Chapter 142: Enel and the Straw Hats (Part 2)
"Ace is really strong. When we were kids, I never won a single fight against him. I kept getting beaten up. But if we meet now, I'll definitely be the winner!" Luffy raised his arms with a proud grin.
"Impossible!" Usopp, Chopper, and Nami shouted together.
"And this isn't even about whether you could beat him. Luffy, if your brother really is that man, you wouldn't stand a chance against him with your current strength," Nami said seriously.
"This woman is right. If you were an enemy right now, you wouldn't even be able to stand in front of Captain Ace." Enel reappeared in a flash of lightning, bringing Sanji and Robin with him.
"Luffy!" Sanji and Robin, though safely delivered, kept a close eye on Enel, clearly wary of his power.
"Nami-swaaan!~" Sanji rushed to Nami's side, fawning over her as usual. Then he turned to Usopp and Chopper. "Hey, you guys are here too."
"We've always been with you, idiot!" Usopp and Chopper yelled.
Robin covered her mouth with a light laugh, but she and Sanji remained cautious. Enel's abilities were clearly dangerous, and they weren't about to let their guard down.
Enel ignored their wariness. He raised his hand and vanished once again in a bolt of lightning.
"Nami, what were you guys talking about?" Robin asked.
"Luffy's brother," Nami said, still incredulous. "Robin, did you know that Luffy has a brother—and not just anyone! He's Portgas D. Ace! That man just now is Ace's partner."
"I see," Robin replied, now understanding why Enel had intervened to help them. Everything made sense now.
"Wait, how do you all know Ace? Do you know him too?" Luffy looked confused.
"You guys really need to read the news more," Nami sighed. "Your brother, the one known as 'Fire Fist' Ace, is one of the most famous pirates in the world now. His bounty's over 1 billion Berries."
"1 billion?!" Luffy's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"To be precise, it's 1.45 billion," Robin added.
Most people in the first half of the Grand Line only got scattered news about the New World. Nami knew of Ace through newspaper headlines. Robin, however, had once led Baroque Works' intelligence network, giving her access to far more detailed information.
Robin sat down, resting her chin on her hand. "In the last year, 'Fire Fist' Ace has become one of the most dazzling names on the sea. He escaped a joint pursuit by two Navy Admirals, claimed his own territory in the New World, and joined forces with none other than Whitebeard. He's now someone even the World Government hesitates to provoke."
She continued, "Right now, Ace's strength is likely comparable to that of a Navy Admiral."
"An Admiral..." The Straw Hats all tensed. They immediately recalled Admiral Aokiji, whom they had encountered not long ago on the uninhabited island past Long Ring Long Land. His overwhelming power had left them shaken.
That encounter had inspired Luffy to develop new battle strategies—like Gear Second and Gear Third.
"Wow... Ace has really become that strong!" Luffy grinned. Then his expression turned serious. "Then I can't fall behind. I've got to become stronger too."
BOOM!
Another bolt of lightning struck, and Enel returned again—this time with Zoro.
"Alright, the gang's all here!" Luffy exclaimed. Then he blinked. "Wait... What were we supposed to do next again?"
"That's what we're asking you, idiot captain!" Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper all shouted.
Robin chuckled softly. It was clear she hadn't completely warmed up to her new crew, but she was getting there.
"Huh? You're asking me?" Luffy scratched his head, then turned to Enel. "Hey, lightning guy! We met some people earlier who said this island is their homeland. Can we give it back to them?"
"You mean the Shandians?" Enel raised an eyebrow. "Sure, I was planning to leave this place soon anyway."
"Really?! That's awesome!" Luffy ran up and hugged Enel enthusiastically. He gave a big thumbs-up to the others. "I knew Ace's partner would be a good guy!"
Everyone else: "..."
"Oh, right!" Luffy looked back at Enel. "We're also looking for the Golden Bell. I promised an old man down below that I'd ring it for him. Do you know where it is?"
"Of course. It's up there," Enel said, pointing to the top of the giant beanstalk that stretched high into the clouds.
"Great!" Luffy beamed at his crew. "Alright, everyone! Let's go ring that bell!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics