Chapter 61 Zoro's New Technique
At the bow of the Merry, Zoro's eyes were fixed on the giant goldfish that was about to pounce.
The wado ichimonji in his hand, like a awakened beast, gleamed with a cold light.
His heart rate accelerated instantly, his breathing paused, and the air seemed to be filled with a sense of oppression, like distant thunder foreshadowing an approaching storm.
The goldfish's massive body, like a floating island, obscured the sky.
Overwhelming waves stirred up countless splashes, and its golden scales shimmered dazzlingly in the sunlight.
However, no matter how shocking the scene, it appeared still in Zoro's eyes; he only saw his target and the challenge before him.
Suddenly, the giant goldfish spewed out a blast of Qi, like a mountain torrent, instantly sweeping everything away.
But Zoro's figure was like sudden lightning, drawing his sword swiftly.
The moment he drew wado ichimonji, its blade was immediately covered with dense Armament Haki.
Black Qi intertwined on the blade, like an invisible barrier, deciding life and death in an instant.
As Zoro unleashed all his strength, his entire body was instantly enveloped by an unstoppable Aura.
Power surged from every inch of muscle within him, finally gathering in his arms.
"One Sword Style, Myriad Phenomena Shattering Void!"
With a low roar, Zoro swung his arms violently, compressing immense power into a massive energy wave.
It surged through the air, and the atmosphere seemed to collapse in that instant.
In a flash, wado ichimonji sliced through the sky, a black saber light with a deep red glow burst forth from Zoro's hand.
In that instant, time seemed to stand still; the air of the entire world was distorted by this shocking power, and violent Saber Qi swept through like thunder.
The goldfish's massive body was torn in half instantly, as if it were paper touched by this force.
Blood gushed out like a fountain, like a terrifying rain curtain, instantly covering the entire sea surface.
The power of this saber light was so immense that even the Merry could not escape unscathed.
As the giant goldfish was split in half, its two halves fell into the sea, causing the waves to churn violently.
The Merry's hull was fiercely lifted by the huge waves, and the entire ship flew through the air like a piece of paper, seemingly about to capsize.
At this very moment, Lin Ning stood on the deck, his gaze cold.
Surging Haoshoku Haki instantly burst forth, like towering black and red lightning, carrying infinite pressure from within him, shooting straight into the sky.
This wave of Haki instantly covered the entire sea surface, as if a bolt of lightning from the sky had suddenly descended, sweeping away all the wind and waves.
The wind died down, the waves calmed, the storm vanished instantly, and the Merry stabilized, its hull returning to the sea surface.
The waves no longer churned, and the surrounding air seemed to have returned to tranquility.
On the deck, Zoro fell back to the ground from the air, heavily stepping on the deck, panting heavily, his face pale, his chest heaving violently.
His hands still gripped wado ichimonji tightly, and the muscles in his arms ached intensely from the exertion of that single slash; he felt so exhausted he could barely stand.
That one slash had almost drained all the strength from his body.
It was an extreme slash he had never experienced before; the mobilization of power and the burst of Qi almost made him feel like he was about to collapse.
But at this moment, he felt incredibly satisfied.
That behemoth had disappeared beneath his blade, and the entire world seemed to stand still because of it.
On the distant shore, the two giants, Dorry and Brogy, watched the scene before them, stunned, having originally prepared to offer aid.
"They... they did it themselves," Dorry whispered, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
He and Brogy had originally planned to step in when the giant goldfish lunged at the Merry.
After all, to them, the Straw Hat were trusted friends.
Brogy also withdrew the weapon in his hand, his mouth slightly open, as if trying to say something, but no words came out.
"It seems the Straw Hat don't need us anymore."
The two exchanged glances, a hint of helplessness flashing in their eyes, then both gave a wry smile.
They had wanted to help, but found there was almost nothing they could do.
Lin Ning stood on the deck, his gaze fixed on the moment Zoro unleashed that slash, a quiet surprise rising in his heart.
He had always been able to easily see through the changes in battles, but he hadn't expected Zoro's slash this time to make him feel an unprecedented sense of amazement.
This was not merely strength, nor was it just exquisite skill.
What Lin Ning saw was an explosive power he had never witnessed before, an Aura that could almost tear apart heaven and earth.
This slash was filled with potential he had never displayed, as if all accumulated energy had erupted in an instant.
It was even more profound than the surprise he felt when Luffy developed the Finger Pistol.
Zoro's slash was a challenge to his physical limits, a comprehensive Squeeze of his spirit and will.
He held nothing back; all his power and spirit converged into the ultimate blade at that moment.
Lin Ning could feel that every muscle, every nerve in Zoro's body, had completely Awakened in the instant of that slash.
That Aura, like a roar tearing open the Void Realm, echoed in his ears.
But this was not something Zoro could do easily. A flicker of understanding crossed Lin Ning's eyes; behind this slash lay countless days and nights of arduous training.
It was the culmination of every battle he had experienced.
The dual test of Comprehension Ability and will enabled him to unleash such power in an extreme state.
"This is not just a simple sword swing," Lin Ning mused silently, his gaze shifting from the blade in Zoro's hand to the distant goldfish corpse.
At this moment, Lin Ning suddenly realized that every member of the Straw Hat was constantly improving.
And Zoro's slash was not only his personal progress but also a symbol of the entire Straw Hat's enhanced strength.
The atmosphere around them also changed due to Zoro's strike.
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement; he had already rushed over impatiently, standing beside Zoro, patting his shoulder and praising him:
"Zoro, that was amazing! That slash was absolutely fantastic!"
Luffy's excitement almost overflowed, and even his tone of voice became a little hurried.
For him, seeing his comrade so powerful made his inner excitement almost impossible to calm.
Zoro's slash undoubtedly made him believe even more firmly that the Straw Hat's future was full of endless possibilities.
Sanji stood somewhat dazed to the side, his mouth open, the cigarette he was holding dropping to the ground.
In that instant, he seemed to have seen something incredible; that unprecedented shock and surprise left him unable to control himself.
At this very moment, a corner deep within his heart was profoundly touched.
"Indeed... he's really getting stronger and stronger," Sanji muttered to himself, an unprecedented sense of crisis emerging in his heart.
He knew the gap between himself and Zoro, yet this gap did not make him feel discouraged; instead, it ignited an even stronger fighting spirit within him.
He took a deep breath, silently resolving in his heart that no matter what, he must catch up to Zoro's footsteps. He absolutely could not be left too far behind by that guy.
"I need to work harder... I can't always be left behind by that Mosshead." Sanji clenched his fists, his gaze becoming resolute.
Although he always teased Zoro verbally, deep down, he knew he had never desired stronger power as wholeheartedly as he did now.Chapter 62 Nami is seriously ill
Nami and Usopp whispered to each other on the side.
Nami sighed, "Zoro is getting stronger and stronger, it's really hard to see through him."
Usopp's eyes were complex as he nodded, "Yeah, even I feel like a guy like him is practically invincible."
They weren't truly scared, but deeply shaken by Zoro's performance.
Each time, the members of the Straw Hat grew at an unforeseen rate.
Especially Zoro, his strength was no longer just physical power, but a sublimation of the spirit.
This was especially important for a swordsman, and the key to becoming a Great Swordsman.
Vivi's mood was also extremely complex at this moment.
She stood at the bow, gazing at the blood rain and the aftershocks of the slashes on the sea, her eyes gleaming with an unprecedented resolve.
Her gaze pierced through the waves, as if seeing further, and the figures of the Straw Hat grew taller in her eyes.
"They... really can do it," Vivi's voice was almost a whisper, and she felt an unprecedented confidence.
She had once been full of uncertainty about the future of the Straw Hat, but at this moment, facing Zoro's single blade, her heart was filled with infinite belief.
"The Straw Hat can really defeat Crocodile, and even more enemies," she silently affirmed in her heart.
The going merry continued to ride the wind and waves, its hull steadily sailing on the sea, constantly advancing towards Alabasta.
On the sea, the waves surged, and the sunlight sprinkled on the surface, creating golden ripples.
At this moment, everyone on the ship seemed to have experienced a spiritual sublimation.
Whether it was Lin Ning's surprise, Luffy's passion, Sanji's determination, Nami and Usopp's emotion, or Vivi's confidence.
All converged into a powerful force at this moment. This force propelled them bravely forward towards the unknown distance.
The going merry sped across the turbulent sea, the sea wind howling past, carrying a distant and fierce power.
The waves on the sea rolled, and huge waves crashed against the hull layer by layer, emitting a deafening roar.
The sky was covered by dark clouds, the air pressure was low, and the haze in the sky made it unpredictable; the special climate of the Grand Line endowed this sea with many unknown attributes.
The clouds hung low, pressing down on the horizon like a heavy iron curtain, and the entire sea surface seemed like a vast gray expanse.
On such a windy day, on the going merry, several people were still cultivating on the deck.
It was now free cultivation time, and the few of them were cultivating in their own ways.
Luffy was swinging his fists, practicing Armament Haki and advanced Finger Pistol, and also developing his Rubber-Rubber Fruit abilities.
Zoro stood at the bow, holding the wado ichimonji, the blade constantly rubbing against the air, producing a piercing sound.
Every swing of his blade was filled with power and determination, as he strived for a new Realm of swordsmanship.
Sanji practiced his footwork while constantly thinking about new Moves, his movements slightly clumsy.
And Lin Ning stood quietly in a corner of the deck, his gaze as focused as a blade, no subtle change escaping his sight.
His state of mind was as vast as the sea, and as calm as the sea breeze, without a trace of agitation.
Just then, suddenly, an unusual movement came from a corner of the deck.
Nami's body seemed to have undergone some change; she had been sitting aside exercising, but suddenly stopped, her face turning pale.
Her hands clutched the railing, cold sweat subtly trickling down her forehead, her originally confident demeanor vanishing in an instant.
The wind blew across her face, her eyes holding a trace of unease, and she suddenly swayed a few times, her legs giving way, almost falling.
"Nami!" Vivi's voice suddenly rose, and she quickly rushed to Nami, reaching out to support her.
"Nami, what's wrong?" Vivi looked at Nami anxiously, a wave of tension in her heart.
Nami's face grew even paler, and the beads of sweat on her forehead rolled down faster.
A premonition of ill omen rose in Vivi's heart, and she quickly pressed Nami's forehead, and instantly, her brows furrowed sharply.
"A fever?" Vivi was stunned.
Her palm felt the temperature of Nami's forehead, which was already burning like a hot coal.
Vivi quickly called out, "Quick! Everyone come and see Nami!"
Lin Ning, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji heard Vivi's cry, immediately stopped what they were doing, and came over.
Lin Ning's eyes instantly sharpened, and he immediately realized the situation was bad.
Luffy, however, looked bewildered, clearly not realizing the seriousness of the matter, and approached Vivi and Nami, his voice filled with worry:
"What's wrong with Nami? Is she overtired?"
Vivi ignored Luffy, and instead hurriedly checked Nami's temperature.
She took Nami's temperature, and anxiety gradually showed on her face.
"Her temperature is already forty degrees!" Vivi's voice trembled, her tone clearly panicked. "Forty degrees, if this continues... something bad will happen!"
"What? Forty degrees?" Luffy was stunned, and quickly grabbed Nami's arm, his eyes filled with worry. "How can that be? Nami, you can't die!"
"Idiot! Don't talk nonsense!" Zoro also came closer, his tone stern,
"Now is not the time to discuss this. We need to find some usable medicine now, don't shout here."
Lin Ning also fell silent for a moment, a trace of calmness flashing in his eyes, and quickly scanned the cabin.
"Who on the ship knows some medical skills?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.
Everyone subconsciously looked around, but in the end, their gazes all settled on Nami.
Everyone was stunned for a moment, and this awkward silence made Vivi feel a bit speechless.
Nami herself was the only one who knew a little medical skill, and she had fallen ill at such a critical moment.
"What on earth are you..." Vivi was momentarily speechless, her heart a mix of emotions.
She instinctively wanted to scold them, but felt that the situation made it impossible to speak.
The members of the Straw Hat had almost zero understanding of medical skills, lacking even the most basic nursing knowledge.
Everyone deeply felt the importance of a ship doctor to the Straw Hat.
But Nami at this moment opened her eyes somewhat groggily, she shook her head, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her mouth:
"Don't worry too much, I'm just a little tired, I'll be fine after some rest. You guys hurry up, the people of Alabasta are still waiting for Vivi..."
Nami's voice was weak, yet still carried an incredibly strong power. She endured her physical discomfort, raised her hand, and motioned for everyone not to worry too much.
"We must Move forward, otherwise Vivi's country will be in big trouble," her eyes were firm, as if cheering herself on, and also encouraging everyone around her.
"Vivi, go look at yesterday's newspaper, I didn't tell you to avoid worrying you."
Upon hearing this, Vivi's heart trembled. She looked down at Nami's sickly face, then at her undeniable expression, her heart somewhat conflicted.
She turned to get yesterday's newspaper, her fingertips rubbing against the paper, her eyes growing more and more urgent.
When she saw the latest news about Alabasta in the newspaper, her heart rate suddenly quickened.
The news of Alabasta's thirty-five royal armies defecting to the rebel army almost suffocated her.
This meant that the country faced greater turmoil, war was imminent, and time was running out.
"We can't delay any longer," an indescribable sense of urgency permeated Vivi's heart.
Vivi saw Nami's weak body, and her heart once again fell into deep contradiction and unease.
"What should I do...?" Vivi whispered inwardlyChapter 63 Discovery of the Island
The night was deep, and the dark sky enveloped the going merry like a massive, cut stone. The boundless darkness all around swallowed every trace of light.
The sea was turbulent and unpredictable, the storm's fury seemed endless. Torrential rain, mixed with a biting sea wind, relentlessly lashed against the hull.
The mast of the going merry swayed, as if it had lost its way in the night.
The ram's head figurehead at the bow was battered by the wind and rain, flashing under the occasional lightning and thunder.
The hull trembled continuously as heavy waves, like giants, crashed from the ocean. Tumbling spray erupted, scattering into the air with crackling sounds.
Lin Ning stood at the bow, his gaze sharp, like an unclosed blade.
His eyes were fixed on the distance, the power of Observation Haki seemingly transformed into an invisible force, extending into every inch of air around the going merry.
Even the vast ocean seemed to sense the oppressive aura emanating from him amidst the storm.
He tightly gripped his Fangtian Huaji, silent.
But each time a wave approached, the weapon danced in his hands, cutting through the swells, cleaving the darkness and peril ahead.
A monstrous wave surged towards the going merry, and a cold glint flashed in Lin Ning's eyes.
Without hesitation, he swung his Fangtian Huaji, and with a deep roar, the giant wave was forcefully split apart by him.
The hull tilted slightly for a moment, then steadily met the next, even more ferocious, wave.
Even so, Lin Ning's eyes remained unrelaxed, keeping him alert at all times.
The storm's power was not to be underestimated. Downpour, accompanied by thunder, crashed onto the deck, like thousands of stones smashing onto the ship's surface, making violent impact sounds.
Every time lightning streaked across the dark sky, the going merry seemed to tremble, and in this overwhelming storm, one couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness.
The storm grew increasingly fierce, the giant waves on the sea like mountains scorched by divine wrath, crests like islands lunging at the going merry.
The hull shook violently, as if it could be torn apart at any moment.
Zoro leaned against the ship's rail, silent, but his calm demeanor and unmoving expression already made the surrounding storm seem insignificant.
Just then, a dazzling bolt of lightning suddenly cleaved the night, and thunder roared.
A massive whirlpool instantly rose in the sea in front of the going merry, a colossal water column shooting skyward like a pillar reaching the heavens.
Lin Ning's eyes narrowed, immediately sensing the abnormality ahead.
"Get out of the way!" he commanded in a low voice, and his Fangtian Huaji swung fiercely, cutting through the storm in the air, emitting a dull roar.
The hull violently shook once more, the bow seeming to fly through the air.
The roar of the storm, the flash of lightning—the going merry seemed to become a tiny speck in the vast ocean, floating helplessly amidst the surging winds and waves.
Inside the cabin, the air was hot and heavy. The gravely ill Nami lay silently on the bed, her forehead burning, her face covered in sweat.
Her breathing was rapid and shallow, her eyes hazy, as if she was losing the strength to even open them.
Her body occasionally trembled slightly, weakened by the torment of the high fever.
Luffy stood by her side, his brow furrowed, his fists clenched tightly.
He wasn't a thinking person; when he met an enemy, he'd punch them; when he faced difficulty, he'd charge head-on.
But now, Nami was sick, and he was helpless.
Luffy didn't understand what sickness was; he didn't know how to help Nami.
He could only rack his brains, trying to do something in his own way, even if it was just to make her smile.
"Nami, are you hungry?" Luffy suddenly spoke, his eyes sparkling with confident light.
"Eating some meat will make you feel better, right? How about a hundred portions of meat? You'll definitely regain your energy if you eat it!"
He thought of himself; whenever he was injured, weak, or exhausted, a big meal would instantly restore him to normal.
Meat, for him, was the best form of treatment.
Nami blinked weakly, her lips cracked, her throat burning, lacking even the strength to speak.
She wasn't a monster; she didn't have Luffy's Physique.
She was a normal person, and a normal person with a forty-degree fever would die.
But Luffy hadn't realized this problem at all.
"Ah, that's right! Nami, don't look so down. Watch me perform a funny trick!"
Luffy excitedly pulled at his rubbery face, stretching his nose and ears long.
Then he wrapped them together, making his entire face into an incredibly comical monster.
He grinned, looking at Nami, hoping she would laugh out loud as usual.
But Nami didn't laugh; she didn't even move.
Inside the cabin, there was silence.
Vivi and Sanji stood by, their expressions equally solemn.
Vivi's hands were tightly clutching the hem of her clothes, her eyes filled with worry.
Sanji's cigarette had gone out at some point; he quietly watched Nami on the bed, his brows tightly furrowed.
"Nami..." Vivi called softly, reaching out to wipe the sweat from Nami's forehead.
Luffy was utterly panicked. His face froze in mid-air, his hands dropped helplessly, his gaze somewhat lost.
His funny tricks always made his companions laugh until they doubled over, but today, Nami was unresponsive.
"Nami..." Luffy called out again, his voice carrying an unprecedented panic.
He didn't know what to do.
He really didn't know what to do.
His mind never thought too much; he never dwelled on the past, nor worried about the future.
But at this moment, he found himself completely helpless. He had faced countless powerful enemies and encountered countless dangers, yet he had never felt so powerless as now.
His hands were clenched into fists, his head bowed, his teeth biting his lip tightly, as if he was trying hard to think.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"That's it! Since she has a fever, let's cool her down!" Luffy suddenly stood up, looking excitedly at Vivi and Sanji.
"If we splash water on her, won't that cool her down?"
Vivi and Sanji's eyelids twitched violently.
The next second—
"You big idiot!!!"
Two fists almost simultaneously landed on Luffy's face, sending him flying.
He crashed directly into the cabin door, sinking into the wooden plank with a bang, almost becoming an embedded decoration.
"Are you an idiot?!" Sanji roared, veins bulging on his forehead. "Splash cold water on a sick person? Do you want her to die from her illness?!"
Vivi also stomped her foot, her face full of anger: "Can't you use your brain?!
Nami is so weak right now; if she's stimulated by cold water, her condition will only worsen!"
Luffy was dizzy from the impact, shaking his head, seeing stars.
"Uh... it really won't work?" he mumbled softly.
"Of course not!!!" Vivi and Sanji said in unison.
Silence fell over the room again.
Nami still lay on the bed, the flush on her face growing more intense, the sweat on her forehead seemingly impossible to wipe away.
Her breathing was rapid, her body extremely weak.
Luffy stood by, head bowed, his lips tightly pressed together.
He rarely showed such an expression. His world only consisted of battles, adventures, companions, and dreams. He was never afraid of any enemy, but now, he was afraid.
He was afraid Nami would die.
He had never been so anxious as he was now.
That night, the atmosphere in the cabin remained oppressive until dawn.
At the bow, Lin Ning had been standing there quietly. The wind and rain had stopped, the sky was still dark, but the sea was gradually calming down.
His Observation Haki had been constantly perceiving the surrounding environment, his mind highly concentrated.
Suddenly—
In his mind, a flash of insight. The outline of an island, faintly discernible in his perception.
Lin Ning suddenly opened his eyes and looked into the distance. Sure enough—in the endless darkness, a white island, as if descending from the sky, appeared in his line of sight.Chapter 64 Winter Island, Drum Island
It was an island as white as jade, covered in ice and snow, glowing with a faint blue light, like a fairyland from the heavens.
The edges of the island were surrounded by glaciers, with towering snow-capped mountains dimly visible, and even the air was filled with a chilling aura.
"It's an island…" Lin Ning murmured softly, then suddenly turned around and shouted to his companions on the deck, "Everyone, there's an island ahead!"
"What?!" The people inside the cabin were startled and rushed out.
When they saw the white island in the distance, everyone's eyes lit up.
"An island! There really is an island!" Vivi excitedly clenched her fists.
"A winter island…" Sanji whispered, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"This is great!" Luffy suddenly jumped up, the gloom on his face completely gone, and he shouted excitedly, "There must be a doctor on that island!"
Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, everyone looked ahead excitedly.
Nami was too sick; they couldn't delay another second.
"going merry, full speed ahead!" Luffy commanded, the helm turned sharply, and the sails billowed in the wind.
The ship cut through the sea, speeding towards the ice and snow-covered winter island.
They didn't know if there was really a doctor there, but they knew Nami couldn't wait any longer.
The sun had not yet risen, the sea wind was still icy, and the bow of the going merry faced the biting cold wind, slowly sailing towards the distant island.
Vivi stood at the bow, her eyes slightly narrowed, looking at the island in her sight.
Snow-capped, with continuous mountains, the entire island resembled a massive ice field, silently floating on the sea.
Ice and snow covered everything; mountains soared into the clouds, and blizzards howled, as if even the sky would freeze.
Occasionally, sharp rocks emerged from the snow, like cracks in the earth, indicating the island's harsh environment.
Her gaze slightly narrowed, and a familiar scene gradually emerged in her mind.
"That island… it looks like Drum Island." She said softly, her voice carried away by the wind, yet still clearly audible to everyone.
Lin Ning's eyes flickered, looking forward. As the ship approached, the outline of Drum Island gradually became clear.
In the center of the island, Drum Mountain stood like a giant pillar, piercing the sky.
The mountain was incredibly steep, like a giant rock flattened by a sharp blade, its surface incredibly smooth, with no footholds for climbing.
The summit was covered in white snow, and cold air rolled down from above; the entire mountain resembled a sleeping, ice-bound giant, overlooking the entire island.
At the foot of the mountain was a forest covered in snow.
The trees had long been consumed by frost, with heavy, crystal-clear icicles hanging from their branches.
Occasionally, several large white-furred beasts roamed in the snow, their bodies massive and their fur thick, clearly creatures living in extremely cold environments.
The air was filled with a dense chill; taking a deep breath, even the lungs felt covered in frost.
"Drum Island is a winter island." Vivi turned around, looking at everyone with a serious expression.
"The islands of the Grand Line have abnormal climates and are classified into four types: Spring Islands, Summer Islands, Autumn Islands, and Winter Islands."
Her gaze swept over everyone as she continued, "Spring Islands are warm and humid, like spring all year round, with dense forests, suitable for farming and living.
Just like the island we stayed on before, Small Garden, although that island is an ancient island, it still falls within the category of a Spring Island.
Summer Islands are hot and dry; some places are deserts, others are tropical rainforests, with scorching heat during the day and a sharp drop in temperature at night.
My country, Alabasta, is a Summer Island.
Autumn Islands are cool and pleasant, with golden leaves in the forests, cool and agreeable.
Rainfall is scarce, with occasional gentle breezes, and moderate temperatures, without extreme cold or heat.
Winter Islands, like Drum Island, are covered in ice and snow all year round, with blizzards possible at any time, and extreme climates."
She paused, thinking of the gravely ill Nami, a trace of worry appearing on her face:
"I hope we can find a doctor on Drum Island who can treat Nami."
No one spoke, but a glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes.
The going merry slowly approached, the cold wind grew fiercer, and the wooden planks on the deck were covered in snow and ice, creaking underfoot.
As the ship entered Drum Island's waterway, figures gradually appeared on the ice-covered banks.
"Someone!" Sanji said in a low voice, looking warily at both sides of the waterway.
Everyone on the ship saw them: the snow-covered banks were full of people, dressed in thick winter clothes, holding old but usable muskets.
Their faces were full of vigilance, their eyes cold and angry.
"Pirates, get out!"
A man shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the waterway.
Everyone was stunned; before they could react, the crowd on the riverbank had already raised their guns, aiming at the going merry.
Someone shouted excitedly, "Don't let pirates set foot on our land! They must be here to plunder!"
"Fire!"
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, the air filled with Killing Intent, and the cold intensified.
The cold metallic glint of the guns flashed, revealing a chilling Killing Intent.
Lin Ning's eyes darkened, his foot moved slightly forward, his halberd quietly slid into his hand, his gaze stern.
Zoro's hand was already on his sword hilt, and Sanji's eyes showed a hint of disdain, ready to fight at any moment.
"Wait!" Vivi quickly stepped forward and shouted, "We're not bad people, we're just here to find a doctor!"
The people on the shore didn't believe her immediately; instead, some became agitated, their guns still pointed at the going merry, ready to fire at any moment.
"Don't listen to their nonsense!" someone shouted angrily, "All pirates deserve to die!"
The tension was at its peak; the air seemed to freeze, and a conflict could erupt at any moment.
Lin Ning's eyes flickered slightly; he could feel that these people harbored deep hatred for pirates, not just simple wariness, but an indelible loathing.
His mind quickly speculated that perhaps Drum Island had once suffered pirate attacks, which would explain their hostility towards all pirates.
Time seemed to stretch, the cold wind howled, snowflakes danced in the air, and the oppressive atmosphere solidified at this moment.
Luffy stood on the deck, looking at the people pointing guns at them; though his eyes were confused, he did not back down.
He knew Nami's illness could not be delayed any longer; they had to go ashore.
"We're not bad people." Luffy spoke slowly, his voice deep and strong, "We're just here to find a doctor, please, let us in."
The people on the shore looked at each other, seemingly hesitating; their guns were not lowered, the hostility was still strong, but that subtle loosening might be a Breakthrough.
The going merry floated quietly in the middle of the waterway, the cold wind still howling.
Lin Ning's eyes narrowed; he sensed Nami's weak vitality, like a candle about to burn out.
Nami couldn't wait much longer!Chapter 65 Dalton
The cold wind howled, snowflakes danced in the air, and the banks of the icy river were lined with the indigenous people of Drum Island.
Each of them wore thick fur coats, tightly gripped old but still deadly muskets, and their eyes were cold and hostile.
They were the last guardians of this island, once ravaged by pirates, and now harbored strong vigilance against any outsiders.
The man standing at the very front was Dalton, the former guard captain of the Drum Kingdom.
Dalton stood ramrod straight, like an ice-bound statue.
His face was sharply chiseled, his eyebrows thick, and his eyes deep and sharp, revealing the resilience and calmness of a warrior.
His physique was tall, his chest broad, and his muscles were as solid as rock.
Dalton's clothing was a typical fur coat of a Drum Island native, heavy but allowing for free movement.
His hands were large and calloused, marks left by years of wielding swords and guns in training.
Although he appeared imposing and stern, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness and sense of responsibility hidden in his eyes.
Dalton's gaze was fixed intently on the group on the going merry, his eyes filled with undisguised hostility.
"Filthy pirates!" Dalton's voice was deep and powerful, echoing like thunder through the river, "You must leave this place quickly, get out now!"
Lin Ning and the others on the ship frowned slightly, clearly realizing that the situation was not good.
Vivi stepped forward, looking at Dalton with a determined gaze.
She understood that this man was the leader of these militiamen, and only by convincing him could they smoothly get onto the island.
"We have a sick person on board!" Vivi's voice was clear and urgent, her eyes showing no fear, but rather a hint of plea.
The many militiamen on the shore did not waver in the slightest; instead, they shouted angrily, "Don't try to trick us! You pirates use these tactics to deceive good people!"
A militiaman standing at the very front glared, gripping his rifle tightly, his finger already on the trigger, and roared sharply,
"This kind of trick will never work, you treacherous, stinking pirates!"
On the deck of the going merry, Lin Ning stood silently, his gaze terrifyingly calm.
He glanced at the weak Nami, then at the ferocious faces of these islanders, and made a decision in his heart.
Time should not be wasted on futile arguments.
The air seemed to freeze at this moment.
The next second, Lin Ning's figure instantly vanished from the deck of the going merry.
No one present could track his movement, and even the flow of air showed no change.
He was like a shadow, disappearing from the ship and appearing in front of Dalton.
Dalton's pupils suddenly contracted, and the hairs on his body bristled; his combat experience told him – extreme danger!
Unfortunately, it was too late.
A strong, powerful hand directly gripped his neck, muscles instantly tensing, locking him completely like an iron clamp!
"Wh...!" Dalton's face changed drastically; he immediately grabbed Lin Ning's wrist with both hands, his entire body's muscles bulging.
He used all his strength to try and break free, but that hand was as steady as a rock, completely unmoved!
His feet left the ground.
The dignified guard captain of the Drum Kingdom, over two meters tall, was directly lifted by Lin Ning with one hand, like a helpless child!
All around, the expressions of all the militiamen instantly turned to extreme horror!
"Let go of Captain Dalton!!"
All the militiamen roared, raising their muskets, their dark muzzles pointing at Lin Ning, killing intent concentrated, triggers ready to be pulled at any moment.
Just as an enraged militiaman couldn't help but pull the trigger—
"Stop!!!"
Dalton, whose neck was being choked by Lin Ning, roared with all his might, his voice hoarse yet firm!
"No one is allowed to shoot!!!"
The militiaman who was about to shoot froze his finger on the trigger, looking at his captain with shocked eyes.
"But... Captain Dalton! They... !"
"Shut up!" Dalton's face was flushed, struggling to maintain his composure, even though he could no longer breathe.
But he knew better than anyone that this man was not someone they could provoke.
If they started a fight, only they would die.
Lin Ning's grip tightened slightly, and he looked down at Dalton indifferently: "I don't like wasting time."
His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable power.
"We are not here to oppose you, but we need a doctor." Lin Ning's gaze swept over everyone, his voice deep and powerful.
His gaze was like a blade, sharp and firm, making everyone's hearts pound.
Dalton's face grew redder and redder; he knew that if this continued, he would eventually be choked unconscious.
He wasn't afraid of death, but he knew that once he was knocked out, these militiamen would inevitably fight desperately for him, ultimately only dying in vain.
The militiamen on both sides of the river stared intently at Lin Ning, but not a single one dared to make a move.
They had seen that even their strongest Captain Dalton was subdued by this man with one hand; what could they do?
Silence permeated the air, with only the howling of the cold wind echoing in their ears.
The cold wind howled, snowflakes swirled, and icy air permeated both banks of the Drum Island river.
Everyone on the ship watched the scene before them, dumbfounded, the atmosphere so frozen it felt like even the air was solid.
Lin Ning held Dalton with one hand, making the leader of the Drum Island militia struggle suspended like a toy, while the surrounding militiamen's faces showed both shock and anger.
Their leader, the strongest warrior in their hearts, was now being held up by one hand, with no room to resist.
To them, it was simply unbelievable.
Luffy's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but shout, "Lin Ning, don't hurt them!"
Lin Ning did not turn back, only coldly stared at Dalton in his hand, his gaze as deep as an abyss, a red light flashing and disappearing.
Through his special Observation Haki, he had clearly seen fragments of this man's past—he was not an evil person.
Instead, he was kind, loyal, and willing to fight to the end for his people.
Lin Ning had no intention of killing him; he merely wanted to quickly resolve the current farce and get Nami treated.
The militiamen surrounding them still had fierce gazes, their gun muzzles firmly locked on Lin Ning.
Unfortunately, their hostility was like insignificant ripples in Lin Ning's eyes, posing no threat whatsoever.
Just then—
Dalton's body suddenly expanded, his muscles bulged, his size instantly surged, and thick body hair appeared on his skin.
His facial features also began to change, his pupils becoming as sharp as a beast's!
"Filthy pirate, don't underestimate me!"
Dalton roared, his voice shaking the mountains, the sound waves causing the accumulated snow on the ground to slide off.
His body had completely transformed, entering a half-human, half-bull form, his muscles even more terrifying than before, and his height almost exceeding three meters!
"Lin Ning, be careful! He is a Zoan-type Devil Fruit User!" Vivi exclaimed.
The militiamen standing on both sides of the river erupted in excited cheers, hope rekindled in their eyes.
"Captain Dalton is a Devil Fruit User of the Ox-Ox Fruit, Bison Form! Captain, start your counterattack!"