Chapter 133: You're So ArrogantAfter several adventures, the Straw Hat Piratesfinally landed at the port city of Nanohana in Alabasta.Strictly speaking, the battle in Alabasta is the Straw Hat Pirates' first boss-level dungeon. If it weren't for Crocodile's 50-50 attribute, where he gets stronger against strong opponents and weaker against weak ones, Luffy might not have been able to beat him... As soon as they landed on the island, Luffy flew off to find a restaurant. Everyone didn't even have time to react before he disappeared in a cloud of dust.But fortunately, Satoru followed him by flying.Inside the restaurant, he first sent Smoker and Aceflying by crashing into them, then ran away from Smoker with his mouth full of food, moving with the smoothness of Dove chocolate.Ace, who had been pinned to the ground by Smoker, climbed back up and saw Satoru standing in front of him, smiling."Long time no see, Ace.""Satoru!""Hahaha, long time no see."Ace gave Satoru a big bear hug. Satoru didn't even have time to refuse, after all, Ace was covered in dust right now.Satoru patted Ace's back, "Alright, go find Luffy. With his current ability, he can't hit a Logia-typeyet.""Logia-type?""That Smoker is a Logia-type, a Smoke-Smoke Fruit user.""Then I better hurry!"After saying that, Ace rushed out of the restaurant.Satoru shook his head with a smile. These two were exactly the same as when they were kids.He bowed slightly to the restaurant owner, "Thank you for the hospitality.""Ah... oh, you're welcome. Please come again."The owner replied blankly as he watched Satorualso leave the restaurant.A waiter suddenly thought of something, "Boss, did they... not pay?"The owner looked at the broken wall, then at Satoru's disappearing back, and just wanted to say '...'."..."..."Tashigi!!""Yes! Yes! Mr. Smoker! What is it? A towel? It's really too hot in this country."Luffy ran outside, where Tashigi and the other Soldiers happened to be.Tashigi is highly nearsighted, with her glasses stuck on her forehead; she only recognized Smokerbecause of his voice."Stop that guy, he's Straw Hat.""Straw Hat!""I'll stop him!"Tashigi immediately drew her sword, Shigure, and slashed forward. Her glasses still weren't down, or rather, she didn't have time.Luffy kept chewing the food in his mouth while running.Tashigi swung her sword, and Luffy jumped several times onto the roof."Hmph!"Smoker snorted coldly, his lower body turning into mist as he flew up and threw a smoke punch. Luffyimmediately jumped down, narrowly avoiding it... On the other side, after having a good meal and changing into desert outfits, Zoro and the others were already sitting at the entrance of an alley to cool off.Vivi explained that the next step was to go to a place called Yuba, which was the headquarters of the Rebel Army.Zoro suddenly pulled her over."Wait, hide quickly.""It's the Marines. Why are they here... and it seems quite intense. Have pirates appeared?"Just as Zoro said this, he saw Luffy being chased past by Smoker and the Marines."It's you after all!!"He couldn't stop complaining in his heart.Everyone immediately turned around in unison, walking away as if nothing was wrong.Although he had changed clothes, Luffy instantly recognized Zoro."Hey! Zoro!!"Zoro's body froze."What! We've found Straw Hat's accomplices!""Ah, everyone's here."Luffy said with a smile."Idiot, don't lead them over here!"Nami shouted speechlessly."All of you, stand back!"Smoker ran to the front and threw a punch."You can't escape!""White Blow!"Just as Smoker's fist was about to hit Luffy's back."Heat Haze!" x2Two shouts of "Heat Haze" were heard, and two bursts of flames erupted, completely swallowing Smoker's smoke fist.As the flames dissipated, Smoker saw Ace blocking the way in front of Luffy and said with a dark face."You again.""Give up. You are'Smoke', and I am 'Fire'. We're at a stalemate.""However, there are two of us."Ace's cowboy hat covered one eye as he looked at Smoker. The last sentence was in Satoru's voice. He appeared from behind Ace, his hands also burning with flames."Who is that guy?"Usopp asked.Luffy was very surprised, "A... Ace!!"Ace turned his head slightly, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile, "You haven't changed a bit, Luffy.""That applies to you too."Satoru stared at Smoker, but his words were for Ace."Hahahahaha, is that so?""I've grown a lot, you know."Ace replied with a laugh."Alright, let's chat later.""Luffy, you guys retreat first. Ace and I will cover the rear!"Satoru shouted."Okay!!"Luffy turned and ran, showing his trust in Ace and Satoru, his face filled with the joy of reuniting with Ace... "Brother!!""That guy just now was your and Satoru's brother?"On the going merry, everyone was still surprised by the existence of this brother to Luffy and Satoru."Yeah, that's right, he's my big brother.""It's not strange that you have a big brother, but why is he on the Grand Line?"Zoro asked."Because he's also a pirate, and his goal is also the great treasure.""He's three years older than me and Satoru, so he went out to sea three years before us."Luffy replied with his head slightly tilted back, as if the childhood days were right before his eyes."I didn't expect all three of you brothers to have eaten Devil Fruits."Sanji remarked."Hahahaha, I was surprised too. Ace hadn't eaten a fruit when we were kids.""But he was very strong. I never won a single fight against him.""Satoru also lost more than he won.""Anyway, Ace is just really strong."Luffy's words shocked Usopp. Childhood Ace had actually beaten Luffy and Satoru, two fruit ability users, as a normal person.Satoru: No, no, I just didn't fight (the times Satoruwon were because his bracelet turned into a flintlock pistol, and then he told Ace, 'The times have changed')."As expected, a monster's brother is also a monster!"Usopp sighed."Hahahaha, that's right, I lost every time.""But I think I'd win now."Luffy sat on the ship's railing, laughing as he replied. He didn't care at all about losing to Ace as a kid—at least not now. Back then... Just as Luffy finished speaking, Ace's voice came over."You brat..."Ace kicked Luffy from the railing onto the deck, took Luffy's place squatting on the railing, and said while pressing down his hat."Who would win?"Just acting cool.But before Ace could finish acting cool, like a relay, Satoru also gave Ace a kick from behind."You guy, this is our ship. You're so arrogant~"
Chapter 134: Don't GoAs if the gears of fate had turned, Luffy and Bai Yun reunited with Ace in a restaurant in the port city of Alabasta, 'Nanohana'—the 'restaurant' part is key—three years after their last meeting.After shaking off Smoker, they all went to the Merry to chat.Ace had just kicked Luffy off the ship's railing onto the deck when Bai Yun followed suit and kicked him off too."You bastard, this is our ship! You're so arrogant!"Ace was trying to act cool, but Bai Yun kicked him onto the deck of the Merry.Ace immediately did a push-up to avoid landing face-first, using his hands to spring up in an instant.Ace turned around and started throwing wild punches at Bai Yun, "You damn Bai Yun, you made me lose face at our reunion.""Hahaha, alright, Ace, Bai Yun, stop fighting."Luffy walked over, laughing, to break up the fight, but was suddenly hit on the head."...""Fight! Then let's fight! Damn Bai Yun, damn Ace!!"The others, who had retreated to the side, were speechless: "..."It's confirmed.You three are true brothers!...Fighting as soon as they meet, truly worthy of being brothers.After fighting for a while, the three of them lay on the deck, "satisfied," gazing at the sky.Bai Yun suddenly raised his hand and shot a passing seagull.Seagull: What the hell, what did I ever do to you?Watching the seagull fall into the sea, the three of them burst out laughing."Hahahahaha."Seagull: You'll get your comeuppance!!!With a swift move, the three of them stood up."Indeed, you two are still the same as when you were kids, Bai Yun, Luffy.""I'll entrust my troublesome younger brother to you and Bai Yun."Ace suddenly bowed and said to Zoro and the others.He knew the personalities of Bai Yun and Luffy; Bai Yun definitely didn't need as much looking after, or rather... watching over, as Luffy."That's certainly true."Zoro and the others bowed in return, acknowledging the need to look after Luffy."By the way, Ace, why are you in this country?"Luffy asked."Huh? Didn't you hear the rumors on Drum Island and come here?"Ace asked, puzzled. Had the message not gotten through?Bai Yun: Indeed, it didn't. Not a single word was mentioned."Drum Island?""Never mind, it's not a big deal.""Anyway, it's great to see you. I came here for some trivial matters, so I really wanted to see you.""Luffy, do you want to join the Whitebeard Pirates?""Of course, your crew can come along too."Ace suddenly extended an invitation."I'm not doing it."Luffy refused without a moment's hesitation."Hahaha, I knew it. I was just kidding.""What about you, Bai Yun?""Luffy now has many reliable companions... and a mascot."Chopper: Mascot? Who? Who is it?"Do you want to come with me to the Whitebeard Pirates, a place where strong individuals gather?"Luffy had already refused without hesitation, so Ace began trying to poach Bai Yun.Bai Yun hadn't even answered yet when Luffy grabbed him."No, Bai Yun is my nakama, Ace, you can't take him from me!"Bai Yun smiled and shook his head, "Forget it, Ace.""A place where strong individuals gather? I'm not much of a strong person, so I'd just be embarrassing myself there.""Besides, I've already gotten very close with my other companions.""I'm very shy in unfamiliar places."As Bai Yun said this, Luffy, Ace, and the others all showed a look of disdain in unison.Meaning, you're shy?Shy? When you first arrived at Dadan's, you blended in perfectly, didn't you?Shy? When you were tied to a stake, your mouth was as annoying as a machine gun?Shy? You called someone 'big sister' the moment you met them?Shy? You lived quite comfortably at Kaya's house, didn't you?Shy? You called someone 'curly brows' the moment you met them?Shy? You rubbed someone's face the moment you met them and called them the 'Reindeer God'?The above are "accusations" from certain "passersby" who wish to remain anonymous... "No, the point is 'Whitebeard'! He's one of the Four Emperors.""So that means the tattoo on your back really is..."Usopp pulled the conversation back, surprised."That's right, this is my pride...""Whitebeard is the strongest pirate I know. I will help him become the Pirate King, not you, Luffy..."Ace said with a hint of guilt."It's fine, we'll just have a duel then."Luffy replied nonchalantly, apparently still unaware of the significance of the Four Emperors, but even if he knew, his answer would still be the same.Hearing Luffy's words, Ace smiled silently, his guilt disappearing, and he began to anticipate how far Luffy would go in the future.Just then, Bai Yun's words drifted over."What is Whitebeard's status, what are his qualifications?""If he truly wanted to become the Pirate King, when the Pirate King died, and the Four Emperors had not yet formed, that was the best time for him to claim the title. Why didn't he?""If he truly wanted to become the Pirate King, why didn't he do it then?"Ace: "...""I don't care, I'll convince Pops to become the Pirate King!"It was Bai Yun's turn to be silent. "...""You bastard!""No more talk."Ace replied, throwing a Vivre Card to Luffy."Take this. I came here to give this to you, Luffy, Bai Yun.""What is it, just a piece of paper?""Yes, this paper will allow us to meet again next time.""Hmm...""What? You don't want it?""No, I do."After speaking, Luffy carefully put away the Vivre Card."I have a foolish younger brother, and as an older brother, I'm very worried.""Although Bai Yun is more reliable, sometimes he also acts childish with Luffy.""You guys can't do anything about them, can you?""I'm entrusting them to you."Speaking to Zoro and the others, Ace walked to the side of the ship and fell backward.He had originally intended to leave coolly.Bai Yun went over and grabbed his foot.Ace's head hit the side of the ship, making his eyes almost pop out.Bai Yun pulled him up, and Ace, furious, turned into a "shark face," "What are you doing, Bai Yun!""Are you chasing a guy named Blackbeard?"Ace noticed that Bai Yun's face had no trace of a smile, but was instead very serious."How did you know?""Blackbeard?"Luffy asked, confused."A traitor from our Whitebeard Pirates. He killed a comrade and fled, and as a captain, I must bring him back."Ace explained."I read the newspapers too, and I heard about Blackbeard on Drum Island."Bai Yun replied."So?" Concise and clear, Ace's meaning was, then why are you stopping me?Bai Yun replied just as concisely and clearly."Don't go."
Chapter 135: Bai Yun vs. AceReunions are always accompanied by farewells.After the reunion with Ace, following a brief conversation and Ace giving them a Vivre Card, it was time to say goodbye."Hey, you guys haven't been sailing long, but you're quite rich, Luffy and Bai Yun. Look at that huge clock for telling time, and the diamonds.""Never mind, looking at the time, I should get going."Having said that, Ace turned to leave.But Bai Yun grabbed him by the ankle, pulling him back abruptly. "Don't go."Ace turned back toward the Going Merry, and seeing Bai Yun's serious expression and tone, he dropped his joking demeanor and asked earnestly."Why?"Bai Yun didn't rush to answer. He just looked at Ace and suddenly uttered a few words."Because you will die."Ace froze, and so did everyone else.Only Luffy shouted, "What are you talking about, Bai Yun!"Bai Yun ignored them and continued addressing Ace, "I can't let you die!"Bai Yun realized he had been too blunt."What I mean is, that's the absolute worst-case scenario.""Do you know how strong Blackbeard is?""You should know that the three scars on the left eye of Red-Haired Shanks—who holds the same status as Whitebeard, also being one of the Four Emperors—were left by Blackbeard!""Besides, Blackbeard isn't alone now... I heard back on Drum Island that there are currently four of them.""Are you going to chase them alone, fighting four against one? To put it harshly, you might not even win a one-on-one fight!""I can't let you die!""What? So the scars on Shanks's eye were left by that guy named Blackbeard!"Luffy exclaimed in shock."How do you know that, Bai Yun?"Bai Yun pointed to his mouth. "Everyone has a mouth. If you don't know something, you ask. When I was little, I asked my teacher, Beckman, and he told me, which is why the name Blackbeard is burned into my memory."Ace fell silent.Usopp quietly raised a small hand. "I... I think Bai Yun is right.""The fact that the opponent could leave scars on a Yonko's eye shows his strength. It's better... better to think this through carefully."Bai Yun stepped forward, raising both hands and placing them on Ace's shoulders."Ace, listen to me.""It's not that I look down on you.""It's that Blackbeard's true strength is a mystery. Although those scars were left on Shanks's eye ten years ago when he wasn't yet a Yonko, I knew Shanks and his crew back then. To be able to do that, Blackbeard's strength is absolutely not to be underestimated.""Furthermore, while you are chasing Blackbeard, he is building up his influence, and you are just one person.""There are too many variables. You should go back and discuss this thoroughly with Whitebeard... with the old man and the others."Bai Yun's words plunged Ace into silence. He understood that what Bai Yun said was true, and the predicted consequences might very well come to pass.But after thinking it over, Ace smiled, and Bai Yun knew instantly that it was hopeless."I know, Bai Yun.""I understand everything you've said."Bai Yun internally: You know, and you're still going?!"But I must uphold the reputation of the Whitebeard Pirates. That is my belief. If I can't even protect my own beliefs, I might as well be dead!""You agree, right, Luffy?"Ace turned his head to look at Luffy.Luffy nodded, smiling as he replied."Yeah."Bai Yun internally: You asked him? He's just as idiotic as you are! And you, Luffy, go ahead and laugh. We'll see if you're still laughing when Marineford happens!"If it's about upholding the Whitebeard Pirates' name, then why isn't Whitebeard going after Blackbeard himself?!"Bai Yun demanded."Pops didn't send anyone to call me back, which means he tacitly approves of what I'm doing."Ace immediately retorted.Bai Yun couldn't stand it. Sure enough, 'mouth-jutsu' only works on villains in shonen anime.Bai Yun: ( )"Fine. If you won't take the easy way, you'll take the hard way!" (Serious talk.)Bai Yun said with a smile."What do you mean, Bai Yun?"Ace asked innocently, and Bai Yun immediately punched him."You want to go? Fine!""Then defeat me first!""If you lose, you obediently go back to the Whitebeard Pirates."Bai Yun took two steps back and stared at Ace as he spoke. Ace, clutching his nose, saw the look in Bai Yun's eyes and knew he wasn't joking. His own temper immediately flared up."Alright! If you want a beating, I'll give you one, Bai Yun!""When we were kids, the only reason you beat me was by cheating with a gun!""I'm not afraid of guns now."Ace raised his hands, squeezed them, and stretched his neck to warm up.Bai Yun rolled his eyes. "You don't need all that nonsense. Let's go fight on the shore!""Fine!""Let's go!"Ace replied."...""...""You go first!" (x2)Ace and Bai Yun said in unison... two childish fools."Why should I go first!" (x2)"Stop copying me!" (x2)"Idiot Ace!""Idiot Bai Yun!"They started arguing over trivial things. Honestly, combined they didn't act "three years old."Nami looked worriedly at Luffy, who was just grinning foolishly. "Why are you smiling? Your two brothers are fighting!"But just as she finished speaking, she saw them bickering, and a drop of sweat rolled down the back of her head in exasperation.Luffy laughed heartily, hands on his hips."Hahaha, it's great to see Ace and Bai Yun spar again.""Also, who said Bai Yun is the older brother? I am!""Bai Yun is younger than you?"Zoro asked sincerely.Luffy shook his head. "Bai Yun is the same age as me, but he forgot what month his birthday is in. Even if we count it as the same day, I still think he's the younger brother.""I think he feels that way too," Zoro replied, finding the logic a bit convoluted."Hahaha, never mind that for now, let's just watch them spar."Luffy replied with a laugh, but just as he spoke, before Bai Yun and Ace could even step off the ship, a noisy commotion suddenly broke out.Vivi looked over at the sound, her expression instantly turning to alarm.Five B.W. ships were approaching."The Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division?""That's right, I saw him with my own eyes! That's 'Fire Fist' Ace!""If we take him down, we're guaranteed a promotion to command!""Charge!""We have fifty Billions and five ships here! That's more than enough to deal with him! Come on, you damn landlubber!"The five ships, carrying fifty Billions, along with countless Millions and Thousands, noisily rushed toward them.But what good is a large group?The Billions are merely replacements for the official Mr. and Ms. agents. Bai Yun and Ace looked down on the official agents, let alone these substitutes, not to mention the even weaker Millions and Thousands."This is bad! The B.W. ships have been drawn here.""From what they said, there are fifty Billions!"Vivi said anxiously."Then we fight them! We can't let them interrupt Bai Yun and Ace's spar!"Luffy declared, raising his fist.Zoro drew his sword, and Sanji stretched his legs, preparing for action.Bai Yun and Ace, who had been childishly insulting each other with lightning clashing in their eyes,turned their heads to look when they heard the voices of the B.W. members.They glanced at each other, then jumped off the ship in perfect sync."Who the hell do you think you are!" (x2)"Fire Fist!""Overlord Nation!"A massive fiery fist and a spiraling shockwave enveloped in flames flew out. The two attacks met and actually merged together.They formed a single, massive spiraling shockwave encompassed by enormous helical flames."Boom!""Aaaahhhh!!!"The attack slammed into the five ships. In just one move, the five B.W. Billion ships instantly exploded, sending everyone tumbling into the sea. The debris floating on the surface was still ablaze.Zoro and Sanji's eyes widened; Sanji nearly dropped his cigarette.Vivi, Usopp, Nami, and Chopper were even more astonished, their mouths hanging wide open.Fifty Billions wiped out in a single attack!Vivi was utterly shocked internally. If only Ace could stay... Swoosh~Transition. Ace and Bai Yun arrived on the shore.It was as if nothing had happened, but the burning remnants of the ships on the sea surface proved the existence of the Billions who had just been loudly boasting before being knocked out in one hit.Luffy sat atop the Going Merry's sheep figurehead—his special reserved seat.Usopp was still reeling from the shock of Ace and Bai Yun destroying five ships in one move."That was terrifying! They really are Luffy's older brothers.""I told you, between Bai Yun and me, I'm the older brother."Luffy countered, but Usopp ignored him."I wonder who will win when those two fight.""But it's definitely going to be intense."...On the shore, Ace and Bai Yun faced each other.Ace spoke first."Bai Yun, your strength isn't equal to mine. It wasn't when we were kids, and now I'm not afraid of guns. Plus, I set sail three years before you guys, so I have far more combat experience than you.""And your health isn't great.""Can we please stop wasting time?""Go back to your ship. I'm going to chase Blackbeard. Don't try to stop me; I have to uphold the reputation and rules of the Whitebeard Pirates."Facing Ace's barrage of words, which went in one ear and out the other, Bai Yun instantly flashed forward, raising a fist engulfed in flames and slamming it down.Ace grabbed the fist, his body remaining perfectly steady."You're still the same as before, Bai Yun.""You're using about sixty percent of my own power against me. How could you possibly win?"As soon as Ace finished speaking, he threw a punch at Bai Yun.Bai Yun caught it with his hand as well, but unlike Ace, his body swayed slightly.Ace's innate talent and strength were already formidable, and having been part of the Whitebeard Pirates—one of the peaks of piracy—his power had grown immeasurably over the years.If it weren't for the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit, it wouldn't have been easy for Blackbeard to defeat Ace."We'll find out whether I can win soon enough!"As Bai Yun finished speaking, both men exerted force, pushing each other away.Then, in unison, they bent low, drew their right arms back, and unleashed their attack."Fire Fist!" (x2)Both of their arms transformed into massive, intensely hot flames, launching two enormous fiery punches.The punches collided, unleashing a fierce heatwave.The seawater near the shore began to steam.Usopp and Chopper hugged each other, their mouths wide open again.Although the fiery punches appeared to be the same size, after the collision, Bai Yun's punch was clearly weaker than Ace's. It was quickly swallowed up, and Ace's attack rushed toward Bai Yun.Bai Yun immediately transformed his bracelet into twin pistols.(The abilities currently replicated by the bracelet are the Bomb-Bomb Fruit and the Kilo-Kilo Fruit. Note: The bracelet's replication ability can only be used on a moonlit night, and the replicated power must be utilized through weapons like guns or bows and arrows.)He fired two shots: Bang, bang!The explosive bullets, carrying a heatwave, flew into the Fire Fist and detonated, scattering Ace's attack.Staring at Bai Yun's smoking gun barrels, Ace spoke."Explosive bullets, huh? Looks like you've replicated quite a useful ability, Bai Yun. But is it alright to use that on me?"Ace and Luffy knew about Bai Yun's Devil Fruit ability (Sabo hadn't had a chance to tell them everything yet).However, Ace was unaware of the bracelet's replication ability, which Bai Yun had only discovered after setting sail."You deserve it."Bai Yun replied, immediately firing several shots in quick succession.Ace smiled faintly, raised his hands, and pressed his index and middle fingers together like a gun, launching continuous small flame attacks from his fingertips.The flame bullets collided with Bai Yun's explosive bullets, causing constant explosions between the two of them.After a round of bombardment, their attacks were evenly matched.Bai Yun changed tactics, transforming his twin pistols into a longbow.He drew the bowstring, aimed at Ace, but then raised his arm and shot the arrow into the sky.Once the arrow lost momentum and began to fall, Bai Yun activated the Kilo-Kilo Fruit ability on it, sending ten thousand kilograms of gravitational force accelerating down.Ace's Observation Haki screamed a warning. He immediately rolled forward, stood up, and saw a massive crater in front of him, with an arrow stuck right in the center.He turned around only to see Bai Yun aiming a drawn bow at him."You're playing rough, aren't you?""There's rougher yet!"Bai Yun said calmly, the arrowhead now coated in Armament Haki."You can use Armament Haki!""You just entered the Grand Line, and you're still in the first half."Ace said in surprise."Is that strange? With my Devil Fruit's detection ability, I knew about Haki even when I was a child.""And Ace, don't forget who I knew when I was young.""Vice Admiral Garp, the Red-Haired Pirates. If I used all the abilities I've replicated from them, do you think I could beat you?"Bai Yun stared at Ace as he spoke, drawing the bow fully, his arm perfectly steady.Ace paused, then smiled again."No wonder you were so confident you could beat me, Bai Yun.""Indeed, if you used all the abilities you replicated from the old man and the others, I might not be able to defeat you.""But...""I know you won't.""You won't use those trump cards against me. Those are reserved for your and Luffy's future adventures.""You wouldn't use them against your own brother."Ace stated.That made perfect sense. Bai Yun fell silent. Ace had guessed correctly; Bai Yun had only mentioned it to scare him."Hahahaha, I guessed right, didn't I, Bai Yun."Ace said, laughing.Bai Yun immediately released the arrow, quickly following up with a second shot.Ace coolly dodged by leaning sideways, only for both arrows to suddenly explode."Holy hell!""That's unfair, Bai Yun! Wasn't that supposed to be a weight ability? Why did it explode now?"It was Bai Yun's turn to smile. "You chose to show off; what does that have to do with me?""Guess what ability the next arrow has?"
Chapter 136: Remember These Words"Guess what ability the next arrow will have?"A sparring match between Satoru and Ace.Since the soft approach of talk-no-jutsu wasn't working, Satoru would go with the hard way!A fight.If I win, you leave.If I lose, you stay and obediently return to the Whitebeard Pirates.However, to be honest, with Ace's current combat power, if Satoru didn't use his trump cards, there was a ninety-nine percent chance he wouldn't be able to win.But for now, Ace was simply... how to put it, intrigued by the bracelet's own replication ability... "Guess what ability the next arrow will have?"Satoru asked, his tone carrying a hint of playful provocation.Ace pushed up his cowboy hat with his finger and smiled."No matter what the ability is, it won't be enough to defeat me, Satoru."After saying that, Ace's figure flashed.Satoru's eyes widened slightly as he immediately turned around, only to see Ace's figure already appearing behind his back.Satoru released an arrow, but Ace's right foot immediately kicked out, hitting the bottom of the longbow and forcibly adjusting the direction of Satoru's shot. The arrow shot diagonally into the sky and exploded in mid-air."I guessed right, didn't I?"Ace's movements were extremely agile. While saying this, he flashed again and appeared behind Satoru.He straightened his arms, and flames ignited upon his hands—but they were green flames."Firefly Light: Fiery Doll!"Ace created many small, glowing fireballs resembling fireflies with both hands. They instantly floated around Satoru, but instead of gathering on his body, they exploded directly."A completely surrounding attack! There's no escape.""Is Satoru okay?!"Usopp, watching intently from the going merry, said worriedly.As the smoke cleared, Satoru was still facing away from Ace.But suddenly, Satoru's entire person split apart—literally, physically split apart.Cracks spread out, and his entire body shattered across the ground.Ace, along with Luffy and the others on the going merry, all gaped in shock."Wha... What's going on!!!""Satoru, why did you shatter!!!"While Ace was still confused, his Observation Hakireacted. He looked up to see four figures standing in the air, all drawing their bows at him simultaneously."What!! There are four Satorus!!"Luffy said with wide eyes."This is from me replicating Chopper..."Satoru took the initiative to explain the reason to Ace, Luffy, and the others. This was an ability obtained after the bracelet replicated Chopper's Human-Human Fruit.The arrows and bullets shot could turn into clones of Satoru's appearance. Since they were transformed from arrows, let's call them 'Arrow Men'.Satoru: Why does it feel like I'm insulting myself?The appearance of the Arrow Men depended on Satoru's appearance at the time. If Satoru was holding a bow, the generated Arrow Men would only hold bows and couldn't change that; the arrows they shot were also just ordinary arrows."Hahahaha, the abilities you copy are getting more and more interesting! Satoru.""But is it really okay to use it on me? It's such a waste."Ace said with his hands on his hips.Satoru looked down at him from above. "The abilities replicated by the bracelet are permanent, but they can only be released through weapons. I can't do it myself.""This is an ability I only discovered after setting out to sea with Luffy.""Really? No wonder you'd use it on me. Not bad, you guys are getting stronger too, Satoru."Ace replied with a smile."Naturally."On the other side, after hearing Satoru's words, Luffy's eyes were sparkling, thinking it was so cool.And when Chopper realized that the ability came from him, he wiggled his body and said, "I'm not that happy, you jerk!"As for Nami, she was thinking that in the future, the cleaning work on the ship could be handed over to Satoru's 'Arrow Men'... It would be a perfect use of resources."Alright, stop watching, Luffy!""You guys go first.""Vivi's country's affairs are more important. After Ace and I finish our fight, I'll catch up with you."Satoru suddenly shouted.Vivi had been watching intently, but at Satoru's reminder, she immediately snapped out of it. Right, she still had to go convince the Rebel Army leader!"What!!!"Luffy complained, unable to see the whole sparring match between Satoru and Ace.But thinking that Vivi's country's matters were indeed more important, he knew how to prioritize."Fine, then we'll head out first. You'd better catch up, Satoru.""Also, Ace, see you next time."Luffy shouted.With his word, Usopp also went to weigh the anchor and set sail."Yeah, see you next time, Luffy."Ace replied with a smile."Alright, then let's continue the fight!""Satoru!!""You're right, time is tight. I don't want to waste any more time either. I'm going to get serious!!"Ace said.Satoru descended and directly had the other three Arrow Men approach Ace with explosive arrows for a suicide attack.Ace was fire; by elementalizing in advance, being at the center of the explosion didn't cause him much damage.He was seen raising both hands to charge energy.Several rings of massive spiral flames spread out from the ground, blowing away the black smoke from the explosion.Satoru was forced back by the rings of fire.Ace called these flame rings 'Great Flame Commandment'.Then he raised his hand, and the generated flames gathered in his palm into a fireball resembling the sun.The temperature rose sharply, and steam constantly rose from the shore. Some crabs and shellfish were directly steamed cooked.Feeling the oncoming heatwave and that massive fireball, Satoru wasn't afraid; instead, a smile played on his lips."Playing for real now, huh! Ace.""Of course, as real as it gets!"After saying that, Ace fiercely threw the fireball at Satoru."Great Flame Commandment: Flame Emperor!!!"The longbow in Satoru's hand turned into a long blade, and the firelight instantly illuminated his face... On the going merry.Although Luffy didn't know the slip of paper was life paper, Ace had told him to keep it, so he kept it safe.He had Nami help him sew it into the red band of his straw hat, which also proved how much he valued the paper.Vivi brought clothes for Luffy to change into.In a 50-degree desert, leaving skin exposed was just asking for trouble.When Sanji learned that Vivi and Nami were also going to cover up, he was immediately disappointed.After all, Vivi in her cool tank top and Nami in her bikini top were very sexy right now.Chopper grabbed the edge of the ship, his feet dangling as he looked outside, and suddenly shouted."Eh, we've reached an island."Vivi also walked to the ship's edge, shook her head, and explained, "This isn't an island, but the bank of the Sandora River."Then, Vivi took out a sea chart of the waters near Alabasta.She pointed out the route she had drawn."We need to cross the Sandora River, then go ashore and head to the Rebel Army's headquarters, the Yuba Oasis."(When Karoo landed at Nanohana, he was sent by Vivi to deliver a letter to the King, Vivi's father, which detailed the conspiracy of Baroque Works.)Vivi's planned desert route map"Okay, so we just have to beat up that Rebel Army leader, right!"Luffy brandished his fist.Vivi immediately denied it.Her purpose in going was to persuade the rebels, not to attack. A blind attack would only make things worse."There are 700,000 rebels; can you really persuade them?"It wasn't that Zoro was being a wet blanket; this was indeed a very realistic question."Can I persuade them...""On the way from here to Yuba, you will see exactly what Baroque Works has done to this country.""And how the citizens of this country are surviving.""I must stop this meaningless riot.""I can't let Baroque Works continue to do as they please on this land."Vivi said, clenching her fists.Her emotions infected Luffy and the others."Alright, understood, Vivi, let's go!!""To Uba!!!""...It's Yuba."It had to be said, Luffy's presence was sometimes a mood regulator... Meanwhile, Crocodile and Robinwere also talking.They set the plan for 7:00 PM two days from now."Is everything ready?" Crocodile asked.Robin replied, "Everything is ready. 150 Emissaries of Billion are already on standby in Nanohana.""At 8:00 PM today, the Officer Agents also began to assemble at Spider's Cafe.""Right now, it's 5:00 PM."What Robin said was completely according to plan, but what she didn't know was that out of the 150 Emissaries of Billion, 50 were already gone.How did they disappear?They looked for it and found it.Gone in an instant... Inside Spider's Cafe.Because he accidentally injured Bon Clay's subordinates, Mr. 1 and he almost got into a fight.In the end, it was only under the mediation of Ms. Two Fingers, who had been disguised as the female owner of the cafe, that a full-blown fight was avoided.In short, the surviving Baroque Works Officer Agents who hadn't been finished off by Luffy and the others were:The Blade Man Mr. 1 and the Spike Woman Ms. Two Fingers.The Okama Mr. 2 (since he's an Okama, he has no partner).The dim-witted Mr. 4 and the mole old lady Ms. Merry Christmas.These five Officer Agents, pulled by Baroque Works' amphibious transport (which was that giant tortoise), were heading to Rainbase under the moonlit night to gather with Crocodile... Moonlit night."The moon is very round tonight."By the shore of Nanohana under the moonlit night.Ace and Satoru were both lying flat on the ground—their hands weren't broken, haha.Gazing at the moon, Satoru sighed with emotion.The remaining sparks around them and the many crabs and such that were burnt or steamed cooked all proved how intense the battle between Satoruand Ace, which had just ended at nightfall, had been.In the end, Ace hadn't used his full strength against Satoru, and Satoru hadn't used his trump cards either.Relying on his multiple replicated devil fruit abilities, Satoru had stubbornly managed to deal with Aceuntil nightfall.They were tired and stopped fighting."Yeah, it's quite... round."Ace replied."I'll give your description a 100.""...""You absolutely have to go, right? Ace?"Satoru asked, seemingly resigning to fate."...""I absolutely have to go.""When we set out for adventure, we already put life and death aside.""If you care that much about life and death, why go on an adventure at all."Ace was silent for a moment before replying.Satoru sat up, and Ace followed suit."Fine, if you absolutely have to go, I can't stop you.""That's your way of defending your beliefs. After all, as your brother, I should support you.""Younger brother. You're younger than me, so it's as your older brother."Ace suddenly interjected.Satoru: "..."Is there a difference?"Never mind that.""First, tell me, when I saved you, Luffy, Dadan, and the others from Bluejam when we were kids, what did I say?"Satoru asked.Ace fell into memory."Um..."Satoru manifested a flintlock pistol, cocked it, and pressed it against Ace's temple."If you can't remember.""Even if I have to blow your brains out, I won't let you go.""Is... is it that serious?"Ace asked (pretending to be) afraid."Yes.""Think fast."Satoru was very impatient."Okay, okay, I'm thinking, I'm thinking."Ace raised both hands in surrender and tried hard to recall. Fortunately, Bluejam was considered his "strongest opponent" as a child, and it was also the first time Satoru had stepped in and insta-killed him, so the memory was quite deep."You seemed to float down...""And at the same time, you said...""'But if a family member or comrade sacrifices themselves to let you escape, what you should do is not let them down, instead of going back to talk about living and dying together. That is utterly foolish!'""Right?"Ace repeated the words Satoru had used to move them as a child.Satoru nodded in satisfaction and turned the flintlock back into a bracelet."As long as you remember.""From now on.""Remember these words.""Carve them into your heart."Satoru said, with special emphasis on remembering them in his heart."Okay, I've got it.""Don't give me that grinning face!""Yes! I've remembered it."Ace immediately replied seriously and earnestly, while also interpreting these sentences. Did Satorumean that someone would sacrifice themselves for him?"Good.""Then you can go."Satoru stood up and brushed the sand off his body."Also, thanks for your..."Satoru manifested a gun again and fired it at Ace. Ace was startled, but saw that the muzzle only spat out a small flame."...ability."Ace realized what was happening."So that means my fruit ability was replicated by your bracelet.""Yes.""Dragging you into a fight until nightfall was also for this reason."Satoru replied, and the gun turned back into a bracelet.Ace exclaimed, "Man, then why didn't you just say so? We could have sat peacefully, chatting and drinking tea until evening.""We could have, but I just wanted to hit you."Satoru replied without hesitation."...""Well, thank you then.""The 'little sister' Satoru from when we were kids, who would call me brother and cook for me, was much cuter."Ace just had to be a smart-aleck.Satoru's answer was very concise."Get lost.""Hahahaha, alright, enough of that.""It really is time to say goodbye.""But you don't have a boat or any means of transportation. How are you going to catch up with Luffy and the others? Do you need me to give you a lift for a bit?"Ace asked, bringing the conversation back on track."What, you're not in a hurry to hunt down Blackbeard anymore?"Satoru asked."Oh, a day has already been wasted; a little more won't matter. Besides, there's no news of him yet."Ace replied.Although Satoru still appeared expressionless and blamed Ace for insisting on catching Blackbeard, hearing Ace say this, he knew in his heart that Acewas trying to make sure he wasn't angry.Ace, who had learned to be polite, was actually very sensitive inside."No need, I can fly."After saying that, Satoru stepped into the air and flew up."Remember those words.""Ace.""We... will meet again."After saying that, Satoru stepped through the air and flew away.Watching Satoru's retreating figure in the sky, Aceshowed a smile and pressed down on his cowboy hat."It seems Luffy and Satoru's adventure is also quite interesting.""I'll be waiting for you all at the summit of piracy."After his exclamation, Ace jumped onto his small boat powered by fire, started it, and also left Nanohana.
Chapter 137: I QuitAfter reuniting with Ace, it was time to part ways again.Satoru failed to convince Ace not to pursue Blackbeard, but on second thought, if Ace actually didn't go, he wouldn't be "Ace."In the end, Satoru could only tell Ace to engrave the words "do not let the sacrifice of your loved ones be in vain" in his heart, hoping it might resist the gears of fate.Furthermore, Satoru wasn't without a plan; if things followed the arrangement of fate, they would encounter Blackbeard on Jaya Island.What would happen when they met would depend on Satoru's own thoughts and actions.Flying away from the coast of Nanohana, Satoruwas in no hurry to catch up with Luffy and the others.Instead, he went into the city, bought a desert outfit, and found a place to have some late-night snacks.Just as Ace said, sitting down to eat and admire the moon—except there was no share for him... Meanwhile, on Luffy's side.After a day of exhausting effort.They had taken in a group of Kung Fu Dugongapprentices at the Erumalu Oasis and then persuaded them to go back with food.Originally, the Sandora River, which had flowed through the entire Kingdom of Alabasta since ancient times and irrigated this land, was being continuously encroached upon by seawater.Simply put, seawater was constantly replacing the Sandora River and flowing into the interior of Alabasta.The Erumalu Oasis near the coast lost its source of fresh water, and because the entire country had not seen rain for three years, it became the first abandoned oasis city.During those three years, the only place in Alabastawhere it rained was the kingdom's capital, Alabasta, and Crocodile had people use Dance Powder (Rain Powder) to put on a show at the harbor.It was a blatant way of telling the citizens that the reason it wouldn't rain was because the rain had been stolen by the kingdom's capital.The anger suppressed for two years finally erupted recently. (The Dance Powder scene at the harbor was staged two years ago, but it hasn't rained for three years.)Vivi knew all of this was Crocodile's doing, and after telling Luffy and the others, it served as an additional anger buff.After leaving Erumalu, Luffy and the others continued their journey.Continuing on, after being tricked out of all their luggage and water by Deception Birds, they saved the desert camel "Eyelash" from the mouth of a Sandora Giant Lizard.The two ladies rode on Eyelash, which made things quite a bit easier.It wasn't that Nami and Vivi were selfish, but this perverted camel only allowed women to ride it.There were also encounters with giant desert toads, Luffy collapsing while walking only to find out he was just sleeping, and other accidents.Time passed, the sun set, and the moon rose.Luffy and the others finally arrived at the rebel stronghold, Yuba.At this time, Satoru was eating a late-night snack.And on Luffy's side, another accident occurred.The desert oasis of Yuba had now become a ruin, just like Erumalu before it.Moreover, sandstorms were sweeping over it."How can this be..."Vivi said, unable to believe her eyes."This is too desolate. What's the difference between this and Erumalu?"Zoro remarked with emotion."Where's the water!?" Luffy, parched, stuck out his tongue and looked around."Isn't this an oasis? Vivi."Sanji asked.Vivi replied with a look of disappointment, "The sand caused the ground to rise and rise, burying the oasis.""But that's not the main problem. The problem is, why has Yuba, the rebel stronghold, also turned into this!!"Vivi said in confusion, walking forward in disbelief. Luffy and the others immediately followed, only to see an old man ahead constantly shoveling sand."Are you desert travelers?""I'm sorry, this city has already been abandoned.""But you can rest well here.""In terms of places to stay, this city has as many as you want; that is the pride of this city."Vivi covered the lower half of her face with her hat and asked,"Excuse me, I heard that there is a rebel army in this city?"Unexpectedly, as soon as the old man heard "rebel army," his face immediately changed."What do you want with the rebel army?""Don't tell me you want to join the rebel army too!?"As if words weren't enough to vent his anger, the old man directly threw empty wooden buckets and other things at them."Those bastards aren't here anymore.""The sandstorm just now didn't just start today. Since the rainless drought began three years ago, this place has been frequently hit by sandstorms.""The city was buried little by little, and the oasis of the past has become what it is today.""The flow of supplies here has also stopped. The rebel army couldn't fight a long-term war, so they moved their main camp to Katorea.""Katorea!"As soon as the old man's words came out, Vivi was stunned, feeling like fate was playing a cruel joke."Where is that? Is it near here? Vivi?"Luffy turned and asked."It's an oasis very close to Nanohana."Vivi said, looking dejected."What!!" Everyone was shocked.Usopp couldn't help but complain, "Then what did we come all this way for!!"But what the old man noticed was the name Vivifrom Luffy's mouth."Vivi, you just called her Vivi!""It really is you! Princess Vivi! You're still alive!!""Don't you remember me? Well, I have lost weight."Vivi's arms were grabbed by the old man, but seeing him this close, the face in front of her began to merge with the face in her memory, and the voice was also familiar."You are... Uncle Toto!!"...As it turned out, the one digging sand in Yuba was Toto, who had been sent by the King to develop the city of Yuba back then.His son Koza and Vivi had known each other since they were children and were childhood friends, but midway through, Koza followed Toto to develop Yuba.Now Koza had become the leader of the rebel army and had even left the city where he had grown up.Vivi and the others had come all this way for nothing; it was truly a twist of fate."It's just that there's been no rain for three years... How could His Majesty the King possibly... I believe most of the citizens feel the same way I do.""I have tried to persuade the rebel army time and time again.""But they won't stop no matter what; their endurance has reached its limit.""They have decided to settle it in the next attack because they are also at a dead end and can only start fighting for their lives.""Please, little Vivi, please stop those fools."Toto said, unable to stop his old tears from flowing.Vivi herself was clearly disappointed and felt that fate was playing with them, but seeing Toto like this, and seeing that there were still people who believed so deeply in her father and in this country, as a princess, how could she be dejected? How could she give up?"Uncle Toto, don't worry, I will definitely stop the rebel army."Vivi was already very tired, but she still tried her best to put on a smile... Shua~Scene change: Zoro and the others arrived at the house and immediately rested, waiting for the next day to arrive.The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is huge; crossing the desert at night is practically suicidal.Under the antics of Usopp and Chopper, the atmosphere in the room finally became a bit more relaxed.Seeing that Toto was still digging sand, Luffycouldn't help but jump down to help him, except the sand he dug ended up filling the hole Toto had dug; however, he was quick to correct his mistake.But in the end, no water was found. Luffy fell asleep directly at the bottom of the pit. Toto gave a helpless smile—the kind a grandfather gives a grandson—carried Luffy back to the room, and then continued digging sand.The Straw Hat Pirates, who had crossed the desert during the day, could finally rest now.As for Satoru.He had checked into a room in Nanohana.Gazing at the moon through the window, he still suppressed the impulse in his heart to go and pick a fight with Crocodile."Goodnight.""Everyone.""Goodnight.""Moon.""Tomorrow is destined to be an unsettled day."...The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the moon rises in the west and falls in the east.The laws of nature follow their course.The next day arrived peacefully.The top officers of Baroque Works gathered in the casino city of Rainbase, the city of dreams.They met their behind-the-scenes boss of many years, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Sir Crocodile.Besides their surprise, they were also curious why a "legal" pirate under the government like a Shichibukai would want to seize a country.Crocodile stated that what he wanted was not money or status, but "military power."He told the top officers that Pluton, one of the three legendary ancient weapons, was in Alabasta!That was the real reason he wanted to take over all of Alabasta.He gave the plan to the officers, and after they finished reading, he coolly burned it directly on the candelabra in front of him.But just then, the still-alive Mr. 3 popped up."This 'Utopia' plan, I hope it can be postponed!"Mr. 3 told them that the pirates protecting Vivi were not dead—not a single one of them.They were escorting Vivi back to Alabasta. Crocodile was so angry that he drained him dry and threw him into the Crocodile pool; however, Mr. 3 was a future Emperor's right-hand man after all, so he wasn't that easy to kill."Zero-chan, speak clearly. I don't understand what's going on at all!?"As the person who was supposed to hunt down Mr. 3, Bon Clay was also completely confused now that Mr. 3 was still alive.Until Crocodile took out the portraits of Luffy and his crew.Bon Clay understood."I met them..."Then, he repeatedly changed into the faces of Luffyand the others for Crocodile and the rest to see."Including Vivi, and ignore that pet, there are six people in total. This long-haired brat—why didn't you mimic his face!""He's dead!"Satoru: You're the one who's dead!Bon Clay shook his head, "No, he's still alive, I just didn't touch his face."Crocodile nodded with a grim face. Mr. 3 was indeed trash; he really hadn't dealt with a single person.He also understood what Vivi wanted to do."Listen up, look at these six people clearly.""Their goal is to'stop the rebellion.' If we ignore them, they will show up on their own. Whenever you see them, kill them without mercy.""But, Zero-chan, even if Vivi is a princess, can she persuade the rebel army with just her mouth? That's 700,000 rebels."Bon Clay asked. Only he dared to call Crocodile"Zero-chan," and Crocodile had even accepted the nickname.So, regarding the mystery of Crocodile's gender, there was certainly something to consider."The trouble is, I heard Princess Vivi and the rebel leader Koza are childhood friends.""Even if she can't persuade the rebel army, it will at least shake their morale."Crocodile said, biting his cigar and slamming his hand on the table."I have already dispatched several Emissaries of Billion to infiltrate the rebel army. I haven't received word yet, which proves the rebels haven't started moving yet.""In short, before the operation, Vivi and Koza must absolutely not be allowed to meet.""Ms. All Sunday, use a den den mushi to notify those Emissaries of Billion. If they see this group, kill them without mercy."Miss Robin appeared once again. Facing Crocodile's words, she nodded with a smile and replied, "Okay.""I'll say it again: absolutely do not let Vivi and the others enter Katorea.""You must absolutely not let Princess Vivi and the rebel leader Koza meet each other.""I don't want any more accidents.""Remember, don't be late for the 'banquet.' Our 'Utopia' is right before our eyes."All officers: "Yes, Boss."Crocodile bit into a new cigar and smiled, "I wish you all fun."..."Ugh~"On Satoru's side, he had just woken up, stretched, and looked at the clock."It shouldn't have started yet at this time."Muttering to himself, Satoru got up to wash up. After washing up, he went downstairs and ate breakfast.Then he bowed slightly to the owner and said, "Thank you for your hospitality."The owner was about to politely reply, but before the words "You're welcome, just pay the bill" could even leave his mouth,He looked up and Satoru was gone.He was instantly stunned. "Dine and dash? Stay and dash?"...On Luffy's side, although they had been busy all day crossing the desert to reach Yuba, it turned out to be a wasted effort.Carrying a small wooden barrel of water that Uncle Toto had spent the whole night digging for and then distilling, they set out on the road to the rebels' new stronghold, Katorea.But not long after they left, Luffy sat down directly under a withered tree. "I quit.""You say you quit?""What do you mean, Luffy?""Don't throw a tantrum here, get up quickly.""We have to go stop the rebel army, otherwise if a million people start fighting, the situation will definitely be uncontrollable.""It's for Vivi's sake."Sanji urged.Luffy only replied with one word, "Boring."Sanji was so angry his face turned into a shark face. "What was that, you bastard!"Luffy ignored him and instead looked at Vivi and said,"Vivi, I want to send that Crocodile flying.""If we stop the guys who want to rebel, then who's going to stop the Crocodile? Besides, even if we get to that city, who's going to listen to pirates?"Although Luffy is usually carefree, sometimes he sees through problems more clearly than many people on the ship.Vivi fell silent, and Luffy continued."You don't want anyone to die in this battle—neither those citizens nor us pirates.""But our opponent is one of the Shichibukai, and this is a battle on the scale of a million people.""You want everyone to be safe and sound, and for not a single person to die? That's too naive."Luffy's words fell.The scene went silent. Nami, knowing how much pressure Vivi was under, wanted to say something to help her, but Sanji stopped her.Vivi took off her hat and asked,"Is that wrong?""I don't want anyone to die in this meaningless war. Is that wrong?"
Chapter 138: 1 vs 700,000The Alabasta "dungeon" officially opens.Satoru seems to be slacking off for some reason.Sir Crocodile and his Chief Officers also began their movements.Luffy and the others, after being toyed with by fate, were rushing to Katorea when Luffy suddenly quit, saying he wouldn't do it anymore.He stated that stopping the rebel army wasn't as effective as beating up Crocodile; as long as Crocodile was still there, this country would never know peace.Vivi understood, too. She was afraid. Given the status and strength of a Shichibukai, she lacked the resolve and was afraid that taking Luffy and the others to fight Crocodile was just walking to their deaths."Is that wrong?""I don't want anyone to die in this meaningless war. Is that wrong?""People die."Luffy replied bluntly, and Vivi slapped him."Shut up! Don't say things like that anymore.""Isn't that exactly what I'm going to stop this tragedy for?""Whether it's the rebel army, the Kingdom Army, or the citizens of this country, none of them deserve to die. It's all Crocodile's fault."Luffy got up and punched Vivi directly.Sanji and Usopp were shocked."Damn you, Luffy!""Hey, Luffy, you've gone too far."Just as the two finished speaking, two hand-chops landed on their heads, followed by Satoru's voice."You guys didn't say a word when Luffy got hit, did you?""Satoru!!"Everyone shouted, seemingly relieved that Satoruhad returned."No, what I meant was, Luffy isn't afraid of him, but with his strength, if he punches, Vivi would..."Usopp explained."Shh."Satoru raised a finger to silence him, interrupting Usopp."Keep watching. Trust our Captain.""Then why are you going to risk your life!"Luffy shouted.After punching Vivi, he was pressed down and beaten by her instead; even a blind man could see Luffy wasn't using his full strength."What the?!""After seeing this country, even I know what should be done first.""Just relying on you alone to risk your life, what are you going to fight them with?"Luffy was pinned down by Vivi, and even as Vivi's fists rained down, he didn't fight back but shouted instead."Then how else can I fight them?""Besides risking my life to fight them, what else..."Vivi's tone was filled with helplessness."Use our lives to fight!""Aren't we comrades?!"Luffy KO'd her with those two sentences.Vivi covered her mouth, and tears broke through instantly.Satoru walked over and pulled the two of them up."With our lives, using your name, huh, Luffy?""Hahaha, Satoru, you're here. What? What do you mean by that?"Luffy replied with a laugh."Nothing, just saying."Satoru replied, then looked at Vivi, "Vivi, Luffy is right. Aren't we comrades?""That's right, Vivi, we are comrades!"Behind Luffy and Satoru, the others also walked over.Vivi couldn't stop crying and reached out to pull her hat low.Luffy picked up his straw hat, "Actually, it's you who isn't willing to give up, right, Vivi?""Where is that Crocodile guy? Tell me, I'm going to beat him up."...Vivi told Luffy and the others Crocodile's location, [Rainbase], straight north from Yuba.On the surface, Crocodile's identity was the owner of the largest casino in Rainbase.After regrouping, correcting Zoro's direction, and Satoru's return, the Straw Hat Pirates continued their journey across the desert toward Rainbase.It seems the Alabasta "dungeon" spent a lot of time just "running the map."...Meanwhile.The shoeshine boy from Nanohana, Kaba, arrived at Katorea and told Koza and the others that he wanted to join the rebel army.Even after Koza had his comrades show their shocking scars, he still didn't back down, but Kozastill sent him away.Kaba reminded Koza of himself when he was young, which also accelerated the speed of his troop deployment."After collecting the weapons, launch an all-out attack on Alabasta immediately."...On the Kingdom side.King Nefeltari Cobra rejected the proposal from Pell(Pell the Falcon), the vice-Captain of the AlabastaKingdom Guard, and Chaka (Chaka the Jackal), who was also a vice-Captain of the Alabasta Kingdom Guard, to send troops to suppress the rebel army.He stated that this would only worsen the relationship between the two sides.Just then, the black duck Karoo, entrusted by Vivi, crossed the desert from Nanohana and finally arrived in the Kingdom in time.Through the letter Vivi brought via Karoo, the King learned that this was all a scheme by one of the Shichibukai, Sir Crocodile.Even knowing the distance was too far, that it might put the army at a disadvantage, and that the rebel army might seize the capital, King Cobra still resolutely decided to launch an attack on Rainbase.Even if he died, the people would rebuild the kingdom; Crocodile was the culprit of everything. This point, King Cobra as a father saw more clearly than Princess Vivi as a daughter.So, the current situation is:The rebel army is in Nanohana, preparing to go to Alabasta to crusade against the King.The Kingdom Army is preparing to go from Alabasta to Rainbase to crusade against Crocodile.Luffy and the others are heading from Yuba toward Rainbase, with their target also being Crocodile.And now, there are 17 hours left until Crocodile's Utopia plan begins....The sun rose and set, the laws of heaven and earth, another day passed.1 hour left until Crocodile's Utopia plan begins.And Luffy and the others have crossed the desert and arrived at Rainbase."I see it! That's Rainbase."Vivi pointed ahead and shouted.Luffy excitedly raised both hands, "Alright, beat Crocodile."Usopp and Chopper said they just wanted, "Water!!""Oh right, Usopp, that thing I asked you to make, is it ready?"Nami asked while sitting on the camel.Usopp showed a proud expression, "That thing, it's done.""Look, this is your new weapon, the [clima-tact].""It's very powerful, the attack direction changes with the combination of the three sticks.""Wow, so amazing."Nami replied, and Usopp showed her how to use it.Sanji said from the side, "Don't give Miss Nami any dangerous things. Miss Nami and Miss Vivi don't need to fight, because I will protect them.""Hahaha, just call me Prince.""Prince~"Only Zoro and Satoru responded to him."Beat you up! Bastard!"Sanji turned into fangs and shouted.Zoro brought the topic back."However, this is Crocodile's base. Once we enter, Baroque Works people will probably know.""That's right, Rainbase is full of Baroque Workspeople. Once discovered, we'll definitely be eliminated by Crocodile, right?"Usopp's tone was a bit weak."Beat Crocodile!"Luffy said the same thing again."Are you listening to me!!"Usopp shouted.Satoru spoke up, "No choice, our faces have been known by Crocodile and his people since Whiskey Peak.""Instead of thinking of ways here, I agree with Luffy's proposal: enter directly and charge straight into Crocodile's base."Vivi nodded."That's right, Usopp, I agree with Satoru and Luffy's proposal. We don't have time to consider that much anymore."...Inside Rainbase, in a restaurant.Luffy and Usopp "flew" in and immediately each ordered a large barrel of water.Then they ran into the "persistent" Smoker and his group.After spraying water on their faces, they immediately carried the water and ran away."Is it okay to send those two to buy water?"Zoro asked."It should be fine, they're just buying things."Nami sat directly on the ground, leaning against the wall.Satoru stood outside the alley, saw Luffy and the others, turned his head, and smiled."Some things are just metaphysics. You say it's fine, but what you're afraid of actually happens.""Run!"Sanji poked his head out, "Oh my god, they are being chased by the Marines again."Everyone immediately took action."Tony hasn't come back yet."Vivi shouted."It's fine, he'll find a way himself."Zoro replied.Then they heard Luffy shout, "Everyone run, the Marines are coming."Zoro was so angry he shouted with fangs, "Isn't that because you brought them here!"Finally, they decided to split up and meet at Crocodile's casino, which Luffy called, "Crocodile's house!""Then we'll split up and meet at [Crocodile's house]!""Vivi and the pirates are in this city?""That's right, news from the Emissary of Billion just now."Robin told Crocodile the news of Luffy and the others arriving in Rainbase.Crocodile was happy instead.This meant Vivi hadn't gone to stop the rebel army, and since they were here, they shouldn't leave."Hahahaha.""Welcome these stupid little mice properly."...Luffy and the others broke directly into the casino.Only Sanji, Chopper, and Vivi were still outside.Smoker followed behind. The security guard stopped Smoker, then was thrown away by him, crashing into a slot machine.Coins, Berries, kept spilling out, which made the gamblers on the machine very happy.Under Robin's order, the assistant manager gave Luffy and the others a VIP passage.Then, in a transition, they were locked in a cage—a Sea Stone cage.Luffy pouted, "What a clever trap."Nami shouted angrily, "Where is the trap for you? You jumped into it yourself!"The sign at the fork in the road said VIP passage on one side and Pirates on the other.Luffy said they were pirates, so they ran in the direction of the pirates.Isn't that reasonable?Very reasonable.Outside, Vivi was holding off the Emissary of Billion, fortunately, Pell the Falcon, the strongest warrior of Alabasta, arrived.He solved the enemies in a few moves and saved Vivi.Then he was defeated by Robin in a few moves, and Vivi was captured again....Inside the casino, Luffy, locked in the cage, still had the mood to imitate Sanji, and Usopp applauded and laughed because it was really similar.Nami punched each of them."What time is it, you still have this mood! Behave when you're locked up!""Also, Zoro, Satoru, how can you still sleep!"Nami controlled all four men alone.Even Crocodile couldn't help but praise,"What an amazing young lady."Nami turned around. Although locked in a cage, she didn't lose her spirit."Enjoy it while you can.""When we get out, we will definitely beat you to the ninth heaven, right! Luffy!!"Luffy raised his hands and shouted, "That goes without saying!!"Crocodile listened and laughed."Hahahaha, looks like you are a straw hat Captainwho is very trusted by his comrades.""Trust?""It's the most useless thing in the world.""Crocodile!!"Meanwhile, Vivi's shout came, and she broke free from Robin's hand and ran toward Crocodile."If it weren't for you, Alabasta would be peaceful forever!""Wait a moment, Vivi, open the door and let us out.""Peacock Chain!"Vivi was furious and couldn't hear anything anymore.She directly launched an attack on Crocodile and blew his head off."Ugh!!"Even Luffy couldn't help but be surprised.Unfortunately, Crocodile was a sand devil fruit user, so even if he was blown up a few more times, it would be fine, unless Garp came to blow him up.Vivi was subdued by Crocodile in an instant.And at this time, an hour had passed.Crocodile's [Utopia] plan had begun....At this time, Alabasta was in chaos due to the King's disappearance.And Chaka received news that the King had appeared in Nanohana with troops and attacked civilians.He shouted that it was impossible; how could a King who was going to attack Rainbase to crusade against Crocodile yesterday attack civilians today!!But the real King had disappeared, and his innocence could not be proven....Inside Nanohana.Mr. 2 Bon Clay, disguised as the King, clashed with Koza.A bullet grazed Koza's forehead, and several large pirate ships pressed down from the pier.Nanohana was in total chaos.The rebel army arrived shortly after.And the culprits, Mr. 2 Bon Clay, Mr. 1, and Ms. Two Fingers, had long since left.They also beat up Kaba, the child who saw Mr. 2 Bon Clay transform into the King, leaving him seriously injured.The rebel army arrived and treated him.They thought it was the Kingdom Army who did it, and at this time Kaba was seriously injured; even though he knew the truth, he couldn't say a word.Koza kindly covered his eyes to soothe his emotions."Let's bury... this country.""Contact all branches, start gathering, this is the final duel."Koza ordered."But, Mr. Koza, the weapons haven't been built yet."A rebel soldier replied.But at this time, Koza's friend and right-hand man, Kebi, came out and said,"The giant ship that collapsed at the port just now is a weapon merchant ship, it has a large number of weapons inside.""It's simply... Heaven's will."Koza replied.Heaven my ass, such a coincidence, still Heaven's will. However, Koza was furious at this moment, so it was normal that he didn't expect it.Just like that, 700,000 rebel soldiers started marching toward Alabasta to crusade against the King and the Kingdom Army.But on the road just out of Nanohana, a person blocked them.I saw another Satoru lighting a fire with a pistol lighter, biting a cigarette, blocking 700,000 people alone."Who are you?""Get out of the way, don't block our path."Koza hated the King and the Kingdom Army, and thinking Satoru was just an ordinary civilian, he didn't attack immediately.Satoru exhaled a puff of smoke.Thinking to himself, Zoro 1vs100 is not enough to watch.If I'm going to fight, I'll do 1vs700,000.
Chapter 139: I'm Just a Passing-Through kamen riderCrocodile's "Operation Utopia" was proceeding smoothly.He wanted the people within the Kingdom of Alabasta to slaughter each other, and in the end, he would be the one to reap the benefits.On Luffy's side, he was locked in a Sea Stone cage by Crocodile... though it seemed like he had jumped into the trap himself.Meanwhile, in Nanohana, after Mr. 2's big performance, Koza gathered 700,000 rebel soldiers and began a grand march toward Alabasta to crusade against the King and the Kingdom Army.On the Kingdom's side, Chaka was at his wit's end; the King had disappeared, and Pell was nowhere to be found.Upon hearing the news of the Rebel Army's mobilization, as the Vice Captain of the Royal Guard, he could only order the protection of the palace; if the rebels truly attacked, they would have no choice but to fight to the death.However, on Koza's side, just as they were leaving Nanohana, Satoru appeared and blocked their path.Facing 700,000 people alone, Satoru calmly took out a cigarette and lit it with a pistol lighter."Who are you?""Get out of the way, don't block our path."Koza hated the King and the Kingdom Army, but thinking Satoru was just an ordinary civilian, he didn't attack immediately.Satoru exhaled a puff of smoke.He thought to himself, Zoro doing 1 vs 100...That's not enough to watch.If I'm going to fight, it'll be 1 vs 700,000.Then, he choked on his own smoke."Cough, cough, cough, cough!!"A drop of "speechlessness" was clearly visible on the back of Koza and the others' heads."Get out of the way!!"Koza could no longer maintain his politeness; he was already annoyed and in a fit of rage."Cough, cough...""Young man, don't be so agitated.""I'll show you something fun."Satoru placed his right hand on his face and instantly transformed into King Cobra. Having replicated Mr. 2's Clone-Clone Fruit, he had also replicated his stored appearances, saving Satoru the trouble of finding Cobra to copy him.This transformation of Satoru's startled the 700,000 people across from him."Ko... Koza, he, he, he..."Farafra raised his intact left hand and rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing.Satoru raised his left hand and touched his face, returning to his original appearance."Now, you finally understand, Rebel Leader Koza.""Seeing is not necessarily believing.""I wonder, once you know the whole truth, will you still think of yourself as a hero crusading against the Kingdom and the King?""Or just an idiot who was used from start to finish."Satoru flicked away the rest of the cigarette and crushed it with his foot; while doing so, he spoke to Koza word by word."So, do you understand?""So... the one who impersonated the King in Nanohana was you? Who exactly are you?"Satoru spoke mysteriously, making Koza think he was an enemy.The Emissaries of Billion hidden among the rebels were also confused. Was the person before them Mr. 2, or someone else? Why could he also change his face?Satoru almost tripped over his own feet at the sheer absurdity of his words."How the hell did you become the rebel leader?""You...""Bang!!"As Satoru was speaking, a bullet was fired from the crowd.Satoru reached out his hand, appearing to catch the bullet, but in reality, the bullet had already flown past him.Locking his gaze on the surprised fellow, Satoruimmediately activated Silent Step and dragged him out in an instant.Satoru choked him with one hand, inviting him to "dance."With his other hand, he pulled back the man's sleeve, revealing the Baroque Works logo tattoo inside."Is this the symbol of your Rebel Army?"Satoru asked."N-No, it's not."Koza was already confused, completely confused."There you go. This symbol is...""Kill him!!"The Emissaries of Billion hidden within realized they couldn't let Satoru continue, even though he had already said a lot.They chose to attack simultaneously, lunging and jumping to slash at Satoru or firing cold shots from behind.Satoru pushed his speed to the limit; even surrounded by dozens of people and bullets, he calmly dodged them all."Great, this saves me the trouble of finding you one by one.""As assassins, I wonder, have you ever tasted the feeling of being assassinated?"Daggers appeared in both of Satoru's hands, and with a flash, he vanished.Dozens of people in front fell to the ground, blood spurting from their bodies.Wails echoed through the 700,000 people; whenever a horse was startled, Xiao Bai instantly quieted them.Moreover, not everyone had a horse (not an insult).Only "officers" like Koza in the front were provided with horses; the people behind relied on the most primitive means of transportation.Seeing their brothers being killed, some among the rebels became furious."You bastard! What are you doing!!""I'm cleaning up trash."Satoru returned to his original position, moving freely among the million-strong army. He killed and drew blood, yet not a single drop stained him. Only the dripping daggers proved that in just a few short seconds, dozens had died at his hands—all of them Emissaries of Billion arranged by Crocodile.Seeing that they were about to attack, Koza stopped them.Satoru felt quite relieved, but then Koza himself attacked... Bang!"Tell me the truth!!""Who exactly is the one who stole this country's rain!!"Koza threw a punch.Satoru extended his palm and calmly caught it."You still have some strength.""Now you want to know the truth?""Alright, it's not too late.""I guarantee with my own character and Vivi that she will successfully stop the Rebel Army.""Stop you foolish people from slaughtering each other.""I have to protect my own character.""So, to find out the truth, come on, follow me.""With me causing such a stir, we should be able to meet Princess Vivi on the way.""She will tell you the truth."Satoru said."Vivi!"At the mention of Vivi, Koza's expression froze."Are you someone sent by Princess Vivi?"Farafra asked in surprise.Satoru glanced at him. "I'm not anyone's man.""I'm just a passing-through kamen rider."
Chapter 140: He Really Worked So Hard"I am just a passing kamen rider."After saying this, Satoru flew up and led the way.Koza looked confused. He knew what a knight was, but what on earth was a "kamen"?But regardless."Follow that kamen rider!!"Koza shouted.Satoru almost fell out of the sky. You actually took it seriously? How naive....On the rebel side, Satoru took them straight away.Crocodile hadn't expected his plan to end before it had even begun.This could be called "The founding emperor had not yet completed his undertaking when he was intercepted by a rider."Over in Rainbase, he was still smugly telling Viviabout his plan."Hahahaha, how about it? Are you satisfied? The operation plan you participated in halfway is now bearing fruit. Ms. Wednesday, listen to the wails of Alabasta.""The pitiful thing is, they think they are defending Alabasta.""Stop it!!"Vivi screamed, on the verge of a breakdown."Pfft..."Here, Satoru received a message from his Main Body and couldn't help but laugh.The one in Rainbase was just a clone created by the Human-Human Fruit ability from the bracelet.He laughed out loud, and the others went quiet, instantly becoming the center of attention."Uh... no, I wasn't laughing. I've undergone professional training; I don't laugh easily.""Please, continue."And so they continued."How pitiful. They clearly have the country's best interests at heart, yet they watch helplessly as it perishes.""Devil—this word was practically tailor-made for you."Zoro replied.Luffy gritted his teeth, furious."Damn it, if it weren't for this cage...""Think about it, I went through so much hardship to get to this point. From recruiting staff, raising funds, to making Dance Powder.""Inciting the destruction of parched cities.""Having my staff disguise themselves as the Royal Army to commit crimes.""Slowly amplifying the citizens' dissatisfaction, slowly making them lose their trust in the King."Satoru listened silently, thinking, *He's working so hard, seriously, I'm crying.*However, no matter how hard he works, it can't beat the fact that he "has a script.""Do you know why I went through so much trouble to take this country? Ms. Wednesday."Crocodile asked."How would I know what's going on in that rotten brain of yours!"Vivi shouted through gritted teeth.Crocodile chuckled indifferently. "What a sharp-tongued princess."But then he saw Vivi sway her body, knocking the chair over.She wiggled her body."What are you doing, Ms. Wednesday?""I am going to stop all of this.""It's not too late. As long as we head east to Alabasta right now, if we get there before the rebels enter Alabasta, there's still a chance to stop them!"Perhaps influenced by Luffy, even at this point, Vivirefused to give up.But Crocodile just thought she was being naive."Oh, I was also planning to go to Alabasta to ask your father a question.""What! What else do you want to do to my father?"Vivi exclaimed loudly."Heh, father or the citizens—which one is more important, Ms. Wednesday?""You can come with us if you want."Crocodile took out the key and threw it directly into the pit, which was a pool of water—the nest of the Banana Gators."There are 8 hours left until the riot starts. Of course, if you rush to Alabasta, it might not be that time.""If you want to stop them, you have to leave immediately. Otherwise, hundreds of thousands of people might die."Satoru: "Everyone, the sandstorm is too strong, let's go a bit slower.""Or save these guys. That is your choice, Ms. Wednesday.""If you have the ability, open this cage, but the key accidentally fell into the pit."Crocodile's tone was filled with mockery and amusement. What a convenient 'accident'."Alright then, we shall take our leave.""This room will be destroyed in one hour.""This secret basement I used when I was the boss of B.W. is no longer useful. It will soon be flooded with lake water and sink into the lake of Rainbase.""One million innocent citizens, and a pirate crew made up of five dying nobodies.""The chances of either side being saved are very slim, and the wager is your will, Ms. Wednesday.""Hahahaha."Laughing loudly, Crocodile turned and walked away.At the same time, water began to leak in."Water is leaking in!!""Hurry and think of a way to save us!! Otherwise, we'll drown in an hour."Usopp shouted in panic.Vivi picked up her weapon, the Peacock Slashers, but looking at Crocodile's back, she lowered it helplessly. She understood that there was a huge chasm between her strength and his.Watching this scene, Luffy couldn't help but shout."Hurry up and find a way to get us out of here!""Hahaha, the idiot straw hat knows how to be afraid too. Fair enough, who isn't afraid of dying?"Hearing Luffy's voice, Crocodile didn't even turn his head."If we die here first, who's going to beat this guy up?"Ignoring Crocodile, Luffy continued to shout.Crocodile's laughter stopped abruptly. He turned his face to the side. "Stop being so self-righteous, you trash."Luffy glared at him, gritting his teeth, his eyes burning with rage."You're the one... who's trash!!"
Chapter 141: I Despise Him Starting from His Eyebrows"You're the one who's trash."Luffy glared furiously, replying with an aura that refused to lose.Nami and Usopp screamed in terror, "Hey! Hey! That's a Warlord of the Sea!"Vivi bit her lower lip, utterly conflicted inside."Heh, come on."Crocodile immediately opened the large trapdoor, and a gigantic Banana Gator crawled out."Alright, use this chance to shake them off. Don't you want to stop the rebellion?"Staring at the Banana Gator—whose three stacked teeth were taller than her—Vivi's legs began to tremble."It's... so huge...""Go on and defeat it, you can do it, Vivi."Luffy shouted."That's right, Vivi, you can do it. I guarantee on my honor that you'll definitely stop the rebels. I never fight a battle I haven't prepared for."Bai Yun agreed.Crocodile stopped again. "Oh, judging by what you said, you've made preparations.""Hahahaha, long-haired brat, trapped in that cage and looking half-dead, what kind of preparation could you possibly have?""And your honor—how much is your honor worth? Is it worth the lives of a million people? Hahahaha."Crocodile laughed heartily and walked away again.In a sense, he was right.Bai Yun thought: 'Go ahead and laugh. Laugh all you want. We'll see if you're still laughing in the end...' The Banana Gator attacked Vivi. Overwhelmed by its massive size and giant teeth, Vivi could only dodge.Crocodile and Robin walked to the middle of the corridor. Just then, the small Den Den Mushi in Robin's hand began to ring."Pururu~ Pururu~ Pururu~"Robin picked it up and pressed the button on the side of the shell. With a click, the call connected."Hello? Hello, can you hear me? Hello.""I hear you. Is this the Millions Agent?"Robin asked."Hello? Hello, is this thing connected? I've never used a small Den Den Mushi before.""...Yes, it's connected. Please speak."Robin maintained a polite smile, thinking: *You called me, so what do you expect me to say?*Crocodile leaned slightly closer."That voice, I've heard it before."Just as he finished speaking, the voice from the other end continued."Uh... this is the Jerk Restaurant."..."The Jerk Restaurant?""That's right. It seems you still remember. How delightful."The 'Jerk Restaurant' was what Sanji had called it when he spoke to Crocodile back on Little Garden.Sanji, who had been absent during the events at Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and the encounter with Mr. 2 Bon Clay, had managed to avoid having his picture taken by the Unlucky Duo.Hearing 'The Jerk Restaurant,' Luffy immediately realized it was Sanji. Just as he was about to shout, Usopp clapped a hand over his mouth."San... Mmph!""Wait, Luffy. Maybe the enemy still doesn't know he's here."Vivi also realized with a start: Chopper and Sanji were still outside. There was still a chance."Who exactly are you?""Me? Mr. Prince.""Is that so? Then, Mr. Prince, where are you right now?"Crocodile asked directly."I can't tell you where I am, can I? You'd just come to kill me, wouldn't you?""Whether you *can* kill me is another matter entirely, but just telling you everything... I'm not like you, Mr. 0."Sanji replied.Crocodile's face instantly darkened."That's right, Prince! Hurry and save us! There's no time left!"Luffy immediately shouted, and Sanji responded."It seems our crewmates are right there.""Then... What!! *Thud!* Ah!!"Suddenly, unexpected sounds came from the Den Den Mushi, followed by two thumps.The voice on the Den Den Mushi immediately changed."Hah... Hah... I didn't expect him to be so tough.""Hey! Hey! We've got him! What should we do with this weird guy?""Where are you? State your location."Crocodile demanded."We're in Rainbase, right in front of the Rainbase Casino.""How could this be... Sanji."Vivi's newly sparked hope instantly vanished."Sanji!!""How useless. That idiot bastard, he's still alive, right...""Ah! Ah!!""It's hopeless now."Luffy shouted in disbelief.Zoro cursed openly but worried secretly.Usopp was already yelling hysterically in fear.Nami covered her forehead, her face etched with despair.Vivi, however, jumped directly onto the crocodile's head, then leaped onto the broken steps. She intended to escape through the main door to seek help; Chopper was still outside.But Crocodile's hook snatched her down.In a flash, Crocodile and Robin were standing on the steps. Crocodile looked at Vivi and said one last thing."Just stop making trouble."Then he turned and walked away.Bai Yun patted Zoro and Luffy on the shoulders."Don't worry, this must be Sanji's plan.""If Sanji could be defeated by those Millions Agents...""I'll start despising him from his eyebrows!""Hmm... unless that Millions Agent is a woman."