Chương 130: "Survive the Buster Call: Luffy vs. Lucci"

The atmosphere was tense as the rumbling of warships approached, announcing the Buster Call's arrival. Explosions erupted as cannon fire demolished the upper parts of the Judicial Tower, sending chunks of Enies Lobby into the sea below. Franky urgently alerted the crew, "We've got one last shot to escape—a ship at the bridge's end!" Below, Nami, Kokoro, Chimney, and Gonbe scrambled through flooding tunnels, desperate to reach safety before the water engulfed them.

On the top level of the tower, Luffy faced Rob Lucci, the ruthless CP9 assassin. His new Gear 2, powered by his intense Sun Breathing, boosted his strength and speed, giving him a temporary advantage. But Lucci remained unfazed, mocking, "Your technique damages your body. It could shorten your life." Luffy's fierce eyes flashed with determination. "I'll deal with that later. My friends come first."

As the two clashed, Lucci unleashed a deadly Rankyaku, shattering a wall. Water from a nearby reservoir surged in, pouring through the tower's cracks and flooding the tunnels below, threatening to drown Luffy's allies.

Meanwhile, Spandam, desperate to capture Robin, commanded the Marines to move forward, but his voice wavered as the Buster Call raged around them. Five Vice Admirals led a fleet that showed no mercy, firing indiscriminately at Enies Lobby. Explosions erupted as buildings crumbled under the onslaught, sparing nothing but the bridge where Spandam and Robin stood.

In the chaos below, Sogeking (Usopp) staggered, injured, and fell near Zoro and Sanji. He tried to explain his weapon, but Sanji cut him off as they braced themselves against the incoming flood. Water filled the tunnels rapidly, submerging Nami, Chopper, Kokoro, and the others who were directly beneath Luffy and Lucci's battleground.

Realizing the fight needed more power, Luffy activated Gear 3. His arm expanded to a monstrous size, and with a fierce yell, he unleashed a Gomu Gomu no Gigant Pistol. The impact sent Lucci flying through the walls and toward the sea, shaking the tower. As he flew, Vice Admiral Doberman coldly recounted Lucci's dark past, telling the Marines of Lucci's brutal initiation at age 13, where he slaughtered 500 soldiers to prevent surrender. The tale struck fear into the Marines, making them realize just how terrifying an opponent Luffy was facing.

Despite the powerful blow, Lucci recovered on a nearby Marine ship and launched himself back into the fray. Luffy leaped after him, launching Gear 3 strikes that shook the ship. Lucci analyzed his opponent's technique, noticing that Luffy's speed lagged as his power increased, and he attacked relentlessly, causing the ship to collapse into the water.

Vice Admiral Onigumo's voice cut through the chaos, icy and merciless. He ordered the fleet to target the ship holding a thousand Marines, declaring, "No one is above the mission." When a Marine dared to object, Onigumo silenced him with a swift kill, showing the unyielding severity of the Buster Call.

Meanwhile, Kokoro, revealing herself as a mermaid, rescued Zoro, Nami, Chopper, and the others from the tunnels, pulling them to safety just as the water threatened to drown them. On Spandam's ship, Robin and Franky took over, launching it toward the end of the bridge. The unconscious Straw Hats woke up, realizing they needed to wait for Luffy.

Luffy and Lucci resumed their clash. Luffy unleashed Sun Gear 2, meeting Lucci's immense power. As the Straw Hats waited anxiously, grim news reached them that their allies—Oimo, Kashii, and the Franky Family—were struggling to escape the relentless Buster Call firepower. The massive bombardment sent them tumbling into the waterfall below.

The fight intensified. Lucci hit Luffy with his ultimate technique, Rokuogan, a devastating shockwave that sent Luffy reeling with pain. The Buster Call ships repositioned, isolating the tower and targeting the Straw Hats waiting for Luffy. As their crewmate fought for his life, Sogeking spotted Luffy and Lucci's battle, rallying the crew to cheer for Luffy from afar.

Luffy staggered, struggling under the weight of Gear 2's toll on his body. Seeing his captain falter, Usopp threw off his mask, yelling desperately, "Luffy! Don't give up! We're all waiting for you!" Usopp's cry rekindled Luffy's spirit, and he rose to his feet with newfound resolve.

Ignoring the pain, Luffy readied his ultimate move, Gomu Gomu no Sun Jet Gatling. With blinding speed, he unleashed a barrage of fiery punches on Lucci, breaking through the tower wall with an explosive finale. As the Marines and his friends watched in awe, Lucci fell, defeated.

The Straw Hats roared in celebration, seeing their captain emerge victorious. Luffy, battered and exhausted, called out to Robin, his voice filled with triumph. "Robin! We're leaving together!" Tears streamed down her face as she realized she was truly free.

The Marines watched in shock, their strongest agent defeated. Usopp, Franky, and the rest of the crew rushed to congratulate Luffy, but their celebration was cut short. The Buster Call fleet continued its relentless bombardment, targeting the Straw Hats and cutting off their escape route.

Suddenly, Usopp heard a strange voice, followed by the sight of a familiar ship—a figure on the deck with a wand raised high. It was Raja, and with him, the Going Merry. Relief washed over the crew as Raja launched spell after spell at the Buster Call warships, keeping the Marines at bay.

With Shadow Tempest in hand, Raja's wand unleashed Magic-Magic 10X Fire Fist, scorching the warships. A fierce Magic-Magic 10X Wind Blast sent waves crashing against the fleet, followed by Magic-Magic Water Gun, which soaked the decks, weakening the Vice Admirals and their forces.

Realizing they needed a final strike, Raja summoned his Patronus, a shadowy, winged figure with electrifying energy. The Shadow Tempest Patronus let out a Mighty Screech, darkening the sky as it unleashed thunder and lightning across the fleet, sowing chaos and destroying ships caught in the storm.

Kokoro and the rest of the crew quickly boarded the Merry, while Sanji closed the Gates of Justice, creating powerful whirlpools that disrupted the fleet. As they raced to freedom, Robin took her revenge on Spandam, using her powers to break his spine, silencing his arrogant boasts once and for all. Franky propelled the Merry forward with a Coup de Vent, the ship racing toward safety.

As they approached Water 7, the Straw Hats' allies, led by the Franky Family and Galley-La, contacted them through the Den Den Mushi, assuring them of their safety. Aokiji, observing from afar, acknowledged Enies Lobby as a complete defeat for the World Government.

Back on the Merry, Raja's Patronus, Shadow Tempest, landed gracefully on his shoulder, pecking him in playful reprimand for not letting her join the fight sooner. As the crew watched, Raja whispered soothing words, assuring her not to cause trouble. Usopp asked, "What's going on with that bird?" But before Raja could answer, a figure shyly stepped out from behind him.

To the crew's surprise, it was Merry's spirit, a Klabautermann. Raja introduced their "old partner" with a gentle smile, "Meet Merry." In a small voice, Merry introduced itself, "I am the Straw Hat Ship, Merry, and I will be the strongest ship in the world."

A stunned silence followed, then joyous laughter as the crew eagerly ran to greet their ship's spirit. Merry hid shyly behind Raja, overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. A playful argument broke out as the crew teased Raja for keeping Merry's spirit a secret, calling him names like "Ugly Hat" (Luffy), "Wand Head" (Zoro), "Magic Freak" (Sanji), Usopp- Weird Suit, Nami- Baka Bank, Chopper- Pill Freak and Robin-ShadowLess.

Grinning, Raja joined the mock battle that ensued, playfully sparring with Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and Chopper for their insults. As Merry watched, its laughter mingled with the crew's joyful reunion, the ship's spirit becoming a beloved friend.

For a moment, amidst the chaos and the battle-worn deck, the Straw Hats felt peace, cherishing the unity they had fought so hard to preserve.