
Upon hearing this, Usopp paused for a moment, then cried even harder, screaming with heart-wrenching despair:
"Waaaaah!! Of course I know!! But... but I can't bear to!!!"
...
Before I knew it, a light snow began to fall from the sky.
The pure white snowflakes fell on the dark sea and onto the tattered deck, as if the sea was bidding farewell to this brave warrior.
Everyone had already transferred to Carrera's large ship.
A small boat carrying the wreckage of the Merry floated silently on the sea.
Everyone decided to give the Merry a final burial at sea—cremation.
This is the oldest and most honorable way to say goodbye.
Let it return to the sea in the flames, rather than rot in the cold ocean floor.
Luffy is holding a torch.
His arms were wrapped in bandages, but they were trembling violently.
All his companions stood behind him.
Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Victor.
Everyone gazed at the small boat that carried countless memories for them.
That was their home, where they started from the East China Sea.
They are the partners that carry them soaring into the clouds, diving into the deep sea, and crossing the great sea routes.
"Merry…"
Luffy's voice choked with emotion, filled with endless longing:
"It's very dark at the bottom of the sea... You'll be lonely."
"So...we're going to send you away."
Luffy closed his eyes, steeled his resolve, and dropped the torch in his hand.
"call--"
The moment the flames touched the wooden board, it burst into flames.
It wasn't a terrifying raging fire, but a warm, golden light.
The flames devoured the broken mainmast, the patched deck, and finally enveloped the smiling ram's head.
Snowflakes fluttered down, and flames soared into the sky.
In this sorrowful silence.
That voice... that voice that once called out to them by the broken bridge, rang out again.
This time, it wasn't just in my mind, but seemed to echo between heaven and earth, resonating deep within everyone's soul.
[sorry...]
That childlike voice, tinged with apology, drifted away with the sparks.
[I wanted to take everyone... to farther places.]
[I'm sorry... I wish I could adventure with you guys forever.]
Nami could no longer hold back, and covered her mouth, bursting into tears: "Merry!!"
Chopper burst into tears, his face covered in snot and tears: "We're so sorry, Merry!!"
Even Zoro, who is usually a tough guy, silently turned around and looked up at the snowy sky.
Sanji lowered the brim of his hat, the cigarette in his hand had long since gone out, and a single tear slid down his cheek.
But... I'm so happy.
The voice became lighter, filled with warmth and gratitude.
Thank you all...so far.
I'm really... happy.
With a final thank you, the Going Merry's keel crumbled in the flames, transforming into countless dancing points of light that rose into the sky.
"Merry—!!!"
Luffy looked up to the sky and shouted, tears streaming down his face like a burst dam.
Usopp knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably; it was his final farewell to his closest comrade.
Robin wiped away her tears, looking at her companions, her heart filled with warmth.
This is a group of people who love even a ship so deeply.
Franky, who was standing to the side, was also in tears, crying like a 300-pound child.
"Waaaaah... This is such a... super amazing ship!!!"
Franky played his guitar while crying: "This is what it means for a man to say goodbye!!"
Viktor stood at the very back of the crowd.
The firelight reflected off his face, creating a play of light and shadow.
He watched the ram's head gradually turn to ashes in the flames, and the ship spirit waving goodbye to everyone in the firelight.
Viktor slowly raised his hand, adjusted his glasses, and silently recited in his mind:
Goodbye, Merry.
"Your will, we will bring to Laugh Tale."
"Until then... get some rest."
Just as the Going Merry sank completely into the sea.
Suddenly, a system notification sound, devoid of emotion yet exceptionally pleasant, rang in Viktor's ears—a sound only he could hear.
[bite!]
[Detection indicates the "Ship Spirit" is about to dissipate...]
[The host's involvement is extremely high, and they have a deep bond with the ship.]
[System is automatically collecting data...]
[Collection successful!]
[Congratulations, host: The ship spirit of the Going Merry has been successfully extracted and saved to the "System Space".]
[Note: This spirit is currently in a dormant state. When the host acquires a new high-quality ship, the spirit can be injected into it, allowing it to inherit Merry's will and memories and continue sailing with the host.]
Upon hearing this, Viktor's previously sorrowful gaze suddenly sharpened.
He suddenly looked up at the empty sea.
A relieved smile crept onto Viktor's lips through his tears.
"I see..."
"That's right."
"How can the Straw Hat Pirates' ship be without a soul?173Chapter 174 The Carnival and Lovers' Night in the Water City
Chapter 174 The Carnival and Lovers' Night in the Water City
After the storm, Water City was bathed in long-awaited sunshine.
The "Akula Ragna" that seemed to devour everything finally receded, along with the gloom that had shrouded the water city.
The sky was as blue as the purest gemstone, and the sea breeze gently caressed the winding waterways.
The city erupted in cheers as Carrera's rescue ship carrying the Straw Hat crew slowly entered Dock One.
"They're back! It's those pirates!"
"They actually did it! They came back alive from that hellish Enies Lobby!"
"And they even rescued Mayor Iceberg!!"
Although the world government will soon issue a new arrest warrant.
Although legally they are the most heinous criminals who attacked Enies Lobby.
But in the eyes of the people of Water Seven, these reckless pirates...
He is the hero who defeated the real culprit who assassinated the mayor and saved the city.
Colorful ribbons fluttered in the air, and cheers shook the heavens.
The citizens lined the streets to welcome him, and Blue's shouts echoed throughout the city, plunging the entire Water City into a grand celebration.
...
As night falls, in the backyard of the Carrera company, by the huge outdoor swimming pool.
An unprecedented victory celebration banquet is being held here.
A huge bonfire blazed in the center of the square, illuminating the night sky in a fiery red glow.
Dozens of grills sizzled simultaneously, the aroma of dripping oil and charcoal filling the air and making mouths water.
The center of the banquet was undoubtedly the Straw Hat crew's "bottomless pit" captain.
Luffy is in an amazing state of "sleepwalking eating".
"Meat...meat..."
Luffy had his eyes closed, with a large snot bubble hanging from his nose, clearly fast asleep.
But his hands seemed to have a mind of their own, precisely grabbing the mountain of bone-in meat piled on the plate and mechanically and quickly stuffing it into his mouth.
"Hey! Luffy! That's mine!"
Usopp, who was standing next to him, was about to take the chicken leg from his plate.
Luffy's arm suddenly stretched out, snatched the chicken leg with lightning speed, stuffed it into his mouth, and swallowed it without even chewing it.
"Whew...so good...wow..."
"Is this guy a monster?!" The surrounding boatmen stared in disbelief.
On the other side of the pool, Zoro had taken over the largest barrel of Lang wine.
A group of burly boatmen who had come to challenge his drinking capacity were lying sprawled at his feet.
"Hiccup...Too weak, too weak."
Zoro sat cross-legged beside the barrel, holding a huge goblet in his hand, and drank it all in one gulp.
He banged on the empty bucket, his face flushed, and shouted:
"Hey! Who else?! Is this all the foreman at Carrera can drink?!"
"Out of wine?! Quickly fill my glass!!"
"That green algae-headed guy… he's a real alcoholic…" The survivors around him trembled.
In the open-air kitchen area, Sanji felt like the happiest chef in the world.
"Ah~ beautiful ladies, this piece of meat needs to be slowly roasted over a low flame to lock in the juices~"
With hearts in his eyes, Sanji was teaching a group of shipwright ladies in overalls and with well-defined muscles how to grill meat.
"Sanji is so gentle~"
"It really is! Much better than those lousy men who only know how to swing hammers!"
Hearing the praise, Sanji was so happy he felt like he was about to spin into the sky.
Water splashed everywhere in the pool.
Chopper is in a state of extreme "sugar hyperactivity" because he drank too much of the special sweet juice.
"Ooh ooh ooh! I'm Reindeer Superman!!"
Chopper transformed back into his original reindeer form, allowing Kokoro's granddaughter, Zimney, to ride on his back.
The two ran around the pool like madmen, causing chaos wherever they went.
"Charge! Chopper!!" Zimoni screamed excitedly.
Besides people, the pets also completely let loose.
Rasu, at this moment, was like a real puppy, wagging its tail like a propeller, excitedly chasing after the wrench that Franky threw.
"Go! Rasu!!" Franky threw the wrench in a SUPER pose.
"Woof!" Rasu ran over happily.
However, when it got too excited, its nose suddenly itched.
Achoo!
With a sneeze, it lost control of its Devil Fruit power, and a baseball-sized time bomb flew out of its mouth.
The ball traced a parabola in the air and landed perfectly in the pool next to Zoro.
"boom!!!!"
A huge splash of water shot up three meters high.
Zoro, who was raising his wine glass and shouting "Who else?", was instantly drenched in bathwater, his glass filled with bathwater.
"..."
Zoro wiped the water off his face, veins bulging on his forehead, and silently reached for the hilt of his sword.
Hahahaha!!!
The whole audience burst into laughter, and even the dog that caused the trouble rolled around on the ground.
At the top of the parasol, a black raven stood gracefully.
Clay, this raven looks as haughty as an aristocrat right now.
It even had a delicate little red bow tie tied around its neck.
It was after seeing Hadori, the pigeon on Lucci's shoulder, wearing a tie on Enies Lobby that it developed a strange competitive mentality, and after returning, it kept pestering Nami to make one for it.
"Gah. Foolish humans and dogs."
Clay poked at his bow tie, looking down with satisfaction at the farce unfolding below.
...
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the banquet, in the lounge area a little further away.
Robin sat alone on a deckchair, a glass of red wine in her hand, her black hair swaying gently in the wind.
She didn't join the crowd's revelry, but quietly watched it all.
Watching Luffy's silly grin and everyone's playful antics, a gentle smile unconsciously curved her lips.
Her gaze passed through the bustling crowd and finally settled on a stone pillar.
Victor was leaning against there.
He was also holding a glass of wine in his hand.
He stood there quietly, looking at everyone, a relaxed and satisfied smile on his lips.
The firelight illuminated his profile, softening his usually aloof demeanor.
Robin looked at him, her expression becoming extremely complicated.
It was gratitude, admiration, and an indescribable flutter of emotion.
Scenes from Enies Lobby kept replaying in her mind.
The moment Viktor dragged Spandam's body out of the office and said, "The problem is solved."
Robin felt that the "demon of Ohara," the heavy shackles that had bound her for twenty years, had shattered completely.
For him, it might have just been about killing an enemy for the greater good.
But for Nicole Robin, it was the blow that ended her twenty-year nightmare of being on the run.
It seemed that it had noticed the burning gaze.
Victor turned his head, his gaze piercing through the crowd to meet Robin's eyes.
Seeing Robin staring at him, Victor didn't say anything, but simply smiled and raised his glass in a gesture of acknowledgment.
Robin paused for a moment, then a girlish blush appeared on her mature and intellectual face.
She gently raised her wine glass and lightly clinked it against Victor's.
Her lips moved slightly, and despite the noise, she silently mouthed a sentence:
"Thanks."
Viktor understood, his smile deepened, and he tilted his head back to take a sip of his drink.
Just then.
"These guys are so enthusiastic..."
She was dressed to the nines tonight, with her long, wavy orange hair casually draped over her shoulders.
She was wearing a daring backless evening gown that she bought at a boutique in Water City.
The deep blue silk clung tightly to her graceful figure, making her appear both alluring and dangerous in the firelight.
As soon as she broke free from the entanglement, she looked up and keenly caught the "eye contact" between Robin and Victor.
That tender gratitude, that unspoken understanding.
"Hmm..."
Nami puffed out her cheeks.
Although she knew it was a bond of life-or-death friendship between comrades, and that Robin felt more gratitude towards Victor.
However, her possessiveness as the official girlfriend still stirred a slight sour feeling in her heart.
"Hmph, what a despicable man who exudes charm everywhere."
Nami put down her juice, and in her high heels, she swayed gracefully to Victor's side.
She didn't say anything, but instead reached out and tightly took Viktor's arm.
She clung to him like a lazy kitten, without any hesitation.
The soft touch and the faint scent of citrus perfume instantly enveloped Victor.
"First mate..."
Nami raised her head, her eyes glazed over, a hint of intoxication in them, and a clear sense of coquetry in them:
"Everyone's almost finished drinking... It's so noisy here."
Her voice became soft and seductive as she whispered in his ear:
"Shouldn't we... take a break?"
She emphasized the word "rest" with particular ambiguity.
Viktor looked down at the little thief cat in his arms, whose eyes were gleaming with longing.
"Yes, ma'am."
Victor chuckled softly, set down his wine glass, and casually wrapped his arm around her slender waist, feeling the smoothness of the silk and the warmth of her skin beneath his palm.
"My navigator lady."
The two quietly left the noisy banquet hall.
Following the tranquil waterway, they returned to the most luxurious hotel in the Water City—a presidential suite specially arranged by Iceberg as a token of his gratitude.
"Click".
The door to the penthouse suite had just closed, shutting out all outside noise.
Before Viktor could even turn on the light, Nami had already rushed over eagerly.
She wrapped her arms around Victor's neck, stood on tiptoe, and passionately kissed him with her red lips.
"Hmm..."
Viktor was pushed back two steps by her and leaned against the wall.
Nami's kiss was passionate and moist, carrying the scent of red wine from the banquet.
"Victor…"
Nami murmured his name between breaths, her fingers frantically unbuttoning his clothes.
Viktor's eyes darkened, and he took the initiative.
He scooped up Nami and, with a gasp, tossed her onto the soft, enormous round bed in the center of the room.
Moonlight streamed through the French windows, illuminating Nami's alabaster skin, making her breathtakingly beautiful.
Viktor leaned in, cupped her delicate face in his hands, and gently wiped away the tears that welled up in her eyes with his thumbs.
"Don't cry."
Victor's voice was husky and magnetic:
"It's just the two of us tonight."
"Hmm..." Nami nodded.
With hazy eyes, she looked up at the man above her, wrapped her arms around his neck, and offered her lips to him.
Victor lowered his head, kissed away her tears, and then kissed her lips deeply.
His kisses slid down her lips, across her long neck, her delicate collarbone, and deeper still...
"ah..."
Nami's breathing became rapid, and her body arched into a beautiful arc.
Her hands gripped Viktor's firm back tightly, her nails almost digging into his flesh.
The clothes slipped off one by one and scattered on the carpet.
On this peaceful night, without the smoke of battle, in this romantic water city
Two young, hot bodies were tightly intertwined.
Viktor's movements were gentle yet powerful; each touch seemed to penetrate her very bones, confirming their existence.
Nami's moans were soft and lingering, intertwining with the occasional sound of waves lapping against the shore outside the window, composing a melody unique to lovers174Chapter 175 The Hero's Iron Fist! The Kiss of Dawn
Chapter 175 The Hero's Iron Fist! The Kiss of Dawn
The mornings in the City of Water always carry a unique dampness and freshness.
Blue's occasional barks drifted in from outside the window, waking the city from its recent revelry.
Inside the penthouse suite of the most luxurious hotel in Water City.
The heavy velvet curtains weren't drawn tightly, and a mischievous ray of sunlight slipped in through the gap, landing right on the messy bed.
The pristine white sheets were crumpled into a ball, and the pillow lay to one side.
An ambiguous and blush-inducing atmosphere filled the air, hinting at the enchanting events that had taken place here the previous night.
Viktor slowly opened his eyes, his dark pupils reflecting the faint light of dawn.
His arm was a little numb because a small orange kitten was curled up in his arms.
Nami was still fast asleep.
She nestled into Viktor's arms, one leg casually draped over his waist.
Her long orange hair was scattered on the pillow, with a few stray strands playfully clinging to her fair cheeks, trembling slightly with her even breathing.
A gentle smile unconsciously curved the corners of Viktor's lips.
He reached out and gently brushed the stray hairs from her forehead, revealing her smooth and full forehead.
Seemingly feeling the itch on her face, Nami's eyelashes trembled, and then she groggily opened her eyes.
Those brown eyes still held a hazy mist of sleepiness.
But when I saw that familiar face in front of me, all my confusion instantly turned into happiness.
"Hmm..."
Nami let out a lazy nasal sound, showing no intention of getting up.
Instead, like a child who wanted to stay in bed, she buried herself even deeper into the crook of Viktor's neck and rubbed against him.
Then she leaned in and placed a warm good morning kiss on his chin.
"Good morning..."
Nami extended her finger, her voice soft yet husky:
"My first mate."
Victor took her mischievous little hand in his hand and gently kissed the back of it.
Good morning, Nami.
The morning atmosphere was so beautiful that Victor had no intention of getting up right away.
He flipped over and pinned Nami beneath him.
He placed his hands on either side of her body, looking down at her.
Nami's face flushed instantly, and she playfully pushed Viktor's shoulder:
"I...we did it several times last night...isn't that enough?"
"not enough."
Viktor lowered his head:
"That was last night's payment. This is the morning's interest."
"Hate..."
Although she said that, Nami's body language betrayed her honesty in a cute way.
Her legs wrapped around Victor's waist like vines, and her arms encircled his neck.
A short while later.
The already messy bed began to tremble rhythmically once again.
The suppressed breathing mingled with the sound of water in the early morning, adding a unique touch to this beautiful morning.
After a night of passion.
The two finally got up and changed their clothes.
Standing in front of a huge floor-length mirror.
Nami was standing on tiptoe, carefully adjusting Viktor's shirt collar.
"Thanks."
Viktor lowered his head and kissed her forehead, then turned around very naturally and helped Nami zip up the somewhat tight zipper on her back.
"Phew...it's a little tight." Nami took a breath.
"Have you been eating too many sweets lately?" Victor teased.
"Shut up! It's muscles! Muscles!" Nami turned around and glared at him, then couldn't help but laugh herself.
This unspoken understanding makes them seem like an old married couple who have been together for many years.
After tidying up, Viktor took Nami's hand, their fingers intertwined, and pushed open the door.
...
The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel.
This place has been booked out by the Straw Hat crew.
"Oh, so you've finally decided to come down?"
Zoro was sitting at the table, propping his head up with one hand.
Seeing the two walking down hand in hand, Zoro couldn't help but yawn and roll his eyes.
"Setting off flashbangs so early in the morning, aren't they afraid of blinding people?"
"Oh dear, is the swordsman jealous?"
Robin sat opposite him, holding an elegant glass of red wine.
She smiled as she looked at Viktor and Nami, her eyes filled with a knowing, teasing look:
"Hehehe... Judging from Nami's complexion, she must have slept very well last night, right? Or... didn't sleep much?"
"Sister Robin!!"
Nami's face instantly turned bright red, like a ripe apple. She quickly let go of Viktor's hand, sat down, and grabbed a piece of bread to cover her embarrassment: "Let's eat!"
Victor, however, remained completely unfazed and calmly pulled out a chair and sat down.
Good morning, everyone.
"Early morning my foot! There's almost no meat left!"
Usopp, holding a fork, was engaged in a fierce battle to defend his food with Chopper beside him.
"Ah!! Luffy!! That's my bacon!!"
Chopper yelled in dissatisfaction, tears welling up in his eyes, "Don't eat it all!!"
Just as this cozy yet noisy breakfast time was halfway through.
Sudden.
A huge commotion erupted outside the restaurant.
"Lieutenant General!! Please wait!!"
"That won't work! That's a wall!"
"Lieutenant General! Please use the main entrance! That's a load-bearing wall!!"
"Enough with the nonsense! I can go wherever I want!!"
The old but powerful voice had just fallen.
"BOOM————————!!!!"
A deafening roar shattered the restaurant's tranquility.
No one knocked on the door.
The restaurant's half-meter-thick stone exterior wall was violently blasted apart from the outside in an instant.
Countless pebbles flew like cannonballs, and billowing dust rushed in.
"Enemy attack?!"
Zoro reacted the fastest, instantly drawing three swords with a sharp look in his eyes.
Sanji immediately shielded everyone, flames erupting from his legs.
The smoke and dust cleared.
An old man with white hair and a burly build like a bear strode in, wearing a coat with the word "Justice" on it and a strange dog-head hat.
He ignored Zoro and Sanji, who were standing by in a tense standoff.
Ignoring the pebbles scattered on the ground, he walked straight to the end of the dining table.
There, Luffy was still fast asleep, stuffing a piece of meat into his mouth.
The old man walked up to Luffy and stopped.
He slowly raised his enormous fist, and without any fancy movements, simply smashed it down.
"Bang!!"
A deafeningly loud bang.
Luffy's rubber head was smashed directly into the hard wooden floor by this punch, sending wood chips flying everywhere.
"Ouch!!!"
The next second.
Luffy suddenly woke up and pulled his head out of the floor.
He clutched the rapidly swelling bump on his head with both hands, tears streaming down his face, and let out a heart-wrenching scream:
"It hurts so much!!! It hurts so much!!!"
"What's going on?!"
"Isn't Luffy a rubber man? Ordinary attacks shouldn't have any effect on him! Why is he crying out in pain?!"
"How is this possible..." Nami was also dumbfounded.
Luffy screamed and looked up with teary eyes, trying to see who had ambushed him so early in the morning.
However, when he saw the old man standing in front of him picking his nose...
Luffy's angry expression froze instantly, then turned into extreme terror, his face turning deathly pale.
"Grandpa...Grandpa?!?"
The entire room fell silent.
Everyone was frozen in place, their jaws slamming to the ground.
"Huh?!!"
The gasps of the crowd nearly lifted the roof off:
"Grandpa?! Luffy's grandpa is a Marine?!"
"What kind of family is this?!"
The old man wearing the dog-head hat—
Monkey D. Garp completely ignored everyone's shock.
He picked his nose and said with righteous indignation:
"Because it's the 'iron fist of love,' it's impossible to defend against."
After saying that, Garp glared at Luffy and roared:
"You little rascal! You've caused such a huge mess!"
"You've ruined Enies Lobby! You've completely disgraced me!!"
"But... it was to save Robin!" Luffy tried to explain.
"How dare you talk back!"
Garp raised his fist as if to strike, and Luffy was so frightened that he covered his head and crouched down to defend himself.
After disciplining his grandson, Garp's gaze began to sweep across the restaurant.
His gaze swept over Zoro and Sanji, finally settling on the ever-smiling Viktor.
That look in his eyes.
In that instant, Viktor felt as if he were being watched by an ancient behemoth.
The oppressive feeling, heavy as a mountain, even surpassed the feeling he had when facing Admiral Aokiji.
"oh?"
Garp narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile spreading across his lips:
"Is this the 'Red Lotus' Viktor who's been making headlines lately?"
Karp strode up to Viktor and looked him up and down:
"Although you look harmless... the smell of blood on you is quite strong."
"I heard..."
Karp's voice deepened, carrying a hint of scrutiny:
"So you're the one who chopped off that piece of trash Spandam's head?"
The atmosphere in the restaurant instantly froze.
Nami nervously grabbed Victor's clothes.
Viktor took a deep breath and did not back down.
He met Garp's gaze with neither servility nor arrogance:
"Nice to meet you, Lieutenant General Garp."
"If we hadn't killed him, your grandson… and all of us, would probably have been blasted to smithereens by his Buster Call by now."
"I just did the necessary 'clean-up' work."
Hearing this blunt reply...
Karp was taken aback.
The next second.
"Hahahahahahaha!!!!"
Garp suddenly burst into a hearty laugh, laughing so hard that tears almost streamed down his face.
He slapped Viktor's shoulder hard, almost knocking him into the ground:
"Well said!! That's unique!!"
"That good-for-nothing deserves to die! I've disliked him for a long time!"
"Although Sengoku was furious in his office about this and wanted me to take you all back..."
"But I'm really happy about it! Well done, kid!"
Everyone: "..."
What's wrong with this old man?
What's your stance?
What about the navy's prestige?
After laughing his fill, Garp waved his hand and shouted to the group of dumbfounded Marines outside:
"Hey! You lot! Come in and fix this wall!"
"Yes, Lieutenant General!" The soldiers ran in with long faces to become bricklayers.
Garp casually pulled up a chair, sat down, grabbed the meat from Luffy's plate, and started eating, as if the tense atmosphere from just moments ago had never existed.
"Oh, right, Luffy."
While chewing on a senbei (rice cracker), Garp asked casually, as if suddenly remembering something:
"Did you see your father when you were in Loguetown?"
Luffy, who was rubbing the bump on his head, tilted his head blankly upon hearing this:
"dad?"
"Do I still have a father? Haven't I always only had my grandfather?"
Everyone burst into laughter again: "What kind of monkey sprang from a rock?!"
"Oh, right, you haven't seen him before."
Garp scratched his head, his tone relaxed:
"It's Monkey D. Dragon."
"The leader of that revolutionary army, Dragon, is known by the World Government as the 'world's most vicious criminal'."
"He is your father."
"..."
The restaurant fell into a deathly silence once again.
One second later.
"Eh—!!"
Aside from Luffy still picking his nose, the entire Straw Hat crew was petrified, their eyes bulging out of their sockets and their jaws dislocated.
"The leader of the revolutionary army?!"
"That most vicious criminal?!?"
"Is he Luffy's dad?!?!"
"What kind of monsters are these people?!"
Garp, seeing everyone's reactions, laughed heartily, completely unconcerned.
"Hahaha! It seems I said something terrible! Just pretend I didn't say anything!"
"How could we pretend we didn't say anything?!" Everyone exclaimed in unison.
Viktor, rubbing his forehead, looked at this family of clowns and sighed helplessly.
"Is this... the D clan?"175Chapter 17der of the Revolutionary Army! The Boy's Kick and Shipbuilding Funds
Chapter 176 The Thunder of the Revolutionary Army! The Boy's Kick and Shipbuilding Funds
The mornings in the City of Water should be peaceful and serene.
But at this moment...
"Eh—!!"
"The Revolutionary Army?! That man wanted by the World Government, known as the 'world's most heinous criminal'?!"
"You're kidding, right?!"
The cigarette in Sanji's mouth fell directly into the coffee cup, and he grabbed his hair and screamed in despair.
"That kind of world-shaking figure... is actually Luffy's father?!"
Chopper was so scared his fur stood on end: "The most vicious criminal... Waaah, are we going to get arrested?"
Usopp hid directly behind Zoro, only sticking out his long nose, his voice trembling:
"Hey...is Luffy's dad some kind of big shot? This joke has gone too far!"
"Won't we be implicated and punished?"
Even Robin, who is usually calm, looked a little pale at this moment.
She put down her coffee cup, looked at Luffy who was still picking his nose with a complicated expression, and muttered to herself:
"I see... no wonder."
"No wonder Luffy has that incredible quality, that power that draws people to him."
Robin took a deep breath, calming the shock in his heart:
"Drag... he's the only man who can directly overturn the ideology of the World Government."
"Monkey D. Luffy... This family, is this the 'D clan'? They really are monsters."
Luffy tilted his head, observing everyone's reactions:
"What's wrong, everyone? Is that uncle named Long really that powerful?"
"That's your dad!!" the entire group roared in unison.
Just then, footsteps were heard outside the restaurant.
"Excuse me, Vice Admiral Garp."
Two young naval officers walked in.
One of them had long hair and two katana hanging from his waist; he looked somewhat gloomy.
The other was a tall, upright boy with short pink hair and a cloak of justice.
Although his face still looked childish, his eyes were incredibly resolute.
The pink-haired boy walked up to Garp, then turned to Luffy and Zoro, stood at attention, saluted, and spoke in a loud voice:
"Long time no see! Mr. Luffy! Mr. Zoro!"
Luffy and Zoro were stunned, staring at the two marines for a long time.
Luffy squinted, looking the masked, long-haired man up and down, when suddenly an idea struck him. He pointed at the man and shouted:
"Ah!! I remember now!!"
"You're that kid with the butt chin!!"
"puff!"
The long-haired man—Helmeppo—had veins bulging on his forehead, his defenses instantly crumbling. He removed his mask and roared:
"Who's the butt chin?! I'm Helmeppo!!"
"And why did they only recognize me?! The point is Coby!!"
"Koby?"
Luffy and Zoro looked at the pink-haired boy with a puzzled expression.
The boy shyly removed his headscarf, revealing his signature short pink hair and round-framed glasses.
Although she has grown quite a bit taller, her shy smile remains unchanged:
"It's me, Mr. Luffy. I'm Coby."
"Huh?!?!"
Luffy and Zoro's eyeballs popped out again, their jaws almost smashing through the floor:
"You're that...that short, stout Koby?!"
"How did you grow so tall?! And you're not fat anymore! You're like a completely different person!!"
Zoro was also incredulous: "You're that crybaby from the East Blue? That's quite a change."
Koby scratched his head and smiled sheepishly:
"Hehe... Training under Vice Admiral Garp was tough, but I did grow a lot."
At this point, Koby's eyes suddenly sharpened.
He looked at Luffy, took a deep breath, and his tone carried a hint of pleading and fighting spirit:
"Um… Mr. Luffy."
"It may be presumptuous of me, but could you... perhaps have a friendly spar with me?"
"I want to show you the results of my spiritual practice during this time!"
...
A few minutes later, in the courtyard of Carrera headquarters.
The Straw Hat crew and the Marines formed a circle, with Luffy and Coby standing opposite each other in the open space in the middle.
"Bring it on, Koby."
Luffy adjusted his straw hat, a relaxed smile on his face.
"Yes! Then I won't stand on ceremony!"
Koby took a deep breath, and his leg muscles tensed instantly.
"call..."
The next second, he stomped his feet on the ground with a speed as fast as a pile driver.
"shave!"
Whoosh!
Koby's figure vanished from the spot in an instant.
"Disappeared?!"
Nami and Chopper, who were watching, exclaimed in surprise: "So fast! It's impossible to see with the naked eye!"
This speed is exactly the same as the CP9 we encountered before.
"They're behind us!" Zoro's eyes narrowed.
Almost at the same time, Coby appeared in mid-air behind Luffy.
His right leg rose high like a battle axe, whistling through the air, and kicked hard at Luffy's shoulder.
"Got it!" Koby thought to himself.
However.
Luffy didn't even turn around; his relaxed smile remained on his face.
Just as Coby's toe was about to touch Luffy's shoulder, Luffy's body tilted slightly to the side.
"call--"
The powerful kick grazed Luffy's red vest and landed on empty air.
"What…?!" Koby's pupils contracted.
Before he could change his move, a hand shot out like lightning and firmly grabbed his ankle.
"Too slow, Koby."
Luffy chuckled and flicked his arm lightly.
"Whoa!!"
Coby felt like a rag doll, effortlessly tossed aside by Luffy.
He did several somersaults in the air, barely adjusting his posture using the "Moonwalk" technique, and launched another attack after landing.
"It's not over yet!!"
Coby gritted his teeth, his figure once again blurring into afterimages as he unleashed a furious barrage of attacks on Luffy.
Shave, finger gun, storm kick...
Although I'm not an expert yet, I'm already showing some promise.
However, Luffy acted as if he were playing with the neighborhood kid.
He didn't even use his Devil Fruit powers, relying solely on his physical skills and the intuition honed through countless life-or-death battles to maneuver and dodge within a small space.
After more than ten rounds.
"Ha ha..."
Koby was panting heavily and covered in sweat; his movements finally slowed down.
"Is it still... not working...?"
Just as he was about to launch his final attack, a hand suddenly reached out and pressed down on his head.
"Bang."
Luffy laughed and rubbed Coby on the ground a couple of times, just like before:
"Hahaha! You've gotten stronger, Coby!"
"If it were before, you would have been crying by now!"
Koby was stunned, and then his eyes reddened.
He wiped the dust off his face, got up from the ground, and stood up straight.
He looked at the still strong and optimistic man in front of him, his eyes glistening with tears.
"Mr. Luffy..."
Koby clenched his fist and shouted:
"I know I'm still far from perfect... but!"
"I will become stronger! I will work my hardest!!"
"One day...one day, I will become a Marine Admiral!!!"
"Then... I'll capture you myself on the high seas!!!"
This vow resounded throughout the courtyard.
"hiss--"
The surrounding naval soldiers turned pale with fright.
He actually said he wanted to arrest Garp's grandson in front of him?
And the target is a general?
However, Luffy was not angry.
He adjusted his straw hat, looked at Koby, and flashed his signature confident smile:
"Okay! I'll be waiting!"
"If you want to catch me, then go ahead and try!"
"But I won't get caught... because I'll become the Pirate King!!!"
"Hahahahahahaha!!!!"
Garp, who had been sitting on the side eating senbei and watching the show, suddenly burst into laughter.
"What are they all talking about in their sleep!"
Garp walked over, and with a wave of his hand, almost shoved Koby into the ground:
"Want to be the Pirate King? Want to be an Admiral? You're a hundred years too early."
"Coby! Go back and double your training!!"
Although he said that, Garp couldn't hide the satisfaction in his eyes.
Finally, Garp said that since Luffy is his grandson, he would let it go this time.
He not only let the Straw Hat crew go, but also very "responsibly" led his subordinates away.
He went to repair the wall that he had just damaged.
"Phew... They're finally gone."
Nami slumped in her chair: "There's not a single normal person in this family."
She decided that after she and Victor had children, education would be their top priority!
The crisis is over.
Luffy immediately reverted to his true nature, frantically banging the bowl with his knife and fork:
"Meat! Meat!! I want meat!! Bring out all the meat we didn't finish earlier!!"
Just as everyone was getting back into the boisterous atmosphere of the banquet, celebrating their survival.
No one noticed that Viktor quietly left the crowd.
He was carrying several heavy, large black suitcases, which represented all their wealth.
Victor glanced at the bustling restaurant, then turned and walked towards the backstreets of Water City.
Frankie's House.
Although it had been mostly dismantled by the Straw Hat crew and Carrera's foreman.
But Franky is a top-notch craftsman, and he has almost finished repairing it in the past few days.
"Crunch."
Victor pushed open the door and entered.
Inside the room, Franky was hunched over a table covered with blueprints, scribbling and drawing with a pen in his hand and a nail dangling from his mouth.
Seeing Victor enter, Franky looked up and adjusted his sunglasses:
"Hey, red-eyed lad. Aren't you going to the banquet?"
Victor didn't waste any words.
He walked straight to the huge drawing table and threw the heavy suitcases onto the drawings.
"Bang! Bang!"
The dull thud made the table shake.
"What is this?" Franky was taken aback.
Victor reached out and unlocked the box, then lifted the lid.
"Splash—"
The golden light and the reflection of the green banknotes instantly illuminated the somewhat dim room.
There were neatly arranged Pelepes, and several high-purity gold bricks brought down from the Sky Island.
"ha?!"
The nail fell out of Franky's mouth, his sunglasses slipped down to the tip of his nose, and he stared dumbfounded at the table full of money:
"How...how much is this?!"
"500 million Berries".
Viktor pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a deep drag.
Then he leaned against the doorframe, looking at Franky through the swirling smoke:
"This contains all our savings."
"What do you mean by this, buddy?" Franky frowned.
"If it's for compensation for the house and my employees' medical expenses, this is too much."
"That counts as part of it, mainly the shipbuilding commission fee."
Victor walked up to Franky and placed his hand on the pile of money:
"Frankie."
"I know you have that thing... the strongest wood in the world—"
"The Treasure Tree Adam".
Franky's pupils constricted sharply: "How did you know...?"
"I'm an intelligence agent, don't ask why."
Viktor interrupted him, his dark eyes seeming to see right through people:
"I want you to buy that tree."
"Five hundred million Berries, using the finest materials, the most outrageous designs, plus your revolutionary modification techniques."
Viktor turned his head and looked out the window at the vast sea:
"For my captain... no, for the future Pirate King."
"Build a dream ship that can cross ten thousand waves, ignore any storm, and reach the ends of the earth, Laugh Tale."
Silence fell over the room.
Franky looked at the boxes of money, then at Victor's eyes, which were filled with ambition and trust.
a long time.
"Oh..."
Franky suddenly laughed.
He pushed his sunglasses back into place, and his blue pompadour seemed to stand even taller.
"This is truly... an impossible request to refuse."
"Five hundred million Berries...that's just enough to buy that tree."
Franky slammed his hand on the table, sending the banknotes flying.
"Listen up, you bespectacled guy!"
"Since you have such good taste, then I, the great one, will take this order!!"
"I will build a super battleship that will terrify the entire world!!"
"Just you wait and see!! SUPER————!!!!"
Seeing Franky's fiery expression, Victor's lips curled up slightly.
"Ah, I'll wait."
"Don't keep us waiting too long, shipwright