章 77: The monster watches idly
In the world of One Piece, abilities bearing the name of gods are undoubtedly crucial elements. Aside from Luffy's Sun God Nika, there have been speculations about Blackbeard's ability and Buggy's ability.
Regarding Buggy's ability, there are various theories, with a major factor being his monologue during the Impel Down arc. In this arc, monologues were used to explain the abilities of some characters.
During these explanations, the abilities of Bon Kurei and Crocodile were respectively written as "Mane Mane no Mi" and "Suna Suna no Mi," but in the part explaining Buggy's ability, the phrase "Bara Bara" (meaning "split") and the character "Mi" (meaning "fruit") were omitted. This led to speculation that Buggy's ability, like Luffy's Gomu Gomu no Mi, might also have a fake name.
Well, it's intriguing, but I have no real connection to Buggy, and if not for the Impel Down arc, I'd still be in a cage. If the opportunity arises, I might consider a secret meeting to copy his ability.
While contemplating such things, I chew on a stick of candy and extend my Observation Haki from the rooftop of a certain building.
After our conversation, Luffy put my advice into action, and his crew discussed the memories of the Going Merry with tears. Usopp didn't leave temporarily.
However, battles that could serve as fate's fill-in are still occurring. The next day, while Chopper and Robin were in town, they were attacked by members of the Pirate Alliance.
Chopper and Robin fought back, but due to the Devil Fruit ability of the enemy, which turns them into cubes, Robin was captured.
Chopper tried to rescue her desperately, but they escaped, taking Robin with them. Chopper hurriedly returned to the Straw Hat crew and tearfully conveyed what had happened to Robin.
Of course, Luffy's group wouldn't stand idly by. They set out to rescue Robin, but the problem was they didn't know where the enemy was. Thus, they relied on Franky and, with his guidance, learned about the existence of the Pirate Alliance from an information broker in town.
The Pirate Alliance had a base on an island between Water 7 and the town of San Faldo on the way to Carnaval.
However, due to Aqua Laguna, sailing was forbidden tonight, and the members of the Pirate Alliance had already departed from Water 7 on the final voyage of the sea train. With no log pose pointing to San Faldo, they were in a situation without a clear way to follow them. But thanks to information provided by one of Franky's subordinates, Tom offered them a test-run sea train, and they used it to chase after the Pirate Alliance.
Franky, who had taken a liking to Luffy's group, offered his assistance, and his subordinates, who looked up to him, also joined. Thus, a test-run vehicle set off to chase the lead sea train.
True to fate's fill-in, many aspects of the situation were similar to the original story. However, there were also differences. Usopp hadn't left the crew, Sanji and Franky were on the same train as Luffy's group, and the vehicle used wasn't Rocket Man but a test-run vehicle created in the past two years.
"Alright, Pochi. Should we go and address Aqua Laguna's situation for now?"
"Understood. Then, I'll bring a small boat."
"Yeah, I'll go ahead."
After a brief discussion with Pochi, I soared through the sky with my Razor, surpassing the sea train and arriving at a predetermined location.
There's enough distance from the sea train tracks to avoid getting caught in it. Feeling the strength of the wind and the state of the air against my skin, I calculated the angle and force needed to send seawater toward the desired location, then entered the water.
Using a touch of Haki, I made the surrounding marine life scatter before grasping seawater with Water Manipulation. Mimicking the action of a stream, I released the seawater into the sky.
As the surrounding seawater soared into the air, a temporary giant hole opened in the sea. Confirming that the angle of the flying seawater was correct, I moved on to the next spot.
Repeated a few times, this process would complete the countermeasure against Aqua Laguna for this year. Just at that moment, Pochi arrived, carrying a small boat, and I landed on it.
"Captain, well done. Towels and... a change of clothes are also prepared."
"Ah, sorry about that. Is everything okay with the sea currents?"
"Yes, no problems. The flow of seawater is stable."
Given the larger scale of Aqua Laguna this time, I increased the number of holes a bit compared to previous years. After double-checking that everything was in order, I went to change clothes in the cabin.
After changing, I returned to the deck. The sky was cloudy, but it wasn't raining. Some clouds had dispersed, allowing patches of sunlight to break through. My precognition didn't show rain for a while, so I could remain on deck.
Thinking that, Pochi offered me coffee, and I took it before sitting in one of the chairs she had prepared. Usually, we would return to Enies Lobby at this point, but this time, I intended to stay and witness the battle against the Pirate Alliance.
When we get closer to the island that serves as their base, I plan to observe from the skies. But until the Straw Hat crew arrives at the enemy's base, I'll just relax here.
Lost in these thoughts, I suddenly felt a presence approaching from a distance.
"... Pochi, prepare another cup of coffee. Tama is coming."
"Tama? Understood."
By the way, just like with Lucci, Tama underwent modifications of the same type, so traveling between islands using Razor is a breeze for her as well.
When I first modified her, she looked at me with the same fanatical gaze as Pochi, so there's a possibility she might withstand cellular transformation in the future, but I'll keep an eye on that.
"... Here she comes, Tama."
"Hi there! It's your Tama!"
"Hello, Tama. Have some coffee."
"Thanks! Mmm~ Chelsea's coffee is always delicious."
Tama, who had arrived on the deck, smiled cheerfully as she drank the coffee Pochi had prepared. She's still laid-back and carefree, but highly capable as well.
"... So, what's the news?"
"I have a report. The Marines at Headquarters have noticed the Pirate Alliance's movements and decided to dispatch two Vice Admirals and a fleet, since they're close to Headquarters."
"I see, it makes sense they'd be close to Headquarters..."
In other words, a three-way battle between the Straw Hat crew, the Pirate Alliance, and the Marines is likely. However, considering the timing, the Marines might arrive a bit later.
Although the forces are somewhat fewer than in the original Buster Call, when combined with the Pirate Alliance, it might reach a scale closer to the original.
"The dispatched Vice Admirals, the ship, information about the Pirate Alliance's base, surrounding maps, and oh, some information about the Pirate Alliance too."
Tama, who had brought the information I needed, is truly reliable, just as before. Not only did she gather the information I wanted, but she's also well-connected enough to grasp the reasons for the sudden deployment of the fleet. She's an invaluable asset in many ways, distinct from Pochi and Lilith.
"I appreciate your efforts. If you have time, would you like to come along and watch?"
"Yes, it sounds fun, so I'll join you!"
***
The Straw Hat Pirates and the Franky Family, headed toward the Pirate Alliance that had taken Robin captive, were aboard a test-run sea train driven by Franky. While en route to their destination, Usopp, who had been observing their surroundings, suddenly exclaimed.
"Wha- What the heck is thaaaat?!"
"... Huh? What's that... seawater soaring into the sky... a variation of Knock Up Stream? No, it can't be flying at such an angle."
In the distant horizon, they could see seawater blowing away thick clouds in the sky, ascending like a dragon reaching for the heavens. Nami, whose attention was drawn by Usopp's voice, widened her eyes in astonishment.
The others were equally astonished by the spectacular sight. However, Franky, who was at the helm, was the only one who knew the true nature of it and began to explain.
"... That's the true form of the blue meteor mentioned in the town. It's... a certain monster throwing seawater."
"Throwing it... but where to?"
"Into a sea area hundreds of kilometers away in the far distance. In the end, the so-called new technology the government talks about is a lie. Regarding Aqua Laguna, it's all thanks to a monstrous creature. We're advised not to reveal this publicly, so be careful not to spread it around."
"Impossible... throwing seawater of that scale hundreds of kilometers away? What kind of power would it take to do that?"
Upon hearing Franky's explanation, Nami's expression turned even more incredulous. With a look that seemed to convey complete disbelief, she turned to Franky for more information.
"I understand that it's hard to believe, but there's no use just thinking about it. It's done by the Chief of Enies Lobby, Spandam... that thing is a monstrous being beyond comprehension."
"What? That panda is doing it? He's really something... huh?"
"Wait a minute, Captain Idiot... that name rings a bell for us too. The Blue Pheasant guy, he's the one who was giving us a warning. But why the hell are you reacting like you know him or something?"
"Yeah, I met him yesterday! He seemed incredibly strong, and he's probably that legendary panda from Skypiea."
Luffy's casual response left the Straw Hat crew scratching their heads.
"He's a good guy. He gave me meat to eat and even gave me some as a souvenir!"
"... So, the source of all that meat you brought back was him... No wonder it was all high-quality, premium meat."
"... Is he really a good guy? Isn't he incredibly scary?"
"Don't worry, Chopper. Anyone who gives Luffy meat is a good guy in his book..."
With Sanji's amused acceptance, Chopper's anxious inquiry, and Usopp's incredulous expression, the Straw Hat Pirates struggled to wrap their heads around the situation they were about to face against a large Pirate Alliance. Franky's subordinates sensed a formidable presence from the Straw Hat crew.
"Since we have some time, tell us more about this creature. Especially the part about it being incredibly strong..."
As Zoro inspected his swords, he prompted Luffy to recount the encounter he had with Spandam a day earlier.
***
You can indulge in more than 10 chapters ahead of the regular schedule by visiting our Patreon page and subscribing.
Feel free to explore our Patreon at:
https://www.pat reon.com/KangTL
Your support will enhance our productivity in creating more captivating and wonderful works.
クリエイターの想い 
KangTL
KangTL Hey, you... Yes, you, you have a tremendous potential to shape the future destiny of this novel. Why have you remained silent all this time and wasted the enormous potential you possess? Utilize the Power Stone you have and craft the future of this novel with us. In return, we will reward you with 3-5 chapters ahead of the update schedule if we reach 1000 Power Stones.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット