Chapter 136 Everyone Masters the Body Tempering Method
Usopp's screams were like those of a slaughtered pig, echoing across the entire prairie.
Even the birds in the sky were startled and fled in all directions.
Nami stood by, watching Usopp roll around on the ground.
Her face was slightly pale, and she couldn't help but swallow.
Although she appeared frightened on the surface, a hint of determination was revealed deep in her eyes.
She knew that this Body Tempering Technique training would be a crucial step in her becoming stronger!
On the other side, Robin stood with her arms crossed.
She watched with interest as Lin Ning guided Usopp through the Body Tempering Technique hand-in-hand.
A trace of curiosity appeared in her eyes.
"Although I see you all practicing the Body Tempering Technique every day," she said.
"It's the first time I've seen you teach it hand-in-hand."
Robin's lips curved slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
Lin Ning turned his head to look at the remaining three—Nami, Robin, and Chopper—a faint smile playing on his lips: "Which of you three wants to go first?"
Upon hearing this, Nami instantly froze, her expression faltering slightly.
She subconsciously thought, did he want Lin Ning to examine all the muscles and bones in her body?
This... wasn't this too shameful?!
Letting Lin Ning touch her body so intimately... Nami's cheeks instantly flushed crimson.
She became somewhat timid and hesitant.
And this scene was perfectly captured by Sanji!
"Ah ah ah ah!!!
Miss Nami's shy look is simply too beautiful!!"
Sanji was completely ablaze, covering his face with both hands.
The background behind him seemed to turn into a world of pink bubbles.
But then, his expression suddenly changed.
His eyes instantly became incredibly jealous, staring intently at Lin Ning.
"Damn it!!! Why is it Lin Ning!!
Why can Lin Ning have intimate contact with Miss Nami?!"
Just thinking about Lin Ning carefully examining Nami's body.
Sanji felt terrible, his eyes red with jealousy!
"No, I absolutely cannot tolerate this!! Lin Ning, you bastard!!!"
Just as Sanji was about to rush over to stop him, Zoro lazily glanced at him.
He coldly spat out, "You're too noisy, Perverted Cook."
"Zoro, you idiot Mosshead, what the hell do you know?!"
Sanji was furious, but in the end, Zoro forcibly grabbed him by the collar.
On the other side, Lin Ning calmly looked at the blushing Nami, saying in a relaxed tone:
"Hurry up, Nami."
"Don't worry, I will specifically tailor a Body Tempering Technique for you, based on your bone and muscle characteristics, so you won't turn into a muscle woman."
Hearing this, Nami's face grew even redder, and she stomped her foot in annoyance:
"Idiot! That's not the only thing I'm worried about!!"
But in the end, Nami gritted her teeth.
She stepped forward and obediently accepted Lin Ning's examination... Nami's Body Tempering Technique training!
"Ah--!!"
Nami's screams soon echoed across the entire prairie.
"It hurts, it hurts! Lin Ning, you bastard!"
"Wuwuwu, girls don't need such brutal Body Tempering Technique training, do they!"
Nami's eyes were teary, her face flushed.
She glared fiercely at Lin Ning, wanting to strike him dead with lightning.
But she also clearly felt that under Lin Ning's guidance with the Body Tempering Technique, her body was becoming lighter, more powerful, and her muscle lines were gradually adapting to this special training method!
When Nami finally completed the Elementary Body Tempering Technique.
She gasped for breath, her face filled with the expression of someone who had survived a catastrophe.
"Wuwuwu, it's finally over..."
At this moment, Sanji had long since collapsed to the ground, jealous, turning into a skeleton... Compared to Nami's shyness and Usopp's screams, Robin was clearly much calmer.
She looked at Lin Ning curiously, a smile playing on her lips:
"So, it's my turn next?"
Lin Ning nodded: "Yes, your physical fitness already far surpasses that of ordinary people."
"I need to first conduct a detailed bone examination to check your muscle endurance."
Robin smiled slightly, generously extending her hand.
She even asked with some anticipation, "Will it hurt much?"
Lin Ning curved his lips: "Don't worry, you'll know the answer soon."
Five minutes later—
"Hiss—!"
Even someone as calm as Robin couldn't help but frown at this moment.
A fine sheen of sweat appeared on her delicate cheeks.
She had never experienced such detailed and precise body adjustment training.
Every inch of muscle, every bone, was being mobilized.
"Is this... the Profound Truth of the Body Tempering Technique?"
Robin murmured softly, her eyes sparkling.
When she finished the initial training, she gently stretched her body.
She could clearly feel her body's coordination and strength changing.
"It's very magical..." she whispered... Finally, it was Chopper's turn.
Although Chopper was not human, as long as he had bones and muscles,
Lin Ning could devise a personalized Body Tempering Technique for him!
"Lin Ning! I want to get stronger too!" Chopper excitedly raised his hand, his eyes full of anticipation.
Lin Ning nodded and began to carefully examine Chopper's body structure... The wind swept, the prairie surged, and the sky was clear blue.
Now Usopp, Nami, Robin, and Chopper had all mastered the Elementary Body Tempering Technique.
Next up was the advanced Body Tempering Technique training for Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji.
Lin Ning stood in the center of the vast prairie, facing Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, who were all full of anticipation.
His lips curved slightly, and his gaze held a hint of approval.
These guys were ready for new challenges.
"Your Elementary Body Tempering Technique training is going well."
"To reach this level in such a short time already far exceeds my expectations."
Lin Ning said slowly, his tone calm.
But the recognition in his words ignited an even more fervent light in the eyes of the three.
They trained frantically every day, never slacking.
It was all to go a step further, to become stronger!
"But you must have also noticed that the improvements brought by the Elementary Body Tempering Technique.
"It has started to become gradual, no longer giving that initial thrill of rapid power increase."
Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji all nodded simultaneously.
"That's right!"
Zoro's eyes flashed with a hint of sharpness; his body was constantly transforming during training.
The strength of his muscles and the recovery of his stamina had reached a whole new Realm.
But at the same time, he could also feel... that he was approaching a Bottleneck!
"What you're going to train next is the 'Advanced Body Tempering Technique'!"
"Including the Elementary one, there are a total of thirty-six forms."
Hearing this, the three's eyes narrowed.
"However... unlike before, once the Advanced Body Tempering Technique is mastered.
"It will, like mastering 'Rokushiki,' grant a special 'Ultimate Technique Mode'!"Chapter 137 The Profound Meaning of Body Tempering
Ultimate Technique Mode?!
These four words struck the three like thunderbolts!
Zoro's smile instantly turned fervent.
Profound Truth—he was too familiar with these two words!
"What characteristics?" Zoro asked impatiently.
Lin Ning slowly scanned the three, his gaze sharp as a torch.
"Ultimate Technique Mode will generate completely different characteristics based on each person's cultivation traits!"
"It will maximize your potential, allowing you to enter a battle state beyond your limits!"
As soon as his voice fell, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Then—
"That's amazing!"
Luffy was the first to jump up, his eyes burning with intense flames!
"Lin Ning! Teach me quickly! I can't wait to unleash the Profound Truth of the Body Tempering Technique!"
Sanji lit a cigarette, took a deep puff, and a smile played on his lips: "It sounds really interesting..."
Zoro gripped his sword hilt, his face full of Battle Intent as he said: "No matter what Ultimate Technique Mode it is, I will use it to become stronger!"
Lin Ning smiled faintly, his gaze turning to the extremely excited Luffy.
"That's good, Luffy, you go first!"
Under Lin Ning's personal guidance, the advanced Body Tempering Technique cultivation of Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji officially began!
...The vast blue sea stretched endlessly, white clouds drifted leisurely, and a gentle breeze stirred shimmering waves.
The going merry sailed slowly over the ocean, its wooden deck gleaming with a warm luster under the sun.
On the deck, the Straw Hat crew was diligently cultivating the Body Tempering Technique.
Over the past two weeks, everyone had been immersed in intense cultivation.
Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, who had already reached a Bottleneck, experienced another leap in strength after mastering the advanced Body Tempering Technique!
They felt an unprecedented Breakthrough; the exhilaration of becoming stronger made them even more addicted.
And Nami, Usopp, Robin, and Chopper finally truly experienced the charm of the Body Tempering Technique—
Within just a few days, their strength, speed, and reaction capabilities all significantly improved!
The stimulation of positive feedback made them more disciplined than ever, unable to extricate themselves from daily cultivation!
—In such a cultivation atmosphere, time quietly flowed by.
However, Usopp's sudden shout broke the silence!
"Everyone, island ahead!"
At the highest point of the going merry, Usopp stood on the lookout.
His eyes wide, he stared at the distant horizon.
He saw an island covered with dense jungle, quietly standing on the sea.
The thick trees on the island swayed in the wind, like a primeval forest.
Cliffs and waterfalls could vaguely be seen.
Hearing this, everyone who was cultivating immediately stopped.
"An island?"
Nami quickly got up, picked up her monocular telescope, and looked into the distance.
A moment later, she put down the telescope, frowning slightly: "It looks like an uninhabited island... But we'll have to go ashore to see the specifics."
"An uninhabited island? That's great!"
Luffy's eyes lit up; he jumped up excitedly, raising his hands high and shouting loudly: "Prepare to drop anchor! We're landing!!!"
The atmosphere on the deck immediately became lively.
Sanji lit a cigarette, looked at the island, and said: "Well then, I'll leave it to everyone to find some ingredients."
A hint of helplessness appeared on his face: "The ingredients on the ship are running low."
At this moment, Nami suddenly remembered something, her expression slightly changed, and she quickly reminded: "Listen up! This time, when looking for ingredients, exclude rats and frogs!!!"
Zoro rolled his eyes at the remark, muttering impatiently: "I can't stand you capricious women. Doesn't it all turn into meat once it's in your stomach..."
The next second—
"Bang!!"
Nami's fist landed heavily on Zoro's head!
"Damn Zoro! What did you just say?!
If you dare to talk nonsense again, I'll throw you into the sea to feed the fish!"
"Hiss... Ouch, ouch, ouch!!" Zoro clutched the large lump on his head, looking helpless, "I was just saying..."
Seeing this, everyone on the ship couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere immediately lightened up.
Golden sunlight spilled onto the beach, and a gentle breeze swept across the clear blue sea.
White waves gently lapped the shore, making a 'whoosh' sound.
On this tranquil beach, the Straw Hat crew was busily preparing a sumptuous island feast!
Soon, the hunting party returned fully loaded!
From afar, Luffy's excited shouts could be heard:
"Hey! Sanji! We found lots of fish, and a huge pile of fruit!"
Accompanied by heavy footsteps, Lin Ning and Zoro each dragged a massive wild ox.
Behind them followed the excited crew, carrying various ingredients, heading towards the large bonfire on the shore.
Zoro dragged the wild ox, his eyes shining, a slight smile on his lips: "This wild ox looks delicious! The meat must be very firm!"
Lin Ning nodded: "Recently, cultivating the advanced Body Tempering Technique, our bodies need massive energy replenishment.
Eating sea beasts every day has long become tiresome; this time, switching to some land game is a good way to improve our meals!"
Sanji looked at the mountain of ingredients, a surprised smile on his face, then nodded and said: "Good work! Since there are so many good things, I'll have to cook seriously and let everyone eat to their heart's content!"
—A moment later, the grand meal was finally ready!
The bonfire blazed, fragrant aromas wafted, and the air was filled with the greasy scent of roasted meat.
The delicious smell of grilled fish, and the sweet aroma emanating from the fruits.
"Cheers!!!"
Everyone sat cross-legged on the beach, raised Sanji's special refreshing drinks, clinked glasses in celebration, and shouted excitedly.
"Let's eat!!!"
"Woah ah ah ah—It's so delicious!!"
Luffy unhesitatingly grabbed a large piece of roasted meat, shoved it into his mouth, and shouted indistinctly while chewing.
Sanji, holding a cigarette helplessly, looked up at him: "Hey, Luffy, don't eat so fast, there's still plenty of meat!"
Usopp, holding his stomach nearby, looked at Luffy with a horrified expression:
"You just ate a bunch of random stuff, and now you can still keep eating?!"
"I'm still far from full!"
Luffy waved his hand nonchalantly and continued to devour his food.
Zoro swallowed the meat in his hand in two or three bites, nodding in agreement: "Indeed, with such intense cultivation recently, I always feel like my appetite is getting bigger and bigger..."
Lin Ning smiled, casually tore off a piece of beef, and slowly said: "This is a normal phenomenon; as strength grows, the consumption of muscle and physical energy will become astonishing, and energy replenishment is essential.
Recently, we should eat to our heart's content. Eat freely; the more you eat, the faster your strength will improve!"
Hearing this, Luffy's eyes instantly lit up, and the next second he plunged back into the embrace of food!
Sanji's mouth twitched slightly, looking at the mountain of ingredients.
They were almost swept clean in an instant, and he couldn't help but sigh, holding his forehead: "Damn... Your appetites, you monsters, are truly exaggerated!!!"
However, as a top chef, his pride would never allow his companions to go hungry!Chapter 138 General Aokiji
Sanji stood up, stylishly flipping his golden bangs.
He walked to the side, gave a light kick, and forcefully shattered the earthen oven that had just been specially built to braise the wild ox!
"Bang!!!"
As the heavy earth chunks broke, a rich aroma of roast meat instantly wafted over!
The meaty scent in the air intensified severalfold.
The golden-roasted wild ox slowly revealed a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside sheen.
"Gulp..."
Everyone couldn't help but swallow their saliva.
Sanji looked at their gleaming, hungry eyes with satisfaction, a slight curve to his lips.
He slightly raised his chin and said handsomely:
"Dig in!"
The moment his words fell—
"Wah ah ah ah ah!!!"
Everyone pounced like tigers descending a mountain!
The aroma of meat filled the air, laughter echoed, and the food was quickly cleared.
After the meal, Nami frowned as she looked around.
Her gaze swept over the completely eaten food scraps, and she couldn't help but sigh, pressing a hand to her forehead:
"If this keeps up, we won't be able to store any ingredients at all!
Luffy, Lin Ning, Sanji..., let's quickly go find some storable ingredients!"
"Understood, Miss Nami!"
Sanji immediately straightened his back, his eyes gleaming with pink hearts, and responded without hesitation.
Everyone tidied up their gear and then stepped into the depths of the forest.
Within the jungle, shadows intertwined, and strange bird calls echoed in their ears.
As they cautiously advanced, Usopp scratched his head and asked Chopper:
"Chopper, have you found any herbs?"
Chopper looked down at the herbs in his hand and nodded seriously:
"Hmm, I've basically found some common medicinal materials.
But the ecology on this island is very peculiar, maybe we can find even rarer herbs..."
Before he finished speaking, Chopper's gaze was drawn to a strange gully ahead, and he pointed at the ground, frowning:
"Wait a minute! What's this? It looks like... wheel tracks?!"
"Wheel tracks?"
Everyone paused slightly, their eyes falling on the mark.
Lin Ning leaned down to observe carefully, his palm lightly brushing the ground, and he narrowed his eyes slightly, saying:
"From the marks, it indeed looks like tire tracks left by a bicycle... and they're not very old, they should have appeared today."
"Are you kidding me!" Sanji immediately frowned, looking around:
"This is a deserted island, how could there be a bicycle?"
Usopp grabbed his hair, swallowed, and tried to calm himself down:
"No, no! This clearly doesn't make sense!
Even if there were people, they wouldn't be riding a bicycle aimlessly around the island, would they?!"
However, Robin, who was standing to the side, changed her expression.
Her hand, holding the herb bag, clenched slightly, and a trace of extreme unease flashed in her eyes.
These familiar wheel tracks... made her recall a terrifying figure buried deep in her memory!
"It can't be..."
Just as everyone was wondering, the end of the forest gradually revealed an open area.
"We finally made it out of the dense forest!"
Luffy stretched, about to take a deep breath of fresh air, however—
At that very moment!
"...! ! !"
Luffy suddenly shivered, his pupils contracting sharply.
The laziness on his face vanished instantly, his brows furrowed, and his voice was low and serious:
—"Someone!!!"
Lin Ning slowly raised his head, his gaze cold, his tone calm yet carrying a sense of oppression:
"Yes, I know."
—And, an extremely dangerous fellow!
Zoro's hand was already on the hilt of his sword, his body tensed, his eyes sharp as blades:
"At such a close distance, we only just noticed... this guy's Observation Haki is definitely superior to ours!"
Sanji's face also darkened, and he raised one foot, ready to fight at any moment:
"Extremely high danger Rank... Who exactly is this?"
The air instantly became tense and oppressive.
Ahead, behind a giant rock.
That mysterious figure was slowly emerging—
Light filtered through the leaves, scattering onto the clearing in the forest, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
The Straw Hat cautiously approached the huge rock that blocked their view, every nerve taut to the extreme.
When they rounded the rock, what met their eyes was a lazy, tall figure—
The person was wearing a white suit and a black eye mask.
Just leaning against the rock, leisurely... asleep?!
"Zzz—"
As the footsteps drew closer, the person seemed to finally notice the movement.
He yawned lazily, slowly stretched, and then raised a hand to remove his eye mask.
A lazy and deep gaze, through the pupils beneath the sunglasses, looked directly at the Straw Hat.
"Hmm?... Who are you..."
He spoke in an extremely lazy tone, as if he had just woken up and wasn't fully conscious yet.
"Hey, who are you?" Luffy frowned, looking at this mysterious man who suddenly appeared, without any fear.
Zoro, Sanji, and Lin Ning also stared at the other party with sharp, wary eyes.
Usopp wiped the sweat from his forehead, his voice trembling slightly:
"Hey, hey, this guy... who is he? He looks like a very troublesome character!"
Nami crossed her arms, frowning: "Who is he? He doesn't look like an ordinary person..."
However, the next moment—
"!!!"
"Bang!"
Robin, who was walking at the back, suddenly turned pale.
She collapsed onto the ground as if she had suffered a great shock.
Her body trembled, and cold sweat streamed down!
Her breathing was rapid, her pupils constricted, and she seemed to be plunged into extreme terror.
—She knew this man!
She knew how terrifying he was!
"Robin?!"
Luffy was stunned for a moment, then quickly turned his head.
Seeing the terrified Robin, the smile on his face completely vanished, and his tone became serious:
"Robin, what's wrong?!"
"Young Miss Robin?!" Sanji's face also changed instantly, his voice tense and worried.
Seeing this, Nami also quickly stepped forward to support Robin, her tone concerned:
"Robin, are you alright? Who exactly is this person?!"
Usopp's heart raced from Robin's reaction, and he stammered:
"Hey, hey, hey, you... why are you so scared?!"
This was the calm and intelligent Robin, yet she showed such a terrified expression?
Zoro's gaze instantly became sharp, his hand already on the wado ichimonji at his waist, ready to draw his sword at any moment.
Sanji's right foot lightly stomped on the ground, his eyes cold.
Lin Ning's gaze was as steady as water, calmly scanning the mysterious person in front of him, his tone calm but with a hint of pressure:
"It seems we've encountered someone extraordinary."
"Hey, hey, don't be so fierce, little guys."
The mysterious man lazily waved his hand.
His tone was so lazy, like he had just woken up, even with a hint of casual teasing.
"I, well, didn't come here under any specific orders.
I just came out for a stroll, to enjoy the sea breeze and the scenery."
"A stroll?" Zoro snorted coldly, his eyes icy:
"Stop lying! You just mentioned 'orders', which organization are you from?!"
As these words fell, Zoro's thumb had already slowly pushed the wado ichimonji out of its sheath, ready to draw and strike at any moment!
"Arara..."
The man still maintained his lazy demeanor, completely ignoring Zoro's Killing Intent.
Just then—
Robin took a deep breath, finally regaining a sliver of rationality.
But her face was still pale, and her voice trembled as she said:
"He... he is an Admiral..."
"Known as—one of the World Government's highest combat powers!"
"Admiral Aokiji of Marine Headquarters!"Chapter 139 Aokiji's Purpose
In the forest, the atmosphere suddenly solidified, and even the air became heavy.
The tall man in the white suit stood idly in the sunlight.
He took off his eye mask and yawned.
But the moment he looked at Robin, her heart sank abruptly.
"Ah, you've really become a clever woman, Nico Robin."
The familiar voice pierced her Soul.
Instantly pulling her thoughts back to that nightmarish childhood.
Her breathing suddenly quickened, cold sweat broke out on her forehead, and her body trembled slightly.
"How could he be here..."
Robin bit her lower lip, forcing herself to calm down.
But the fear in her eyes was impossible to hide.
She slowly spoke, her voice low and heavy:
"Among the Marines, only three hold the title of Admiral."
"Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru."
"Above them all is only Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
"And one of those known as 'the World Government's highest fighting force' is him—Aokiji!"
As soon as these words were uttered, everyone gasped!
Usopp's eyes widened, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
He was almost collapsing to the ground, his voice trembling as he said:
"That... that kind of guy... why is he here?!"
"An... anyway, let's go!!!"
As he spoke, he grabbed Robin's arm, trying to pull her away.
But just then—
Aokiji's gaze suddenly shifted, landing on Nami.
"Hmm?"
Nami shivered, her hairs instantly standing on end, as if she had been targeted by a poisonous snake, a chill running through her heart.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
She forced herself to calm down, gripping her weather egg tightly, ready to fight at any moment!
However, Aokiji put on a serious expression and suddenly said blandly:
"There's also a captivating Young Miss here... Are you free tonight?"
Silence—
The air seemed to become utterly still in that instant!
Everyone was stunned!
The next second—
"Pervert!!!"
Nami's face instantly flushed red with shame and anger, and she directly swung her weather egg, ready to strike!
But Sanji was faster than her!
"What did you say?!"
Sanji's eyes instantly turned fiery, veins bulging on his face, his anger reaching its peak!
"You tall pervert! What did you just say to Miss Nami?!
Try saying it again! I'll kick your head off right now!!!"
Aokiji, however, remained in his lazy demeanor, even waving his hand and sighing helplessly.
"Oh my... I can't stand you guys..."
He yawned and said in a faint tone:
"Did you listen to what I said properly?"
"Didn't I say I was just out for a walk?"
"Besides, you guys are a bit too much, see..."
Lin Ning's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
"What does 'a bit too much' mean?"
Luffy also caught the key phrase, frowning as he asked:
"What 'see'?"
Aokiji scratched his head, saying nonchalantly:
"Oh my... I forgot, never mind."
"Hey!!! Don't be so vague when you speak!!!"
Usopp and Sanji roared almost in unison.
Usopp pointed at Aokiji, stamping his foot in anger:
"What exactly is this guy up to?!"
He suddenly turned to Robin and asked loudly:
"Robin! Did you mistake him for someone else?! How could someone like this be a Marine Admiral?!"
However, before Usopp could finish speaking—
"Slap—!"
Lin Ning slapped the back of Usopp's head!
"I told you to learn Observation Haki properly, but you wouldn't listen!"
Usopp squatted down, holding his head, complaining with a wronged expression:
"Why did you hit me?!"
But at this moment, no one was in the mood to heed his complaints anymore.
Everyone stared intently at the man before them, their hearts racing, their hairs standing on end—
This was Marine Admiral—Aokiji!
One of the World Government's highest fighting forces!
His appearance here was definitely no coincidence!!!
The atmosphere in the forest remained tense, but Aokiji's demeanor showed no tension at all.
He shrugged lazily, sighing softly:
"Hey, hey, how can you look at people like that? That's not very polite."
His tone was like a casual conversation between old friends, completely lacking the authority an Admiral should possess.
Then, he leaned lazily against a rock and continued:
"My principle as a Marine is 'Lazy Justice.'"
Usopp and Sanji exchanged glances and exclaimed:
"It's exactly like your appearance!!!"
Sanji grumbled speechlessly:
"Is there really a form of justice that fits one's personality so perfectly in this world?!"
Aokiji was too lazy to explain, he yawned, rubbed his neck, and suddenly said:
"Anyway... oh, sorry, I'm a bit tired of standing."
With that, he actually lay down directly in front of everyone, resting his head on his arm, casually lying on his side.
Nami's forehead veins bulged, looking at him in disbelief.
"Hey, hey, weren't you just sleeping while standing?!"
Aokiji blinked, saying with a matter-of-fact expression:
"Isn't that normal? People always get lazier and lazier."
Nami: "..."
Everyone: "..."
Is this guy... really a Marine Admiral?!
But Aokiji then sobered his joking expression and slowly spoke:
"I'll be direct."
"I'm not here to capture you, so you can relax."
As soon as he said this, the tension in everyone's hearts eased slightly.
However, before they could fully relax.
Aokiji's next words made their nerves tense up again—
"But... I still need to confirm one thing."
His gaze shifted slightly, falling on Robin.
Robin's heart tightened, her fingertips trembled slightly, but she still tried to remain calm, looking at Aokiji with sharp eyes.
Aokiji continued:
"Nico Robin, who disappeared after the Alabasta incident, I just came to confirm her whereabouts."
"Sure enough... as expected, she is indeed with you."
Robin's eyes instantly became even more terrified, but she didn't respond.
Sanji snorted coldly:
"Tch, this guy, still as lazy as ever."
Usopp swallowed, staring at Aokiji, gritting his teeth:
"But... but then again.
Does his attitude of completely disregarding people also count as an Admiral's demeanor?"
Aokiji ignored them, instead stretching lazily and saying to himself:
"Well, anyway, I still need to write a report for headquarters."
"After adding Nico Robin, your Straw Hat's total bounty will change again."
Everyone was slightly startled, all staring at Aokiji, waiting for his next words.
Aokiji narrowed his eyes, casually counting on his fingers, muttering:
"Two 300 million, one 200 million... plus 79 million... uh..."
He paused, then suddenly showed a confused expression, scratching his head lazily:
"Oh my... never mind, I don't know, well, I'll calculate it later."
"..."
Zoro's temple veins throbbed, and he said with a grim expression:
"Hey, calculate it properly for me!!!"
Aokiji: "..."Chapter 140: War is Imminent
Just then, Luffy, who was standing to the side, could no longer hold back.
His fists clenched, grinding audibly, and the Battle Intent within him burned fiercely like a flame.
Aokiji's relaxed and carefree attitude made him extremely displeased.
He raised his arm, pulled it back sharply, and his rubber arm instantly stretched out!
"Gum-Gum—"
Just at this critical moment—
"Wait a minute!!!"
Sanji's expression changed, and he lunged forward.
He grabbed Luffy's arm and shouted loudly:
"Luffy!!! Calm down!!!"
Luffy's eyes were full of Battle Intent, staring intently at Aokiji, and he growled:
"Sanji! Don't stop me!
This guy is an Admiral! He must be here to capture Robin!"
"I'm going to punch him flying!!!"
But Sanji's face was more solemn than ever; he pressed down on Luffy's hand and whispered:
"Haven't you figured out the situation? This guy is an 'Admiral'!'
"Even if you want to fight, you need to think carefully.
The opponent is the strongest Marine!"
Luffy was stunned for a moment, but he still gritted his teeth, his gaze fixed on Aokiji, and said:
"So what? Are we just going to silently hand Robin over?!"
Meanwhile, Aokiji was still lazily lying on his side on the ground, seemingly unfazed.
The corner of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and he said softly:
"Ara la... As expected, you still can't resist making a move, can you?"
His tone remained calm, but in the depths of his eyes, a dangerous glint flashed.
Aokiji quietly watched the Straw Hat, his gaze deep and cold.
He slowly opened his mouth, his tone still lazy, but with an elusive meaning:
"How should I put this... You and your grandfather.
You're truly cut from the same cloth, Monkey D. Luffy."
As soon as these words were spoken, the already tense air instantly became even heavier.
"Should I say you're uninhibited, or that you're incomprehensible..."
However, these words exploded in Luffy's ears like a clap of thunder—
He suddenly widened his eyes, and beads of cold sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.
He was so nervous he didn't know what to do, his lips trembling slightly as he said:
"Gra... Grandpa..."
Usopp, seeing this, looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked:
"Grandpa? Luffy, what about your grandpa?"
He saw Luffy's face suddenly become incredibly stiff and nervous.
In just a few seconds, sweat was already trickling down his cheeks.
Nami also looked at Luffy in surprise, never having seen him react like this, and couldn't help but ask:
"Hey, Luffy, you're sweating all over! What in the world is going on?"
"No... nothing! Nothing!!"
Luffy waved his hands in a panic, trying to hide his reaction.
But at this moment, his heart was in turmoil.
He thought of his childhood trauma.
Aokiji chuckled and continued:
"Once upon a time, I received a lot of care from your grandfather."
His tone sounded nostalgic, but it made Luffy's heart beat even faster.
Aokiji paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone.
Finally, it landed on Robin, and his voice deepened slightly:
"I didn't come here to capture you all; I just came to see you..."
His gaze was like a knife, falling upon Nico Robin.
"And the Straw Hat's first mate—Lin Ning."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's nerves instantly tightened!
The air seemed to instantly drop to freezing point, and everyone felt a sense of oppression!
Aokiji's gaze slowly turned to Lin Ning, deep as the sea, and he said each word distinctly:
"Luffy, Lin Ning, Zoro... Your names have spread throughout Marine Headquarters."
"Many colleagues... are very interested in you."
Hearing these words, Lin Ning's lips curled slightly, and his eyes met Aokiji's sharply.
"Is that so?"
His voice was calm, without a ripple.
"So what?"
Aokiji narrowed his eyes, silent for a moment, then his tone suddenly turned cold:
"For the stability of this sea..."
His tone became chilling, like a sharp blade about to be drawn from its sheath.
"I think it's better if you all die here now."
—Boom!!!
Aokiji's single sentence instantly solidified the air in the entire forest!!!
An invisible Killing Intent swept out like a storm!
...!!!
Everyone suddenly tensed, their pupils constricted sharply, and they all immediately entered battle stance!
"Tch—"
Zoro excitedly licked the corner of his mouth, revealing a battle-hungry sneer.
"Finally... is it time for war?"
He slowly raised his right hand, gripping the hilt of the sword at his waist, his Killing Intent palpable!
Sanji's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he tapped his toe on the ground, ready to spring into attack at any moment!
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper, however, were wide-eyed with shock.
Cold sweat poured down their foreheads, their bodies trembling instinctively!
They felt that... this lazy man in front of them wasn't just casually joking!
He was truly planning to kill them!!!
Luffy's fists were clenched, his body leaning slightly forward, muscles subtly bulging, and he said in a deep voice:
"Hey, Aokiji! What do you mean by that!!!"
Aokiji's eyes suddenly turned cold, and a meaningful smile slowly formed on his lips.
"Ara la..."
"The meaning is simple."
"You all are too dangerous."
As soon as his words fell—
"Whoosh—!!"
An invisible chill suddenly spread, instantly enveloping the entire forest!!!
The vegetation on the ground instantly froze, and the air temperature plummeted at an astonishing speed!!
Aokiji stood with his hands in his pockets, his expression still lazy.
He didn't care about the Battle Intent emanating from the Straw Hat.
He just spoke quietly, his tone terrifyingly calm:
"The World Government is currently... very focused on you."
His gaze slowly swept over everyone, as if scrutinizing a group of dangerous beasts.
"Thinking about it, your experiences are truly astonishing."
"Although there aren't many of you..."
"But given your growth rate, one day in the future..."
"You might truly become a... 'uncontainable' huge threat."
—Uncontainable!!!
The meaning in Aokiji's words was self-evident—
Their existence had already alerted the World Government!
Lin Ning's eyes narrowed, a sharp glint bursting forth from their depths.
He stared coldly at Aokiji, his voice low and filled with Killing Intent:
"So... you've decided to eliminate the threat early?"
Aokiji, however, remained unhurried, shaking his head slightly, and continued:
"The reason I feel particularly threatened..."
His gaze slowly turned to Nico Robin, who stood among the group, and his tone became exceptionally solemn:
"There's another, and that is—you, Nico Robin!"
Robin's pupils constricted sharply, and her face instantly paled for a moment!
And upon hearing these words, Luffy's anger instantly erupted!
He suddenly took a step forward and roared:
"You really are after Robin!!"
"I will absolutely not allow you to harm her!!