79: Chapter 79 The True Dragon's LairAfter Nami and the others' tireless efforts, the Going Merry finally weathered the storm and reached the edge of the island.Seeing that the island's edge was completely different from before, Nami realized, "So the stormy seas surround this island, as if preventing anyone from approaching.That must be why no one has discovered this place before!" Upon reaching the island, Apis anxiously called out to Dragon Lord, telling him that the dragon's lair had been found.However, Dragon Lord only glanced at her and then closed his eyes again.When Apis learned that Dragon Lord didn't know whether this was truly the dragon's lair, she could only disappointingly inform the others.The others were also disappointed; they had finally made it through the storm, only to find that this might not be the dragon's lair.At this moment, Luffy pointed to the highest peak on the island and said, "Apis, let's go to that summit.From there, we'll definitely see the whole island!"
Everyone agreed that this method was feasible, so they worked together to push the dragon up the mountain.When they reached the halfway point, Apis used her ability to learn from a bird that there was a building with a dragon design at the summit.After everyone's efforts, they finally pushed the dragon to the top.Sure enough, they found a stone gate with a thousand-year-old dragon design.Just as the group was discussing how to get in, Apis noticed that a corner of the dragon's leg was missing.She took off the dragon bone hanging around her neck and compared it, confirming it could fit.Apis solemnly nodded to everyone and stood on tiptoe to place the dragon bone.But as she stood on tiptoe, she realized a serious problem: she was too short and couldn't reach it.Apis could only look pitifully at Luffy.⊙﹏⊙
Seeing this, Luffy reluctantly stepped forward and took the dragon bone from Apis's hands, casually commenting on Apis's height, which annoyed the little girl.Just as Luffy was about to place the dragon bone on it, the ground suddenly collapsed, and everyone cried out and fell down.Luffy quickly grabbed Nami, then picked up Apis and slowly lowered her to the ground.As for Kuina, she had already been protected in Zoro's arms.Once they reached the bottom, they discovered a hidden world below.Looking up at the ceiling, they saw many strange drawings.After studying them, they confirmed one fact: this was not a dragon's lair.Nami's research revealed something astonishing: the real dragon's lair might be on Gunkanjima Island.Luffy walked over, patted Nami's head, and praised her… "Our Nami is so smart!" Nami blushed and lowered her head.Everyone turned away, ignoring this display of affection.Kuina was also whispering to Zoro.Meanwhile, the Dragon Lord opened his eyes and looked at the mural.Suddenly, the Dragon Lord's eyes widened, and Luffy sensed that the Dragon Lord was telling him the Dragon's Lair was indeed on Gunkanjima Island.He immediately decided to lead everyone back to Gunkanjima Island.Suddenly, Zoro drew his sword, and Luffy sensed a murderous aura approaching and quickly assumed a fighting stance.Just as everyone was wondering what was going on, a familiar voice came from above, "Thank you for your explanation.Thanks to your help, I not only found the dragon bones but also the dragon's lair.However, since it's sunk to the bottom of the sea, there's nothing I can do.I guess I'll just have to take that thousand-year-old dragon with me."
Everyone looked up and saw that it was indeed Eric.Apis, hearing that he was going to take Dragon Lord away, stepped forward to stop him.Koby also got into a fighting stance, but Zoro stopped him, saying, "Leave this guy to me.You guys take Dragon Lord back to the ship first."
Usopp asked, puzzled, "We don't even know where the exit is, how are we going to get back to the ship?"
Luffy's lips curled slightly as he unleashed a powerful attack, "Gum-Gum Boomerang," aimed directly at the wall in front of him.
Luffy's fist slammed into the wall, causing it to collapse.Seeing Luffy and his crew about to take Dragon Lord away, Eric immediately jumped down to try and snatch it.Zoro immediately drew his sword and blocked their path.While Zoro was holding Eric back, Luffy and the others pushed Dragon Lord down the hillside.After a thrilling but safe slide, Luffy and his crew finally landed safely on the ground and headed towards the sea.Eric, blocked by Zoro, angrily declared he would teach Zoro a lesson.Seeing Zoro's disdain, Eric became even more enraged.However, his target was the Thousand-Year Dragon, so he unleashed a slash to distract Zoro.Taking advantage of Zoro's distraction, he jumped off the cliff to give chase.Zoro, seeing this, also jumped down.After a chase, Zoro successfully intercepted Eric.On a ruined site, Zoro was about to say something when the commotion caused by Luffy and the others distracted him.Taking advantage of Zoro's distraction, Eric grabbed some sand and hurled it at Zoro's eyes.Zoro couldn't dodge in time and was blinded.Eric seized the opportunity to gather his strength, preparing to kill Zoro in one blow.Meanwhile, Luffy, after a series of twists and turns, finally arrived safely on the Going Merry.Apis, having learned from talking to a bird, realized Zoro was in danger.Following Apis's instructions, Luffy stretched out his arm towards Zoro.As Zoro was struggling with how to deal with Eric, he suddenly felt his neck being grabbed.A sense of foreboding arose, and sure enough, he was rapidly pulled backward."Aaaaaaah!I told you not to do that!"
With a loud bang, Zoro once again crashed spectacularly into the ship's deck."Sorry, Zoro!"
"One day I'll kill you, you bastard."