Chapter 126 Accidentally Entering a Naval Base
The setting sun cast its afterglow upon the high walls of Marineford's Eighth Branch Base, Fort Navarone.
The sea breeze rustled the Marine flag fluttering above the base.
However, the normally heavily guarded fortress was now shattered of its tranquility by the piercing sound of alarms!
"Alert! Alert!"
"Unknown mysterious troops have invaded! All personnel immediately enter Level One combat status!"
The first mate was startled, lifting his head from the table, a frown on his brow.
Outside the window, alarm bells blared, and the entire base, like a startled giant beast, instantly erupted into a frenzy!
Marine Soldiers rushed out of their barracks, quickly taking up combat positions.
Snipers occupied high ground, artillerymen adjusted their cannons, and coastal guard units swiftly sealed off the sea gate!
"Quick! Guard the sea gate!"
"Sniper team in position! Cannons ready!"
Commands rang out one after another, as officers raised their binoculars, nervously searching for signs of the invaders.
Suddenly, an officer cried out—
"Four o'clock direction! Target spotted at sea!"
Searchlights blazed to life with a "boom," dozens of powerful beams instantly tearing through the darkness, piercing the sea like sharp blades.
They fixated on a uniquely designed small sailing ship—the going merry!
"A pirate ship!"
"The pirate flag is... the Straw Hat Pirates!"
Immediately, the Marine Soldiers throughout the base widened their eyes, their astonished gazes fixed on the going merry.
The straw hat skull flag fluttered in the wind, and on the deck, a young man in a red vest stood at the bow, his face full of excitement.
Beside him, a young man with a sharp Aura slowly stepped forward, his deep gaze meeting the fortress's defenses!
"What? The Straw Hat Pirates?"
"They're a pirate crew with a bounty of up to 800 million Berries!"
"Captain Straw Hat Luffy and first mate Lin Ning, both with bounties of 300 million Berries each, are true great pirates!"
The Marine Soldiers of the entire fortress immediately tensed, their fingers clamped tightly on their triggers, their muzzles all aimed at the going merry!
"Everyone prepare to fire! Don't let them get close!"
"Go notify Vice Admiral Jonathan quickly!"
Just then, a low, authoritative voice suddenly rang out.
Like a giant stone dropped into a calm lake, it instantly silenced the scene.
"No need to notify, I'm already here."
As the voice fell, a tall and upright figure slowly walked onto the command platform.
The sea breeze billowed his white Marine cloak behind him, emblazoned with two striking characters—"Justice"!
His gaze was deep, his expression calm, and holding a megaphone, he gazed at the distant going merry and slowly spoke.
"Straw Hat Pirates... I must admit, your method of invasion is indeed surprising."
"Fort Navarone, known as the 'Hedgehog Fortress,' is tightly sealed on all sides.
It's difficult for ordinary people to even get close, yet you've penetrated from the air... That, at least, is quite interesting."
Vice Admiral Jonathan's tone was calm, seemingly unfazed by the Straw Hat Pirates' reputation.
Instead, a meaningful smile subtly played on his lips, and a hunter-like glint flickered in his eyes.
"So... I'm very curious."
"How exactly did you do it? Was it via a launch platform?"
Jonathan's voice echoed through the megaphone, reverberating over the entire base.
Under the night sky, Fort Navarone's searchlights blazed like a scorching sun.
The light was so intense that the people on the going merry's deck could barely open their eyes.
The gold scattered in the ship's cabins and on the deck glittered brightly.
Reflecting dazzling light, it adorned the entire sea with gold.
Just as everyone adjusted their vision, Vice Admiral Jonathan's voice once again echoed through the night sky.
His tone remained steady, carrying a faint, elusive hint of a smile.
"Pirate Hunter Zoro."
Hearing that name, Zoro narrowed his eyes slightly, his face still maintaining its unchanging sternness.
"I didn't expect that you, who once lived by hunting pirates, would now become a member of the Straw Hat Pirates."
Under the searchlights, Zoro's three swords gleamed coldly in the interplay of light and shadow. He bared his teeth, snorted, and said faintly:
"My goal, from the very beginning, was never to be a Pirate Hunter."
Robin shielded her eyes with her hand, her gaze calm as she surveyed the majestic fortress ahead, and slowly spoke:
"Marineford's Eighth Branch... its official name is 'Navarone.'"
She paused, a slight smile playing on her lips, and added—
"Also known as the 'Impenetrable, Strongest Marine Fortress.'"
Lin Ning raised an eyebrow slightly, turned his head to look at her, and asked with a smile:
"Robin, not only are you well-versed in ancient ruins, but you also know so much about Marine fortresses?"
Robin chuckled softly, her dark eyes appearing deep and mysterious under the searchlight, and said faintly:
"Of course."
"After all... we are currently right in the enemy's center."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions tightened slightly, while Vice Admiral Jonathan on the opposite shore still stood on the command platform.
His gaze was as steady as a rock, and his voice came clearly through the megaphone—
"Straw Hat Luffy."
Hearing his name, Luffy grinned.
He revealed a row of pearly white teeth, put his hands on his hips, and looked at Jonathan with an excited expression.
"Lin Ning and Zoro's bounties are not low."
Jonathan continued, slowly raising his hand, lightly tapping the megaphone with his index finger, his gaze sharp and steady.
"According to Marine rules, they must be arrested and escorted to Marineford."
Upon hearing this, Zoro snorted coldly, and Lin Ning's gaze also darkened slightly.
Jonathan paused, and that elusive smile once again appeared on his lips.
"However, I guarantee you... the safety of your other companions."
"But, Straw Hat."
Jonathan's voice suddenly deepened a few shades, carrying an undeniable authority—
"If you dare to escape... then things won't be easy."
"Because—"
He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze as sharp as a blade, his tone revealing a dangerous edge—
"I'll get angry."
On the going merry, everyone fell silent for a moment.
Nami frowned slightly, while Chopper clutched the red hat on his head.
Robin's smile deepened a bit, and Usopp had already started trembling.
Just then, the first mate behind Jonathan couldn't help but step forward and whisper—
"Sir... isn't this too lenient? After all, they are an 800 million Berries-level pirate crew!"
Jonathan heard this, turned his head slightly, his tone still calm and unperturbed.
"I am the commander here."
"So, just watch quietly."
The first mate was stunned, not daring to say more, but Jonathan had already issued new orders—
"Sergeant."
The Sergeant immediately stood at attention and saluted:
"Yes, sir!"
"Prepare to fire."
"Gunners, take your positions."
Immediately, "Click, click, click—" hundreds of Marine cannons simultaneously adjusted their angles, their dark muzzles precisely aimed at the going merry!
"Fire a warning shot."
Jonathan's tone remained steady and composed.
"Don't injure them."
"Only capture them alive."
He slowly lowered the megaphone, looking down at the small pirate ship on the sea, his gaze calm and unwavering, and softly murmured—
"Vice Admiral Garp... your grandson indeed makes things a bit difficult for me."Chapter 127 Trapped in an Encirclement
Night enveloped the area, and the sea wind howled.
Navarone, Marine Headquarters' Eighth Branch.
This Marine base, known as the "Impenetrable Hedgehog Fortress," stood majestically between towering mountains, like a natural barrier, tightly sealing off the entire sea area.
The towering walls, dense turrets, and neatly arrayed Marine warships all highlighted the strict defense here.
"Oh—"
Lin Ning's sharp gaze scanned his surroundings, his brows slightly furrowed.
"The terrain of this base…"
Lin Ning stood on the deck, his gaze sweeping around like lightning.
The circular mountains, like a wall of bronze and iron, surrounded the entire Marine base, trapping it within.
And the going merry had landed in the central sea area—firmly trapped in the most dangerous core zone!
"A circular shape… truly a turtle in a jar."
He thought to himself, a faint, cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"It seems we've fallen directly into the Marine's den."
On the deck, Nami stood at the helm, looking at the magnificent Marine architecture around her, a chill rising in her heart.
"This is bad…"
She bit her lip, her heart rate suddenly quickening, her face slightly pale.
"We are pirates, and this is a Marine base…"
"In this situation, anyone would panic!"
Even though Nami had experienced big scenes with the Straw Hat Pirates.
But getting into a Marine base, as a pirate, still sent a shiver down Nami's spine.
"Three hundred eighty-five, three hundred eighty-six, three hundred eighty-seven…"
Just then, Usopp suddenly mumbled something in a low voice, cold sweat pouring down him.
"…Huh?"
"Three hundred eighty-eight—!!!"
The next second, Usopp's eyes suddenly widened, his mouth agape, and he suddenly shouted loudly—
"Three hundred eighty-eight cannons are pointed at us!!!"
"…!!!"
Everyone was startled and looked towards where Usopp was pointing—
Indeed, on the rock walls all around the Marine base.
Countless dark muzzles were coldly pointing at the going merry.
The caliber of each cannon made one's heart tremble, like the eyes of the God of Death, ready to spew destructive cannon fire at any moment!
"Usopp!"
Sanji kicked Usopp's butt, a vein throbbing on his forehead.
"We are currently surrounded! Can you please stop shouting?!"
Usopp held his head, shouting in terror:
"These are three hundred eighty-eight cannons!!! How can I not shout?!"
"Boom—!!!"
Just then, a huge cannon roar echoed in the air!
Cannonballs tore through the night sky, whistling as they fell around the going merry—
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Violent explosions erupted on the sea, sending up towering columns of water, and deafening roars swept across the entire deck!
"Ah ah ah!!"
Usopp and Chopper were thrown to the ground, huddled together, trembling!
"Be careful, they are firing warning shots."
Robin calmly reminded them, a hint of calm analysis in her eyes.
Luffy, hearing this, tilted his head, looking surprised:
"Warning shots?"
"Aren't they directly blowing us up?"
"…This Marine uncle is quite nice."
Sanji, hearing this, slapped his forehead and sighed helplessly.
"What nonsense are you talking about, you idiotic Captain."
"Forget about all that!"
Zoro suddenly drew his sword, his eyes like torches, Battle Intent burning!
At this moment, Vice Admiral Jonathan's voice sounded again, his voice clearly broadcast throughout the fortress by the loudspeaker!
"Straw Hat Pirates."
"If you don't surrender, we will directly sink you."
"Do not attempt any futile resistance."
Jonathan's tone remained unruffled, as if he was sure of victory.
"Surrender my ass!"
Zoro grinned, holding three swords, and looked at Luffy:
"Luffy, should we go?"
"I'm already itching for some action!"
Zoro had long wanted a fight; his recent opponents were so weak that they didn't interest him.
This Marine base was a base of the Marine Headquarters, and Zoro could no longer suppress his boiling blood.
Luffy, hearing this, stroked his chin, showing a serious expression of thought.
"We are pirates… they are Marines…"
Everyone watched him nervously, awaiting their Captain's decision!
Only to see the next second—
"…Let's run away!"
"Huh?!"
Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Nami… everyone looked bewildered!
"Hey hey, you really are…!"
Lin Ning laughed heartily, clapped Luffy on the shoulder, his gaze instantly locking on the distance.
"The main gate is directly behind us!"
Nami immediately reacted, gripping the helm tightly, and shouted an order!
"All hands, listen up!"
"Hoist the sails and steer, full speed to break through to the rear!"
Sanji immediately responded, pushing off with his foot, and rushed onto the deck—
"Alright, Miss Nami!"
The going merry instantly hoisted its sails, adjusted its direction, and sailed towards the exit in the rear, facing the night!
However, Navarone's turrets were still firmly locked onto them!
Jonathan stood on the towering railing, watching the going merry, which was hoisting its sails to break through.
The corners of his mouth curved slightly upwards, revealing a meaningful smile.
"Oh? Not surrendering, but trying to run instead?"
He slowly picked up the loudspeaker, his voice deep but clear, spreading throughout the fortress—
"Straw Hat."
"What do you take our Marine base for?"
Jonathan slowly raised his hand—
"Sergeant."
"Prepare for the second round of shelling."
"Don't let them escape."
His gaze turned cold, then he waved his hand, giving a decisive order—
"Then, let me—bury you at sea!"
"—Shelling!!!"
"Boom!!!"
Following Jonathan's command, over three hundred giant cannons roared in unison.
Cannonballs, like falling stars, tore through the night sky.
Carrying terrifying sonic booms, they bombarded the going merry with overwhelming force!
For a moment, the entire sky was illuminated by the blazing fire!
The cannonballs were as dense as rain, each with a perfect ballistic arc.
Coming from all directions, they were like a inescapable net of death, firmly locking the going merry within it!
"Ah ah ah ah!!"
Usopp and Chopper instantly turned pale, their bodies stiff, their eyeballs almost popping out!
"We're going to die! We're going to die!!"
Chopper directly hugged Usopp, trembling, all his fur bristling!
Usopp, even more so, his lips turning blue, his hands clutching his head, shouted in terror—
"What kind of terrifying shelling is this!!!"
With his precise eyesight, he could tell at a glance—
"The angles and arcs of these cannonballs are terrifyingly precise!!"
"As long as there is no external interference, they will all hit the going merry without a doubt!!!"
Robin crossed her arms, standing on the deck, her eyes slightly flickering, a faint smile on her lips.
"As expected of a Marineford base…"
Her tone was calm, as if merely stating a commonplace fact—
"The Marines here are indeed all elites."
"They are completely incomparable to the miscellaneous soldiers from the outside Four Seas branches."Chapter 128 Lieutenant General Jonathan's Speculation
Usopp broke out in a cold sweat, nearly jumped up, and yelled in collapse:
"Hey! Hey! Hey!!!"
"The cannonballs are about to hit us, and you're still making sarcastic remarks?!"
"Boom—!!!"
The cannonball cut through the air, closing in on the going merry!
Just at this moment—
"Hmph."
A cold snort suddenly rang out!
"Clang—!"
A flash of a blade, a glint of cold light!
Zoro's hand was already on the hilt of his sword!
The next moment—
"Crack!!"
Three swords instantly unsheathed!
Zoro's figure moved, his entire body like a coiled tiger ready to pounce.
He stomped his foot, and a surge of wild Sword Intent burst forth!
"Three Sword Style—"
"Onigiri!"
"Swish! Swish! Swish!—!!!"
In an instant, three extremely sharp crescent-shaped Sword Qi shot out from the blade!
Sword light streaked across the sky, cold glints rampant!
Zoro's wado ichimonji, sandai kitetsu, and Yukibashiri crossed as they struck.
The terrifying Sword Qi transformed into three arcing slashes, accurately meeting the densely incoming cannonballs!
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!!!!"
The cannonballs were instantly blasted apart in mid-air, fire erupting.
The shockwave swept out, illuminating Zoro's stern profile.
Everyone was stunned!
"Wh-what?!"
"Those were... cannonballs fired simultaneously from over three hundred cannons!!"
"They were... just cut apart like that?!"
Jonathan stood on the railing, his gaze slightly narrowed, the smile on his face finally receding a little.
He took a deep look at Zoro standing on the deck, a hint of imperceptible surprise flickering in his eyes.
"Pirate Hunter Zoro..."
He murmured softly, slowly saying—
"Has he already reached the Realm of a Swordsman?"
A Swordsman refers to a powerful individual who has truly stepped into the Domain of a Great Swordsman.
Only by tempering sword skills in countless life-and-death battles can one enter this Realm.
Zoro's three slashes just now were not only incredibly precise but also far exceeded the power level of an ordinary Swordsman!
And he unleashed three of them in an instant!
Jonathan narrowed his eyes, secretly speculating in his heart—
"Judging by the speed and force of his sword swings, he's probably already approaching the level of a Great Swordsman..."
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly again, restoring his usual composure.
"Heh..."
"It seems this battle is much more interesting than I imagined."
The cannon fire had not ceased!
After Zoro shattered the first wave of cannon fire, a second, denser barrage.
Carrying earth-shattering roars, it swept towards the going merry once again!
Usopp's eyes widened, and he nearly fainted from fright!
He huddled tightly with the trembling Chopper.
Meanwhile, Nami, on the other hand, had become calm, watching the barrage in the sky with interest.
"Ah ah ah ah!!!!"
"It's not over yet?! Another wave?!"
"How many tons of cannonballs does this Marine have?! Are they not going to stop until they run out?!"
A vein throbbed on Nami's forehead, and she slammed her fist down hard on Usopp's head: "Shut up! You're even more annoying when you shout!"
Usopp clutched his head, tears welling up: "I'm just telling the truth!!!!"
"Bang!"
On the deck, Sanji's leather shoe lightly tapped.
He took a deep drag from his cigarette, slowly exhaled a wisp of white smoke, his eyes slightly narrowed, and then—
He stomped his foot, and suddenly burst forth!
"Whoosh—!!!"
Sanji's figure was like an arrow released from a bowstring, shooting straight into the sky!
"Moonwalk!"
The air beneath his feet exploded, and he continuously stepped out dozens of afterimages.
As if stepping on invisible stairs, he instantly soared into the air, standing amidst the cannon fire-laced sky!
Under the night sky, cannonballs whistled in from all directions, the burning firelight reflecting on his face.
He slowly raised his right foot, and the air beneath his sole began to distort, a swirling heatwave furiously emerging—
"Diable Jambe—"
Scorching flames instantly surged and burned beneath his foot!
Crimson flames wrapped around his right foot, carrying intense heat, illuminating the night sky!
In his pupils, the densely roaring cannonballs were reflected!
Sanji let out a furious roar—
"Rankyaku (Tempest Kick)!!!!"
"Boom!!!"
Accompanying Sanji's furious roar, dozens of crescent-shaped flame slashes suddenly shot out with a thunderous impact!
The fierce flames instantly swept across the entire night sky, each Rankyaku carrying a violent high temperature.
Like meteors from outer space sweeping across heaven and earth, they precisely split the cannonballs from all directions!
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
"Boom!!"
The cannonballs exploded one after another in mid-air, turning into blazing fireballs, and the entire night sky was dyed deep red!
The scorching shockwave swept out, stirring up monstrous waves on the sea surface.
The aftershocks swept out, even causing the surrounding rock walls to tremble slightly!
At this moment, all the Marines in the entire Naval Fortress of Navarone were completely stunned!!!
"The cannonballs... were stopped again?!"
"Th-this... this can't be true!!"
"Just now it was that Swordsman Zoro... this time... who is it again?!"
A Marine Soldier suddenly picked up his binoculars and clearly saw Sanji suspended in the air.
"Wait, wait, wait!!!! This guy... who is this guy?!!!"
"An un-bountied member of the Straw Hat Pirates?! He can use Rokushiki Rankyaku (Tempest Kick) and Moonwalk (Geppo)?!!!!"
"What a joke!! Rokushiki is our Marine's high-level martial art!! Ordinary soldiers can't even learn it!!"
"How could even an unknown pirate know it?!!!"
The Marine base was in an uproar, fear spreading!
At the railing—
Vice Admiral Jonathan's gaze was deep as he quietly watched Sanji, engulfed in flames in the sky, his expression becoming increasingly solemn.
He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke—
"Rankyaku (Tempest Kick) and Moonwalk (Geppo)... it's Rokushiki Rankyaku (Tempest Kick) and Moonwalk (Geppo)..."
"And... has it also been combined with some special flames...?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, and a hint of unconcealable shock finally appeared on his face.
"Rokushiki is a secret martial art passed down by Marineford."
He slowly looked up at the figure burning with fierce flames, his gaze flickering slightly.
"A new member of the Straw Hat Pirates with no bounty..."
"Has actually skillfully mastered two of the Rokushiki?"
Jonathan's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of doubt rising in his heart—
"Rokushiki are Moves that even many Marine Officerss find difficult to Cultivate to mastery..."
"How did the Straw Hat Pirates learn them?!!!"
He instantly thought of a certain possibility, his pupils slightly constricted, and his expression became unusually deep.
"Could it be..."
"Is there a shadow of a Marine high-ranking official in this pirate crew?"
Jonathan took a deep breath, his thoughts swirling, and his mind began to race!
"If that's truly the case... then the origin of this pirate crew... is even more extraordinary..."
He looked down at Luffy standing on the going merry's deck, his brow slightly furrowed.
"Or rather... is Vice Admiral Garp's grandson, Luffy, some kind of arrangement by our Marine?"
Vice Admiral Jonathan's eyes were sharp, and he suddenly had some strange imaginings in his mind...
"If that's really the case... then the origin of this pirate crew... is even more extraordinary..."
He looked down at Luffy standing on the going merry's deck, his brow slightly furrowed.
"Or rather... is Vice Admiral Garp's grandson, Luffy, some kind of arrangement by our Marine?"
Vice Admiral Jonathan's eyes were sharp, and he suddenly had some strange imaginings in his mind...Chapter 129 Luffy Makes His Move
Cannon fire still raged!
Cannonballs poured down like a torrential rain, dense black shadows obscured the sky, and the entire night sky was completely swallowed by the cannon fire!
Zoro stood on the deck, his figure as steady as a mountain, his wado ichimonji in hand, unleashing flying slashes that cut through the cannonballs.
Sanji used "Moonwalk" to weave through the air.
His flame-wreathed Diable Jambe transformed into a furious gale of fire, meeting the incoming cannonballs, which exploded with a roar in the midst of the flames!
On the deck, Lin Ning held his halberd.
Sharp slashes, like streaks of light, instantly cut through, precisely destroying any cannonballs that slipped through!
But... the more than three hundred cannons of the Marine base showed no sign of stopping!
Round after round!
They relentlessly, mercilessly, like tireless behemoths, surged towards the going merry!
Just then—
"We're almost there! The fortress gate!"
Nami's surprised voice made everyone look up sharply!
In the distance, an enormous steel gate stood majestically ahead!
—Like a slumbering steel beast!
It spanned the exit to the sea, blocking the only passage from the Marine fortress to the ocean!
Usopp took one look and shuddered with fright!
"This gate... it's just too big, isn't it?!"
But at this moment, no one had the mind to pay attention to his complaints!
Cannonballs continued their relentless bombardment, fire and explosion shockwaves surged wildly, and the Marine's offensive showed no signs of stopping!
"It's endless!"
An angry voice boomed out!
—That was Luffy's voice!
The next moment!
"Boom—!!!"
A vast Conqueror's Haki, like a volcanic eruption, suddenly swept out from the going merry!!!
Black and red lightning raged!
The violent Haki swept across the heavens and earth!
—Instantly! Time and space seemed to freeze!!!
The incoming cannonballs stopped mid-air!
As if confined by some invisible force, the cannonballs floated in the air, completely halted!
In that instant, the entire world seemed to fall silent!
—And then!
Boom!!!
All the cannonballs suspended in the air actually exploded directly under the impact of the Conqueror's Haki!!!
The violent explosions were like thunder.
The bursting flames bloomed with incredibly brilliant fire in mid-air.
Like a hundred flowers blooming, but carrying destructive shockwaves!
Rolling shockwaves surged in all directions!
A fierce storm swept across the entire fortress, and the surrounding rock walls trembled violently.
Terrifying cracks appeared in the hard stone walls!
"Crack! Crack!!"
The huge circular stone wall of the Marine fortress, under this Haki impact, actually began to crack over large areas!
Rumble!!!
Rocks fell, huge debris like a meteor shower, plummeting from high above!
Vice Admiral Jonathan's gaze suddenly froze!
"Conqueror's Haki...!"
His pupils sharply contracted, staring intently at the figure on the going merry!
Beneath that straw hat, a pair of fiery eyes burned like flames!
Luffy slowly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the towering steel giant gate!
Rumble!!!
Violent Conqueror's Haki surged outwards!
The surrounding sea was shaken, stirring up monstrous waves!
The steel gate of the Marine fortress also began to tremble violently!
Jonathan's gaze sharpened, he took a deep breath, his face completely changed.
"Straw Hat Luffy... he's truly a monster!!"
...At this moment, the world seemed to fall into a deathly silence!
The shelling... stopped!
The surging waves... ceased!
The raging wind howls vanished without a trace, replaced by...
An indescribable, heavy sense of oppression, enveloping the entire Navarone Marine Fortress!
It was a... king's might, transcending heaven and earth!
—"Thud!"
"Thud! Thud! Thud..."
One Marine Soldier after another rolled their eyes back, falling one after another without any power to resist!
Whether it was the gunners operating the cannons, or the snipers on alert.
Even the officers commanding the shelling, all seemed to be struck by an invisible heavy hammer.
They all fell to the ground, completely losing consciousness!
This was a complete and utter Conqueror's Haki suppression!
Thousands of Marine Soldiers in the entire Navarone Fortress were all knocked unconscious by the Conqueror's Haki in an instant, none spared!
The only one still standing... was Vice Admiral Jonathan!
But even this experienced Marine Fortress Commander couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, his entire body tense!
He slowly raised his head, looking at the figure standing at the very front of the going merry's deck—
Monkey D. Luffy!
That straw hat swayed slightly in the howling night wind, almost slipping from his head.
Luffy reached out and casually pressed the brim of his hat.
He slowly stepped forward, walking towards the bow of the going merry.
"Thump."
"Thump."
"Thump."
With each step, the entire world trembled!
With each step he took, the Haki impact in the air grew stronger.
Transforming into tangible black and red lightning, raging and roaring in mid-air!
"Crackle—!"
The black and red lightning, like wild serpents, slithered through the night, making the entire Navarone Fortress appear as if the end of the world had arrived!
Jonathan's pupils sharply contracted, his heart pounded, and his face showed unprecedented shock!
The power of this Conqueror's Haki... was actually this formidable?!
He had been in the military for many years and had seen countless strong individuals, even the Marine Hero Garp of yesteryear.
Or Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral of the World Government, and even many legendary pirates famous across the seas... But to exhibit such terrifying Conqueror's Haki at this age... he had never seen it!
"What terrifying Aura...!"
Jonathan murmured involuntarily in a low voice.
He stared intently at Luffy on the deck, his expression solemn, his voice filled with deep shock:
"This Conqueror's Haki... is unbelievably strong... Straw Hat, Monkey D. Luffy..."
He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled a few words—
"As expected of Vice Admiral Garp's grandson!"
"To have mastered such powerful Conqueror's Haki at such a young age..."
"Perhaps... even the 'Three Admirals' of yesteryear were no match at this age..."
"A monstrous talent..."
"Or rather..."
"He is destined to stir up a storm across the entire world!!"
Beneath the night sky, black and red lightning still raged!
The entire Navarone Fortress was completely enveloped in Luffy's unparalleled Conqueror's Haki!
On the deck, Luffy took a deep breath.
His legs sank, his entire body's muscles tensed, and his Battle Intent surged!
"Armament—"
"Rocket!"
With a deafening roar, Luffy's right arm instantly stretched, and a violent Aura swept out!
Ink-black Armament Haki covered his fist and entire right arm!
With world-destroying power, he punched furiously towards the fortress's giant steel gate!
Boom—!!
A punch pierced through!
The gate shattered!
The several-meter-thick steel gate, under this single blow, actually crumbled like paper!
Not only that—
The residual force of Luffy's punch continued to surge forward, directly tearing through the rock wall behind the gate, stirring up a sky full of debris!
Countless fragments, mixed with huge door panels, flew hundreds of meters away with a roar, crashing heavily into the sea!
A wide and boundless exit to the sea suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes!
"Everyone, let's go!!"Chapter 130 Discussing Gold
Standing before the shattered door, Luffy retracted his fist, grinning excitedly.
The sea breeze blew in their faces, filling the sails of the going merry.
"Woooooosh—!"
As the sails billowed, the going merry abruptly accelerated.
Cutting through the towering waves, it transformed into a silvery blur, speeding towards the sea shrouded in night!
...Vice Admiral Jonathan stood at the highest point of the Marine fortress, quietly watching the going merry sail away.
The corners of his mouth curved slightly upwards, a helpless yet meaningful smile gracing his face.
"Haha... so you still managed to escape..."
His gaze was profound, piercing through the night towards the distant horizon, his thoughts churning.
These brats... their strength far exceeded his imagination!
Especially Straw Hat Luffy, the Conqueror's Haki and Armament Haki he displayed in that instant.
Coupled with the power of that punch just now... it was simply terrifying!
Jonathan couldn't help but recall the conjecture that had just formed in his mind... "What kind of game are the higher-ups at Marine Headquarters playing?"
"Why would they let Vice Admiral Garp's grandson become a pirate?"
"Straw Hat Luffy's growth rate is simply too astonishing, isn't it?"
"And the first mate of the Straw Hat Pirates, although he didn't make many moves."
"But with a bounty as high as Straw Hat Luffy's, he's also a young man not to be underestimated!"
He pondered for a moment, let out a soft sigh, and then a playful smile appeared on his face.
"Heh heh... Straw Hat, Monkey D. Luffy, Lin Ning, Zoro..."
"From this moment on, no matter how the higher-ups at Marine Headquarters plan their moves..."
"The Straw Hat Pirates have completely become a 'thorn in the side' of the entire Marine."
Jonathan gazed at the sea, his eyes deep, and slowly whispered—
"What lies before you is not a smooth path."
"Your future..."
"Will be targeted by more and more 'monsters'..."
The night wind howled, and the waves surged.
Among countless stunned Marine Soldiers, Jonathan stood on high ground.
Gazing at the distant starry sky, he gently shook his head, smiling and sighing—
"These guys... Heh heh, what incredible brats..."
The night was deep, the sea breeze gentle, and countless stars sprinkled across the boundless ocean.
The going merry finally broke free from the Marine fortress, which felt like a cage, and returned to the unrestrained open sea.
However—
Although the ship had finally escaped danger, the going merry was now in a state that was both amusing and exasperating—
The entire ship's cabin was completely filled with glittering gold, leaving almost no space whatsoever!
Whether it was the rooms, the deck, or even certain corners,
They were all crammed full of gleaming treasure, making it necessary to move cautiously even when walking.
In fact, even the going merry's waterline was already approaching its limit.
Forget about adding more gold; even one more person would cause the entire ship to sink completely into the sea!
And so—
Everyone had to gather in the kitchen, where there wasn't much gold, and sit around the table.
They enthusiastically discussed their grand plans for "wealth."
"Hahahahaha!!"
Golden light shimmered freely in the kitchen, and Nami's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Holding a fist-sized pure gold nugget, she turned it over and over in the candlelight, exclaiming with a satisfied look:
"The pirate's rule—of course, it's to divide the treasure equally!!"
As soon as she said this, the kitchen instantly erupted!
"Really?! We're dividing it equally?!"
Usopp looked surprised, his eyes seeming to ignite with countless Berries symbols.
He rubbed his hands excitedly and said:
"In that case, can I add a few more cannons to the going merry?!"
"Hahahaha!"
Nami nodded proudly, waving her hand grandly, her face full of generosity:
"Of course! We've returned with a full haul, so we definitely need to share it properly!"
In the kitchen, everyone began to fantasize about the "financial freedom" they were about to experience—
"Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!!" Finally, it's here!!"
Luffy excitedly raised his hands, cheering loudly, his eyes full of anticipation:
"I've already decided!! I'm going to buy a super-giant bronze statue!!"
"A bronze statue??"
Everyone paused, then looked at Luffy in unison, their expressions confused.
Lin Ning couldn't help but ask, "Why would you buy a bronze statue?"
Luffy waved his hands excitedly:
"Of course—to make a giant statue and put it in the sea, so everyone will know 'I'm the man who will become the Pirate King!!'"
Everyone: "..."
Zoro curled his lip in disdain, picked up a bottle, and took a big swig, "Tch, what a waste of money."
"Hahahahaha!"
Chopper clapped his hands excitedly, his eyes full of longing:
"I want to buy so many, many medical books! The latest medical research, the most Advanced surgical techniques—I want to learn them all!!"
Sanji, meanwhile, seriously took out an abacus and skillfully moved the beads.
He began to precisely calculate the going merry's "Kitchen Investment Plan."
"New pots, Advanced woks, imported kitchen knives, top-grade wine glasses... Hmm, and giant mousetraps..."
Everyone: "???"
Usopp looked at Sanji in horror and couldn't help but ask:
"Hey, hey, hey! I understand everything before that, but what are the mousetraps for?!"
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring with a serious expression, and said in a deep voice:
"Of course, they're for catching those mice that steal food in the kitchen!"
As he spoke, he subtly glanced at Luffy... Luffy: "?????"
"Hey, hey, hey! What do you mean by that?!"
Luffy pouted and protested discontentedly.
"Hahahahaha!!"
The cabin immediately erupted in laughter.
Zoro, meanwhile, wore a satisfied smile, "This is great, the gold we get will definitely be enough for a good drink!"
Lin Ning leaned casually on a chair, looking at his excited companions, and smiled faintly:
"Even if we buy everything everyone wants... all this gold, we probably still won't be able to spend it all."
At this, Nami's eyes immediately lit up again.
She hugged the gold nugget in her arms tightly, a money-grubbing smile unique to her appearing on her face.
"Hahahahaha!!"
"This is the pirate life!!"
Inside the glittering kitchen, everyone was fiercely discussing the distribution of the gold, the atmosphere lively.
However, Nami suddenly spoke, announcing with a teasing tone:
"First, eighty percent of the gold is my personal savings."
"What?!!"
This statement instantly ignited everyone's nerves.
Usopp, Sanji, Zoro, Chopper, and even Lin Ning all cried out in surprise.
"Nami!! You greedy woman!!"