"Wait, Luffy!"
Jimbei said, "You can't go like this!"
Hearing this, the Straw Hat Pirates were all taken aback, then frowned together as they looked at Jimbei, clearly not expecting him to say such a thing.
"Why?" Luffy asked, frowning at Jimbei.
"Of course it's because..."
Before Jimbei could finish speaking, he saw Princess Shirahoshi rush onto Megalo's back.
"Megalo, let's go!" Shirahoshi said excitedly, "I'm going to save Father!"
"Huh?!"
Watching the girl and shark shoot into the sky, Jimbei was dumbfounded, then anxiously shouted, "Please wait, Princess Shirahoshi!"
"Stop, Megalo!"
"Shark..."
Hearing the call, Megalo instinctively halted its movement, then turned to look at Jimbei, waiting to hear what he had to say.
"But, Boss Jimbei..." Shirahoshi said tearfully, "Father is still waiting for me to save him..."
Hearing this, Jimbei pursed his lips. Based on his understanding of King Neptune, the king likely wouldn't want Princess Shirahoshi to go rescue him.
After all... Princess Shirahoshi is too timid.
However, Jimbei only said this in his heart and had no intention of voicing it aloud.
Then, he said, "I can understand how you feel, but please wait a moment. Let me finish what I have to say."
"Princess," Hachi said, his face still somewhat pale, looking up at Shirahoshi above, "I also think it's best if you don't go."
"Why?"
"Because what Hody fears most right now is your power!"
"My... power?"
A hint of confusion appeared in Shirahoshi's eyes. What power did she have?
Nami, seeming to understand something, said, "Are you referring to Shirahoshi's ability to summon Sea Kings?"
"Yes..."
Hachi said with a grim expression, "So... as long as Princess Shirahoshi is alive, Hody's dream of building his ideal Fish-Man Island cannot be realized."
Sea Kings of that level are simply not something humans can contend with, which is also why Hody greatly fears Princess Shirahoshi.
"Afraid of Sea Kings destroying Fish-Man Island, huh," Meiser said, stroking his chin. "In that case, Hody's purpose for the live broadcast is probably to lure you over."
And that so-called public execution is likely just a front.
"That bastard is actually targeting Princess Shirahoshi?" Sanji said with a dark expression. "Does he want to take that power for himself?!"
If he really succeeded... it might even be possible to destroy the land.
After all, those Super-Giant Sea Kings are truly terrifying!
"No, he doesn't want to take Princess Shirahoshi's power for himself," Hachi said. "His goal from the beginning has been to kill Princess Shirahoshi, to completely eliminate this power that threatens Fish-Man Island!"
"That's also why he's cooperating with Vander Decken, who's after Princess Shirahoshi's life."
Making all troublesome individuals disappear—that's the nature of Hody's character!
"You hear that, Princess Shirahoshi," Jimbei sighed. "If you go to the plaza, you'll be playing right into Hody's hands."
"Even so, I've never communicated with the Sea Kings before..." Shirahoshi said. "So I can't be sure if I really have this power."
"Yet even so, Hody still wants to eliminate you," Jimbei said. "Because he needs to remove certain unfavorable factors."
He estimated... Hody couldn't confirm whether that incident back then was truly connected to Princess Shirahoshi, but as long as there was even a sliver of possibility, that guy wouldn't let her go.
"How could this be..."
Listening to Jimbei's words, tears welled up once more in Princess Shirahoshi's eyes.
Why did everyone want to kill her?
What had she done wrong?
Seeing Princess Shirahoshi's expression, Jimbei sighed and then said, "Anyway... this matter absolutely must not be known by Hody. We must keep him in fear!"
"That way... my next actions will be much easier."
As long as Hody remained fearful, he would have a chance to rescue King Neptune and the others!
Thinking this, Jimbei nodded.
Then, he considered his next steps, checking for any oversights.
Seeing that Jimbei had stopped speaking, Luffy said, "Are you done talking now?"
"Then... hey, shark, take me to Ryugu Palace!"
"Shark!"
Hearing Luffy's words, the shark nodded and prepared to descend to pick him up.
At that moment, Luffy turned to Meiser and said, "Meiser, I'm leaving that coward to you."
"Alright, no problem."
Meiser nodded, then activated Wood Release to create a Wood Clone.
After doing this, Meiser said, "Take my clone with you, in case you encounter any unexpected situations."
"Okay!"
"I'm going too!" Perona frowned. "I want to see just how that idiot Zoro got himself captured."
Meiser:
Glancing at the Negative Spirits floating around Perona, Meiser fell completely silent.
Wasn't Zoro about to get thoroughly disciplined by Perona?
"Wait a moment," Jimbei, coming back to his senses, said. "Let me finish what I was saying!"
"You're so long-winded."
Luffy looked at Jimbei discontentedly. "Can't you say everything at once?"
Speaking in bits and pieces... how was he supposed to leave?
Jimbei didn't mind Luffy's attitude, instead looking at him seriously and saying, "Luffy, you can't directly confront Hody."
"Why?"
Luffy frowned at Jimbei, clearly not understanding his meaning.
Meanwhile, Chopper, Franky, and Merry, as if realizing something, said in unison, "Is it because we're human?"
Sanji: ???
"How does that sound so strange coming from you guys?"
A cyborg, a reindeer who ate the Human-Human Fruit, a spirit born from a ship... none of them look like humans!
Even Merry, who looks the most human, has a pair of elf ears!
At this moment, Jimbei also broke out in a cold sweat, clearly stunned by these three.
Shaking his head to dismiss some strange thoughts, Jimbei said seriously, "What they said isn't wrong. It's precisely because of that."
"Because you are humans, you can't directly attack Hody. Otherwise, it will only deepen the Fish-men's resentment toward humans."
"So..."
"Jimbei!" Luffy interrupted him, saying, "That guy named Hody captured my crewmate!"
"Not only that, he plans to kill all my crewmates..."
"In that case, how can I just stand by and do nothing?"
Looking at Luffy, who was staring at him seriously, Jimbei said with a headache, "I've said so much, and you still don't understand?"
"What you say is your business, but I'm definitely going!"
"Why are you so unreasonable?"
"Why are you so nagging?" Luffy glared at Jimbei and said, "This time, I'm definitely going!"
"If you want to stop me, just try!"
Hearing this, Jimbei fell silent for a moment before his expression darkened. "It seems words really can't persuade you."
That's right. This guy is Ace's brother, so it's only natural for him to have such a personality.
Thinking this, Jimbei assumed a fighting stance and said, "Luffy, since you insist on having your way... then there's no other choice."
"Come on, let our fists do the talking!"
Now, he would use his fists to make Luffy understand that what he said was right!
"Hey, Luffy, Jimbei." Nami stared at the two in disbelief. "What exactly are you two trying to do?"
Why are they suddenly about to fight?
Weren't they just fine a moment ago!
"Stop it, both of you." Chopper also said anxiously, "Can't we sit down and talk things out?"
Do you really have to resort to violence?
"If this guy Luffy could understand what I'm saying, I wouldn't have to fight him," Jimbei said.
After saying that, he ignored Chopper and the others, focusing intently on Luffy, waiting for his next move.
"I said, I'm going to Ryugu Palace to save my crewmate!"
After saying that, Luffy didn't fight Jimbei but instead turned and rushed toward Megalo nearby.
"Shark, take me to Ryugu Palace!"
"Shark!"
Hearing Luffy's words, Megalo nodded and then swam toward him.
Seeing this, Jimbei sighed inwardly.
It seems... there's no choice but to fight!
With that thought, Jimbei's eyes sharpened, and he launched an attack on Luffy without hesitation.
"Fish-Man Karate · Shark Tile Straight Punch!"
"Whoosh—Boom!!"
The next moment, Luffy, who was several meters away from Jimbei, was blasted away by a shockwave!
"Swish—"
"Boom!!"
In the end, Luffy, who had been sent flying, crashed headfirst into a nearby coral reef, blasting a large hole in it.
"Huh?!"
"He actually knocked Luffy away from a distance?" Merry stared in disbelief at Luffy in the distance. "How did he do that?"
"It must be a shockwave," Sanji said.
"But why would a shockwave make Luffy feel pain?" Nami looked at Luffy, who was lying on the ground crying out in pain, with a surprised expression and said, "Isn't he a Rubber Man?!"
Why would a Rubber Man be hurt by a shockwave?
Could it be... that this shockwave is infused with Haki?
Can shockwaves even be infused with Haki?
"The essence of Fish-Man Karate is compressing the water in the air, using shockwaves to transfer the moisture in the atmosphere into the water inside the body, thereby delivering a special strike!" Jimbei explained with a stern face. "And living beings are composed of water, so even a Rubber Man cannot be immune to such an attack!"
"So that's how it is..."
No wonder Luffy feels pain—his body is being struck by water, of course it hurts!
"It seems that in a way, Fish-Man Karate is quite effective against Devil Fruit Ability Users," Meiser said.
"Exactly!"
Jimbei nodded and said, "That was also one of the original intentions of the predecessors who developed Fish-Man Karate."
Not everyone can learn Armament Haki, so... Fish-Man Karate is the best alternative!
"Dammit!"
Luffy got up from the ground, gritting his teeth as he glared at Jimbei and said, "You really went all out..."
"I already said earlier, let our fists do the talking!" Jimbei shouted. "You're not leaving here, Luffy!"
"Then let our fists do the talking!"
"Second Gear!"
Whoosh! Realizing he couldn't leave smoothly, Luffy decisively activated Second Gear, intending to beat Jimbei into submission first.
The next moment—Whoosh!—Luffy, having activated Second Gear, instantly vanished from his spot.
When he reappeared, he was already right in front of Jimbei.
"Gomu-Gomu Jet Bazooka!"
Boom!!
An incredibly heavy blow struck Jimbei's crossed arms, but it didn't make the man retreat even half a step!
"What?"
Looking at Jimbei, who remained completely unmoved, Luffy was stunned. Did he really withstand his Gomu-Gomu Jet Bazooka?
So this is Jimbei's strength.
"Is this the result of your two years of training?" Jimbei said with a stern face.
"It's not over yet!" Luffy shouted. "Armament Haki... Hardening!!"
Whoosh!
After infusing his fists with Haki, Luffy swiftly charged toward Jimbei.
Seeing this, Jimbei also infused his fists with Haki without hesitation.
"You're staying right here, Luffy!" Jimbei roared.
"No way, don't you dare try to control me!"
Luffy let out a loud shout and then threw his fist forward.
Seeing this, Jimbei said nothing more and raised his own fist to strike.
"Gomu-Gomu..."
"Fish-Man..."
"That's enough!"
"What...?!"
Looking at Nico Robin, who had suddenly appeared between the two of them, both Jimbei and Luffy were dumbfounded.
"Hey, Robin, move aside!"
"Who are you? Get out of the way!"
Appearing between them just as they were about to attack each other... isn't that asking for a beating?!
Seeing this, Sanji immediately rushed forward, shouting, "Miss Robin, it's dangerous!!"
Meanwhile, Meiser, as if he had noticed something, showed a look of surprise.
That is...
Could it be that Robin's Flower-Flower Fruit has already developed the ability to create clones?!
Thinking of this, Meiser quickly said, "Wait, Sanji, that's..."
But unfortunately, before Meiser could finish his sentence, Sanji had already positioned himself between Luffy and Jimbei.
"I'm here~"
As he spoke, Sanji excitedly spread his arms, looking as if he wanted to scoop Robin out of the line of fire between the two.
Seeing this, Robin smiled slightly, then vanished into petals before Sanji could even touch her.
Sanji: ???
Witnessing this scene, Sanji was utterly stunned.
What... what just happened?
Why did Robin turn into petals and disappear?
The next moment—
"Thud!"
"Thud!"
"Thud!"
Luffy and Jimbei's fists landed squarely on Sanji's face, sending him spinning through the air.
Their momentum unchecked, their fists then collided with each other's faces.
Perona: ...
Watching the three idiots with their eyes bulging out, Perona was rendered speechless.
What on earth is going on?
"No fighting, okay?" Robin said with a cheerful smile as she emerged from the forest. "Though I'm not sure what happened, he should be on our side, right?"
"Huh?!"
"Why is Robin coming out of the forest?" Chopper exclaimed in disbelief.
Wasn't Robin just between Luffy and Jimbei a moment ago?
How did she suddenly end up in the forest?
"It's probably some kind of Clone ability," Meiser said, his lips twitching.
The reason he hadn't acted to save Robin earlier was that he had spotted her figure in the forest.
So Meiser had guessed that the Robin between Luffy and Jimbei might be a Clone or something similar.
But before he could finish speaking, Sanji had already charged in. It was really...
"Huh?!"
"Clone?!"
Merry stared in shock at Nico Robin as she approached and said, "Robin, do you have a Clone ability now too?"
"Yes, that's right."
Nico Robin nodded with a smile. "I've also developed a Clone ability now."
Although the Clones she developed couldn't match Meiser's in terms of formidable combat power...
...they were still quite useful for gathering information.
"So amazing!"
"So, what's going on here now?"
Glancing at the three lying on the ground, Nico Robin asked in confusion, "Why are those two fighting?"
According to Jimbei, wasn't he supposed to be Luffy's friend?
"Well..."
The group exchanged glances, momentarily at a loss for how to explain the situation.
"Simply put, Luffy wants to go after Hody, the guy who dared to pick a fight with us, but Jimbei has some reason for not wanting him to go," Meiser explained. "So they ended up fighting over their disagreement."
Hearing this, Nico Robin fell silent for a moment, then pieced together what she needed from the limited information.
She nodded and said nothing more.
Perona: ???
Perona stared at Nico Robin in astonishment. Did this woman actually understand all that?
"Hey, are you three okay?!" Chopper asked anxiously. "Are you badly hurt?"
"N-no... I'm fine..."
Sanji, trembling on the ground, raised a hand and said, "Even though I only protected Miss Robin's Clone...
...it was still worth it..."
Perona: "..."
This guy is truly hopeless.
"Gotta say, Sanji is really tough," Meiser remarked, stroking his chin.
To be hit by attacks infused with Armament Haki from two experts and still be completely fine... you really have to admit, his durability is impressive!
Hearing this, Nami gave Meiser a helpless look. Was this guy focusing on the wrong thing?
Meanwhile, Chopper checked Sanji's condition and sighed in relief after confirming he was truly unharmed. "It's good that you're okay," he said, then turned to head toward Jimbei and Luffy to check on them, but Jimbei raised a hand to stop him.
"I'm fine."
Jimbei shook his head at Chopper, then looked at Luffy and said, "Luffy, think carefully about this."
"What kind of situation would arise if people like you caused trouble on Fish-Man Island?"
"Every time the Fish-Man race tries to open their hearts to humans, they are always hindered by humans..."
After a pause, Jimbei swept his gaze over everyone present and continued, "You should all remember what I said earlier."
"Humans discriminate against and despise the Fish-Man race..."
"These accumulated past events have firmly rooted feelings of inferiority in the hearts of Fish-Men."
"And that is the reality!"
"Take Arlong's case, for example," Jimbei said gravely. "Many Fish-Men on Fish-Man Island believe that Arlong was hunted by humans precisely because he was a Fish-Man."
"In such a situation, what would happen if you, who defeated the Arlong Pirates, clashed with Hody?"
"Even if the Fish-Man race survives this crisis, it won't change their current predicament."
"After all... you are humans!"
"Your victorious stance would remind the Fish-Men of that terrible past. In that case, the efforts of Queen Otohime and others might..."
"Jimbei..."
Looking at this Fish-Man who had always been thinking of Fish-Man Island, Shirahoshi's eyes welled up with tears.
For Fish-Man Island to have someone like him was truly a blessing.
"Even so..." Sanji, lying on the ground, lit a cigarette and stood up to face Jimbei. "Jimbei, it's only natural for us to rescue our captured comrades!"
"Besides... if we do nothing, Fish-Man Island will fall under Hody's control. Then our friends on the island would be in danger."
"After all, they are all Fish-Men who befriend humans!"
After a pause, Sanji turned to Hachi and said, "Hey, Hachi."
"Your injuries were caused by Hody, right?"
"He hurt you because you're friendly with us... isn't that it?"
"Gurgle..."
Hearing Sanji's words, Hachi's expression grew complicated.
He had indeed been injured by Vander Decken under Hody's orders for this very reason.
At the time, he had tried to persuade Hody not to attack Ryugu Palace and to avoid provoking the Straw Hat Pirates.
But in the end...
"Hachi, is that really true?" Camie asked anxiously.
Nami also wore a complicated expression. Had Hachi been injured for this reason?
"This...
"Not willing to answer, huh." Sanji nodded and said, "It's fine, we know it anyway."
Then, Sanji looked at Jimbei and said, "Jimbei, for Luffy and Meiser, this is your country and also one of the reasons they are fighting."
You, who have faced life and death alongside Luffy and Meiser, have long forged an unbreakable bond of friendship with them."
"So... we can't just ignore this island, because we have our own reasons to fight!"
Seeing Sanji's earnest expression, Jimbei fell silent.
So that's how it is...
But before he could say anything, he noticed Sanji's eyes had turned into hearts.
"That's right!"
"This island has Miss Camie, Miss Shirahoshi, and so many beautiful merfolk ladies!" Sanji said, wriggling his body. "This is practically my dream mermaid paradise, so I absolutely must lend a hand!"
"Hahahaha~"
Nami:
Watching Sanji wriggling nonstop, Nami's face showed an exasperated expression.
He was so serious just moments ago, and the next second he turns into this... This idiot really hasn't changed a bit.
Meiser also gave Sanji a helpless glance before turning to Jimbei. "Jimbei, Sanji is right. We can't just stand by and watch things happen without doing anything."
"After all, this is our friend's country, isn't it!"
If that guy Hody really takes over Fish-Man Island, their friends will be executed by him!
So... there's no way they could do nothing!
Moreover, that bastard captured their crewmate, so... they absolutely won't let this damned New Fish-Man Pirates get away with it!
Hearing this, Jimbei looked at Meiser, then at the others, and noticed their expressions were surprisingly unified.
They... all felt this way!
"You understand now, Jimbei," Luffy said, stepping in front of Jimbei with a serious tone. "So get out of my way. I'm going to Ryugu Palace!"
Jimbei didn't answer immediately. He carefully considered for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I can't just let you go like that."
Luffy: !!!
They had made themselves so clear, and Jimbei still wouldn't let him go?
Did this guy even understand what needed to be done now?!
At this thought, veins bulged on Luffy's forehead in anger.
"In that case, I'll just knock you away first!" Luffy roared.
"You reckless fool! No matter how many times you come at me, I'll face you!"
"Then try it!"
"Bring it on!!!"
Watching the two glaring at each other, Shirahoshi reached out a hand. "Um... Father's life is about to..."
"Could you please..."
"I know time is tight, but you need to hear me out," Jimbei said.
If they rushed into battle without a plan, things could spiral out of control.
Seeing Jimbei's anxious expression, Meiser asked, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"About this operation, of course!"
After a pause, Jimbei took a deep breath and said, "Hey, Luffy, let me ask you: what is our relationship?"
"Is that even a question?" Luffy replied without hesitation. "We're friends!"
"Friends who have faced life and death together!"
After recalling the events the three of them had experienced together two years ago, Luffy nodded firmly once more.
Two years ago, Jimbei had truly helped him a great deal!
"That's right, friends." Jimbei nodded, then continued, "It's precisely because of this kind of simplistic relationship that the ties between the Fish-Man race and humans have remained strained for so many years."
"Otherwise, the Fish-Man race would have long since completely severed relations with humans."
After saying this, Jimbei paused briefly before continuing, "The reason I previously had someone advise you not to confront Hody directly was also to encourage you to use strategy rather than rushing into battle. Otherwise, things could escalate to an unpredictable level."
"Strategy?"
Luffy tilted his head and looked at Jimbei. What was that?
Upon hearing this, the other members of the Straw Hat Pirates broke into a cold sweat. Asking Luffy to learn strategy... wasn't that a bit too much to ask of him?
That guy couldn't possibly think of such things.
"That's right, strategy!" Jimbei nodded earnestly. "If you simply defeat the Hody Pirates, you'll only be seen by the Fish-men on the island as no different from the violent humans of the past!"
"What you need to do isn't just that—you must become the heroes who save Fish-Man Island!"
Although revealing Meiser's identity outright would solve this problem, as he had thought before, doing so would create even bigger issues!
So Jimbei decisively abandoned that idea and chose to continue with the original plan.
"Heroes?"
Luffy thought about the meaning of those two words, then shook his head and said, "I don't want to!"
"Huh?"
Jimbei stared blankly at Luffy. Why would this guy say something like that?
He was doing it for Luffy's own good!
"We're pirates!" Luffy declared. "Even though I like heroes, I don't want to become one!"
"I think Meiser probably feels the same way."
Hearing Luffy's words, Meiser, who had his arms crossed, showed a helpless expression and said, "Being a hero... is indeed a bit troublesome."
People would treat him with strange attitudes, making him feel unnatural, so...
"Huh?"
"Why are you like this too?"
Looking at Meiser, who agreed with Luffy, Jimbei was dumbfounded once more.
Why did neither of them want to be heroes?
Was that reasonable?
"Hey, Jimbei!" Luffy said, looking at him. "Do you even know what a hero is?"
"What is it?" Jimbei instinctively asked.
"For example, let's say I have a piece of meat in my hand right now," Luffy explained. "As pirates, we'd use it to throw a feast, but a hero would have to share it with everyone!"
"I love eating meat, so I don't want to share it!"
Jimbei: ???
Wait, what kind of strange reasoning was that?
"What kind of standard is that?" Perona complained. "Who uses meat as an analogy?"
"Maybe that's just Luffy for you," Nico Robin said with a laugh.
Using meat as an analogy perfectly suited Luffy's personality. "So what you're saying is..." Jimbei seemed to understand something. "You're concerned about the meat?"
"That's right!"
"Then the meat can be yours to eat, but you have to do as I say."
"Understood!"
Jimbei: —
Looking at Luffy, who agreed without hesitation, Jimbei was left utterly speechless.
If only he had known it would be this simple, he wouldn't have needed to fight this guy at all.
He could have just told him he could have the meat!
Thinking about it made Jimbei's head hurt.
"Really fits Luffy's character, doesn't it?" Meiser said with a twitch of his mouth.
Once he knew he could have the meat, he agreed immediately. This...
"Anyway... it's good that you agreed."
Not understanding what was going on with Luffy, Jimbei decisively gave up on thinking about it.
"Tell us your plan, Jimbei," Meiser said.
"Alright."
Jimbei nodded and then explained, "Simply put, after I ask for your help, you just come to my aid."
"Ask for help?"
"Yes."
Jimbei elaborated, "Later, Megalo and I will intentionally get captured by them. That way, we can take the opportunity to enter the plaza."
"And you all will take advantage of us drawing their attention to quietly come out of Megalo's mouth, find a chance, and steal the Celestial Dragon letter that Hody and the others have."
"Letter?"
A question mark popped up above Luffy's head. "What's that?"
"You were asleep earlier, so you don't know about this," Nami explained. "It's a signed letter that Queen Otohime risked her life to obtain ten years ago. It's very important to Fish-Man Island, so it absolutely must be stolen."
After saying this, Nami paused, then smiled at Jimbei and said, "Leave that to me."
As a professional, handing this kind of task to her was no problem at all!
"Good."
Jimbei nodded, then continued, "Next is the key to the chains binding King Neptune..."
"Could you please steal that too?"
"No problem," Nami nodded. "Leave it to me."
The Celestial Dragon's signed letter is in the hands of that particularly distinctive-looking Fish-man, so... the key should also be in some nearby Fish-man's pocket.
"But what if they attack directly?" Shirahoshi asked anxiously.
"Leave it to me," Meiser said. "I'll use Wood Release to protect them."
"Is that okay?"
Jimbei looked at Meiser with concern. "If you take action, won't it..."
"Don't worry, no one will know it's me," Meiser smiled. "Others will just think it's a Wood Release Fruit user."
"That's good then," Jimbei sighed in relief.
If that's the case, then he had no problem with it.
"But how do we hide?" Merry raised her hand and asked. "Even if we come out quietly, we'll be discovered by the enemy, right?"
"Leave that to me," Nami said. "I can create a Mirage to conceal our location."
"That's perfect," Jimbei smiled. "Then everything is foolproof."
After saying this, Jimbei paused, then continued, "After we rescue His Majesty the King, I will ask for your help. At that time, Luffy, you can walk out of Megalo's mouth openly."
"Then the citizens of Fish-Man Island will know we are fighting side by side. This way, we can completely ease the relationship between humans and the Fish-Man race."
"Hmm, not a bad plan," Meiser nodded.
At the very least... this approach can achieve the effect Jimbei wants.
"Alright, then it's settled," Jimbei said. "Aside from those participating in this plan, everyone else must immediately head to Ryugu Palace to rescue the three who were captured."
"Once they're saved, gather at the square right away."
"As for how to rescue our comrades from Ryugu Palace..."
"Figure it out yourselves."
Sanji: ???
"Is this plan really that slapdash, you bastard?" Sanji roared, his mouth gaping like a shark's. "Can't you be a bit more serious?"
Jimbei looked somewhat embarrassed at the remark, then replied, "But with Meiser here, something like this shouldn't be difficult. Using the Clone Technique and Water Release Technique, he can easily rescue those inside Ryugu Palace."
As for whether they'd be discovered by the New Fish-Man Pirates guarding Ryugu Palace...
If they really did uncover Meiser's presence... then they'd just have to be eliminated!
Though he cared deeply for his fellow Fish-men, that didn't mean he would forgive all thugs!
"Hmm, leave it to my clone," Meiser said, pointing to the clone he had just created. "With him here, rescuing them shouldn't be a problem."
"As for how to get to Ryugu Palace..."
Meiser turned to look at Merry and asked, "Merry, can your Power of Wind lift the Thousand Sunny right now?"
Merry tilted her head in thought, then glanced at the Thousand Sunny and said, "I haven't tried it yet, but I can give it a shot."
With that, Merry activated the power of the wind, carefully wrapping it around the underside of the pirate ship.
The next moment...
"Hummm..."
"Boom!!"
Propelled by the Power of Wind, the Thousand Sunny gradually lifted off the ground and rose into the air!
"Wow, the Thousand Sunny is really flying!" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he stared at the ship. "Merry, you're amazing!"
"Merry can even do something like this?" Chopper also stared at Merry in astonishment. "That's incredible!"
Didn't this mean... their pirate ship could fly through the sky from now on?
At the thought, Chopper grew excited.
"Hehehe~" Merry, praised by her crewmates, broke into a happy smile.
"You all really surprise me," Jimbei said, swallowing hard. "Even a little girl can do something like this... it's truly..."
"I'm no ordinary little girl," Merry replied with a laugh. "I'm a Ship Spirit!"
At those words, Jimbei's expression shifted to one of shock, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head.
"A Ship Spirit?!"
"Really?"
This adorable-looking little girl was actually the legendary Ship Spirit?
That was simply unbelievable...
"It's true," Merry said, smiling.
Jimbei fell silent for a moment, then sighed with emotion. "You all really are an astonishing crew."
Having so many strange and unusual crewmates was one thing, but now they even had a Ship Spirit... truly unbelievable!
Hearing Jimbei's heartfelt words, the Straw Hat Pirates burst into laughter.
Yes, they were indeed that kind of astonishing crew!
"What's a Ship Spirit?" Shirahoshi asked, puzzled.
It was the first time she had ever heard such a term.
"I'll explain it properly after the battle is
over," Meiser said.
"Understood, Lord Meiser."
"Then the operation plan is settled," Sanji nodded.
"Right!"
"Hmm?"
Noticing Jimbei's slightly troubled expression, Sanji asked, "What's wrong?"
"We haven't named the operation plan yet..."
"We don't need that kind of thing!"
Seeing Sanji's shark-like open mouth, Jimbei fell silent for a moment before saying, "I think the operation name is quite important. How about—"
"Not needed!!!"
"Hahahaha!"
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