151Chapter 152 The Thawing Morning and the Steel Beast at Sea
Chapter 152 The Thawing Morning and the Steel Beast at Sea
The morning sun shines on the azure sea, making it sparkle.
It felt as if yesterday's almost soul-freezing cold was just a nightmare.
The Going Merry sailed slowly on the sea with the gentle breeze, its sails billowing and making a soft rustling sound.
However, in stark contrast to the bright weather, the atmosphere on the ship was eerily quiet.
Although everyone's bodies had thawed thanks to the warm water and Chopper's first aid, their body temperatures were gradually rising.
But that's a Marine Admiral.
It is a fighting force that stands at the top of this world.
In just a moment, these four main forces were easily killed.
This enormous gap in strength plunged the usually optimistic Straw Hat Pirates into an unprecedentedly low mood.
on deck.
Luffy sat in his favorite VIP seat—atop a ram's head.
But instead of gazing out to sea in search of adventure as usual, he hugged his knees, lowered his head, and stared blankly at the waves below.
Zoro's eyes were vacant, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Sanji is chopping vegetables in the kitchen.
But the rhythmic sound of chopping vegetables sounded somewhat chaotic today, punctuated by occasional sighs of frustration.
In a corner of the deck, Robin was curled up in a chair, holding a book in his hand.
Although her gaze was fixed on the pages of the book, it hadn't been turned for half an hour.
"Aokiji..."
That man's name was like a Damocles' sword hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment and sever her hard-won, fleeting happiness.
In this suffocating silence.
"Bang!"
The silence was broken by the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.
Viktor, pale-faced, placed the two enormous wooden crates heavily in the center of the deck.
Those were the spoils they won on Long Chain Island, as well as precious ingredients and fine wines they brought down from Sky Island.
"call..."
Viktor took a deep breath and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"Victor?" Nami walked over worriedly. "Aren't you going to lie down for a while longer? Chopper said your internal organs are the most severely affected by the cold…"
"I've been lying down for too long, my bones are going to rust."
Viktor waved his hand.
His gaze swept over the dejected crowd, and a reassuring smile suddenly appeared on his lips:
Why are you all looking so dejected?
"Are we going to have a funeral? Or do you think you're already dead?"
Victor walked over and kicked open the barrel lid, instantly filling the deck with a rich aroma of wine.
"Listen up, everyone."
Victor picked up a glass and poured it to the brim:
"We are facing the 'world's strongest fighting force,' the Marine Admiral who strikes fear into the hearts of countless great pirates."
"But look at us now! We're still alive! We're all right, and the ship didn't sink!"
Victor raised his glass, his gaze intense:
"In the new world, being able to survive against those monsters is a feat worth boasting about for a lifetime!"
"Since we're still alive, we should celebrate! For our incredible luck, for that damn good fortune!"
"Come on! Let's drink! Let's eat meat!"
Viktor's words were like a ray of sunshine, tearing away the gloom that had shrouded everyone's hearts.
Yes, they're still alive.
As long as you're alive, there's always a chance to turn things around.
"That's right…" Zoro's confusion faded, and he walked over and picked up a large bottle of wine.
"Next time... I'll definitely chop him up."
"I want to eat meat!!!"
Luffy seemed to wake up suddenly, and his stomach rumbled loudly in response.
He jumped off the sheep's head, grabbed a large piece of meat with the bone, and took a big bite: "Victor was right! We're still alive!!"
"Since we're alive, we have to eat!" Sanji also came out carrying a steaming dish. "This is a special warming soup."
Although the atmosphere has not fully returned to its former bustling state, the ice of despair is gradually melting away.
Viktor breathed a sigh of relief as he watched his companions come back to life.
He picked up two steaming cups of coffee and turned to walk towards the figure still hiding in the corner.
"Give."
Victor handed the coffee to Robin.
Robin looked up at Victor with a complicated expression, but did not reach out to take it.
"Victor…"
Robin's voice was hoarse, filled with deep self-reproach:
"I shouldn't have stayed on the ship… As long as I'm here, enemies of the admiral level will keep coming to me."
"You got lucky this time, but what about next time? You'll be killed by me..."
"Who knows about things like that?"
Victor shoved the coffee into her hand, forcing her to hold the warm cup.
Then, he turned and leaned against the railing, gazing at the boundless sea, letting the sea breeze tousle his black hair.
Don't overthink it.
Victor reached out and gently patted Robin on the shoulder.
"Even if the sky falls, Luffy will be there to hold it up. If he can't hold it up... he will."
"Enjoy your coffee, I added sugar on purpose."
Robin held the warm cup, looking at Victor's profile, and the chill in his heart finally dissipated a little.
She lowered her head, took a small sip of coffee, and a very faint, bitter smile appeared on her lips:
"...It's so sweet."
Just then.
"Croak—!!!"
A loud and strange cry came from the sea ahead.
Everyone was startled and ran to the bow of the boat. Instantly, everyone's eyes turned into beady ones.
Right in front of the Going Merry was a frog as big as a small mountain.
It was swimming sideways in the sea with an extremely standard freestyle swimming style, blocking the way.
"A green...frog swimming freestyle in the sea?!"
Usopp's jaw nearly dropped: "And it's huge! Is it a Sea King?"
"It looks delicious!" Luffy wiped his drool.
Before anyone could figure out what the giant frog was up to, suddenly—
"Waaaaaahh...
A deafening blast of a ship's horn, like the roar of a monster, echoed throughout the entire sea.
"Rumble rumble rumble..."
The sea began to tremble, and white waves surged.
To everyone's astonishment, two parallel railway tracks were laid out on the sea, stretching all the way to the horizon.
At that moment, a colossal steel behemoth, billowing white smoke and entirely black, roared toward them along that incredible sea railway!
That was a... train?!
"It's a lie, right?!"
Chopper clutched his head and screamed, "A train is running on the sea?!?"
The Sea Train – "Smoking Tom"!
The steel-cast locomotive cleaved through the waves, its massive smokestacks billowing white smoke as it sped past the Merry at an astonishing speed.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
The immense wind pressure caused the Merry to shake violently.
However, Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp, who were initially feeling down, perked up the moment they saw the train.
All thoughts of generals and fears were cast to the winds.
The three people's eyes instantly turned into sparkling stars, and their mouths opened to their maximum:
"So cool—!!!!!"
"Give me a break!!! It's the Sea Train!!!"
"It runs on the water! So cool!!"
Luffy was so excited that he climbed up the mast and pointed in the direction the train had gone, shouting, "We're going to chase that! I want to ride that one!"
Seeing the trio of idiots instantly revived, Victor shook his head helplessly, but the smile in his eyes deepened.
This is how the Straw Hat crew should be.
...
Following the direction of the sea train, the Merry soon arrived at a station standing alone on the sea – "Silft Station".
Here, they met the stationmaster of the sea train.
She was an extremely... "bold"-looking mother-in-law.
She had a monstrous physique, always carried a bottle of wine, was drunk, and had a shrill laugh like a witch.
Grandma Kokoro.
And her granddaughter, Zimoni, who always had a rabbit named Kumbbe with her.
"Gah gah gah gah! Are you pirates who just arrived here?"
Grandma Kokoro's face turned bright red, and she let out a burp:
"Want to go to Water Seven? You'd better be careful. Inexperienced ships can easily get swept away by the currents there."
Viktor then stepped forward.
He took out a bottle of his treasured vintage wine from the box containing specialties from the Sky Island.
"Nice to meet you, beautiful Ms. Kokoro."
Victor ignored the expressions on everyone's faces that seemed to want to express their disapproval and gently placed the bottle on the table:
"This is a small gift to mark our meeting."
"We're not very familiar with this area. Could you please give us some directions, and perhaps... a letter of introduction?"
"oh?"
Grandma Kokoro twitched her nose and smelled the rich aroma of wine emanating from the bottle.
Her seemingly cloudy eyes lit up instantly.
"Hehehe! Little brother, you're so sensible!"
Grandma Kokoro grabbed the bottle, uncorked it, took a sniff, and a look of ecstasy appeared on her face:
"Fine wine! This is made using techniques from hundreds of years ago, isn't it? It's a truly rare find!"
He who takes a bribe is bound to do his bidding; he who eats another's food is obligated to do his bidding.
Grandma Kokoro, in a great mood, immediately became exceptionally enthusiastic.
She not only provided a nautical chart to Water Seven, but also guided people to avoid dangerous eddies.
He also wrote a letter of introduction to the road sign of the Water City—that is, Mayor Espargo.
"Take this and go find that kid named Espagu. He's the mayor there and also the best shipwright."
As it was leaving, the Merry slowly pulled away from the station.
Grandma Kokoro stood on the platform, waving the bottle of wine in her hand.
"Hey, guys."
"But be careful..."
She pointed to the distant, faintly visible water city:
"The City of Seven Waters...that's a complicated city. On the surface it's all water, but underneath there's a lot of filthy mud that's hard to find."
"Don't get caught in that huge whirlpool..."
As the Merry sailed away.
The legendary city known as the "City of Water" has finally revealed its true face on the horizon.
A huge fountain stands like a crown atop the city, with countless waterways crisscrossing the area.
We've arrived in Water City.#152Chapter 153 Water Seven! The Battle of 500 Million Berries
Chapter 153 Water Seven! The Battle of 500 Million Berries
Passing through the massive "Akula Laguna" warning buoy.
The Merry, following the ocean currents, finally slowly sailed into the legendary floating city—the Water Seven.
The sight before them made everyone hold their breath.
This is a miraculous city built entirely on the sea.
A massive fountain erupts from the top of the city, nourishing the entire city like a crown.
Countless waterways crisscross, replacing streets, and stone buildings of various styles are stacked one on top of another.
"Wow, that's amazing! The city is spraying water!" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he leaned over the bow of the ship.
To make it easier to move around in this labyrinthine water city, and also to feel more like a tourist.
The Straw Hat crew rented a unique mode of transportation here called "Blue".
These watercrafts, with their seahorse-like faces and gentle nature, have become a new favorite among many.
As a "couple," Viktor and Nami naturally rode together on one.
"We need to go to the biggest shipyard and exchange money!"
Nami sat on Blue's soft back seat, directing Blue to move forward.
Small boats glide through shimmering waterways, flanked by a dazzling array of shops and bustling markets.
"Victor! Look at that! What a beautiful mask!"
Wow! This grilled pork looks delicious!
Nami was as excited as a little girl who had just arrived in the city, pointing and gesturing all the way.
Victor sat behind her, one hand casually resting on her waist to protect her, patiently responding to her every exclamation.
"Stop!"
As they passed a bustling commercial street, Nami suddenly signaled Blue to come ashore.
It was an extremely upscale boutique clothing store.
A light blue off-the-shoulder dress hanging in the shop window caught her eye.
The two entered the store.
Nami held up the dress in front of the mirror. The perfectly tailored fabric accentuated her snow-white skin, and her orange hair made her look even more vibrant.
"This young lady has excellent taste. This is our latest style, made with waterproof silk unique to the Water City..." the sales assistant enthusiastically promoted.
Nami glanced at the price tag and her brows furrowed instantly.
"So expensive? Boss, can you make it cheaper? How about a 50% discount? Otherwise I'll..."
Just as Nami was about to unleash her "bargaining skills".
"wrap up."
"Victor said with a smile."
"Huh?" Nami was stunned and turned to look at Viktor:
"Victor! What are you doing? I could have cut it down! It would have saved me at least tens of thousands of Berries!"
Victor reached out and tucked a stray hair behind her ear, smiling as he said:
"Don't skimp on this little bit of money. Don't forget what we're carrying in our bags."
"We'll be making hundreds of millions of peles soon. Consider this a small gift for our future rich wife."
Upon hearing the words "hundreds of millions of Berries" and "rich woman," Nami's eyes instantly turned into hearts.
"That's right! We'll be billionaires soon!"
Nami happily jumped into Viktor's arms, ignoring the shop assistants nearby, and gave him a big kiss on the cheek:
"I love you the most! First mate!"
The sales assistant blushed as she packed the clothes, thinking to herself how extravagant and sweet this couple was.
But this is just the beginning.
Stepping out of the clothing store, Nami's shopping desire was completely ignited.
She pulled Victor into a lingerie shop with a somewhat ambiguous atmosphere.
Most of the customers around were women, and they all gave Viktor, a grown man, strange looks when he came in.
Viktor felt somewhat uncomfortable and was about to wait at the door when Nami forcefully pulled him inside.
"What are you afraid of? We've been together for so long."
After passing through the Sky Island, their relationship had long since broken through the final barrier, and they were truly as intimate as an old married couple.
Nami stood in front of rows of daringly designed lingerie, not at all shy, but instead picking them out with great interest.
"Hey, Victor."
Nami picked up a black nightgown that was almost entirely made of lace and was completely transparent, and looked at Viktor with a seductive gaze:
"What do you think of this? Or..."
She picked up another style: "Do you prefer this wilder one?"
Now it was Viktor's turn to blush.
He coughed, his gaze somewhat unfocused.
"Um... everything's fine."
"You're just being perfunctory!" Nami pouted in dissatisfaction, leaned closer to him, and breathed softly, "You have to choose one. Tonight... I'll wear it for you."
Viktor felt a heat rise to his nose, and to avoid losing his composure, he could only point casually to the black garment:
"Then...the black one, I'll go with that."
"Hmph, as expected, men all like this kind of thing."
Nami gave a mischievous grin, but still obediently let the shop assistant wrap up the black item.
...
After a shopping spree, the two, now completely refreshed, met up with Luffy in the central square.
Luffy was holding Clay, his mouth stuffed with meat, and carrying that heavy golden bag on his back.
"Oh! Nami! Victor! You guys are so slow!" Luffy mumbled.
"Alright, let's get down to business."
Victor straightened his collar: "Go to the gold exchange. Remember, Luffy, don't say anything out of line later, leave everything to me."
"oh!"
The three arrived at the largest gold exchange in Water City.
This place is magnificent and heavily guarded; it's clearly a venue for large-scale transactions.
A sharp-eyed appraiser received them.
Looking at the three ridiculously young pirates in front of him, a flash of greed crossed the appraiser's eyes.
He slowly examined the gold artifacts, sometimes frowning, sometimes shaking his head.
"Oh dear... although this gold is very pure, it still has quite a few impurities."
The appraiser put down the magnifying glass and sighed, feigning difficulty:
"Moreover, these designs are too ancient, and melting them down and recasting them would require very high labor costs. Plus, gold prices are currently low..."
He held up one finger and announced a number:
"I'll give you 100 million Berries in total. This is already a very reasonable price considering you're newcomers."
"100 million?!"
Luffy tilted his head and started counting on his fingers: "How much meat is that?"
"Are you kidding me?!"
Nami instantly bristled, slamming her hands heavily on the counter and roaring:
"Are you taking us for fools?! This gold weighs at least several hundred pounds! Just by weight alone, it's worth more than this!!"
"Hmph, little girl, this is my territory, and this is the price."
The appraiser sneered smugly, "If you're not going to sell, take this pile of junk and get out of here."
"Don't worry, Nami."
Viktor smiled and stepped forward, shielding Nami behind him.
However, the next second...
"Do!!"
A muffled thud.
A sharp black dagger was thrust into the mahogany counter in front of the appraiser like lightning.
The blade pierced deep into the wood, coming within millimeters of the appraiser's finger.
The appraiser was so frightened that he jumped up, his back instantly soaked with cold sweat.
"Boss, doing business is all about integrity."
Viktor maintained his smile, but his eyes held a chilling aura that sent shivers down one's spine.
He slowly drew his dagger and gently tapped it on the priceless golden candlestick, producing a crisp sound.
"Look closely. These are not just gold; they are relics from the Shandora civilization 400 years ago."
"Both in terms of purity and archaeological value, it is world-class."
Viktor leaned closer to the appraiser and lowered his voice:
"You dare to mess with pirates? We can kill you right now and tear this shop down, you believe me?"
"I...I understand!!"
The appraiser wiped his sweat, trembling, no longer daring to harbor any ulterior motives.
"Yes... I misjudged them! These are top-quality! Top-quality!!"
"300 million Berries... No! Plus the 200 million Berries for collectible value! That's a total of 500 million Berries!!"
"make a deal."
Viktor instantly sheathed his dagger, the murderous intent on his face vanished without a trace, and he returned to being the gentle first mate.
...
A few minutes later.
Nami hugged the three suitcases full of banknotes tightly, her eyes gleaming with happiness as she looked at the stacks of brand-new Berries inside.
"5...500 million..."
"I'm going to faint... Viktor, catch me..."
Nami slumped softly into Viktor's arms, a dreamy smile on her face.
Viktor shook his head helplessly, carrying the other two boxes in one hand and putting his arm around Nami with the other: "Alright, you little money-grubber, let's save the money first before we go to repair the ship."
...
The scene shifts back to the coast of Destroyer Ship Island.
Compared to the bustling city, the Going Merry stood alone here, appearing particularly desolate.
Usopp, who stayed behind, was using a hammer and planks to try to repair the shocking cracks in the ship's hull.
"It's cracked here...and there..."
Usopp stared at the deep crack in the dragon bone, but he couldn't bring himself to strike it with his hammer.
For some reason, looking at this battered ship...
The image of his helplessness when facing Aokiji on Long Chain Island flashed through his mind.
"Everyone has become so strong... Luffy, Zoro, Sanji... even Nami has received special training from Victor..."
"just me..."
A deep sense of inferiority surged into his heart like a tidal wave, overwhelming him.
Rasu sensed its master's sorrow and whimpered as it nudged his legs.
"Merry...are you tired too? Do you also feel like you can't keep up with everyone?"
Usopp stroked the hull of the ship, muttering to himself.
Just then.
In the shadows of the ruins not far away, several pairs of greedy eyes were staring intently at the seemingly unsuspecting pirate ship.
"Is that the Straw Hat Pirates' ship?"
"Hehehe...that long-nosed guy looks weak. Brothers, get ready to make a move."
The Franky family thugs were sharpening their knives, ready to strike at Usopp who was alone.
...
Meanwhile, on the streets of Water City.
Viktor, carrying a box of money, was walking towards the shipyard with Luffy and Nami, chatting and laughing.
Sudden.
Viktor abruptly stopped in his tracks.
"Um?"
Viktor turned around abruptly, his gaze sweeping across the bustling crowd behind him like lightning.
However, there were only tourists and locals coming and going.
But through the gaps in the crowd, Viktor still managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of a tall figure—
The man was wearing a strange blue costume, and appeared to be wearing a bull's head mask with two horns.
The figure vanished incredibly quickly, as if it had never existed.
"What's wrong, Viktor?" Nami asked, puzzled.
Viktor stared in that direction for two seconds, then turned his head away nonchalantly, but a hint of seriousness flashed deep in his eyes.
"It's nothing, I probably just misread it."
An alarm bell rang in Viktor's mind.
"CP9... It seems the operation has already begun."153Chapter 154 Carrera Corporation! The Going Merry Sentenced to Death
Chapter 154 Carrera Corporation! The Going Merry Sentenced to Death
Dock No. 1 in Water Seven.
This is the heart of the entire Water City and the pinnacle of shipbuilding technology in the world.
Countless muscular craftsmen toiled on the scaffolding, sweating profusely.
"Wow, amazing! Everyone here looks so strong!" Luffy looked up at the huge, unfinished ships, his eyes sparkling.
In order to repair the Going Merry as soon as possible, the Straw Hat crew came directly to this place.
"Oh, are you the guests who came to have your boat repaired earlier?"
A young craftsman wearing a white baseball cap and with a distinctive rectangular nose jumped down from a height.
His expression was very easygoing, and he was holding a saw in his hand.
Kaku, one of the five foremen at Carrera.
"I am Kaku, and I'm in charge of inspecting your ship. Since it's an 'assessment,' I need to go to the site to take a look."
The next second, to everyone's astonishment, he did not walk towards the door, but instead leaped into the air, jumping towards a high-rise building hundreds of meters away.
"Whoa! We've fallen!" Luffy exclaimed.
However, Kaku's figure was like a light bird, leaping and darting at high speed among the intricate rooftops of the city.
Each step felt incredibly light, as if unbound by gravity.
"This jumping power..."
Viktor thought to himself, "Moonwalk, huh? No wonder he's a CP9 agent. It's a waste of his talent to be a carpenter in a place like this."
Just then.
"Coo coo".
The cooing of pigeons drew everyone's attention.
A tall man in a black suit, with a pigeon wearing a tie perched on his shoulder, was silently watching them.
He also carried a saw, but his demeanor was completely out of place with the bustling craftsmen around him, making him appear particularly cold and gloomy.
Rob Lucci, one of the five foremen.
"Who's that guy? He has a pigeon on his shoulder!" Luffy asked curiously as he approached.
The pigeon suddenly spoke, its voice high-pitched:
"I am Hadori! He is Lucci! What are you pirates doing here? Goo goo!"
"Wow! The pigeon is talking!" Luffy exclaimed in surprise.
At that moment, Clay, the raven that had been perched on Viktor's shoulder, seemed to understand something.
It flew up and cawed twice, seemingly communicating with the pigeon.
"What? Clay, you're saying this pigeon is a ventriloquist? Actually, it's that guy talking?" Luffy looked shocked.
Amidst the commotion, Victor did not laugh.
His gaze passed over Luffy and fixed intently on the silent Rob Lucci.
Under the shadow of that top hat, Lucci was also looking at Victor.
Their eyes met in mid-air.
...
A moment later, in the president's office of Carrera Corporation.
The group finally met the legendary figure of the Water City, Mayor and President of Carrera—Espagu.
This is a charming man wearing a striped suit, with a little mouse named "Tyrannosaurus" perched on his shoulder.
"Repairing the ship?" Esbagu looked at the group of energetic young people in front of him, seemingly in a good mood.
"Carrera can repair any ship in the world, as long as you can afford it."
Money is not a problem!
Nami slammed the three heavy suitcases heavily on the table with great enthusiasm and opened the clasp.
"Splash—"
The cash, totaling 300 million pegories, was piled up like a small mountain.
"This is 300 million Berries!" Nami said, hands on her hips, her face radiating the confidence of a wealthy woman.
"Please use the best materials and the best craftsmen to repair our Merry! Reinforce it! Decorate it!"
"Wow! What a grand gesture!" The surrounding craftsmen whistled.
Aisbagu was amused by this hearty attitude: "In that case, then we shall..."
Just then, the office door was pushed open.
Kaku, who had returned, walked in, followed by a pale-faced Usopp.
"How is it, Kaku?" Esbagu asked.
Kaku took off his hat, holding a detailed medical report in his hand.
He glanced at Luffy and Nami, whose faces were full of anticipation, and finally shook his head gently and sighed.
"..."
Aisbag took the report and quickly glanced through it.
As his gaze shifted downwards, his relaxed expression gradually disappeared.
He put down the report, looked up, and stared directly into Luffy's eyes:
"I'm sorry, Straw Hat Luffy."
"This ship... is beyond saving."
These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the office.
Luffy's smile instantly froze.
"Huh?...What are you talking about, old man?" Luffy blinked, as if he didn't understand. "Hopeless? What do you mean?"
"How is that possible!" Nami rushed forward. "We have money! Three hundred million Berries isn't enough? Five hundred million will do!"
"All we need to do is fix the keel! Even replacing a few planks would be fine!"
"It's not about the money, miss."
Espagu stood up, his voice icy cold and devoid of any warmth:
"The keel is the spine of a ship. It runs from bow to stern and supports the entire structure of the ship."
"Once the keel breaks, the ship is 'dead'."
He pointed to the data in the report:
"This Merry... its keel is completely broken."
"The fact that it was able to carry you back from the Sky Island and even reach Water Seven is itself an inexplicable miracle in the history of shipbuilding."
"However, miracles have their limits."
"If it is forced to go out to sea, it will disintegrate on the surface of the sea during the next storm or even the next turn."
"At that time, it will take all of you... down to the bottom of the sea."
"No way!!"
Luffy slammed his fist on the table and argued loudly, "The Going Merry is strong! It won't sink! You're a quack! We need to find another shipwright!"
"Luffy!"
A hand was placed on Luffy's shoulder, stopping his rampage.
Viktor walked up. His face was also very pale.
He looked at Esbagu, with a last glimmer of hope:
"Is there really... absolutely no way?"
"Even if... even if it's the legendary 'Adam Tree'? Even if it means dismantling and rebuilding the entire ship? As long as it can be saved..."
"I am a shipwright."
Espagu interrupted Viktor:
"I would never lie about the life or death of a ship; that would be an insult to the craft of shipbuilding."
Espargo pointed to the sea outside the window:
"A ship is a pirate's home, and also their life. To keep a ship that has already been'sentenced to death' and is on the verge of falling apart at any moment..."
"This is not gentleness, this is irresponsibility towards the lives of your crew members."
Do you want to watch your companions perish at sea because of your indecisiveness?
boom.
These words shattered Viktor's last shred of hope.
Reason told him that Espagu was right.
As the first mate, he was responsible for the lives of everyone on board.
The Going Merry has already fulfilled its mission; forcibly extending its life would only lead to tragedy.
"Are you kidding me?!"
A heart-wrenching roar erupted.
Usopp, who had been standing trembling in the corner, suddenly charged forward like an enraged lion.
"The Going Merry is our partner!!"
Usopp's eyes were red and swollen, tears welling up in his eyes, but he stubbornly refused to let them fall.
"It took us to so many places...it worked so hard...how can we just throw it away like trash because it's old and broken?!"
His reaction was unusually intense, far exceeding what is usually expected.
Because at that moment, he saw more than just the Going Merry.
He saw himself as someone who was powerless against the general on Long Chain Island.
I saw myself in that way—someone who couldn't even repair a ship properly and could only hold others back.
If it's "broken", it will be "discarded".
So... will there come a day when I'll be left behind because I can't keep up with everyone else?
This deep-seated fear and inferiority complex erupted completely at this moment, transforming into an attack on the shipwright.
"The world's greatest shipwright... it's all a lie!"
Usopp snatched the money box Nami had placed on the table and hugged it tightly to his chest:
"In the end, you're just lazy! You're just not skilled enough! A bunch of second-rate craftsmen!!"
"Usopp!" Luffy shouted.
"I won't listen!!"
Usopp stepped back, his eyes filled with disappointment and despair:
"I will not abandon the Going Merry... never!"
"Since you won't fix it... I'll fix it myself!!"
After saying that, Usopp, carrying the heavy money box, rushed out of the president's office without looking back and disappeared at the end of the corridor.
"Usopp!!" Nami wanted to chase after him.
"Stop chasing."
Espagu sat back down in his chair coldly: "Let him calm down. Facts are facts."
A deathly silence fell over the office.
Luffy lowered his head, his face hidden by his straw hat.
Nami covered her mouth, tears silently streaming down her face.
Viktor looked in the direction Usopp had left, a deep sense of powerlessness welling up inside him.154Chapter 155 The Ambush Cut Off! The Weight of Two Hundred Million Berries
Chapter 155 The Ambush Cut Off! The Weight of Two Hundred Million Berries
Water City, Dock Number One.
The enormous crane moved slowly overhead, the roar of gears meshing and the hiss of steam billowing out intertwining to create an industrial symphony.
This is a sacred place for shipbuilding craftsmen, where every plank and every rivet exudes the aura of world-class craftsmanship.
The somber atmosphere that had just been dampened by the "death sentence" handed down to the Going Merry seemed to have been slightly dispelled by this lively scene.
"Wow!! That's amazing! Is that giant saw automatic?!"
Luffy leaned on the railing, watching a giant galleon being assembled below, his eyes lighting up again.
His naive nature makes him easily attracted to novel things, allowing him to temporarily forget his troubles.
"That's the latest steam saw. It seems the technology here is truly impressive."
As he was speaking, Viktor suddenly thought of something.
'When he left just now...did that Usopp take those two boxes full of money with him too?'
A full two hundred million pegories.
In this chaotic city, where everyone is either a craftsman, a bounty hunter, or a shipwreck thug.
A relatively weak pirate who is alone with a huge sum of money...
It's like they have a sign on their forehead saying, "I'm a fat sheep, come and slaughter me!"
"not good!"
Viktor's expression changed drastically; the usually calm man revealed a look of anxiety.
"Luffy!!"
Victor grabbed Luffy's shoulder, who was still watching the commotion:
"Stop looking! Something's happened to Usopp!!"
"Huh? What's wrong with Usopp?" Luffy asked, looking confused.
"No time to explain! Come with me!"
Victor grabbed Luffy, and the two of them shot out of Dock 1 like arrows, running wildly in the direction Usopp had gone.
...
Meanwhile, in a secluded alley in the Water City.
Far from the bustling city center, this place is surrounded by piles of abandoned ship parts and rusty iron plates, and is dark and damp.
"Huff... huff..."
Usopp was walking with difficulty.
He clutched the two heavy leather suitcases tightly to his chest; they contained a total of two hundred million Berries.
For him, this was not just money, but a heavy burden of hope.
The emotions that erupted in the dock have now cooled, leaving only endless confusion and fear.
"With this money... we can repair the Merry..."
Usopp lowered his head and muttered to himself, as if he were brainwashing himself:
"Once the Going Merry is repaired... we won't need to change ships... and I can continue to stay with everyone..."
"I'm not a burden... I can be useful too..."
Just then.
"Haha! Finally caught this lone long-nosed one!"
"Big brother is right, this kid is indeed a big fat sheep!"
Several malicious voices suddenly rang out from all around.
Usopp looked up in horror.
Suddenly, dozens of strangely dressed people jumped out from the intersection ahead and from the rooftops on both sides.
They wore strange armor, goggles, and some even wore bodysuits that looked like cubes.
The French family.
This group of thugs, known as the Dismantlehouse, who live in Water Seven, make a living by dismantling pirate ships and plundering pirates. They are the city's underground tyrants.
The leader was a burly man wearing sunglasses—Zanbai.
Behind him followed two oddly styled sisters with square haircuts—Kiwi and Moz.
"Hey, buddy."
Zambry, carrying a massive broadsword and chewing gum, stared greedily at the box in Usopp's arms.
"I noticed you in Dock No. 1 earlier."
"That's two hundred million Berries, right? Hand it over obediently, and we might consider just breaking one of your legs."
"If you don't hand it over... hehehe, I'll dismantle you into parts and sell you to the junkyard!"
Usopp's pupils trembled violently, and his legs instinctively went weak.
But when he glanced at the box in his arms, he thought of the Going Merry's broken keel and Luffy's disappointed look.
An unprecedented surge of courage welled up from this coward's body.
"No...no!"
Usopp took a step back, hugging the box even tighter, his knuckles turning white from the effort.
"This is the money to repair the Going Merry! It's the dream of everyone on board!!"
"Even if I die... I won't give it to you bastards!!!"
"Ultimate Kill - Gunpowder Star!!"
Usopp suddenly pulled out his slingshot and fired a gunpowder bullet at Zambezi.
"boom!"
The smoke exploded.
"Now's the time!" Usopp turned and tried to run.
"How naive! Long nose!"
Zambry emerged unharmed from the smoke and delivered a powerful kick to Usopp's back.
"Puwa!"
Usopp screamed and fell forward, but even as he fell, he still held onto the box tightly with his hands, using his body as a human shield to press it down.
"Beat them!!"
"oh!!"
Dozens of Franky family underlings swarmed forward, raining down iron bars and wooden clubs.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The dull thud echoed through the alley.
"Ugh! Ah!!"
Usopp curled up in a ball, blood flowing from his forehead and the corners of his mouth, staining the ground red.
But he was as if possessed, letting the barrage of attacks rain down on him, and even as his bones groaned in pain, he refused to let go.
This is the life-saving money for the USS Going Merry...
If I lose it... I really won't have the face to go back...
"Tch, what a stubborn guy."
Zambezi was getting impatient.
He stepped forward, grabbed Usopp by the hair, and lifted his blood-covered face up:
"Hey, let go. Or I'll chop your hand off."
Zambry raised his saber high, its blade gleaming coldly in the dark alley.
Usopp's consciousness was fading, but he still gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with despair and stubbornness:
"no way..."
Just as the blade was about to fall.
"asshole--!!!!"
A roar, like that of a ferocious beast, suddenly exploded.
Zambai was stunned, before he could even turn around.
"Rubber rubber—bullet!!!"
"boom!!!!"
There were no fancy moves.
A fist wreathed in steam and rage, accompanied by a sonic boom, slammed solidly into Zambry's cheek.
"Puga!!"
Zambai's massive body looked as if it had been hit by a cannonball.
He flew sideways, crashing through two brick walls before finally being buried in a pile of scrap metal, his fate unknown.
"Big...Big Brother?!"
The remaining henchmen were terrified.
"who?!"
Before they could even see who it was,
"Whoosh."
A cold glint flashed through the narrow alley.
Viktor's figure descended from the sky like a ghost, his black trench coat fluttering in the wind.
Viktor remained expressionless, his eyes as cold as ice.
He gripped the scabbard in his left hand, weaving through the crowd, each swing precisely striking the enemy's carotid artery or chin.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
There were no unnecessary movements.
In just ten seconds.
Apart from Zambry, who was blasted away, the remaining three core members and a dozen or so underlings all rolled their eyes back and fell to the ground, instantly losing consciousness.
The Franky family's elite ambush squad was wiped out.
The alleyway fell silent again.
Luffy stood still, his chest heaving violently, white smoke rising from his fists.
He ignored the enemies and immediately rushed to Usopp's side, carefully helping him up.
"Usopp!!"
Luffy looked at his companion, whose face was covered in blood, his voice trembling, "Are you alright?!"
Usopp struggled to open one of his swollen eyes, and through his blurred vision, he saw two familiar figures.
One is Luffy, who can send his enemy flying with a single punch; that's absolute power.
One is Viktor, who can instantly dominate the entire field; that's pure skill.
They were unharmed.
And myself...
"Cough cough..."
Usopp coughed twice, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He trembled as he pushed the box in his arms towards Luffy, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"That's...that's great...Luffy..."
"The money...it's alright..."
"I...I'm Captain Usopp...this little guy...cough cough...is nothing at all..."
Luffy checked the box and found it to be intact.
He breathed a sigh of relief and grinned broadly: "Great! The money's still there! Usopp, you're amazing, you actually managed to keep it!"
Viktor stood to the side without saying a word.
His gaze wasn't on the money box, but rather on Usopp's hands.
Even though the crisis has been resolved, and even though Luffy is right beside me.
Usopp's hands were still trembling violently.
Viktor's eyes darkened slightly.
He knew that the trembling was not due to pain, or even the fear he had just felt.
That's a deeper level of self-denial.
If Luffy and Victor hadn't arrived in time...
If that knife had actually come down...
'I lost the Going Merry's life-saving money.'
'I can't protect the ship, and I can't protect the money.'
'Faced with such a monstrous enemy, I could do nothing.'
'I really am... a burden.'
Viktor could clearly see the shattered pride behind Usopp's bravado smile.
Looking at Luffy's innocent smile, Victor sighed inwardly.
'Luffy... sometimes, too much light can burn those around you.'
"Let's go back first."
Victor stepped forward and silently stood between Usopp and the fallen enemies, preventing him from seeing the scenes that made him feel powerless:
"Chopper is still on the ship, you need to have him treat your wounds."
"Let's go back to the Merry."
Usopp lowered his head, letting Luffy support him, looking particularly lonely in the long shadow cast by the setting sun155Chapter 15Revenge is Necessary! The Straw Hat Crew's Warning
Chapter 156 Even So, Revenge is Necessary! The Straw Hat Crew's Warning
As the sun set, it dyed the sea in the Water City a poignant, blood-red hue.
The air was heavy on the deck of the Going Merry.
"Does it hurt, Usopp?"
With tears in his eyes, Chopper carefully tended to the shocking wound on Usopp's forehead.
"Hiss... No, it's nothing."
Usopp hunched his neck, wincing in pain, but he forced himself to keep quiet, afraid of becoming a burden to everyone again.
"This little injury... is nothing compared to the injuries I suffered on Skypiea... I'm a brave sea warrior, after all..."
His voice grew softer and softer, finally turning into a suppressed cough.
Not far away, Zoro sat on a pile of cables, holding a piece of cotton cloth in his hand, slowly wiping the Wado Ichimonji in his hand.
The sharp blade, named "Great Sharp Sword," reflected a chilling light in the setting sun.
"Hello."
Zoro didn't look up; his gaze remained fixed on the blade, and his tone was calm:
"Although the money was saved... we can't just let this score go, can we?"
"certainly."
Victor stood on the ship's railing, gazing at the intricate urban landscape in the distance.
His eyes were icy cold:
"This is not the East Sea, nor is it the first half of Paradise. Water Seven... is a lawless zone where all sorts of people mingle."
"On this island, if we show even the slightest weakness, those greedy hyenas will think we are easy prey, and trouble will keep coming our way."
Viktor turned around, looked at his companions behind him, and said in a low voice:
"They need to know... that the Straw Hat crew is not to be messed with. If they are, they will pay the price."
Luffy, who had been keeping his hat brim low and remaining silent, finally moved.
He slowly stood up, reached out and pressed his hand against the straw hat on his head. The shadow covered his eyes, revealing only his tightly pursed lips.
"Let's go."
Luffy's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable kingly aura:
"Let's go and challenge them."
...
Evening, backstreet of Water City.
This is the dark side of the glamorous floating city, the territory of bounty hunters, petty thugs, and shipbreakers.
The usually bustling and noisy streets were eerily quiet at this moment.
The air seemed to freeze.
Four figures walked side by side in the middle of the narrow street.
Luffy walked at the front, his red vest swaying slightly in the evening breeze.
The silly grin that was always on his face vanished without a trace, replaced by a suffocatingly low atmosphere.
To his left, Zoro had already untied the green bandana from his waist and slowly tied it around his head.
As the bandana was tightened, the demon known as "Pirate Hunter" officially awakened.
To his right, Sanji took a deep drag of his cigarette and slowly exhaled a smoke ring.
Amidst the swirling smoke, his one exposed eye was filled with a gloomy and malevolent aura. His hands were in his pockets, and each step he took was heavy and forceful.
Viktor, who was at the back, simply carried the black sword that was already fully drawn.
The jet-black blade seemed to devour the surrounding light.
He walked casually along the stone path, dragging the knife along, the tip scraping against the ground with an unpleasant scraping sound.
"Hey...who's that...?"
"This aura... are you kidding me..."
The thugs who were drinking and playing cards on the street were so frightened by the terrifying aura emanating from these four people that they sobered up instantly.
The fear of being watched by a wild beast made them tremble instinctively.
They hurriedly scrambled into the depths of the alley, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.
...
Frankie's house on the coast.
The enormous building, pieced together from parts of abandoned ships, is still brightly lit.
The younger members of the Franky family were unaware that death had arrived and were still loudly celebrating their day's harvest inside.
"Even though we didn't get any money, we beat up that long-nosed guy! That felt so good!"
"Hahaha! Next time I see them, I must..."
"boom!!"
A loud bang shattered all the laughter.
The heavy steel door of the Frankie House suddenly caved inward.
Outside the door.
Luffy stood in front of the gate, without any opening remarks or unnecessary words.
His arms stretched backward, extending to their limit of tens of meters, like a giant siege crossbow poised to fire.
"Rubber, rubber—"
Luffy suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze blazing with fury:
"Siege artillery!!!"
Boom!!
His palms slammed into the door like cannonballs, creating a devastating shockwave.
The steel gate, strong enough to withstand artillery fire, along with half of the surrounding wall, was blasted into countless flying fragments and dust in an instant.
"Cough cough cough! What happened?!"
"Enemy attack?!"
Amidst the billowing smoke and dust, the four figures, resembling demons, slowly stepped into the ravaged hall.
"It's...it's the Straw Hat Pirates!!"
Someone recognized Luffy's straw hat and screamed in terror.
"What are you afraid of! There are only a few of us! Brothers, grab your weapons! Let's take them down!!"
As the second-in-command of the Franky family, Zamby was apprehensive, but he still forced himself to shout.
"Kill them!!"
Dozens of henchmen, armed with knives, spears, and axes and dressed in armor, surged toward the four men at the door like a tidal wave.
"snort."
Zoro snorted coldly, bit the Wado Ichimonji in his mouth, held a sword in each hand, and instantly disappeared from the spot.
He spun like a top, rushing into the densest part of the crowd.
"Dual Sword Style: Rhinoceros Return!!"
Clang—!
Zoro spun rapidly through the crowd, the sword energy generated by his twin swords transforming into a small tornado.
"Waaaaaah!!"
The dozen or so people who were attacking him were instantly swept into the air.
When they landed, all their weapons—whether iron bars, machetes, or axes—were neatly cut in half.
At the same time, their ribs also broke.
"Don't block the way."
On the other side, Sanji had his hands in his pockets, not even taking them out.
Facing the charging enemy, he leaped up on one leg and spun upside down in the air.
"Banquet & Catering Special - Kickboxing Package!!"
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
His feet moved like two nimble whips, so fast that their afterimages were invisible.
Precise and ruthless, every kick is sure to hit the enemy's chin, neck, chest and other vital points.
"If you were a steak, you'd be rotten by now."
Everyone who was kicked was sent flying with a scream, as if hit by a cannonball, and became deeply embedded in the walls and ceilings, impossible to pry off.
Just one minute.
There were very few people left standing in the hall.
"A monster!!"
Zambry watched as his men were instantly dispatched, and the overwhelming difference in strength finally instilled fear in him.
"Run!!"
He turned around and tried to escape through the back door.
However.
"call--"
A wall of blazing fire rose up in front of him without warning, blocking his path.
Victor stood in the firelight, his black trench coat billowing in the heat.
He planted the black knife in the ground beside him, and his hands formed hand seals like phantoms, so fast that it was dazzling.
巳－未－申－亥－午－寅!
Viktor took a deep breath, his chakra gathering in his throat.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!!!"
boom!!!
A huge, orange-red fireball, over five meters in diameter, roared out.
He controlled the angle of the fireball and slammed it hard into a huge load-bearing column on the second floor of the Franky House.
Boom!!!
A violent explosion rang out, and flames shot into the sky.
The load-bearing column broke, and the entire building groaned under the strain, beginning to sway precariously.
Countless pebbles and pieces of wood fell, creating a chaotic ruin.
"Aaaaaah! The house is collapsing!!"
Zambai was thrown to the ground by the blast wave and was just trying to get up.
Where do you want to go?
A cold voice sounded behind his ear.
Before Zambry could react, Viktor had already vanished from his spot using the Instantaneous Movement technique, and reappeared behind him the next second.
"Since you've hit my crew, you should be prepared to have your bones broken."
Victor did not use the blade.
He gripped the hilt of the sword with his other hand, and jet-black Armament Haki wrapped around the metal counterweight at the bottom of the hilt.
"Bang! Bang!"
Two dull, heavy blows.
With lightning speed, Victor struck Zambry's shoulders and knees hard with the hilt of his knife.
"Snap!"
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!"
Zambry let out a bloodcurdling scream, and collapsed to the ground like a lump of mud.
Although he didn't die, he felt like his body no longer belonged to him, and the intense pain made him burst into tears instantly.
"You can't even handle this?"
Victor stepped on his chest, looking down at him.
In the flickering firelight, Viktor's Sharingan appeared even more eerie:
That was just a warning.
"Tell your leader, and tell everyone on this island…"
Viktor leaned down slightly, gently patting Zambry's sweat-drenched cheek with the black knife in his hand:
"If next time... you dare to extend your claws towards my crew again..."
"I'll shove that fireball back into your mouth."
"Did you understand?"
Zambry nodded frantically, his eyes filled with fear of the man.
...
The battle lasted only three minutes.
The entire Franky family was rendered incapacitated and lay sprawled among the burning ruins, groaning in pain.
The once invincible dismantling house is now nothing but a mess.
Luffy stood atop the highest pile of ruins, gazing at the sea of fire, and exhaled a heavy breath.
The anger in my heart subsided a little.
Although it couldn't undo the damage Usopp had suffered, at least... they got their revenge.
"Let's go."
Luffy turned around and jumped off the ruins.
He coldly addressed the few survivors feigning death in the ruins:
"Tell your boss, Franky… this debt is settled."
The four turned and left.
Behind them was the burning Frankie House, with billowing black smoke rising into the sky, becoming the most striking warning in the Water Seven night.
On the way back.
Zoro retied his bandana, glanced at the silent crowd, and couldn't help but speak:
"Although the fighting was very enjoyable... there are still problems with the Going Merry..."
"We'll talk about it when we get back."
Viktor interrupted him, his voice regaining its usual calm:
"What Usopp needs right now is neither revenge nor money."
Viktor looked up at the not-quite-full moon in the night sky and sighed.
What he needs most right now is... even the slightest bit of affirmation.
"This is a battle for 'dignity'."
"The same applies to him and to us.