Chapter 544: Maybe You Should Get a New Ship?
Chapter 544: Maybe You Should Get a New Ship?
Shabondy, Amusement District.
Lida pointed at a barbecue stall, tugging Kuro’s sleeve. “Hey, Kuro, I want to eat this!”
“Fine, fine, I’ll buy it for you,” Kuro sighed, rolling his eyes. He approached the vendor, paid under the shopkeeper’s flattery-laden smile, grabbed the barbecue, handed it to Lida, then glanced toward 46GR with a frown.
“That old man…”
“What’s wrong, Kuro?” Lida asked, looking up.
“Nothing. Just that old pest is causing trouble again. I warned him before.”
“Silvers Rayleigh?”
Lida tilted her head, recalling something. “Come to think of it, I heard the Straw Hat Pirates are recruiting new members near 46GR. The Navy’s already moved in. Could Silvers Rayleigh be the one blocking them?”
“Boroboroboro!”
As she spoke, the Transponder Snail in Lida’s arms rang.
She quickly devoured the remaining barbecue, pulled out a white Transponder Snail, and answered, “Who is this?”
“This is Klah. Lidamiss, is Mr. Kuro with you?”
Klah’s voice came through the snail.
“Ah, Klah!” Lida glanced at Kuro. “He’s here.” Standing on tiptoe, she raised the snail. “It’s Klah.”
Kuro took the snail. “Hello.”
“Mr. Kuro, we found Luffy’s crew. We tried to pursue, but someone blocked us. It’s likely Silvers Rayleigh,” Klah reported.
“So that old man again?” Kuro clicked his tongue. “Any casualties from Luffy’s side?”
“No. They escaped. We confirmed Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, and Sanji.”
“Then forget it. Focus on your mission.” Kuro hung up, handing the snail back to Lida.
Let Luffy sail off. Just don’t bother me here. Or ruin my vacation.
...
13GR, Bamboo Drum Bar.
“Everyone!” Luffy grinned as Sanji and Zoro dragged him into the bar—Sanji leading, since Zoro couldn’t navigate.
The moment he entered, Luffy flashed his signature grin. “Long time no see!”
“Luffy!” Usopp’s eyes welled up.
The others wore similar expressions. Two years later, they were finally reunited!
“Let’s throw a party! Celebrate our reunion!”
Luffy grabbed Usopp’s left hand and Chopper’s right, who clutched Brook’s hand. The four lifted their feet, dancing in sync.
“Now’s not the time for a party, Luffy,” a familiar voice cut in. Silvers Rayleigh strode in, sword in hand. “Half a year, and you’ve gotten even tougher.”
“Silvers Rayleigh!” Luffy beamed. “Let’s party! Celebrate!”
“Party! Party! Celebrate! Celebrate!” Usopp, Chopper, and Brook chanted.
Rayleigh chuckled. “Save the party for after you set sail. Right now, focus on escaping.”
His words sobered everyone except Luffy.
“Luffy…” Nami hesitated. “Our ship… the Navy took it.”
“Eh? The Sunny? They took it?” Luffy blinked, then grinned, clenching his fist. “Then we’ll take it back!”
“That’s the plan,” Rayleigh sighed. “But it’s in the Navy base at 66GR. Getting in won’t be easy.”
Zoro crossed his arms. “You said you’d explain once we reunited. Spill it.”
Usopp puffed his long nose. “If it’s the Navy, I’m ready! I’ve outgrown the weak trio with Nami and Chopper!”
“Right…” Nami and Chopper deadpanned.
“The base isn’t ordinary,” Rayleigh said. “The Navy stationed here has some heavy hitters.”
“Big Gun Wilbur, a rising Commander who fights with a cannon bigger than himself. Sengoku, the one you met earlier. And Black Wolf Klah, another famed Commander. You know him.”
“Klah?” Luffy and Zoro tilted their heads.
“Klah!” Usopp and Nami gasped. “That glasses-wearing Klah? He’s here?!”
“He’s shined globally since joining a certain man,” Rayleigh added. “You’ve fought him, Luffy. He’s tough.”
Usopp gaped. “I thought it was a coincidence!”
“Pirates in the Navy?” Nami nodded. “Same here.”
“White Whale Flo Lida, called White Butterfly in the Navy, but feared as White Whale. She’s powerful but rarely fights.”
“And Colossal Shield Dougleg-Kas, though he’s in West Blue. If he were here, I’d suggest a new ship.”
Robin frowned. “The Revolutionary Army feared him.”
“Indeed. And he’s gained strength from the Vinsmoke Family,” Rayleigh said.
Sanji froze at the name.
“But the biggest threat is Golden Lion, the Navy Vice Admiral controlling Shabondy. Facing him… you won’t stand a chance.”
“Golden Lion?” Zoro scowled. “Isn’t he the one hanging on a censer? A Vice Admiral?”
“An idiot! He’s a man!” Sanji’s vein bulged. “He defeated Shanks, Red Earl, and World Destroyer! The Navy’s new generation’s strongest!”
“Is he here?!” Nami shivered. “Why’s such a monster on this island?!”
“Exactly,” Rayleigh shrugged. “Maybe… get a new ship?”
“NO!” Luffy grinned. “The Sunny’s our crewmate! We won’t leave her!”
Zoro smirked. “Quitting before starting? That’s shameful.”
Sanji exhaled smoke, his silence speaking volumes.
The others sighed, smiling.
“If the captain insists…” Nami chuckled.
“Yohohoho! Our first battle leaving Shabondy! Since we’re reunited, Miss Nami… can I see your briefs?”
“Absolutely not!”
(End of Chapter)
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