Chapter 86 Preparing to Break Through
Ace's gaze instantly fell on the weapon in Lin Ning's hand.
That heavy and domineering halberd was entirely black, its blade incredibly sharp, as if it could tear through anything!
Even more terrifying, when Ace used Observation Haki to sense Lin Ning, he felt an indescribable sense of threat!
"What?!"
"This guy... he actually made me feel a hint of life-threatening danger?!"
Ace's Observation Haki had always been extremely keen and had never made a mistake. Those who could make him feel a life-threatening danger were often strong individuals highly proficient in both types of Haki.
But Lin Ning... actually gave him this feeling?!
Ace frowned slightly, thinking to himself:
"How did Luffy find such a group of monsters as companions?!"
He had initially thought the Straw Hat Pirates were just a group of greenhorns, but now it seemed they were a combat team made up of monsters!
Ace's gaze returned to Luffy, and the expression on his face became a little strange.
His pupils constricted slightly, his brows furrowed, and he said with a twitching mouth—
"Hey, Luffy... how did you grow so tall?"
"What pig feed did you eat?"
When he saw Luffy just now, he almost didn't recognize him.
This guy had actually grown to over two meters tall?!
He had always thought Luffy would never grow taller than him, but he didn't expect to be surpassed in height by his younger brother!
This somewhat bruised Ace's pride as an older brother!
Hearing Ace's complaint, Luffy, however, didn't care at all. Instead, he grinned widely, looking proud.
"Hehehe! Ace, I'm still going to keep growing!"
Ace: "..."
He felt like he had taken ten thousand points of critical damage.
After a while of laughing, Luffy finally remembered the important matter and looked at Ace, asking in confusion:
"Oh, right, Ace, why are you here?"
Ace reined in his smile, his gaze deepened, and he said in a low voice:
"I'm hunting down a traitor from my squad who killed a comrade."
"—Marshall D. Teach, Blackbeard."
The air suddenly fell silent.
The name Blackbeard was still very unfamiliar to the current Straw Hat Pirates.
But Ace's tone and expression made everyone realize that this person was definitely not simple!
Ace continued, "I heard he's been active in this sea area recently. I've received definite news that he's to the east of here."
Luffy tilted his head, looking confused: "Blackbeard? Never heard of him."
Ace smiled faintly: "You will, eventually."
Ace pulled out a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Luffy.
"Luffy, this is a life card."
"In the future, you can use this life card to find me."
Luffy took the life card, frowning and curiously looking at the small piece of paper.
"life card? What is this?"
Ace explained: "A life card is a special paper that changes with its owner's state."
"You can use this to determine my direction and condition."
Luffy's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he laughed, "Hehe, then I'll be able to find Ace from now on!"
Ace nodded, smiling slightly: "Of course, we will definitely meet again."
The two brothers looked at each other, their eyes filled with firm emotions.
Their bond, spanning the seas and transcending life and death, would never break!
This time, they reunited in Alabasta.
Next time, they would meet again in the deeper parts of the Grand Line!
Yellow sand rolled, and the atmosphere on the battlefield suddenly became tense.
Crocodile and all members of Baroque Works were already under Marine control, and the unrest in Alabasta was quelled.
However, the Straw Hat Pirates, standing in the center of the battlefield, and Ace, who had just appeared, showed no intention of leaving, even chatting leisurely.
This sight infuriated Momousagi!
She had been ordered to suppress the chaos in Alabasta, and Crocodile had been captured.
But these young pirates were still standing there, completely ignoring the Marines, as if she, a Vice Admiral Candidate, didn't exist!
This made her incredibly annoyed!
"You brats, surrender yourselves to me obediently!!"
Momousagi's cold shout echoed like thunder across the entire battlefield!
As soon as she finished speaking, Smoker, Tashigi, and a large number of Marine Soldiers moved swiftly, rushing towards the Straw Hat Pirates with lightning speed.
In an instant, dense Marine figures surrounded them in multiple layers!
The entire battlefield instantly became an iron-tight encirclement!
"Clang—!"
Momousagi slowly drew her famous sword, "konpira," from her waist, its blade faintly shimmering with Armament Haki.
Sword Qi swept across the field like a cold wind, carrying an incredibly sharp killing intent!
At this moment, battle was imminent!
Ace's expression also became solemn.
A Vice Admiral Candidate... this was no laughing matter!
He had heard of Momousagi's formidable reputation as one of Marineford's strongest combatants.
Momousagi's swordsmanship could even rival some Great Swordsman-level powerhouses, and her Haki mastery was equally profound.
Coupled with Smoker and hundreds of elite Marines, this battle had no chance of victory!
Ace took a deep breath, his gaze becoming resolute and firm.
"Luffy, you guys retreat first, I'll hold them off."
He looked back at Luffy, his tone firm and unwavering.
"Your current strength is not enough to directly confront a Marine encirclement, especially against a monster of Momousagi's caliber... Your goal is to go to a broader world, not to die here."
"So, hurry up and go!"
After Ace finished speaking, flames erupted all over his body, burning fiercely. His figure seemed to transform into a burning volcano, radiating astonishing power!
Just then, a figure slowly walked out and stood beside Ace.
"They won't let us go without a fight."
A steady voice, imbued with unyielding Haki, spoke. Lin Ning, holding his halberd, stepped forward, his gaze like a knife, incredibly sharp.
His figure was tall and imposing, standing there like a statue of a war god, exuding unparalleled might!
Ace was slightly startled, his Observation Haki sensing Lin Ning's aura, and his pupils instantly constricted.
This guy... can he really threaten my life?!
Although Ace had just met Lin Ning, with his Observation Haki, he could clearly sense the terrifying power of this man.
This was not just an ordinary strong individual, but an existence that could be called a "monster" even in the New World!
Ace was secretly surprised, then a slight smile appeared on his face.
"Haha... I didn't expect Luffy to find such a strong companion in you."
"Alright, then let's fight together!"
"The two of us will cover the retreat for the Straw Hat Pirates!"
Ace and Lin Ning standing side by side instantly made the atmosphere of the entire battlefield even more tense!Chapter 87 Lin Ning VS Momotaro
When Luffy saw Ace and Lin Ning blocking him, although he was unwilling, he also understood that now was not the time to be willful!
If they were trapped here now, then all of Ace and Lin Ning's efforts would be in vain!
"Vivi, we're leaving! Do you want to come with us?"
Luffy suddenly turned his head to look at Vivi, who was standing in the distance, his voice filled with reluctance and determination.
Vivi's body trembled slightly, her eyes full of reluctance and hesitation.
She really wanted to agree to Luffy, to board the going merry together, to go to a wider world, and to continue sailing!
But... she couldn't!
She was the princess of Alabasta. This country had just experienced a catastrophe, and its people were still suffering deeply.
She... couldn't abandon them!
She clenched her fists tightly, tears glistening in her eyes, biting her lip, and said with a trembling voice:
"We... will meet again, right?"
Luffy was slightly stunned, then grinned, raised his arm high, and spread his five fingers!
"We are always nakama!!!"
Lin Ning stood by, smiled slightly, and softly said: "We will definitely meet again."
Vivi could no longer hold back, tears flowed like a spring, she covered her face and cried bitterly, sobbing uncontrollably.
At this moment, the Princess of Alabasta and her pirate companions made an eternal promise!
Nami, Usopp, Chopper, and the others looked at Vivi, their eyes also filled with reluctance.
They understood that Vivi had made her decision; she chose to stay and protect her country!
"Charge!!!"
With Luffy's command, the Straw Hat Pirates quickly moved, rushing towards the encirclement behind the Marine!
At the same time, Ace suddenly waved his hands, flames burned wildly on him, and the scorching high temperature made the air begin to distort!
"Fire Fist—!!!"
Boom—!!!
Scorching flames surged towards the Marine like a monstrous tsunami, blocking the attack of Smoker and the others!
On the other side, Lin Ning tightly gripped his halberd, his Battle Intent surging.
Rumble!!! —
The wild wind raged, the yellow sand on the battlefield was swept by an invisible Qi wave, and a monstrous Aura suddenly erupted, like the wrath of heaven and earth, making all things submit!
Lin Ning moved!
He slowly raised the halberd in his hand, gripping it tightly with both hands, and an invisible pressure swept across the battlefield like a tide!
Immediately after—
"Boom!!!!!"
Black and red lightning instantly tore through the sky, spanning heaven and earth, and a violent Conqueror's Haki soared into the sky!
This Haki was violent to the extreme, like the center of a storm, engulfing the entire battlefield, with strong winds rising and yellow sand churning.
The air seemed to solidify at this moment, as if the entire world trembled under this Haki!
Buzz buzz buzz!!!
The terrifying Conqueror's Haki, like an invisible raging tide, swept over all the Marine Soldiers on the battlefield.
Black and red electric arcs exploded in the air, like the descent of a thunder god, tearing apart heaven and earth!
"...What, what is this?!"
Countless Marine Soldiers' eyes widened, they felt an indescribable sense of terrifying oppression.
It was as if a mountain was pressing on their chests, making it difficult for them to breathe, their legs trembled, and they couldn't stand firm at all!
"Plop!"
"Plop! Plop! Plop!"
In an instant, thousands of Marine Soldiers' eyes rolled back, and their bodies uncontrollably fell down!
The entire battlefield, in the blink of an eye, only a few people remained standing!
Even Smoker's subordinate, Tashigi, could not resist this terrifying Conqueror's Haki impact, her pupils suddenly constricted, her legs went soft, and she directly fainted to the ground!
She didn't even have time to say a word!
"Tashigi!!"
Smoker's face changed drastically, he quickly looked down at his subordinate, seeing that she had completely fainted.
Only then did he suddenly look up, staring fixedly at Lin Ning in the center of the battlefield!
And at this moment, Lin Ning, holding the halberd, was like a demon god descending!
His black hair danced wildly in the wind, his muscles were taut, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and black and red lightning coiled around his body, his Haki soaring to the sky!
His gaze, like a monarch surveying his territory, swept across the entire battlefield, without any emotional fluctuations.
As if all the fallen people, in his eyes, were nothing more than ants.
This is... Conqueror's Haki!
This is... the Aptitude to stand at the pinnacle of kings!
"It's actually Conqueror's Haki?!"
Ace's eyes widened, he looked at Lin Ning in shock, his heart pounding violently!
"...How is this possible?! This guy's Haoshoku, it's actually this strong?!"
He had seen Conqueror's Haki, and even Whitebeard, his old man, was a user of Conqueror's Haki!
But Lin Ning's Haoshoku was violent to the extreme, even able to interfere with the entire battlefield!
"This level of Haoshoku is definitely not an ordinary Haki Awakening... This guy will definitely become a top monster on the Grand Line in the future!"
Ace's eyes were deep, looking at Lin Ning's back, his heart was greatly shaken!
On the other side, Smoker's face was ashen!
He clenched his fists, the two cigars in his mouth even trembled slightly in the Haoshoku's Aura, veins bulged on his forehead, and his voice was as low as a beast's roar—
"Lin Ning... you bastard...!"
"Damn it!!"
Smoker's fists clenched suddenly, his heart filled with unwillingness and anger!
He worked hard to Cultivate two-color Haki, and finally caught up with the pace of the strong on this sea, but Lin Ning... had already become even stronger!
This Haoshoku was stronger than when he was in Loguetown.
Compared to the shock of Ace and Smoker, Momousagi, standing on the other side of the battlefield, appeared unusually calm.
She did not show any surprised expression, as if she already knew everything, only a slight curve of her lips, revealing a faint smile.
"...As Garp said."
"Haoshoku... is indeed strong enough."
She slowly raised the konpira in her hand, the blade reflecting the afterglow of the setting sun, incredibly sharp, emitting a stunning cold light.
Her gaze was firmly fixed on Lin Ning, with a hint of excitement and playfulness in her eyes.
"Kid, let me test your strength."
Her voice was low and full of Battle Intent, Sword Intent surged like a tide, instantly filling the entire battlefield!
"Let's see... what exactly is the monster that even Garp praises so highly capable of."
There was a hint of provocation in her tone, but more of it was an anticipation for a strong opponent!
She had known about Lin Ning's intelligence for a long time.
Her main goal in coming to Alabasta this time was to capture Crocodile, as for the Straw Hat Pirates... hehe, why would she capture her own people?
"But..."
Momousagi smiled slightly, taking a step forward, and instantly, a sword stance swept across heaven and earth, her Aura incredibly powerful!
"If we don't fight... how will I know your strength?"
"Come on, let me see if you are worthy of Garp's praise!"
As her voice fell, Lin Ning's lips curled up slightly, and a violent Battle Intent flashed in his eyes!
"Heh... Vice Admiral Candidate, Momousagi..."
"Just right, I also want to experience the strength of a Marineford Vice Admiral Candidate!"Chapter 88 Leaving Alabasta
Gale winds roared, and the world changed color!
Lin Ning gripped his halberd tightly, his arm muscles bulging as if a slumbering Dragon was about to awaken.
As a suffocating Haki erupted, thick Armament Haki covered the entire halberd blade!
However, that was not enough!
"Crackling!!!"
Black and red lightning wildly danced on the halberd blade, like a divine thunder judgment descending, tearing through the air with crackling sounds!
The entire battlefield, under the impact of this terrifying power, saw space slightly distort, the ground trembled, as if the earth itself was enduring an unbearable pressure!
At this moment, the entire battlefield fell silent.
Ace, standing nearby, widened his eyes, his pupils rapidly contracting, his heart churning with stormy waves!
His Observation Haki told him that Lin Ning's halberd was not only covered with Armament Haki, but also possessed an extremely rare power... Conqueror's Haki Coating!!!
"Hey, hey... I didn't see wrong, did I?"
Ace's breathing suddenly caught, and his entire body stiffened.
Conqueror's Haki was already an Aptitude countless powerhouses yearned for!
But those who could coat their weapons with Conqueror's Haki were, throughout the entire sea, without exception, monsters standing at the very Peak!
— The ticket to Four Emperors-level combat power!
At this moment, Ace took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Lin Ning, his heart shaken beyond measure.
"This guy... has he already stepped into this Realm?!"
"In the New World, only a handful of people can master Conqueror's Haki Coating... How could he have already reached this Realm?!"
Ace swallowed, his fists slightly clenched, feeling a pressure he had never experienced before.
He was very shocked, which made him wonder if he was dreaming.
In the New World, the mastery of Haoshoku was already extremely rare, let alone the mastery of Conqueror's Haki Coating.
He finally understood... Lin Ning was definitely not an ordinary Genius, but a "King Candidate" of this sea!
Momousagi, firmly locked onto by Lin Ning's Observation Haki, finally shed her disdain.
She had thought Garp's "monster" was an exaggeration, but the moment she witnessed Lin Ning unleash Conqueror's Haki Coating, her eyes finally solidified.
"...What a terrifying brat."
Her lips twitched slightly, and huge waves surged in her heart.
Garp's words were indeed not wrong!
This guy was indeed a monster!
Conqueror's Haki Coating, this was a power that only the most top-tier Kings could master, and even many Admiral-level powerhouses might not be able to master it!
Momousagi took a deep breath, her face finally becoming solemn.
"It seems... a new top-tier combat power is destined to be born on this sea."
She slowly raised her renowned sword, konpira, in her hand, and thick Armament Haki instantly covered the blade, the pitch-black blade reflecting a chilling light!
And even more terrifying was that her Armament Haki was so strong that it showed a "black with a hint of red" Realm!
— This was a symbol of Armament Haki trained to its limit!
"...Come on."
Momousagi held the sword with both hands, her gaze like an eagle, her Battle Intent boiling, and the corners of her mouth slightly curved upwards.
"Let me see how strong your Peak combat power limit is!"
"As you wish!!"
Lin Ning roared, stomping his feet, and the entire ground instantly exploded, yellow sand swirling, the desert earth seemingly collapsing!
"Boom!!!"
He was like a burning meteor, streaking across the sky in a terrifying arc, charging towards Momousagi at extreme speed!
The halberd was suddenly raised high, Haki surged wildly throughout his body, his Aura like a volcano about to erupt, shaking heaven and earth!
Black and red lightning wildly danced, tearing through the air!
"Hegemon Halberd Technique — Emperor's Fall!!!"
"Boom!!!!!!"
The halberd was like a divine judgment halberd descending from the sky, carrying the might to destroy everything, wielding the monstrous power of Conqueror's Haki Coating, fiercely striking towards Momousagi!
Heaven and earth trembled, the battlefield cracked!
Momousagi's pupils suddenly constricted, her body instantly tensed!
She took a deep breath, gripping konpira tightly with both hands, all her power erupting without reservation!
Armament Haki fully covered the blade, and the black-with-a-hint-of-red blade erupted with unparalleled Sword Qi!
"Hoo Ah!!!"
Momousagi gripped konpira tightly with both hands and slashed upwards with a fierce motion!
"Rumble!!!!!!"
The terrifying halberd blade and sword blade collided in mid-air!
"Sizzle sizzle sizzle —!!!"
Black and red lightning wildly exploded, and a terrifying shockwave swept out like a hurricane, forming a destructive storm strong enough to tear apart the desert!
The entire battlefield was instantly covered by black and red lightning, as if the end of the world had arrived!
"Boom!!!!!!"
Violent aftershocks exploded, the yellow sand on the battlefield was directly blown away, like raging ocean waves, sweeping in all directions!
The unconscious Marine Soldiers nearby could not withstand this terrifying impact and were directly blown hundreds of meters away, buried deep in the desert!
Even Smoker was forced to retreat continuously by this shockwave, his face changing drastically!
Lin Ning and Momousagi's terrifying blow held for a moment, and then both simultaneously retreated!
Lin Ning flipped in the air and landed steadily, while Momousagi also retreated a few steps, the sand beneath her feet exploding!
In the air, two terrifying Haki aftershocks still lingered, and black and red lightning constantly danced between the two of them!
The two sides briefly exchanged glances, not continuing their attack.
Momousagi narrowed her eyes, looked at Lin Ning, took a deep breath, and slowly said:
"What a terrifying brat..."
Her voice was filled with deep recognition and shock.
This battle made her fully realize Lin Ning's terrifying strength; she knew that this guy would definitely be a monster capable of influencing the world's pattern in the future!
"...Let him go."
Just as Smoker was about to pursue, Momousagi waved her hand, stopping him.
"Go rescue the injured first."
She turned and looked at the Marine Soldiers who had been blown away by the battle's aftershocks, her eyes flickering, sighing inwardly.
"On this sea, another new King is about to be born..."
As her words fell, Lin Ning and Ace's figures had already disappeared at the end of the desert... The battlefield of Alabasta had completely ended!
Whoosh —
The night wind swept across the sea, bringing shimmering ripples.
In this tranquil sea area, a familiar small ship was quietly anchored.
The going merry gently swayed in the night.
On the deck, Lin Ning, who had arrived earlier, stood steadily, his halberd placed horizontally beside him.
His gaze passed through the coastline, looking out at the distant desert, waiting for the Straw Hat Pirates to arrive.
Before long, in the distant dust, a group of familiar figures gradually became clear.
"They're here."
Lin Ning murmured softly, the corners of his mouth slightly curved upwards.
"Waaahhh!!! We're here, we're here!!!"
Familiar shouts accompanied by earth-shattering footsteps came, and Luffy was seen leading the way, excitedly dancing and gesturing, his steps light, showing no signs of fatigue.
Zoro, Chopper, and Sanji, who followed closely behind, also looked composed, their steps steady, completely unlike people who had just traveled a long distance.
However —
"Ha... ha... ha... Wait, wait a minute! I... I can't run anymore!"
"Usopp! Don't, don't pull me! You run yourself!"
Nami and Usopp panted heavily at the very end of the group, their faces flushed, their foreheads covered in sweat, their steps stumbling, looking like they could collapse at any moment.
If it weren't for the high-intensity physical training they had been forced to undergo in the past few months, they would probably have already collapsed in the sand, making Luffy and the others carry them!
"Finally here!"
"Pirate ship! Our Merry!!!"
When they saw the going merry anchored by the shore, their eyes lit up, as if they had seen their savior, and they rushed forward with their last ounce of strength!Chapter 89 Robin Boards the Ship
"Lin Ning! You actually arrived before us?!"
Luffy jumped onto the going merry, seeing Lin Ning already standing on the deck, a look of surprise on his face!
Zoro, arms crossed, smiled slightly: "You're quite fast."
Chopper excitedly circled Lin Ning, happily asking: "Lin Ning! Are you okay? How did you shake off those Marines?"
Nami and Usopp finally climbed onto the deck, collapsing onto the ground, panting heavily, their faces showing the relief of surviving a disaster.
"Phew... Phew... I'm exhausted...!" Nami wiped the sweat from her forehead, unable to resist complaining, "What kind of physique do you monsters have?! You're completely fine!"
Usopp patted his chest, gasping: "Fortunately, I've been training hard these past few months, otherwise I would have been finished in that desert today!"
Lin Ning looked at everyone, a slight smile on his lips, and said calmly: "We're safe for now, but we need to leave immediately."
He knew that although Momousagi hadn't ordered a pursuit yet, the sea was always full of variables, and he couldn't be careless in the slightest!
The Marine's encirclement could descend again at any moment.
"Then what are we waiting for!"
Luffy excitedly jumped to the bow, hands on his hips, and shouted loudly—
"Set sail—!!!"
"Clang!!"
Zoro kicked the anchor chain, and the sails unfurled in the wind, flapping loudly.
Sanji nimbly jumped onto the mast, adjusting the rigging to make the going merry sail with the wind.
Nami quickly adjusted the course, while Usopp and Chopper held the rudder, their eyes full of longing for the sea.
Lin Ning stood on the deck, looking in the direction of Alabasta, his eyes flickering slightly, then he withdrew his gaze and said calmly:
"Let's go, a new adventure... has begun."
"Boom—!!"
The waves churned, and the going merry broke through them, sailing into unknown waters under the moonlight!
However, Lin Ning, standing at the bow, narrowed his eyes slightly, glancing at an extra figure on the deck.
Then he turned to Luffy, raising an eyebrow, and asked in confusion—
"Nico Robin? Why is she with you?"
Luffy grinned, saying carelessly:
"She wants to join us!"
"She's not a bad person, so I agreed. From now on, Robin will be our ship's archaeologist!"
His words were an understatement, as if he had casually decided a minor matter.
He didn't seem to care that she was once Crocodile's subordinate and the vice-president of Baroque Works.
Nami and Usopp were still somewhat wary of this decision, as Robin had once been an enemy, but seeing Luffy's nonchalance, they didn't say much.
Lin Ning looked deeply at Robin, finally just saying indifferently:
"You're the Captain, you decide."
Hearing this, Nico Robin smiled slightly, walked forward with elegant steps, extended her hand, and greeted Lin Ning.
"It's our first formal meeting, please take care of me, Mr. Lin Ning."
Her smile still carried mystery and composure, and her deep blue eyes held a hint of calm elegance.
Lin Ning didn't refuse, shaking her hand lightly, formally accepting this new companion.
Time flowed like water, and weeks of sailing passed in a blink.
During this time, everyone didn't waste time and diligently cultivated.
Luffy's Conqueror's Haki became more refined, and his Armament Haki and Observation Haki also continuously improved.
Zoro's swordsmanship became sharper, and the power of his Three Sword Style reached a new level.
Sanji's martial arts and Moonwalk reached new heights, his kicking techniques becoming more domineering and sharp.
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper focused on improving their combat skills and physical fitness, to avoid being a burden in the upcoming adventures.
But they weren't always training. During free time while sailing, everyone would still enjoy rare moments of relaxation together.
Like now, the weather was clear, the sea breeze was gentle, and the sun shone on the deck.
Everyone sat together, enjoying the afternoon tea Sanji had carefully prepared, savoring the rare leisure time.
The air was filled with the fragrance of black tea and the sweetness of exquisite pastries. Usopp was boasting about his "brave achievements."
Nami and Robin leisurely drank coffee, while Zoro closed his eyes to rest, as if everything was so peaceful and beautiful.
But just then—
"!!!"
Lin Ning, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, sitting on the deck, almost simultaneously stood up!
Their gazes simultaneously lifted upwards, staring straight at the sky!
Seeing their expressions, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper were stunned, somewhat confused.
"What's wrong?!" Usopp swallowed, asking cautiously.
Nami frowned slightly, sensing an unusual atmosphere.
"You guys suddenly became so serious, did something happen?"
Zoro slowly spoke, his voice low: "Something's falling."
No sooner had he spoken!
"Boom—!"
In the sky, a huge shadow suddenly enveloped the going merry, followed by a massive ship, several times larger than the going merry, falling from the sky.
Like a falling meteorite, it came crashing down towards the going merry with destructive force!
The immense pressure made the air heavy, and the sea even stirred up waves!
If this ship crashed down, the going merry would undoubtedly be smashed into pieces, and no one would be spared!
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper's faces instantly changed dramatically!
"What the hell?! How can a ship fall from the sky?!"
Usopp's eyes widened in terror, and Chopper, scared, scrambled to cling to Nami's leg.
Cold sweat broke out on Nami's forehead, her voice trembling: "It's over, it's over! This is a ship several times bigger than the going merry! If it hits us, we'll—"
However, at this critical moment—
"Hehe, watch me."
A familiar voice rang out in the moment of crisis!
Luffy, standing on the deck, a slight upward curve to his lips, showed a confident smile.
"Armament—!"
"Finger Pistol Machine Gun!!!"
Luffy suddenly spread his arms, and his ten fingers were instantly covered in pitch-black Armament Haki!
His arms suddenly stretched out, and his ten fingers, like laser cannons, shot out furiously towards the sky at an astonishing speed!
"Swish swish swish swish swish—!!!"
The ten Haki-infused Finger Pistols transformed into streaks of light cutting through the air, moving so fast they were almost impossible to catch.
With endless destructive and penetrating power, they instantly struck the massive ship above!
"Boom—!!!!"
Under Luffy's attack, countless terrifying shockwaves instantly exploded in the sky!
The huge ship was torn into countless pieces in an instant, exploding like fireworks!
Only some insignificant wooden wreckage slowly drifted down, gently falling into the sea, completely unable to threaten the going merry!
Everyone was dumbfounded.
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper looked at the gradually dissipating fragments in the sky, their mouths wide enough to fit an entire apple.
Nami rubbed her eyes, wondering if she had seen wrong.
Usopp was so shocked his legs went weak, muttering: "This, this guy's monster level has upgraded again!!!"
Lin Ning glanced at Luffy, a slight smile on his lips.
"Not bad, Luffy."
Luffy put his hands on his hips triumphantly, laughing loudly:
"Hehe!"
"But why would a ship fall from the sky?"Chapter 90 The Legend of the Sky Island
Luffy stood at the bow, tilting his head, looking at the sky with a bewildered expression, his bright eyes full of confusion.
"That's really strange, shouldn't there be nothing in the sky?"
Sanji, hands in his pockets, lit a cigarette, exhaled a puff of smoke, and slowly echoed.
He was a rational person, even though he had experienced many incredible things along the way.
But a ship falling from the sky still made him feel somewhat unbelievable.
Usopp had just recovered from the immense shock, huddled with Chopper, trembling, his voice quivering—
"W-what exactly is going on with this Grand Line?! It's too scary!!!"
He recalled the scene when the ship fell just now, almost having a heart attack from fright.
"N-no matter how I think about it, a ship falling from the sky simply doesn't make sense!!!"
Chopper nodded frantically, his eyes wide with terror, echoing: "Exactly! It's too scary! How can such a thing exist in this world!!!"
However, just as everyone was still discussing this "ship from the sky"—
"Huh?!"
Nami's surprised cry suddenly rang out, interrupting everyone's discussion!
"Miss Nami, what's wrong?!"
Sanji immediately turned, looking at Nami with a face full of concern, a hint of tension in his voice.
Nami held the log pose, staring at it with a grim expression, cold sweat beading on her forehead, and said with a trembling voice:
"The-the log pose is broken! The needle is pointing up, unmoving!!!"
"What?!"
Everyone was instantly startled and immediately gathered around!
"Let me see!" Usopp leaned in, his eyes wide, staring at the log pose in Nami's hand.
Indeed, the needle's direction was not pointing to any sea area, but was firmly pointing to the sky!
This was completely illogical!
"Wait, wait, wait! You mean, this needle is pointing to the sky?!"
Usopp's eyes widened, shouting in disbelief.
Zoro crossed his arms, frowning, a hint of confusion also appearing on his face: "An island in the sky... no matter how you hear it, it sounds a bit far-fetched."
Chopper's mouth was slightly open, his face full of shock: "Could it be that some island in the sky is attracting it?!"
Everyone discussed amongst themselves, but just then, a calm voice broke their discussion—
Robin slowly stepped forward, smiled lightly, and said leisurely:
"It's not broken."
Hearing this, everyone simultaneously turned to look at Robin.
Robin continued to explain: "Instead, it has been rewritten with a new record by an island with stronger magnetic force."
"Pointing to the sky can only mean that its record has been taken by 'Sky Island'."
"Sky Island?!"
"What?!"
Upon hearing this term, everyone instantly exclaimed!
Nami's eyes widened in shock: "What exactly is going on?!"
Luffy, however, excitedly widened his eyes, hands on his hips, his eyes full of anticipation: "Is it an island floating in the air?!"
Usopp's mouth was slightly open, his face full of disbelief: "That ship... did it fall from Sky Island?!"
Lin Ning, though always calm, couldn't help but frown this time: "This sounds a bit too exaggerated... how can there be an island in the sky?"
Robin smiled slightly, reached up to push the brim of her hat, and explained calmly:
"No... to be precise, what's floating is the sea."
"..."
Everyone fell silent again, stunned and speechless!!!
"Floating... is the sea?"
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper were all stunned at the same time, as if they had heard some fantastical tale.
"No way? That sounds even more ridiculous!" Usopp immediately clutched his head, an expression of unwillingness to accept.
Sanji held his cigarette, took a deep puff, exhaled smoke, and frowned slightly: "It's getting more and more confusing..."
But just as everyone was still in shock, Luffy excitedly jumped up, his face full of exhilaration!
"Hahahaha!!! That's great!!!"
He spread his arms and shouted loudly—
"Since there's a floating sea in the sky, there must be an island too! Alright, we're going right away!"
"Hahaha! Brothers, turn the rudder upwards! Full rudder up!!!"
Usopp immediately followed suit, raising his hands and shouting loudly: "Full rudder up!!!"
Everyone: "..."
Robin sighed helplessly, finally unable to tolerate her silly Captain's antics.
"Hana Hana no Mi—!"
"Slap! Slap!"
Her ability activated, two hands grew on Luffy's shoulders, directly covering Luffy's big mouth!
Luffy: "Mmm mmm mmm!!!"
Sanji covered his forehead, looking helpless: "First of all, the rudder can't be turned upwards, Captain!"
Nami rubbed her temples, an expression of being on the verge of collapse: "Can't you two use your brains a little?!"
"How can such a thing be possible! Floating seas and islands and such. I think the log pose is just broken!"
However, Robin slowly spoke, a mysterious smile on her face—
"But... Navigator Young Miss, you are wrong."
"What you should be considering now is not what's wrong with the log pose, but how to 'go to the sky'."
She scanned everyone, her tone calm and full of profound meaning:
"In this sea area, rather than doubting the log pose's direction, it's better to doubt the common sense in your own mind."
"There must be an island where it points."
As her words fell, everyone involuntarily held their breath... "Above the sky... does a world truly exist?"
The going merry floated quietly on the sea, the sea breeze gently caressing its sails.
However, at this moment, everyone's hearts were filled with doubt and unease.
The log pose pointing unmoving to the sky meant they could not continue sailing.
Nami crossed her arms, staring at the log pose, her brows tightly furrowed, and said in a heavy tone:
"There won't be any progress like this, and it's impossible to set sail right now anyway."
Hearing this, everyone fell into a brief silence.
On the Grand Line, sailing without the guidance of a log pose was tantamount to seeking death.
Nami sighed, looked up at everyone, and continued:
"Just as Robin said, what we need now is information."
"If a ship that big can really 'go to the sky', then there must be a way for our ship to go to the sky too!"
"Woo—!!"
Just then, a low, prolonged horn sound suddenly echoed across the sea.
Everyone quickly looked up in the direction of the sound, only to see a massive, peculiar giant ship slowly approaching on the distant horizon!
Its hull was unusually large, several times bigger than the going merry, its appearance old but full of the sense of time, with numerous repair marks covering its body.
"What kind of ship is that?" Zoro frowned, his hand on the hilt of the wado ichimonji, remaining vigilant.
Luffy, however, was full of excitement, his eyes wide: "What a big ship!!"
Soon, the giant ship slowly approached the going merry, and a burly, muscular man stood on its deck!
He had wild, red curly hair, a thick beard on his face, and his skin was bronzed from long exposure to the sun.
Various tools hung from his waist: diving goggles, oxygen tubes, iron hooks, ropes, etc., and he had many scars of varying depths on his body.
When he clearly saw the people on the going merry, he let out a booming laugh, his voice like thunder: "Yo, brats, why are you wandering in this sea area?"
"I am 'Salvage King' Masura!"