Chapter 449: You Backstabbed Me!!Water Seven backstreets.Inside the recessed corner of the beverage shop.Robin and Satoru were both there. The person opposite them was hidden in the shadows, completely invisible from a distance, but Satoru and Robin could see clearly.It was Lucci."You guys... did well last night.""Oh, I didn't do much at all. It was all Sister Robin's achievement."Satoru said. Robin raised an eyebrow. Was he mocking her?"This small matter is not worth mentioning.""Hm, but the most important thing is tonight. We will enter Iceberg's room again. We must prepare for the worst, and by then, it won't matter even if all the evidence is destroyed.""Among the disciples of that thing's original owner, Tom, only Iceberg is still alive. No matter how they feign ignorance, tonight, in the name of CP9, we must obtain that item!!""Remember, this is an act of justice!"Lucci spoke of reputation and justice; these words came from his heart and didn't need to be conveyed through his pigeon ventriloquism.Satoru remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he found it hilarious. "Justice? What an explosion of justice.""An act of justice, huh.""Yes, for the sake of the justice in our hearts.""To wield that power to enforce justice."Satoru replied. Lucci didn't answer, making it unclear if Satoru was being sarcastic."In any case, I'll see you tonight. I trust you won't be absent."Having said that, Lucci got up, pushed Blueno aside, walked in, and headed back to the shipyard.The door closed. Blueno restored his physical body, checked his watch, and said, "I have to go run the tavern now.""Feel free to stay. Just as Lucci said, we'll see each other tonight."With that, he also left.Satoru continued drinking his coffee, waiting for Robin to speak.It wasn't until the coffee was finished and the newspaper read that Robin finally couldn't help but speak."If you go with me tonight, it will be a path of no return.""Now that I know their plans and appearances, it's too late to back out, Sister Robin.""Don't say anything more. Just don't forget our bet.""Weren't you going to find someone among them to say goodbye to? I'll accompany you."Satoru wore a look of understanding.Robin, however, felt extremely awkward. She didn't care about herself, but dragging others into it felt strange... "Hey! Sister Robin!!"On the street, Sanji and the deer-form Chopperwere searching for Robin. Even though they knew the news that Robin was the culprit who assassinated Iceberg, Sanji still shouted Robin's name at the top of his lungs.Fortunately, it was currently the period when the tsunami was approaching, and residents were busy moving valuables. Many people had already reached high ground to avoid the disaster; otherwise, hearing him so openly would surely make them mistake him for an accomplice to the assassination.Just then, Chopper suddenly smelled a familiar scent, looked across the river, and instantly froze."What's wrong, Chopper?"Seeing that Chopper didn't speak, Sanji asked, following his gaze. He saw Robin and Satoru right across the river."Sister Robin!!!"Sanji immediately shouted.Satoru was displeased. "Hey, hey, can't you see me?!"Sanji still chose to ignore him."Sister Robin, Forest Mask has already told us everything about you!! No matter what, we are comrades!! Come back."Satoru hadn't expected this. Sanji, you backstabbed me.Robin shot him a look. Satoru just tilted his head back and whistled—the dedicated method for feigning ignorance in the pirate world; anyone who uses it knows how effective it is."comrades?""I was truly happy to have met you all.""And then what? Should I let you meet Aokiji again? If Aokiji hadn't held back, you might not have even made it to Water Seven.""I'm sorry, but I will never return to you.""I know you treat me as a comrade, so I beg you, don't look for me anymore!""I will say goodbye to you in this city!""What are you talking about, Sister Robin!!""Luffy won't agree, and neither will we!!""You try to persuade Sister Robin too!! Satoru!!"Sanji shouted.Satoru ignored him and kept whistling. That's what you get for backstabbing me just now."Enough.""Don't say anything more.""Although our time together was short, after today, we probably won't meet again. Please pass on my regards to the others. You have always been very kind to me. Thank you."After speaking, Robin turned around without hesitation. This lack of hesitation wasn't due to heartlessness; it was her way of protecting the Straw Hat Pirates."Goodbye."Hearing the word "Goodbye," Sanji immediately plunged into the river."Stop joking around!!"Chopper, standing on the bank, couldn't jump into the water, watching Robin walk further away."Wait!! Robin!!""Wait!!!"Unfortunately, Robin and Satoru still walked into the alley. By the time Sanji arrived, the alley was empty."She's gone."Chopper crossed the bridge to the other side of the river and said to Sanji, who was sitting by the bank."Mhm."Sanji was soaking wet, and he had taken off his shirt to wring it out, but the cigarette in his mouth was still lit."Chopper, go find Luffy and the others, and tell them what Sister Robin said.""Ah, okay. What about you, Sanji?"Chopper agreed and countered with a question.Satoru hadn't left without giving any hint. Sanjirecalled the two words Satoru mouthed as he turned away."Station.""I have something else to do. Don't worry about me. I won't mess around."Sanji got up, put on his clothes, and walked away, answering as he went.Chopper watched his retreating figure and finally spoke."Sanji, Robin..."Chopper was naive. Robin had spoken so definitively that he genuinely thought Robin had betrayed them, even though Satoru had already explained that Robin left with the World Government agents for their sake.Sanji understood what Chopper meant."Chopper, you must know that accepting a beautiful lady's lies is one of the abilities of a knight."Before leaving, Sanji struck a cool pose.Chopper watched him until he turned away, then lowered his head. "Sanji... what did he mean by that?"...On the roof of the hotel, Chopper successfully met up with everyone using his keen sense of smell, and he relayed Robin's words to them exactly as she had said them."What!! Did Robin really say that?"Luffy was extremely agitated upon hearing this, and Forest Mask Bai Yun immediately pressed him down."So you all forgot everything I said earlier, huh? Sister Robin acted so cold-heartedly to protect us.""Remember that!"Forest Mask Bai Yun was also feeling a bit tired, and he rubbed the space between his eyebrows."Remember, the main goal this time is to help Sister Robin resolve her inner conflict.""As for everything else, I will tell you all of it now.""You must remember this: I might not be able to stay with you for much longer."
Chapter 450: You Don't Want It?Time passed, slowly giving way to night.Water 7, already a chaotic city, was about to descend into even greater turmoil tonight.Under the setting sun, Luffy, Bai Yun's Forest Clone, Zoro, Nami, and Chopper held a meeting on the roof of the hotel.Calling it a meeting was generous; it was really just a one-sided "report" from Bai Yun's Forest Clone... "Everything I know, I'm going to tell you right now.""You need to remember this: I might not be able to stay with you for much longer."The clone hadn't even finished speaking before Luffy, who couldn't bear the thought of another companion leaving, instantly shot up and grabbed hold of Bai Yun."What?! What are you talking about?! Bai Yun! Are you leaving too?!""Luffy, calm down. Show some captain's composure!"Bai Yun's Forest Clone didn't pull Luffy's hand away; he remained seated, meeting Luffy's eyes seriously, telling him to calm down and act like the captain he was.After a moment of seriousness, he returned to his usual demeanor."I am just a clone, Luffy. My disappearance is inevitable; it's only a matter of time.""What I mean is, if we get on that Sea Train, those guys will probably put Seastone handcuffs on me. Since my main body intends to wear them to go to Enies Lobby with Robin, this clone created by my ability will obviously vanish."The clone explained his reasoning. He knew his main body well; if faced with that situation, his main body would definitely choose to wear the handcuffs.Luffy had already sat back down, listening to Bai Yun with a tilted head full of confusion. Chopper, sitting beside him, looked just as bewildered."What was that?""What Sea Train? What Enies Lobby?""Exactly, Bai Yun! Stop speaking in riddles! Forget Luffy and the others—even I can't follow you!"Nami said, hands on her hips, demanding that Bai Yun explain everything he knew clearly, concisely, and simply."Alright, alright.""It's like this, and like that.""Get it?"Very concisely and clearly, Bai Yun told the four people everything he knew... "I never expected those shipwrights to actually be World Government agents—CP9.""No wonder they were so strong.""And even Iceberg's secretary, who seemed so utterly devoted to him, is one too!"Nami exclaimed.Bai Yun's explanation was brief, but Luffy understood it."So, the pigeon guy is from the World Government, and also that... that rectangular-nosed guy who talks like a geezer."Bai Yun nodded."Exactly. And the ox-headed guy I mentioned, the owner of the backstreet bar.""Those four are the members of the World Government's CP9, operating undercover here in Water 7.""Their main goal is to obtain the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon, Pluton, which are currently held by Iceberg!""Robin's involvement was merely a coincidence. CP9 sought her out because she is considered just as dangerous as the Ancient Weapons themselves.""And Robin agreed to help them with the assassination and frame us for it.""But in reality, it was all to protect us.""Just as Robin told my main body, in the past, she would have simply chosen to run away when faced with a situation like this.""But now, she can't. Meeting us was unexpected for her, and she truly cherishes us as her crewmates.""Therefore, even knowing the danger posed by Pluton, she was willing to trade herself and help assassinate Iceberg in exchange for one condition.""What condition?""And why did she agree to their demands?"Zoro asked. Although they hadn't known Robin long, he understood her. She hadn't acted like this even when they encountered Aokiji. What could possibly scare her this much?Bai Yun looked at Zoro. "To answer those two questions, I need to address the second one first.""The Buster Call—I mentioned it before—is an order that authorizes ten battleships to launch indiscriminate bombing. Only a Marine Admiral or higher-ranking Marine official has the authority to issue that command.""And that ice mushroom we met... Aokiji—he gave the CP9 commander the authority to invoke a Buster Call.""This is what Robin fears. She personally witnessed the terror of the Buster Call.""Therefore, the condition she exchanged herself and her help in assassinating Iceberg for was that the six of you in the Straw Hat Pirates would be guaranteed safe passage out of this city, regardless of whether the Buster Call was issued."Bai Yun's Forest Clone revealed the true reason behind Robin's betrayal."Waaah! Robin is so brave! She's the best!"Chopper was moved to tears, sobbing uncontrollably."Hahahaha!"Luffy, however, laughed."See? I knew Robin wasn't that kind of person."Iceberg: What kind of person? So I took a bullet for nothing, is that it?Although the clone claimed Robin told these things to his main body, in reality, Robin had told Iceberg during the assassination last night, and Bai Yun had simply overheard the entire conversation.After hearing Robin's words, Iceberg was astonished by the depth of the bond between Robin and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates.To willingly trade the safety of the world for six individuals—it was truly... insane.Nami was also delighted. Her big sister figure hadn't betrayed them, and that made her the happiest."I misunderstood her."Zoro stated.When Robin first joined the crew, Zoro, who was usually one of the more level-headed members, had suspected she had ulterior motives. Now, hearing Bai Yun's explanation, he knew he had misjudged her. It was simply impossible for Bai Yun—someone who grew up with Luffy and joined the crew even earlier than him—to be lying.Watching their reactions, Bai Yun's Forest Clone smiled. They were all so focused on Robin that no one had paid attention to "Pluton." They truly were the Straw Hat Pirates."Aren't you curious about what Pluton is?"Bai Yun's Forest Clone asked."Oh yeah, you mentioned Pluton just now, Bai Yun. What is it? It sounds really cool!"Luffy suddenly realized, his face eager for knowledge, and his mood brightened considerably."Do you know about the Ancient Weapons?"Bai Yun's Forest Clone asked, receiving four shaking heads in response."There are three Ancient Weapons in the world. Pluton, the one Crocodile was searching for in Alabasta, is one of them.""It is a battleship rumored to be capable of destroying an entire island with a single cannon blast.""Destroy an island with one shot!"Chopper and Nami were simultaneously stunned."How immense must that power be!"Bai Yun nodded."Exactly. If these three Ancient Weapons were to reappear, they would be capable of changing the entire world.""Iceberg possesses the blueprints for Pluton, and he deeply understands its horror. Yet, Robin chose to trade the fate of the world for our safety."Hearing Robin mentioned again, Chopper was once more moved to tears."Robin is truly amazing."The other three naturally thanked Robin in their hearts and were already formulating plans to bring her back.Bai Yun's Forest Clone looked at Luffy."Luffy, Pluton is such a powerful thing. Don't you want it?"
Chapter 451: Ghostly Aura"You don't want it?"Forest Mask Bai Yun suddenly asked Luffy if he wanted the ancient weapon battleship Pluton.Everyone was surprised by Satoru's question and looked at Luffy.Luffy, however, wasn't flustered; he even smiled, showing his white teeth."Hehe, one island per cannon shot sounds really cool, of course I want it.""But Satoru, you also said that old man (referring to Iceberg) has the blueprints but isn't willing to build it, so I can't force him to build it."This was Luffy's answer.Everyone couldn't help but smile; it was a very Luffy-like answer.Sincere with a touch of foolishness.If he doesn't build it, just snatch the blueprints and let someone else build it.But what Luffy was thinking was that he couldn't force him.As for whether he wanted it or not, a battleship like Pluton... saying he didn't want it would be too hypocritical... "Alright, back to the main topic.""Tonight, CP9, Sister Robin, and I will go to Iceberg's room again. This time, CP9 is determined to get the blueprints.""I suppose no matter what I say, you all will go and stop them, right?""Then go! Show Sister Robin and them our resolve!""Don't underestimate the bonds between us, you bastards!"Forest Mask Bai Yun's chuunibyou ending.This is a chuunibyou world, and it works quite well, doesn't it?Luffy stood up, raising both hands!"Alright!""Tonight, we must bring Robin back! And those...""CP9," Satoru added."Right, send CP9 flying!""Hmm, that's right. Maintain this momentum; being lifeless and dejected isn't good."Forest Mask Bai Yun replied, then raised his arm, looking at an imaginary watch."Hmm, it's only a little past six. Good!""Since it's come to this! Then we'll now..."Nami thought Satoru was going to say they should set off to make preparations or go to Iceberg's place to wait."Then let's go...""Let's eat first!""Huh?!"Forest Mask Bai Yun made such a sharp turn that Nami almost fell off her stool."Why are you speaking with such a dramatic pause?!""Now is the time to eat... *growl*~"Nami stood up and pointed a finger,This made Nami's cheeks flush slightly with embarrassment."Speaking of which, we still have to eat...""Hahaha, let's go eat!"Luffy started to walk."Wait."Forest Mask Bai Yun suddenly said, then with a flick of his cloak, something was flung towards Zoro and Luffy.Zoro caught it, while Luffy was hit by it. It was sudden, and Satoru had no ill intent, but for a rubber man, being hit like that was no big deal.After Zoro caught it, he looked closely. "Masks?""Yes, otherwise, with your wanted posters everywhere, you'd just swagger out like that, wouldn't you?"Forest Mask Bai Yun nodded.Zoro understood and put on the half-face mask, and Luffy did the same."So cool! Do you have more, Satoru?"Chopper thought it was very cool; it was completely different from those broken eye patches Foxy and his crew wore."No, Chopper.""I only bought two. If you want one, you can buy it later."Forest Mask Bai Yun replied."Oh, I see. It's fine, it's just a mask, it's really fine, if I don't have one, I don't have one, it's really fine.""…"Chopper's words made Forest Mask Bai Yun feel guilty if he didn't buy him one... "Whoosh~"The wind howled. Because the Aqua Lagunatsunami was coming, the wind was getting stronger and stronger.After dinner, the limited straw hat Five Masked Group (because everyone, including Nami and Chopper, had put on masks, which they bought after dinner) stood on a rooftop not far from Iceberg's office, waiting there for Robin to appear."It's 8 o'clock, it should be soon, right?"Forest Mask Bai Yun once again looked at an imaginary watch. As for the time, he knew it by seeing the clocks in other people's houses. Standing high, he could see far, and with Observation Haki, he could do that."So, do you have the confidence to stop CP9 and bring back Sister Robin and me?!"Forest Mask Bai Yun asked. It was strange to say"Yes!"Luffy and Chopper replied enthusiastically.However, Forest Mask Bai Yun poured a bucket of cold water on them."I don't.""Why?!"It was Luffy and Chopper who spoke again."Because they're very strong, Luffy, you've seen it, haven't you?"Forest Mask Bai Yun shrugged. "Solving everything in Water 7, I don't think that's very realistic.""However, anything can happen.""How will you know if you don't try?"Of course, Forest Mask Bai Yun wouldn't undermine Luffy and their fighting spirit before a battle. This was just to remind Luffy that it didn't matter if they lost here."That's right, how will you know if you don't try?!"Luffy strongly agreed with this statement.How will you know if you can't defeat a Shichibukaiif you don't fight them?How will you know if you can't defeat a Four Emperors if you don't fight them?How will you know if you can't defeat the World Government if you don't fight them?Luffy has always thought this way, so his personality is that of a reckless person, fearless, but he still knows to run if he can't win, like when he was chased by Big Mom from Cake Island to Onigashima.Of course, there are things he fears, like Garp.Satoru: I'm afraid of that too."Then, before the fight, let's see if the new skill has been unlocked."He stretched, and everyone was again confused by Forest Mask Bai Yun's words."What?"Forest Mask Bai Yun didn't answer but gave a smile that said,"What?"Zoro also didn't understand what Satoru wanted to do."Let me see your sword. I am sandai kitetsu."Forest Mask Bai Yun replied."Are you sure?"Zoro knew how sinister this sword was."Mmm-hmm."Forest Mask Bai Yun was very confident.Since that was the case, Zoro unstrapped his sword and gave it to Satoru, scabbard and all.Holding the scabbard in one hand and the hilt in the other, Satoru tried to draw the sword, and he actually saw sandai kitetsu shaking."What's wrong?!"Luffy and Chopper watched intently."Ah!"Forest Mask Bai Yun suddenly shouted, startling everyone. However, "Hahahahaha."As laughter rang out, Nami knew that the sword's shaking earlier was just Satoru trying to scare them."Bang!""At a critical moment like this! You're still joking around!"Nami unleashed her Iron Fist, 10% power against enemies, 100% power against comrades."Alright, I'm sorry, I'll be serious."Forest Mask Bai Yun smiled apologetically, then seriously drew onikiri, revealing the Ghostly Aurathat drifted out as the sword left its sheath
Chapter 452: You Are More Volatile Than Ghostly AuraAs they were about to face CP9, Satoru planned to unlock skill slots for Zoro and Luffy. Of course, he was only going to tell them the method; whether they could learn it depended on them.Hmm, feels a bit like being a mediocre teacher....Holding the sandai kitetsu horizontally with both hands, this time Satoru wasn't acting; he easily unsheathed the sandai kitetsu. There was no rule that the sandai kitetsu couldn't be drawn by anyone but its master, nor that it couldn't be drawn by someone who wasn't Zoro's intended.As the blade left its sheath, images flashed through Satoru's mind: a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, countless bodies, and the sight of the sandai kitetsu's previous owners going mad, killing, and committing suicide.These bloody scenes only flashed by, but Satorucouldn't help but be startled; he felt as if he could smell the scent of blood."What's wrong, Satoru?" Nami asked, seeing Satorufreeze."So... terrifying." The word "so" was spoken with great momentum, but then Satoru suddenly changed his tone, and all that momentum vanished."What?" Nami was confused.Satoru shook his head. "It's better if you don't know, Miss Nami.""Just some... images. Images of death.""...Then that's really nothing worth seeing."Nami was originally angry that Satoru only said half of what he meant. How did he know that it wasn't better for her to know? If he didn't let her know, how did he know that not knowing was better than knowing? Can everyone understand what I mean by that? ~(￣▽￣～)~But upon hearing Satoru say it was just some images of death, Nami changed her tune: that was indeed nothing worth seeing. Back to the main topic."Zoro, you can see these, right?" Satoru asked, referring to the Ghostly Aura that drifted out as the sandai kitetsu's blade was unsheathed.This Ghostly Aura constantly eroded the wielder's will, making them violent and bloodthirsty.But Satoru could still suppress it. How to put it? The clear stupidity in his heart could still resist this Ghostly Aura, and he didn't harbor any deep-seated hatred that the Ghostly Aura could exploit."Yeah, ever since I drew the sandai kitetsu from that weapon shop in Loguetown, these auras have been there." Zoro answered truthfully.Luffy and the others looked bewildered. "What? See what, Zoro?""Isn't it just Satoru holding a sword?"The evil of the sandai kitetsu lies in the fact that once you draw it, the Ghostly Aura follows you. If it's just once, it slowly dissipates, but if you use it as your sword, every time you draw it, you will be entangled by the Ghostly Aura.Moreover, once you've drawn it, you'll be able to see this Ghostly Aura forever.Satoru held the sword in a reverse grip, pointing the hilt toward Luffy, signaling that he would understand if he held it.Luffy took the sandai kitetsu, and like Satoru, he froze."What a... truly wicked sword." This was Luffy's assessment."You meant to say it's a wicked sword." Satorureplied."You see it now, right? These purplish auras are the sandai kitetsu's Ghostly Aura.""Although the Ghostly Aura is evil, if you can utilize it, it's also a great help.""I trust that you won't let this Ghostly Aura cloud your mind, Zoro."Satoru reached out, signaling Luffy to give him the sword. Taking the sword back, Satoru swung it, and the Ghostly Aura instantly enveloped him, as if he had put on a cloak of purple energy, and it could now be seen by Chopper and Nami.Although it was just the appearance of an extra cloak, Satoru's demeanor seemed to become very terrifying and sinister."Satoru is surrounded by purple aura!!" Chopperwas shocked; he was generally shocked by many things."Is this the Ghostly Aura?""Just looking at it makes me feel afraid inside." Namisighed."Hahahaha!" Suddenly, Satoru burst into laughter. The Ghostly Aura formed a Hannya mask behind him. He looked up sharply, and his eyes under the mask had turned crimson; he had fallen into a demonic state.This demonic nature brought forth a monstrous fighting spirit and killing intent, which even Luccinoticed."Hmm?""What is it, Lucci?""Nothing, proceed according to plan."..."Satoru!" Seeing the change in Satoru, everyone was startled. Chopper was scared to tears; what was this?!"Get back!!" Zoro immediately warned everyone, stepped back, and gripped the hilts of his other two swords.They saw Satoru raise the sandai kitetsu, and then... sheath it back into its scabbard.The Ghostly Aura and the Hannya face all dissipated, and Satoru's eyes returned to normal."Whew~""Almost got caught.""I wanted to try what it felt like to completely relax my body and mind and be fully possessed by the Ghostly Aura, but who knew I'd end up slapping my own face.""Luckily, my main consciousness suppressed it back. That scared me to death." Satoru breathed a sigh of relief and explained.Gripping the middle of the scabbard, Satoru handed the sandai kitetsu back to Zoro."Do you understand, Zoro?""The Ghostly Aura can be utilized.""But it also has its dangers.""Figure it out for yourself, but I trust your will."Zoro didn't expect Satoru to trust him so much, but then, Satoru's next sentence was:"You are more volatile than the Ghostly Aura."Zoro: "..."Taking back the sandai kitetsu, Zoro nodded slightly. "Got it. If it wants to make me lose myself, it'll have to see if it has the skill." Zoro said imposingly.A bit of Ghostly Aura drifted out from the gap in the scabbard; this was the sandai kitetsu responding to Zoro's provocation."Alright, then... Luffy." With Zoro's skill slot unlocked, Satoru looked at Luffy.Luffy's eyes were bright, filled with anticipation."...""Let's check if they've made their move." Satorusuddenly changed the subject, and Luffy was so surprised he fell over."What the heck, Satoru, don't you have anything to say to me?" Luffy asked unwillingly.Satoru kept looking toward Iceburg's office. Luffy's Gear Second, under the current circumstances where Luffy's body hadn't fully mastered Armament Haki, would cost him lifespan if used frequently.He didn't know whether he should tell Luffy, but without the boost from Gear Second, he feared Luffy wouldn't be able to defeat the boss, Lucci. Even though Luffy had now learned the basics of Armament Haki, his speed was still too slow."Sigh." Sighing, Satoru didn't say much more, only asking, "Luffy, do you remember the Playing Card Pirates?""...""The time I wore women's clothing!""Oh, I know, that's when we fought that steel bear man, right."Satoru nodded. "That's right.""Do you remember when you were pinned under the mechanism, under constant pressure, how did you feel inside your body?""...Very hot." Luffy thought for a moment and replied."That's right, very hot.""Because you have a rubber body, you can use your hands and feet as pumps to push air into your body, accelerating your blood flow, which can strengthen your body. If it were an ordinary person, activating this move would surely cause their blood vessels to burst due to blood pressure, leading to death, but you won't."Satoru had explained it clearly enough. He had intended not to say too much, but seeing Luffy's eager expression, he ended up telling him everything.
Chapter 453: Not Many People"Understood?"Forest Mask Bai Yun explained to Luffy how to activate Gear Second. It was actually quite simple: just use both feet as air pumps to pump air into the body.However, if an ordinary person did this, their blood vessels would burst, leading to death. This was a skill exclusive to rubber men.Luffy didn't answer but slowly nodded, seemingly understanding.Forest Mask Bai Yun nodded, "Then how about calling this move 'Bursting Steam Red Demon Seed'?""Great!!""That name sounds good.""...I was just joking. Let's not. You should come up with something less complicated."..."Fully armed, huh."Through the binoculars, many shipwrights could be seen guarding Iceberg's mansion with weapons.This was because CP9 had spread the news that the Straw Hat Pirates would attack Iceberg again.Forest Mask Bai Yun kept saying to wait until Lucciand the others made their move, but in fact, four of the CP9 members, except Blueno, were all inside Iceberg's mansion, guarding the entrance.Iceberg still didn't know that his beautiful secretary and capable subordinate were undercover.Forest Mask Bai Yun's 'wait until they act' meant waiting for Main Body, Robin, and Blueno to act, and for Main Body to send the message... This would take about another 10 minutes, making it 8:30 PM.On the rooftop on the other side, Satoru, wearing a Smiling Face mask, Blueno, wearing a bear-head mask, and Robin, who was completely undisguised, appeared.The small den den mushi in Blueno's hand rang, and Kalifa's voice came from the other end."Buruburu~""Are you ready?"Blueno asked Robin in return."Are you ready, Nico Robin?""Everything is ready!!"Just as Robin was about to speak, Satoru eagerly answered first."Then, I'll go create a diversion.""You act after hearing the signal!"With that, Kalifa hung up the den den mushi.Three seconds later, with a bang, a violent explosion occurred inside the mansion."This signal is really subtle."Satoru complained."Don't worry about trivial things. Act happily!"Robin replied, so cold-blooded and ruthless~Satoru stood at attention and saluted, "Yes, sir!"...On the other side, on the rooftop where Luffy and his companions were."Here they come!"Forest Mask Bai Yun suddenly said.The others immediately became alert, but they saw nothing; it was still the same as before."What? What's coming?!"Chopper looked around anxiously.Forest Mask Bai Yun didn't answer but counted, "Three, two, one, boom!"As Forest Mask Bai Yun uttered the word 'boom,' an explosion instantly occurred on the first floor of the north corner of Iceberg's mansion."It really exploded!!!"Everyone was astonished and looked at Satoru in unison.A drop of'sweat' ran down the back of Forest Mask Bai Yun's head."I didn't do it.""It's CP9. It's easiest to cover up things in chaos.""Zoro, go to the front yard and attract attention. There aren't many people.""We'll find an opportunity to infiltrate the mansion."Forest Mask Bai Yun immediately arranged the operation.Everyone nodded in agreement."Alright, remember to call me wish spirit in front of outsiders.""Remember that, Luffy, Chopper, it's wish spirit.""Understood, wish spirit.""Very good! Now, let's move out!!"...Inside Iceberg's mansion.The five chief shipwrights who were originally guarding Iceberg's door.Pauly was the first to follow Iceberg and was his most trusted person. After being called into the room by Iceberg, he left, saying Iceberg had something to tell him to do.And Pepporone and Nergal Galette were drawn away by Kalifa, who was creating chaos while wearing a mask.Now, just right, only two 'thieves' were left guarding Iceberg's door.It wasn't just right, but rather, it was proceeding according to Lucci and their plan.Lucci and Kaku remained silent. The next second, they bent forward, stomped their feet, the floor cracked, and they quickly disappeared... Outside, Robin and her two companions rushed through the shipwrights towards Iceberg's room. Even Paulycouldn't stop them, let alone these ordinary shipwrights.The same went for Kalifa; though in the crowd, she moved freely.Zoro, following Satoru's arrangement, went straight through the main entrance to attract the shipwrights' attention.However, as soon as he entered, countless pairs of eyes, dense as they were, glared at him."It's Straw Hat's accomplice!!""That Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro!!!""Indeed, they still intend to harm Mr. Iceberg!""Catch him!!!"A surging crowd rushed forward, and Zoroimmediately ran to the left. "Damn Satoru!!!"To translate, 'Damn Satoru,' is this what you meant by 'not many people'?!...Inside the mansion, Robin and her two companions arrived at a corridor. Robin pointed to the wall ahead, "It's inside this wall."She meant that Iceberg's room was inside this wall."Okay, push me."Blueno walked to the wall, leaned his back against it, and then let Robin push him.Robin reached out and pushed, and Blueno was pushed open like a human door. Beyond the door was Iceberg's room.Robin and Satoru entered one after another. Bluenothen detached himself from the wall, the human-shaped door in the wall remained, and Bluenopolitely closed the door.Iceberg watched from start to finish. Although he had seen it once before, he was just as shocked the second time."What an amazing ability."Satoru suddenly said. Blueno was surprised that this sarcastic fellow would actually praise him?Indeed, Satoru wouldn't."It's just, wouldn't it be the same to just blast open the wall?"Blueno: "..." (If you can't say anything nice, shut up.)"How surprising, although I knew you would come.""I didn't expect it to be from that place, using the same method as last night?""I remember there was no door there."Iceberg said.Blueno immediately raised his gun and aimed it at him."I ate the Door-Door devil fruit. Any wall I touch turns into a door."Blueno explained thoughtfully, but immediately after, he fired two shots without warning.They only hit his shoulder, but Iceberg still bent over, clutching his shoulder in pain.Satoru shook his head. With these two shots, that makes seven shots. Poor Iceberg, will he leak water when he drinks in the future?A showerhead?Iceberg: Thank you very much."How decisive.""How imposing."Satoru praised. Yes, he was praising him."What are you doing? Haven't you heard the signal yet?"Robin asked with a frown. She disliked people who acted without regard for the plan the most."Having the strength to speak proves he still has the ability to resist.""Making him completely defenseless before giving the signal is a professional assassin's quality."Blueno's answer was very convincing, from an assassin's perspective, but that had nothing to do with Satoru and Robin finding him disgusting.
Chapter 454: I Am Very SurprisedIceberg was shot seven times, yet he was still alive. Satoru could only sigh at his great luck; with seven holes, he would leak water even when drinking. Have you ever seen Tom Cat?Satoru was thinking about all sorts of strange things.His Merit nearly ran out, so he mentally knocked on a wooden fish to replenish it.Back to reality, be serious—this is an assassination... "Is this how CP9 operates?"Iceberg lay on the ground, clutching his wound, and said.Blueno seemed quite proud."You guessed correctly. That is exactly right."What can you do when someone is so shameless? You'd worry that insulting him would just please him.Iceberg could only sigh to himself, "...Hmph, I made a mistake. This truly has nothing to do with Straw Hatand his crew."In response to Iceberg's statement, Satoru turned his head and whistled, indicating he hadn't heard.Robin replied."You don't need to worry. You merely stated the fact that you saw me that night.""Was that included in your plan?"Iceberg realized he had been played.Blueno was very smug, confirming that was correct. The reason they didn't kill Iceberg the first time was to frame the pirates. After all, they were agents of justice; how could they possibly commit such an act? Furthermore, if Iceberg died, they wouldn't be able to get the blueprints."That thing passed down through generations of shipwrights...""Therefore, when you felt danger would come again, you would certainly find someone to entrust that item to. Just as we expected, you chose Pauly, the shipwright from Dock One.""Now, our comrades have probably found him."Iceberg struggled to get up and leaned against the bed."Is everything proceeding according to your plan?"Blueno didn't answer, still playing his part."To ensure things go smoothly, I will go deal with the shipwrights outside. Nico Robin, this fellow... you will deal with her last!"After speaking, Blueno walked toward the real door."After obtaining the blueprints from Pauly, you will kill Iceberg.""Then kill Pauly, who knows everything, and the mission will be complete.""After this, all the blame will be borne by the Straw Hat Pirates!"After saying this again, Blueno pushed the door open and left. Even though it was a normal door, he had to open a door on the door before leaving... Only Iceberg, Robin, and Satoru remained in the room.Iceberg spoke, expressing his anticipation to see Robin, but the next second, he immediately drew a pistol. Robin noticed his movement and drew her twin pistols in response."Oh dear, why can't we just talk things out? Why resort to knives and guns?"Satoru said, feigning surprise.Iceberg ignored him.Based on his words and actions, Robin also guessed Iceberg's intention for seeing her."To kill me?""That's right."Iceberg mentioned studying and deciphering history, which is a severe crime prohibited by the World Government. That is why, when Robin was only eight years old and possessed this ability, the Government offered a high bounty for her."Because you are the only woman in the world who can revive the Poneglyphs!""Is CP9 a real organization?""So you left the Straw Hat Pirates long ago to work for the World Government? But you were constantly being hunted by the World Government before.""That's truly strange, but none of it concerns me.""Reviving the ancient weapons by deciphering the historical text—regardless of whether the owner is righteous or evil—""The result is the same: the revival of the ancient weapons will absolutely not bring peace to the world.""The world will be destroyed!!""Those anomalies from the past should not be allowed to be revived!!"What Iceberg said was terrifying, but it made sense. The emergence of any one of the three ancient weapons would greatly change the situation on the Grand Line.However, Robin had heard Iceberg's words many times before."You are right, I think so too. However, you don't need to be nosy.""How I choose to study history is my own business. It's not for a stranger like you to butt in!"Satoru raised his hands, palms pressed together, and clapped softly and silently.Sister Robin is truly awesome.Iceberg and Robin looked at each other. "Not necessarily. In a sense, I am on the same side as you.""I possess the blueprints for the ancient weapon, Pluton!!""The blueprints for the weapon!!"Robin didn't know Iceberg had the Plutonblueprints, because CP9 was only looking for the blueprints of some powerful ship—she didn't expect it to be Pluton's!"You knew?"Seeing how calm Satoru was, Robin asked doubtfully.Satoru shrugged, "I am very surprised."Robin fell silent. She really couldn't tell he was surprised.Iceberg continued to explain that Pluton was the name of a Battleship built long ago in Water Seven. Because of its immense power, the builders felt there must be something to counteract it, so they preserved the blueprints and passed them down to this day."The one who entrusted the Pluton blueprints to me was my master, Tom. He was always worried about the girl who survived the Ohara Incident twenty years ago.""Because even at a young age, she possessed the same ideology as the 'Demons of Ohara,' which would surely lead to endless trouble in the future.""Having inherited the will of the creators, I have a responsibility to stop you.""Now the World Government knows the blueprints exist. I should have burned them long ago, but the reason I couldn't is because you still exist, meaning the weapon has a chance of revival!!"As Iceberg spoke this, his emotions flared, and he was about to shoot."I don't like hearing that."Satoru delivered a High Kick. Bang! Iceberg's bullet hit the ceiling, and the gun flew out of his hand. Satoru reached out and caught the pistol."The reason you couldn't do it is because deep down, you also wished for that Battleship to be revived. That's why you feel afraid, isn't that right, Mr. Iceberg?""The 'Demons of Ohara'? You also believed the World Government's nonsense, thinking the Scholars of Ohara studied history just to destroy the world.""But the main focus of the Scholars of Ohara's research was never the Three Great Weapons.""As the inheritor of the Pluton Battleship blueprints, couldn't I also use the excuse that you've memorized the design to kill you?"Iceberg didn't recognize the person in front of him, so he assumed Satoru was also a member of CP9."Hmph, at this point, whatever you World Government agents say goes.""I certainly think so.""But I will never side with the World Governmentnow or in the future to revive Pluton.""Regardless of what the Ohara... scholars were researching, isn't it a fact that Nico Robin is currently cooperating with your World Government?!!"
Chapter 455: You Must Protect Me"Regardless of what those scholars of Ohara were studying... isn't it a fact that Nico Robin is currently cooperating with your World Government?!"Regarding Iceberg's question.Satoru responded with a smile. Although Iceberg couldn't see it, the mask itself was Smiling Face."Mr. Iceberg, there are three errors in your statement.""First, I am not a member of the World Government.""Second, Sister Robin is not the only person in the world who can decipher poneglyphs. I know a bit too. If you want to kill someone, you'll have to kill two.""Third, neither we nor the World Government have ever intended to revive the ancient weapons. Furthermore, we didn't even know that CP9 was looking for the blueprints of Pluton from you."Satoru's three points of response hit Iceberg's head one by one, leaving him stunned."Then who are you?""Are you also a survivor of Ohara? Impossible?!""If it's not to revive the weapons, then what is it for?"Iceberg asked three consecutive questions.Regarding his questions.Satoru did not answer but looked toward Robin.After a moment of silence, Robin spoke."To protect the Straw Hat Pirates."Robin told Iceberg about her agreement with CP9: that if the Buster Call was activated, CP9 must ensure the safety of the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates leaving the island.After speaking, Robin looked toward Satoru.Satoru shrugged, "I won't be leaving, Sister Robin. As I said, it's too late now. CP9 won't let me leave. Let's face this tribulation together.""You must protect me."Iceberg looked at the two, but Robin's words kept echoing in his mind: Was the Child of the Devil, Nico Robin, truly this kind of person?"To protect the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates, would you even risk plunging the world into war?""Nico Robin, you...""Hahahaha, yes, I've always viewed you one-sidedly. You truly are Nico Robin, the Child of the Devil.""Let me ask you, after Straw Hat and the others leave, will you work for the World Government? Will you translate the ancient script for them?!""Cough! Cough!"Iceberg asked emotionally, coughing up a mouthful of blood.Satoru spun his gun playfully. "Don't get so agitated, or you might just kick the bucket.""Anyway, the blueprints you possess are fake, aren't they?"Satoru's words crashed onto Iceberg's head once again, this time with the fiercest impact."Y-You! How did you know?!""I guessed.""If the blueprints were real, you wouldn't... anyway, judging by all your reactions, I guessed they were fake."Satoru replied. Right after he finished speaking, the den den mushi in Robin's pocket rang."It's me. There's been an unexpected change in the plan. Everyone gather in the bedroom. Do not kill Iceberg yet."Lucci's voice came through. He had already learned from Pauly that the blueprints were fake.Satoru pretended to be extremely surprised and said."What!""Why didn't you say so earlier!!""Is Iceberg dead?!""No.""...""Doo doo doo..."..."So, where exactly is it, Bai... wish spirit?"Nami asked.Forest Mask Bai Yun, Luffy, Nami, and Chopperwere still sprinting wildly through the mansion, searching for Iceberg's room.Last time, Kalifa led the way. This time, Forest Mask Bai Yun realized he wasn't entirely sure where Iceberg's room was either.However, the Main Body sent a message."Soon, soon.""We mainly needed to avoid those shipwrights. Otherwise, we would have been there already. If they're idiots, it's not good for us to make a move, right?"Satoru replied.Truly, compared to CP9's actions, it's hard to tell who the pirates are and who the righteous ones are.Just like a certain Pink Flamingo said, only those with strength are qualified to define justice... *Snap!* It was fast.Lucci and the others gathered in Iceberg's room.He looked at the six people before him; five of them were wearing masks.But Iceberg repeated his earlier statement."Get out of here!!""I don't have what you're looking for!!""If you act like this, it makes things difficult for us."Lucci replied.Difficult? Then don't do it!! Satoru flipped the table in his heart. If you follow Brother Crow, you starve nine times a day.A pigeon fluttered over and landed on the shoulder of the person in the middle wearing an ox-head mask.When Iceberg saw this, his head felt like it had been struck again. Question: How many times has Iceberg's head been struck tonight?"First of all, you're going to die anyway.""Where should I begin with you?""You truly disappoint me."Lucci took off his mask and put on his top hat.This confirmed Iceberg's suspicion—it really was him."Lucci!!"However, the surprises weren't over."Blame yourself for being stubborn. Only by refusing the toast and drinking the forfeit did things turn out this way."Kaku immediately took off his large skull mask."Kaku!!""If we had a choice, we wouldn't want to hurt you. After all, I have wonderful memories here."This was Kalifa."Kalifa!!"Blueno also took off his bear-head mask."This kind of stubbornness—you and your master are exactly alike.""Blueno from the bar!!"The consecutive reveals kept hitting Iceberg's head."It's my turn, it's my turn."Satoru said excitedly.Iceberg looked at him.Satoru played a prank. "Actually, I am... Kokoro!!""..."Iceberg wore a look that clearly said, 'I don't believe a word you say.'"Don't believe me?""Fair enough, just kidding.""This is Verrry... SUUUPER!!!"Satoru imitated Franky's "SUPER" pose, putting his arms together and swinging them diagonally upwards.Iceberg's eyes widened. The old Franky wouldn't have done this, but the current Franky might be crazy enough to do something like feigning surrender and then blowing up Enies Lobby.Iceberg was quite convinced Franky might do such a thing."I am the famous Replication of All Things, the handsome guy of the Straw Hat Pirates, Satoru!!"Satoru took off his mask.Seeing that it wasn't Franky, Iceberg immediately sighed in relief.Satoru was displeased. "Hey! What kind of reaction is that?!""Long-Haired Bai Yun, are you also a traitor to the Straw Hat Pirates?""Enough! Stop talking nonsense.""The reason we've been undercover in Water Sevenall these years was to search for the blueprints of the ancient weapon Pluton.""For us, being undercover is a common occurrence.""Tell me, what is the current location of the ancient weapon Pluton's blueprints?""Your refusal to speak leaves us speechless...""Please speak up before more victims appear."Lucci asked, sounding quite polite—but only sounding polite.
Chapter 456: What Should I Eat Tomorrow?Inside Iceberg's room, Lucci was explaining the CP Organization under the World Government to Iceberg.On the surface, even someone like Iceberg, who is a city mayor, only knows about CP1 through CP8.As for CP0 and CP9, they are generally unknown.Lucci is currently part of CP9, so naturally, what he was explaining to Iceberg was CP9."That's right, but we, CP9, are the originally non-existent No. 9 CP.""Because we possess certain privileges, our identities cannot be made public.""Although we operate in the name of Justice, if some citizens refuse to cooperate with the government, we have the right to execute them on the spot."This is the special privilege of CP9.Treating slaughter as justice.But the weak cannot resist.Just like ancient emperors, executing a commoner anytime, anywhere, was merely a matter of a single sentence. Justice or injustice didn't matter; if a single word spoken was deemed offensive, they deserved death.Strength doesn't just refer to one's combat power; it involves many things. When a person possesses superiority over everyone else, even if the fault lies with them, it can be placed upon the weak.This reality exists.If someone could achieve equality for all, they would truly be a saint.As for what Satoru was thinking, he was wondering what he should eat tomorrow... "Nonsense!!""How can you tolerate carrying out acts of slaughter in the name of Justice?"For Iceberg, who was willing to kill someone to prevent the weapon's revival, saying this was truly... one can only say that people have different standpoints."So you know that much."Satoru sneered.Iceberg's justice was to kill Robin, the person capable of reviving the weapon. In that case, what difference was there between his actions and what he had just said?Iceberg fell silent regarding Satoru's sarcasm. Compared to the entire world, he naturally couldn't choose just a few people like Robin did, so he didn't feel righteous. Since he was going to die anyway, taking Robin with him wouldn't be a bad thing for the world.However, this line of thought slowly disappeared for Iceberg after Robin revealed that she had defected to protect her comrades.Lucci couldn't care less about Iceberg's words. If a single sentence could change an enemy's mind, then Iceberg would be the protagonist."I believe many people in the World Governmenthave changed their minds. Rather than worrying about the weapon's revival...""...it would be better to awaken the weapon, master it, and bring an end to this Great Pirate Era.""Turn it into a force for Justice.""Yet you adopt an uncooperative attitude, essentially telling the people suffering persecution from pirates all over the world, 'We won't save them.'"Regarding Lucci's words, Satoru just thought they sounded high-minded.Of course, Satoru wasn't saying pirates were good people; he never thought they were. But were the Marines good people?Look at that rat; it's impossible for there to be only one bad apple like him.Leaving that aside, as long as the Marines act as bodyguards for the Celestial Dragons, Satorubelieves they are nothing more than dogs kept by the Celestial Dragons. How could they be good people?"Nonsense!! If the weapon revives, the world will descend into a desperate struggle for it.""The danger will only spread further!!"Iceberg retorted.Lucci's expression remained unchanged."It seems you have little trust in the World Government, Mr. Iceberg."Iceberg raised his head and glared at Lucci."I only know what humanity is!""You brat..."Lucci instantly kicked Iceberg in the face."Watch how you speak. Do you still think you're my superior?"Iceberg fell to the ground. Lucci had Kaku examine Iceberg's pulse, and through the pulse reading, they deduced that the blueprint for Pluton was currently in Franky's hands.Details are omitted here, because... Satoru: I can't stand seeing other people show off... "It's here!"Outside, Forest Mask Bai Yun and Luffy finally arrived at the corridor leading to Iceberg's room, where Robin and the others had entered."Here?""Great!!""Wait!""Rubber Rubber..."Luffy powered up.Forest Mask Bai Yun immediately explained."No, I meant Robin and the others went in through here, but the door...""Bullet!!""Bang!!"With a bang, the wall shattered, and Luffy went straight inside."Where are Robin and Satoru?!!!"Seeing Luffy appear, Robin couldn't help but exclaim, "Luffy!!"Lucci remained calm."Are you here to cause trouble?"The corridor outside was long."...around the corner ahead..."Forest Mask Bai Yun finished his sentence right where he was, unsure how to describe his mood."Forget it, it's all the same. It's not my house anyway."Forest Mask Bai Yun shrugged, motioned for Namiand Chopper to enter too, and said he would go bring Zoro up. Otherwise, given Zoro's sense of direction, he might not find this place even by morning... Standing on the shattered wall debris, Luffy shouted at Robin."I finally found you!! Robin!!"Chopper, still in the corridor behind, exclaimed, "That's great! We finally get to see you again, Robin!!"Nami didn't speak, but instead scrutinized the members of CP9. They were indeed the people Forest Mask Bai Yun had mentioned."Straw Hat..."Iceberg said, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.Just then, Forest Mask Bai Yun brought Zoro onto the corridor as well. As for how he brought him, Zoro requested it remain a secret."Pigeon guy!!"Luffy shouted.Lucci turned to look, and the other three immediately followed suit."You don't seem surprised about why we hurt Iceberg."Lucci voiced his confusion.Forest Mask Bai Yun wondered if he was about to be exposed."I don't care why!!""I'm here to take Robin and Satoru back!!""If you try to stop me, I'll send you flying!!"Luffy replied, his eyes wide with fury.Forest Mask Bai Yun outside silently gave him a thumbs up.Zoro drew his sword and entered the room, saying only two words, "Exactly.""Yohohoho, how can I miss out on such an interesting event?""Does everyone still remember me?"Forest Mask Bai Yun entered, imitating Brook's laugh.The two stood behind Luffy, one on the left and one on the right.As soon as Forest Mask Bai Yun entered, Lucci's attention was drawn to him."wish spirit.""You are an unexpected element outside of the plan.""Who exactly are you?""I am me, fireworks of a different color."Of course, Forest Mask Bai Yun couldn't tell Luccithat he was the Main Body's Clone. Naturally, he chose a deliberately foolish answer.Lucci narrowed his eyes."Soru!"Forest Mask Bai Yun's eyes widened, and he immediately turned his head sideways."Finger Pistol!"Lucci's Finger Pistol struck the wall, creating a perfectly round small hole with no cracks surrounding it, despite the large shattered hole nearby. This demonstrated Lucci's control over force with his Finger Pistol."That's really dishonorable."Forest Mask Bai Yun said, though he sounded relaxed, having witnessed Lucci's speed—the speed of his true strength—He feared it would be impossible for the Clone Body to defeat him. However, stalling for a while was certainly manageable.The other three were also surprised. Who exactly was this wish spirit? He actually managed to dodge Lucci's Soru plus Finger Pistol.Meanwhile, the Main Body, Satoru, was thinking: Six Powers, four people, one technique each. Looks like they really have to go to Enies Lobby.
Chapter 457: Straw Hat Pirates vs. CP9"You're too close, I'll get shy, sir."Dodging Lucci's Finger Pistol, Forest Mask Bai Yunwas now essentially 'pinned against the wall' by Lucci.But Forest Mask Bai Yun indicated that it wasn't necessary.He pulled out the pistol from his waist and aimed it at Lucci's abdomen.Lucci, however, was unfazed. Bullets? Their power probably wasn't even as great as his Finger Pistol."Bang!""Iron Body!!""Ugh!!"Lucci's eyes widened slightly, knocked back by the bullet's impact. His invincible Iron Body had been struck again."What!!"The three CP9 agents were shocked; Lucci had been pushed back.Satoru straightened up, blowing on the muzzle of his gun. "Here's a piece of advice: don't blindly trust your Iron Body.""Armament Haki."Although pushed back, Lucci wasn't injured, but he now knew that Satoru's bullet had been infused with Armament Haki, which was why it had such power.Armament Haki, this person is a tough opponent."You actually know Armament Haki.""Is it that surprising?"Satoru was unfazed. For others, Armament Hakiwas difficult to cultivate, but he only needed to replicate it, and after the feedback period, he would possess it.This largely nullified his sickly buff, so after using his two trump cards—the replicated Armament Haki of Lucky Roux and Garp's physique—Satoru no longer needed to regularly replicate the physiques of Luffyor Zoro as 'equipment'.But Satoru always remembered what the damn system told him: his current sickly buff was only an incomplete version. He truly didn't know what kind of monstrous thing the complete version would be."You should know that you are now opposing the World Government."Lucci said. Although he wanted to fight, his professional ethics told him that he couldn't waste time here. He had to board the sea train and leave Water Seven before the Aqua Laguna tsunami arrived."I am only loyal to wishes.""Someone made a wish to me. I don't care who their opposition is."Forest Mask Bai Yun replied disdainfully, then reminded Luffy."Straw Hat, do what you want."Luffy nodded and looked at Robin, shouting."Hey!! Robin!! Come back with us!!"With Robin's intelligence, she had already guessed that Satoru would use a clone to explain everything to Luffy and the others, but she still wouldn't change her mind. Even though she really wanted to go back, if she went back now, everything she had done so far would be in vain."Don't say any more, I won't go back with you.""I don't care about anything!!""Robin, you are my comrade!!"Luffy's attitude was also firm.Even though Robin was touched internally, she couldn't show it on the surface.Lucci couldn't listen anymore."Enough!""We are not here to watch your camaraderie.""This ends here!""We must hurry to meet an 'important person'. We are very busy...""This house is useless now, and so are you.""Kalifa, how much time do we have?""Two minutes.""In two minutes, this house will become a sea of flames.""What!!!"Luffy exclaimed in surprise.Lucci was unfazed, continuing, "To destroy evidence, arson is the most effective method.""If you don't want to be burned alive, then leave this house quickly.""But, of course, that's assuming you have the ability to leave."After Lucci finished speaking, Kaku, Kalifa, and Blueno stepped forward, making it clear that they intended to kill them to silence them.So now it was the first time, the Straw Hat Piratesvs. CP9... "It won't be long before the fire spreads.""As pirates, doing such things is not surprising, is it?"Lucci said."Doing such things in someone else's name is simply shameless."Nami cursed."Anyway, you're not good people either, so what does it matter?"Lucci shamelessly replied, and Satoru behind him silently gave him the international friendly greeting gesture."Well then, I'll be going first."Robin pulled up her hood and turned to leave."Alright, your mission is complete. Thank you for your hard work."Lucci said.Luffy couldn't just watch Robin leave."Wait!! Robin, I won't agree to this!!"Robin turned her back to everyone and only replied with two words."Goodbye.""Robin!!"Chopper and Nami shouted.Even Iceburg struggled to say that Robin couldn't leave.Luffy was more direct, running forward."No!! Robin, you come back here!!"Blueno flashed over and blocked Luffy."Get lost, you bastard!!"Luffy kicked Blueno directly in the face."Iron Body!"Blueno's confident Iron Body also caused his head to tilt back from the kick."You even know Armament Haki!!""So what!""Gum-Gum Machine Gun!!""Paper Art."Blueno had learned his lesson, not taking Luffy's punches head-on, but dodging by swaying left and right with Paper Art."If Iron Body hardens the body like steel, then Paper Art makes the body as light as paper."Luffy's weakness right now was speed."Damn it, why is he floating around!!"Luffy cursed, but at the same time, he steadied his mind. Although he still didn't know Observation Haki, the regular training customized by Satoruwasn't for nothing."Gum-Gum Bullet!!""Soru!"Blueno felt Luffy had locked onto him, somewhat incredulous, but then he dodged with a Soru and appeared behind Luffy."He disappeared again!!"Luffy was surprised."Possessing strong leg strength, able to instantly disappear and move—that is Soru."Blueno kindly explained.Luffy turned with a whip kick, sending Blueno flying into the air."Moonwalk.""Kicking off the air to fly and stand in mid-air—that is Moonwalk."Blueno continued to explain."It's like Air Compression Technique."Zoro said after witnessing Moonwalk.Luffy looked up at Blueno.Meanwhile, Kalifa and Kaku instantly appeared behind him."And..."Luffy turned, just in time to be kicked in the abdomen by both of their whip kicks."Rankyaku!!"Luffy was knocked back.Zoro felt an attack coming, very much like a slash."You guys! Get down now!!"Zoro immediately warned Nami and Chopper to duck.Nami and Chopper obediently complied, but the Rankyaku slash didn't come.The slash penetrated from behind Luffy and attacked.Forest Mask Bai Yun stepped forward, all fingers of his right hand merged, pointing like a blade."No-Sword Style: Just a Hand Blade."A good name, but in reality, it was just a hand-blade version of Hagoku. Forest Mask Bai Yun just made it up to conceal his identity.
Chapter 458: At the same time, you are tooKalifa and Kaku ambushed Luffy, jointly unleashing a Tempest Kick, which cut through Luffy and burst forth from behind him.Forest Mask Bai Yun stepped forward with a hand-chop version of Hagoku.It's not that a weapon shatters the moment Hagokuis used; Dorry and Brogy's weapons had just reached their breaking point after 100 years, and shattered after Hagoku struck.The Hagoku impact blocked the Tempest Kick, and Forest Mask Bai Yun also conveniently pulled back Luffy, who had been pushed away by the shock.Seeing Forest Mask Bai Yun's move, CP9 became even more confused about his identity. His strength was truly not simple. Why did he suddenly appear and stand with Straw Hat?But they didn't know that his true identity was the 'undercover agent' Garp had placed in the Straw Hat Pirates, who was secretly mouthing 'train station' to Nami and preparing to leave with Robin... Seeing Forest Mask Bai Yun catch Luffy, Zoroconfidently drew his swords and stepped forward."Stop! Robin!!"A very straightforward remark.Kaku flashed forward, pulled out his saw-sword, and blocked Zoro."We met on the ship, Roronoa Zoro."Kaku said."You were that shipwright back then, so the going merry's diagnosis..."Although Zoro was glaring, he asked calmly."No, although I am an undercover agent, the ship's diagnosis was not wrong in the slightest."Kaku replied.Zoro gritted his teeth and powerfully swung his sword, forcing Kaku back. "That's really a shame.""Luffy! Grab Robin!!"Another straightforward remark."Oh oh!!"Luffy charged again.Forest Mask Bai Yun could only follow suit.Lucci moved to intercept Luffy, but Forest Mask Bai Yun was a step ahead, swinging his leg from the side down onto Lucci's arm.Lucci's arm was forced straight downwards, and Luffy took the opportunity to step on his arm, using the leverage to somersault over him.Lucci's eyes widened; when had he ever suffered such an insult?He unleashed a flurry of Finger Pistols at Forest Mask Bai Yun."Finger Pistol: Yellow Lotus."Forest Mask Bai Yun covered his forearms with Armament Haki. After blocking a few fingers, he used Air Compression Technique to retreat, unwilling to clash head-on with Lucci.However, after Luffy bypassed Lucci, there were still Kalifa and Blueno. He might not even be able to defeat one of them, and with two ganging up on him, Luffy was pushed back again.As for Zoro, after he forced Kaku back, Kakuinstantly advanced, unleashing a Finger Pistol.Zoro blocked with his arm, and a clang was heard."You also have Armament Haki?""So what?"Zoro copied Forest Mask Bai Yun's reply.Zoro's Armament Haki could only harden his forearms; he couldn't yet imbue his sword blades.Kaku was silent, then turned and kicked Zoro back with a Tempest Kick.In the first round of confrontations, the Straw Hat Pirates were all repelled.Robin and Satoru had also left.However, this was also as Forest Mask Bai Yun had expected; it was somewhat impossible to bring Robin back here, and it wouldn't resolve Robin's emotional knot... "Robin!!!"Seeing Robin jump out the window, Nami and Chopper couldn't help but shout."Damn it!!!"Watching Robin disappear before his eyes, Luffywas very disappointed, disappointed in himself.Forest Mask Bai Yun patted his shoulder."No choice.""Their strength is truly terrifying.""The Six Powers are indeed extraordinary."Forest Mask Bai Yun's words were praise, but they sounded strange.As for Forest Mask Bai Yun knowing these moves were called the Six Powers, CP9 no longer found it strange. With his strength, knowing the Six Powersseemed normal."You seem to think you're very strong."As a genius among CP9, Lucci couldn't stand Forest Mask Bai Yun's demeanor.Forest Mask Bai Yun shook his head."No, no, no, I'm not strong."Very humble, but also very provocative at the same time."At the same time, you are too."Lucci's eyes narrowed. "I'll show you what'strong' means."As Lucci's words fell, his figure, illuminated by the light, slowly grew and transformed.In just a few seconds, his body became enormous, covered in leopard fur, with a tail, transforming into a half-beastman in leopard form.At 2.73 meters, nearly 3 meters tall, this wasn't considered exceptionally tall in the world of pirates, but now, in the room, compared to the ceiling, he was full of oppressive power.Seeing Lucci's imposing appearance, Luffy and the others couldn't help but show surprise."It's a Devil Fruit!!"Nami stated the obvious."So big."Luffy exclaimed, marveling at Lucci's large size after his transformation."An Animal-type, Cat-Cat Fruit, Leopard Form, perhaps?""Indeed, it's big."Forest Mask Bai Yun said."Oh no, the 'carnivorous' Animal-type will be even more brutal."Chopper was very flustered.Forest Mask Bai Yun remembered that Lucci's Beastman form had a Doriki of 9100. Indeed, if his clone came, it would be difficult to deal with."Soru.""Finger Pistol!"Lucci directly launched an attack, his target clearly Forest Mask Bai Yun.Blueno and Kaku followed, striking at Luffy and Zoro respectively.Lucci, in his leopard-man form, thrust out a Finger Pistol, which also carried the damage of sharp leopard claws.Furthermore, his Soru speed had more than doubled.Forest Mask Bai Yun almost couldn't react, even with his arms crossed and hardened with Armament Haki to block.Clang!With a resounding clang, even with Armament Haki, Forest Mask Bai Yun was still pushed back. White smoke emanated from his arms where they blocked Lucci's fingertips, showing how immense Lucci's strength was after transforming into his leopard form."Hmph~"Seeing Forest Mask Bai Yun pushed back, Luccirevealed a smug smile."Lucci, the shipwrights want to come up."Blueno noticed the shipwrights surging up. If they saw this scene, they wouldn't be able to frame them."They can't come up.""Tempest Kick."Lucci raised his leg and kicked.A flash of white light, and the entire building, starting from the third floor here, diagonally broke apart."Get away from that wall, Nami, Chopper!!"The shattered wall now completely collapsed under the vibration. Forest Mask Bai Yun flashed, pushing them back. It seemed as if they were buried under rubble, but they were actually directly in the corridor."Run away.""What!!"Nami's two words came out, but the front was already covered by rubble.Luffy looked at Lucci in his leopard-man form, trying to inflate his body by using his hands and feet as air pumps, as Satoru had suggested, but he failed.Success on the first try was indeed impossible."What a man of justice!"Forest Mask Bai Yun flashed quickly to Iceberg's front and pulled him up."You...""What 'you'? Shut up, don't die on me."Forest Mask Bai Yun replied."Are you underestimating me too much?"Lucci swung his fist down at Satoru and Iceberg."You damned pigeon man!!"Luffy flew in with a punch that hit Lucci's face, but Lucci merely turned his head to the side.But Satoru also took the opportunity to flash away with Iceberg."Finger Pistol!"Lucci completely ignored Luffy's punch, extended his index finger, twisted his waist back, and jabbed a Finger Pistol into Luffy's abdomen."Luffy!!"Zoro shouted in concern.Lucci didn't care if he shouted or not. He simply hung Luffy with his finger and flung him out. There was no longer a roof to speak of; from the third floor upwards, it had already collapsed diagonally."Get out of here."Luffy was flung out, and Zoro couldn't tolerate this. He slashed with his two swords, but Lucci blocked him with a single arm."You too!!"A buy-one-get-one-free deal; Zoro was also flung out.Forest Mask Bai Yun tried to escape with Iceberg.Lucci shattered the floor, approached with Soru, pressed his palms together, and bent his fingers as if performing an energy attack, smashing them into Forest Mask Bai Yun's back."Six King Guns!!!"
Chapter 459: Listen to Me, Don't Faint"Six King Guns!!"Luffy and Zoro were thrown out, flying into the distance.Forest Mask Bai Yun still wanted to run away with Iceberg, but Lucci used Soru to flash behind him and struck with a Six King Guns—clearly intending to kill.The Six King Guns landed squarely on Forest Mask Bai Yun's back. The tremendous impact passed through Forest Mask Bai Yun's body and slammed into the large door ahead, instantly shattering it into pieces.Forest Mask Bai Yun pitched forward and collapsed onto the ground.Due to the secondary impact, Iceberg felt his shoulder was agonizingly painful.Forest Mask Bai Yun lay motionless on the ground, seemingly dead.Lucci deactivated his Leopard-Man Form, came over, squatted down, and turned Forest Mask Bai Yunover from the ground.Reaching out to take the mask off his face, Lucci was still curious about Forest Mask Bai Yun's identity.But before his hand could touch the mask, *shua*—in the blink of an eye—Forest Mask Bai Yunvanished, leaving only a mask and a cloak on the ground.Iceberg, lying on the ground, looked sideways, his eyes wide with surprise.Lucci raised an eyebrow. This was just like their first encounter!Knowing that Forest Mask Bai Yun could transform back, he continuously stabbed the cloak with Finger Pistol, but there was no change. The cloak remained a cloak, only now it had many holes."Lucci."Kalifa spoke up to remind him; they still had to find Franky.Lucci remained silent for a moment, stood up, took the hat Kalifa handed him, put it on, kicked Iceberg, and then turned and left.Iceberg:... Soon, all four members of CP9 had left, leaving only Iceberg in the room.His body ached as if it were falling apart as he looked at the cloak and mask on the ground.Iceberg thought Forest Mask Bai Yun had died, and silently offered his apologies.The surrounding temperature continuously rose as the flames approached. Iceberg was now despairing."Is this where I finally meet my end...""It hurts like hell... that damn... damn Leopard-Man."With another *shua*, Forest Mask Bai Yunreappeared, lying on the cloak, snuggling up to the mask.Clutching his waist, Forest Mask Bai Yun stood up, his expression painful. Lucci's blow had hit him quite hard.As for Iceberg, seeing Forest Mask Bai Yun reappear, his eyes widened again, especially because..."You... You, you... Long-Haired Bai Yun!!"Even though his body was in severe pain, Iceberg still voiced his surprise."You can call me, but stop bringing up that title.""Hiss, my waist. That Leopard-Man almost killed me.""Can you get up?"Forest Mask Bai Yun asked.Iceberg tried twice, but clearly couldn't.Forest Mask Bai Yun sighed, just about to force himself to bend down and help Iceberg up.Around the corner ahead, Chopper, in his Horn Point form, smashed through the rubble blocking the way and reached the entrance of the corridor, accompanied, of course, by Nami."Satoru!!"Chopper saw Satoru and immediately rushed over, Nami following behind. Behind them, the fire was already closing in."Satoru, are you okay?""Where are Luffy and Zoro?"Chopper and Nami asked, one after the other.What Satoru wanted to say was, "Chopper, doesn't your tail hurt?"Chopper paused, looked at his tail, where a tuft of flame was burning."Ah!!!""My tail!!!"Chopper spun around frantically, which managed to put out the flame.Forest Mask Bai Yun reached out and grabbed Chopper, stopping his spinning."Feeling better, Chopper?"Chopper's eyes were spinning circles."I feel a bit dizzy."Forest Mask Bai Yun nodded, "Mhm, listen to me: don't faint."Chopper: "??"Then Forest Mask Bai Yun lifted Iceberg and placed him on Chopper's back."Whatever it is, we'll talk outside.""If we waste any more time, even if we aren't burned to death, we'll be smoked meat."Having said that, Forest Mask Bai Yun turned and ran, exiting the room and heading toward the end of the corridor.Chopper and Nami followed.When they reached the end, the stairs on the left were constantly smoking, so they naturally couldn't use them."Which way do we go?"Nami asked.Forest Mask Bai Yun answered with action, pulling out his gun and firing two shots at the glass window at the end.However, before Nami could react, he picked her up in a Princess Carry.Satoru, a man determined to Princess Carry every member of the Straw Hat Pirates.Well, Franky and the Blue Fatty Jinbe might require some consideration.While he couldn't lift Iceberg just now, he could lift Nami now.Satoru expressed: What? I don't know what you're talking about... "Chopper, jump!!"Forest Mask Bai Yun shouted. Chopper obediently jumped out while carrying Iceberg.Satoru, holding Nami, followed closely behind.Outside, the Shipwrights gathered in the Villa's open space were naturally astonished when they saw the three figures."What is that?!!""A deer and a masked Phantom Thief?"Forest Mask Bai Yun's outfit certainly resembled that of a Phantom Thief.A half-face mask and a cloak.The sharp-eyed ones spotted Nami and Iceberg's faces and instantly cried out in surprise."Mr. Iceberg and one of Straw Hat's companions are in their hands!!"Forest Mask Bai Yun and Chopper landed.The Shipwrights immediately moved aside. A deer's jumping ability is strong, so descending from the third floor was nothing for Chopper.As for Forest Mask Bai Yun, needless to say, flying makes everything easier."Mr. Iceberg! Mr. Iceberg!!"The Shipwrights immediately surrounded them.Chopper immediately shouted."Move aside!! He is severely injured right now!!"While the Shipwrights were surprised that Choppercould talk, they also heard Iceberg weakly say:"Do as they say."Since Iceberg had said so, the Shipwrights dispersed.Chopper put Iceberg down on the ground.Iceberg struggled to signal Forest Mask Bai Yun.Forest Mask Bai Yun was confused and leaned his head closer."Pa... Pauly..."Iceberg said.Forest Mask Bai Yun's eyes widened. "Damn... I almost forgot about him!!"Forest Mask Bai Yun stepped forward and flew up again, returning inside the Villa. He located Paulyusing Observation Haki.He had been pinned to the ground by Lucci, unable to move. Heat was radiating from beneath him, steaming him like a bun.Forest Mask Bai Yun came over and helped him pull out the iron rings.At this moment, Pauly's lips were pale, and he was extremely weak, but he was still concerned about Iceberg."Mr. Iceberg is..."Forest Mask Bai Yun interrupted him."Don't die on me.""He's already outside. He's not... he's alive, that's what matters."
Chapter 460: There's No Need for the Ends of the EarthInside the burning mansion, Forest Mask Bai Yunrevived Pauly and once again escaped by jumping out the window.Compared to the actions of a phantom thief, Forest Mask Bai Yun carrying Pauly down this time looked more like a human trafficker in the dead of night... "Mr. Pauly! It's Mr. Pauly!!"The shipwrights exclaimed again.Pauly, being carried down, felt utterly humiliated, dying of embarrassment in public."Alright! Alright!! Stop shouting!!"Pauly roared with his shark-like face, and upon seeing Iceberg on the ground, immediately struggled, urging Forest Mask Bai Yun to put him down.Forest Mask Bai Yun granted his wish, releasing his grip, and Pauly face-planted directly into the ground.Pauly: "..."As if nothing had happened, Pauly walked over to Iceberg."Are you alright, Mr. Iceberg!!!"Iceberg looked at him, thinking, 'Do I look alright to you?'"No! It hurts like hell!!""But, I'm not dead yet.""That's good, that's good..."Pauly murmured, then suddenly remembered something."Mr. Iceberg, those masked men...""It's... it's them."Iceberg interrupted Pauly, replying with certainty.When he was attacked by Lucci and Kaku, Paulyhad already suspected something from their voices, but he never expected it to be true.Betrayed by his colleagues and friends of five years, Pauly naturally felt terrible, but in front of all the shipwrights, he couldn't show it... Chopper treated Iceberg and Pauly's wounds.Though the shipwrights still didn't understand the situation, Iceberg's words made them realize that the Straw Hat Pirates were not bad people."What should we do next?"Chopper asked.The shipwrights all looked at him curiously, because he had transformed from a deer into a tanuki.Nami looked at Forest Mask Bai Yun; unknowingly, she seemed to feel that asking Satoru about anything was the right thing to do."Don't worry, Luffy and Zoro, the other clones will bring them back.""Sister Robin also...""If you want to make one last effort, go after Sister Robin now; she's on the sea train and it's about to depart."Forest Mask Bai Yun gave Nami and Chopper the next plan.The first Straw Hat Pirates vs. CP9 battle, the outcome was, needless to say, a crushing defeat.Not only were the three main combatants not all present, but Satoru was also just a clone. The outcome was exactly as Satoru expected, so he had placed clone bullets in Luffy and Zoro's pockets when he passed by them. Bringing Luffy and Zoroback was only a matter of time.And Franky and Usopp, like fateful steaks, were taken onto the sea train by Lucci and the others.Franky, a somewhat neurotic pervert, was bored stiff in the turbulent Water 7. So he wanted to find the wish spirit, which was Forest Mask Bai Yun. He also knew that Forest Mask Bai Yun was with Straw Hat and the others, so just like in the original history, he captured Usopp.He learned the story of the going merry and violently persuaded Usopp.Usopp finally admitted the reality that the going merry could not sail, but he couldn't accept it.However, the going merry was also cast out to sea by Kaku, just like in the original history, but this time, a Satoru clone was with him... "Right!"Hearing Forest Mask Bai Yun's words, Nami recalled the lip-reading of "station" that Main Body Satoruhad said before leaving."Then how much time is left until departure?"Nami asked, looking at her watch.Forest Mask Bai Yun looked at Iceberg."At this time, the last train is at 11 PM.""So, there are still 30 minutes left."Nami said."Then, you go and try, Nami. It would be best if you can bring Sister Robin and me back.""Of course, if you can't, don't be disheartened.""Even to the ends of the earth, we will chase after her, right?"Forest Mask Bai Yun comforted her.Nami met his gaze, "There's no need for the ends of the earth.""But, you're right!!""Exactly, you're right!!"Chopper excitedly transformed into his human form, scaring the shipwrights again."He turned into a human!! He turned into a human!!"Forest Mask Bai Yun nodded."Then, you all go.""I'll wait for you here, and the other clones will bring Luffy and Zoro back as soon as possible.""Mhm, mhm, understood."Chopper nodded obediently.At this moment, Pauly spoke to the shipwrights."You all, stay here to put out the fire and look after Mr. Iceberg.""Whatever this gentleman needs help with, do it with all your might.""I'll go to the station with these two shameless women and the tanuki.""Who are you calling a tanuki!!""Who are you calling shameless women!!"Protests from Nami and Chopper, 'Satoru is a gentleman, and we're called that, right!!'The shipwrights, still confused, voiced their questions, "But aren't they Straw Hat's accomplices?""They should be arrested, shouldn't they?""And what about Big Brother Lucci and Big Brother Kaku?"Poor, uninformed citizens."Shut up!!""The Straw Hat Pirates are not the real culprits!!""They were framed!!!""Although I don't know the true identities of those masked people, the Straw Hat Pirates helped us fight them.""Mr. Iceberg and I were both saved by them, didn't you see?!""Also, there's no need to look for Lucci and Kaku. Perhaps you'll never see them again.""What? Why do you say that?""Do you know what happened to Mr. Lucci and the others?""They went back home!!"Pauly was annoyed by the questions."Went back home? Why would they go back home at this critical juncture?!""Why?""Is it true?""Stop blabbering already!? What time is it now!!""Do you want to disgrace the Galley-La Company?!!"Pauly roared.The shipwrights were only satisfied after such a roar."Yes!! Foreman!!""Sorry!!!""We'll do it right away!!"The shipwrights immediately stood at attention, saluted, and then scattered to prevent the fire from spreading.As Pauly passed Iceberg, Iceberg couldn't help but find it a little amusing."You said they went back home.""Isn't saying too much bad?""This kind of pain, it's better if we bear it ourselves..."Pauly replied, just like spending five years with a loved one or friend, and then he (or she) suddenly reveals their identity as a foreign spy or agent.Iceberg didn't answer, only thought to himself, 'Yes, that taste is indeed hard to bear...' Nami, Chopper, and Pauly rode the Arrowfish Blue to the station.Forest Mask Bai Yun and Iceberg sat under a tree next to the Galley-La Company headquarters, watching the shipwrights come and go, fetching water to extinguish the fire.