72: Chapter 72 CP9, Encountering the Iceberg Who Backs DownFranky stared at the gold and silver treasures on the ground, lost in thought.He couldn't understand why Luffy was so certain that he would build him a ship in the future.When Luffy returned to the Going Merry, Nami, unable to bear it any longer, rushed up, grabbed Luffy's collar, and shook him violently."Luffy, what have you done?You just gave away so much money like that!Aren't you afraid he'll run away with the money?"
Luffy chuckled as he comforted Nami, realizing he'd been so focused on showing off that he'd forgotten about Nami, the biggest money-grubber.Just as Luffy was about to get a beating from Nami, Franky suddenly jumped onto the Going Merry and said to the commotion, "Hey, I see you guys don't have anywhere to dock.I happen to have a dock there, and I can also give your ship a thorough inspection."
The Going Merry followed Franky to the dock he mentioned.After Franky carefully inspected the Going Merry, he exclaimed in surprise, "I've seen many ships sailing, but none are as well-maintained as the Going Merry." He asked curiously, "Your ship is in very good condition, so why do you want to change ships?"
"Although our Going Merry is well-maintained, our future journeys will undoubtedly become increasingly perilous.I'm afraid the Going Merry won't hold up, which is why I insisted on changing ships.Of course, we won't abandon the Going Merry, so we need to find a skilled shipwright to add materials from the Going Merry to the new ship," Luffy said, looking at the ship that had accompanied him through countless adventures.Looking at the boy in the straw hat before him, Franky couldn't help but think of his own youth.Back then, he loved shipbuilding, but it was his own stubbornness that led to his master's death.Franky felt increasingly distressed.Not wanting to cry in front of Luffy, Franky turned and walked towards the door, promising Luffy before leaving, "Don't worry, I will use all the money you give me to buy the Adam Tree.Although I won't build you a ship, I will definitely introduce you to a skilled shipwright."
It was quickly past midnight, and everyone was puzzled as Robin hadn't returned.Sanji, thinking she shouldn't know where they were, immediately ran to where the ship had been docked, but it was empty.There was no sign of Robin.The group grew anxious and scattered throughout Water 7 searching for her.Luffy sighed helplessly; had Robin chosen to protect them and go with CP9?The scattered members frantically searched for her.Meanwhile, Luffy and Uta's group discovered a large mansion with a large crowd gathered in front of it, seemingly discussing something.After inquiring, they learned that the mayor of Water 7, Iceberg, had been assassinated, and that Robin was responsible.Uta refused to believe Robin would do such a thing, so he bypassed the crowd and quietly entered the mansion to find Iceberg and demand the truth.Entering the room, they found Iceberg lying weakly on the bed.Luffy explained their purpose and assured him that Robin could not possibly be the murderer.Iceberg struggled to open his eyes, indicating it was impossible, as he had witnessed Robin draw her gun and shoot him.He had also demanded that Luffy hand over Robin.Knowing Robin was being coerced, Luffy refused.Just as everyone was puzzled, a commotion arose outside.It was Chopper and Usopp.They had seen Robin with a group of masked figures at a corner in the city.Seeing Robin was unharmed, the two were about to take her away when they were stopped by the figures.Robin then declared that she was no longer a member of the Straw Hat Pirates and urged Luffy and the others to leave immediately.As she spoke, one of the figures magically opened a door in the wall with his bare hands.Bin followed them inside.The mysterious figure who had been blocking them, seeing that Usopp and Chopper possessed some strength, forced them back and then entered as well, disappearing from the doorway.What they said further solidified Iceberg's resolve to capture Robin.Just as Luffy was at a loss for words, a soft laugh appeared out of nowhere.Immediately afterward, a door materialized in the wall of Iceberg's bedroom, and the mysterious figure Usopp had mentioned, along with Robin, emerged.Robin glanced coldly at Luffy and the others before looking away.The leader of the mysterious figures ignored Luffy and walked straight to Iceberg.Iceberg's expression changed drastically upon seeing the mysterious figures, and he laboriously revealed their identities: CP9.
"It seems Mr.Iceberg understands why we're here today, so I advise you to hand over the blueprints for the ancient weapon as soon as possible, so you can avoid suffering some physical pain."
Iceberg looked frustrated, but remembering the terrifying nature of CP9, he could only helplessly take out an ancient-looking blueprint from a hidden compartment in the bedside table and hand it to the man.The man, having gotten what he wanted, didn't linger and led the others to leave, completely ignoring Luffy and his companions."Hey, I say, are there two holes under your eyebrows or something?Can't you see us?If you don't need it, I suggest you donate it to someone who does, so it doesn't go to waste," Luffy, who hadn't spoken until now, finally spoke.He had felt a powerful aura lock onto him earlier, which disappeared after the masked man handed him the blueprint.Unsure, Luffy stopped the others who were about to ask.The masked man turned to look at him when he heard Luffy speak, assuming the man was too afraid of CP9 to speak, and asked with interest, "So, what do you want?"
"Nothing much, except my partner is in your hands.Please return her to me, otherwise." Luffy assumed a fighting stance, because that aura reappeared.The masked man handed the blueprints to someone behind him, ignoring their attempts to stop him, and also assumed a fighting stance."Looks like there's no point in talking then.Let's not talk at all." With that, Luffy suddenly launched an attack, punching the masked man out of the house and into the yard."Lucci!"The remaining members exclaimed in surprise, drawing their weapons and attacking Luffy.Suddenly, Zoro and Sanji appeared, blocking their attacks.Their masks fell off, revealing their true faces."Kaku, Kalifa, Bruno!How could it be you?How could you possibly be members of CP9?" Iceberg stared wide-eyed in disbelief.He couldn't believe that his colleagues and partners, with whom he spent every day, were members of CP9.The others, however, remained expressionless, ignoring Iceberg's question.Luffy glanced at the group facing off, then leaped down.Before Lucci, for Lucci in his current state, defeating him was an easy task.What truly concerned him was the powerful aura emanating from the figure.He intended to use Lucci to lure this person out.Lucci struggled to his feet, removing his shirt to reveal his muscular upper body.The mask on his face also fell away, revealing his true form.Supported by Chopper, Iceberg reached the window.Upon seeing this, he was struck dumb, as if by lightning.Even his closest colleague had betrayed him."Straw Hat Boy, your strength has indeed reached the point of threatening the World Government," Lucci spat out a mouthful of blood, transforming into his leopard-man form and coldly remarking.