81: Chapter 81 Crossing the Red Earth (Part 1)After bidding farewell to Apis, the Going Merry continued its journey towards the Grand Line with everyone on board.Luffy sat on the goat's head of the Going Merry, looking at the system panel.At this moment, the system issued a notification that the mission was completed: "Ding dong, congratulations to the host for completing the main and side missions.Rewards have been issued.Would the host like to learn the Eight Extremes Collapse?"
"Yes, let's use the summoning opportunity while we're at it."
"Congratulations, host, you have learned to use Eight Extremes Collapse (beginner level, can unleash triple collapse force).Summoning a shikigami for you.Congratulations, host, you have obtained the SSR-level shikigami, Yaodao-hime!Wow, host, your luck is amazing!(⊙o⊙)" Ling'er exclaimed in surprise.Yaodao-hime: A girl wielding a giant demon sword.Originally human, she is inexplicably interdependent with the demon sword.She usually appears somewhat gloomy and rarely speaks to others.But in battle, she transforms into a different person, ruthless and bloodthirsty, no one can escape her demon sword.Luffy was overjoyed to hear that he had summoned an SSR-level demon sword princess, a very powerful shikigami, especially since her initial attributes far surpassed Phoenix Fire's, except for defense.So Luffy excitedly summoned the demon sword princess."Hmm?" Zoro, who was resting with his eyes closed, suddenly sensed an ominous aura and abruptly opened his eyes, drawing his Ame no Habakiri.Coby also immediately drew his twin swords, ready for battle."What's wrong with you two?" the others asked, looking at the two in confusion.The next moment, they understood the reason.A girl wielding a huge katana suddenly appeared in front of Luffy, and the ominous aura Zoro sensed came from the sword in the girl's hand."My lord, the demon sword princess fights for you."
After speaking, Yaodao-hime fell silent, standing quietly in front of Luffy.Luffy rubbed his nose and handed the Awakening Stone to Yaodao-hime.She took the stone and returned to her shikigami space without a word to absorb it."Luffy, that girl was another shikigami you summoned, right?The sword she wielded was very strong," Zoro said, stepping forward with fighting spirit."Yes, the sword she wielded was called 'Great Devouring Demon Pill,' also a demon sword.Just as you said, her sword was very powerful; I estimate it's comparable to a Supreme Grade Sword."
As they were talking, Nami stepped forward and, with a mischievous grin, grabbed Luffy's ear without saying a word.Zoro immediately retreated, not wanting to be accidentally hurt by Nami.Luffy could only coax Nami with a forced smile.Finally, after Luffy's sweet words (writing this gave the author goosebumps), Nami forgave him, tenderly rubbing his reddened ear.At the same time, a strong desire to become stronger sprouted in her heart.It was because of this idea that a few years later, a lightning queen would appear in the New World.But that's another story.Meanwhile, Usopp, who was at the helm in the cabin, noticed that the Going Merry's rudder had become unusually tight, difficult for him to operate.He immediately notified everyone.Before leaving, Luffy called out to Nami, summoned the Demon Sword Princess, pointed at Nami, and said, "From now on, your duty is to protect her and fight for her."
The Demon Blade Princess nodded, transforming into a stream of light and disappearing into Nami's body.Nami was stunned.Luffy smiled calmly, "You're my woman, isn't it only natural for me to be good to you?Right now, the most important thing is to improve your strength." He then took Nami's hand and led her into the cabin.The others in the cabin were already used to this.Nami awkwardly withdrew her hand and walked to the table.Only Sanji looked sullen, but then he seemed relieved.Nami then took out a sea chart and slammed it on the table."We're about to enter the Grand Line, and from the rumors I've heard and the map, to enter the Grand Line, we have to climb over the mountains."
Zoro questioned this, asking how a ship could possibly cross a mountain.Luffy then explained, "I've heard people say that to enter the Grand Line, you have to cross the Red Line.The Red Line is a ring-shaped continent that intersects with the Grand Line, named for its red soil.The point where the Red Line and the Grand Line meet is called Reverse Mountain.To cross the Red Line, you have to ride the Reverse Mountain current."
After listening to Luffy's explanation, Nami added, "Just as Luffy said, to enter the Grand Line, we need to climb the Reverse Mountain current, but it's extremely dangerous.If we're not careful, the Going Merry will crash into the rocks and be smashed to pieces."