196Chapter 1untdown to Dawn! The Shadow Gathering Ground and the Tyrant's Arrival
Chapter 197 The Countdown to Dawn! The Shadow Gathering Ground and the Tyrant's Arrival
It was accompanied by a deafening roar.
The massive body of the ancient demon Oz crashed heavily into the ruins, unable to move any further.
Just as Oz completely lost his ability to move.
The black shadow that had been forcibly stuffed into his body seemed to break free of some kind of restraint, and suddenly burst out from the demon's gaping maw.
It transformed into a streak of black light, rushing straight towards the unconscious Luffy not far away, and quickly disappearing beneath his feet.
Luffy's shadow has finally returned to its master's body.
However, the battle did not end there.
Standing beside the wrecked cockpit, Moria witnessed the fall of his strongest warrior.
His pale face was completely contorted with anger and resentment, and he descended into hysterical madness.
Moria stumbled and staggered up the ruins of the tallest tower nearby.
Facing the night wind, he suddenly spread his arms wide, like a desperate bat, and let out a piercing roar at the exhausted Straw Hat crew below:
"You newbies... don't be so arrogant!"
"Don't think you can beat me just because you defeated Oz!"
Moria's voice, hoarse and strained with madness, cried out: "In the true world of pirates, despair is yet to come!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Moria slammed his hands down on the bricks beneath him.
"The Gathering Place of Shadows!"
In an instant, the entire terror ship seemed to come alive.
All the shadows on the island, including those that were taken and stuffed into the bodies of zombies.
Even the intangible, wandering spirits in the forest rose up from the ground at this moment!
Hundreds of dark figures transformed into a terrifying black tornado.
Whistling and swirling, it continuously poured into Moria's obese body.
Even the shadows beneath the Straw Hat crew's feet were pulled by this powerful suction, with some of the shadows flying uncontrollably toward Moria.
Moria actually managed to forcibly absorb a full thousand shadows into his body!
His body began to swell wildly in a nauseating way.
In the blink of an eye, Moria transformed into a gigantic, deformed, dark shadow monster.
His thick arms were several times thicker than his thighs, and his neck was so thick that it was almost connected to his head.
"roar--!!!"
Losing his mind, Moria let out a superhuman roar, and his huge fist slammed down without any order or strategy.
"Boom!"
It was just a simple punch.
That earth-shattering power actually cleaved half of the main castle in two!
Gravel and dust filled the air.
But the price of forcibly accommodating a thousand shadows is devastating.
Moria's body was clearly unable to withstand such a huge mental and physical burden.
Although he possessed unparalleled destructive power, he completely lost his mind, and crimson blood began to flow uncontrollably from his seven orifices.
The person is like an overinflated balloon, in danger of bursting and dying at any moment.
Moria's frenzied destruction inadvertently produced a fatal consequence.
The thick black fog that had blocked the sky above the island gradually dissipated under the violent shockwave.
On the eastern horizon, the first rays of golden sunlight, like a sharp sword, pierced through the long-standing darkness and silently bathed this cursed land.
Dawn breaks.
But for the Straw Hat crew, who have lost their shadows, this is a fatal countdown.
The golden morning light shone mercilessly on Zoro, Sanji, Robin, and the others.
"Ugh!" Zoro gritted his teeth and let out a painful groan.
Under direct sunlight, puffs of white smoke began to rapidly rise from their skin.
The edges of the flesh were like paper scorched by high temperature, slowly turning into ashes and scattering in the wind.
Viktor stood amidst the ruins, his left arm exposed to the sunlight, his fingertips beginning to peel away, turning to black ash.
Viktor endured the excruciating pain as his body dissipated.
He stared intently at the grotesque monster above him, which was going berserk, pointed at Moria's bloated belly, and roared:
"His stomach is like a balloon stretched to its limit right now!"
"Pour all your power into it! Make him spit out the shadow!!"
Hearing Victor's shout, Nami rushed to Luffy's side, shaking his shoulders frantically.
Luffy! Wake up!
"Everyone's disappearing! Wake up!!!"
As if he had heard his comrades calling him, Luffy suddenly opened his eyes.
He struggled to his feet, panting heavily.
What came into view was the horrific sight of Zoro, Sanji, Robin, and the others gradually turning to ashes in the sunlight.
Luffy's eyes instantly became incredibly determined.
"Ah! I don't understand what's going on! But as long as we knock that guy away, that should be enough!"
Without the slightest hesitation, he put his thumb directly into his mouth and bit it hard.
He then took a deep breath, frantically blowing a large amount of air into his bones.
"Second gear! Shift to third gear!"
Luffy's body instantly turned bright red, and steam rose from it.
At the same time, his right arm swelled up like an inflating balloon into an enormous giant arm.
The high-speed flow of blood and the enlargement of bones combine perfectly at this moment.
"Rubber, rubber—"
On the other side, Victor took a deep breath.
He gripped the hilt of the black sword Qiushui tightly with both hands, and a blinding blue lightning bolt instantly erupted on the dark blade.
Under the extreme transformation of chakra, this high-voltage lightning transformed into a huge, incredibly sharp lightning blade, tens of meters long.
"Lightning Release: Absolute Slash!"
The two unleashed their strongest attacks at the same time.
"Giant Jet Cannon!!!"
Luffy's enormous red fist, imbued with extreme speed and terrifying power, and Victor's massive lightning blade, tens of meters long, capable of tearing through the air.
One on the left, one on the right, they transformed into two beams of destructive light.
They bombarded Moria's enormous belly, which had expanded to its limit, without reservation!
"boom---!!!"
A deafening roar, like the sky collapsing and the earth splitting apart, resounded through the sky, and the terrifying shockwave flattened everything around it.
"Ughh...
Moria's bloated body could no longer withstand the terrifying force that was penetrating from the outside.
His eyes bulged out, his blood-red mouth opened wide, and he let out a shrill scream.
A thousand black shadows, like a black waterfall bursting from a dam, gushed out of Moria's mouth.
They transformed into countless black meteors, flying in all directions.
Just as Zoro, Sanji, and the others were about to turn half of their bodies into ashes in the sunlight, in the last second...
Several black shadows descended from the sky, accurately connecting back to their respective feet.
As the shadows returned, the white smoke rising from everyone instantly dissipated.
Those bodies that had turned to ashes and scattered were miraculously reshaped and restored to their original state under the sunlight.
"Bang."
It has lost the support of all shadows.
Moria's massive body deflated rapidly, like a punctured balloon.
It finally collapsed with a roar, crashing heavily into the rubble and losing consciousness completely.
The entire Ghost Island finally welcomed the true dawn.
The warm and bright sunlight shone down on the earth without obstruction, dispelling all the gloom and cold.
Exhausted, the entire Straw Hat crew could no longer support themselves and collapsed in the ruins, panting heavily and enjoying the sunshine that brought them back from the brink of disaster.
"Ugh! I'm exhausted!" Usopp complained loudly, then lay down on the ground.
Rasu followed suit, and although he did nothing, he still imitated his master by lying on his back with his four legs in the air.
Afterwards, everyone collapsed to the ground, exhausted. After all, this battle was incredibly taxing for them, being monsters.
"Finally...it's over..."
Nami let out a long sigh of relief and wiped the cold sweat from her forehead.
She turned her head and looked at Viktor, who was also panting beside her, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Nami was about to reach out to help Viktor sit down and rest.
However, the moment she reached out her hand...
Viktor's previously relaxed pupils suddenly contracted.
It was a sense of oppressive despair.
Viktor suddenly looked up, staring intently ahead.
Noticing Viktor's unusual behavior, everyone braced themselves and followed his horrified gaze upwards.
Directly in front of them, at the highest point of that dilapidated section of the city wall.
Bathed in the warm morning light, a tall, imposing man suddenly appeared, standing silently.
It was a terrifying man who was nearly seven meters tall and had a burly, bear-like physique.
He was wearing a bear-ear hat with a spotted pattern.
He was holding a thick Bible in his hands.
The man looked down at the Straw Hat crew below, his face expressionless, like an emotionless machine.
He slowly raised his hand and took off the glove on his right hand.
In the palm of his hand, a fleshy pad resembling an animal's flesh ball was clearly visible.
The man slowly opened his mouth, his deep, even voice echoing softly in the ruins that had just begun to quiet down:
"It seems that Moonlight Moria has truly been defeated."
"So..."
The man paused, his tone remaining calm and composed:
"If you were to travel, where would you... like to go?"
Upon seeing the iconic attire and the Bible, Victor frowned.
Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!
The morning breeze ruffled his black coat, and the thick Bible in his hand looked incredibly solemn in the morning light.
He simply stood there, without making any aggressive gesture.
But the terrifying pressure from the top experts of this sea descended upon us as if it were a tangible force.
Having just survived a near-death battle, everyone was at their absolute physical limit.
At this moment, another Shichibukai who was still in his prime appeared.
"ah..."
Usopp looked at the terrifying figure on the city wall and let out a desperate cry.
His legs buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, covering his face with his hands and shouting:
"Another one?! This is never going to end!!"
"I can't go on, let me die..."
However, in this desperate situation...
"Zheng".
A soft clang of a knife.
Zoro gripped the Wado Ichimonji scabbard tightly at his waist, using the scabbard to support himself on the ground, and shakily struggled to his feet.
He was covered in blood and his strength was completely exhausted, but the fighting spirit in his single eye had not been extinguished.
Zoro didn't turn around; he simply stood with his back to Luffy and Victor, his voice low and hoarse:
"Luffy, Victor..."
"You two must be exhausted from fighting just now."
"Leave the rest to me."
Upon hearing this, the rubble in the nearby ruins was kicked away.
Sanji slowly stood up.
He casually tossed the cigarette he was holding onto the ground and crushed it with his leather shoe.
Sanji snorted coldly, his tone carrying his usual sarcasm:
"Green algae head, you should know when to be cool."
"At a time like this, how can we let you steal the spotlight all by yourself?"197Chapter 1am of the Crimson Lotus! A Gentle Tyrant and a Tacit Escape
Chapter 198 The Steam of the Crimson Lotus! A Gentle Tyrant and a Tacit Escape
Although the dawn brought light, it could not dispel the shadow of death that shrouded everyone's hearts.
Sanji's eyes, hidden by his blond hair, were fixed on Kuma, and he said coldly:
"If you want to touch our captain, you'll have to step over our dead bodies first."
Faced with the two key players' unwavering determination to fight to the death.
Viktor, who had been standing at the rear, displayed an unusual composure.
Seeing his comrades looking on with alarm, Viktor silently closed his eyes and cut off his chakra supply.
He shut down his Mangekyou Sharingan, which had been consuming a great deal of energy, and restored it to ordinary black eyes.
In this desperate situation.
Everyone present knew the true identity of the man on the city wall.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Tyrant Kuma.
But this was just a facade he used to deceive others.
His true identity is that of a high-ranking officer in the Revolutionary Army, and also a close friend of Luffy's father, Monkey D. Dragon.
She is an incredibly tragic character.
"This guy, Kuma, is only here on orders from the World Government to eliminate the witnesses to Moria's defeat."
Viktor silently calculated in his mind, his eyes deep:
"He had no intention of killing us at all."
"But he needs a reason to explain himself to the world government."
"In that case... let me give you a way out, senior of the Revolutionary Army."
Having made up his mind, Viktor strode forward.
He bypassed Zoro and Sanji, using his own body to shield his two wounded companions behind him.
Without turning his head, he lowered his voice and spoke quickly in a volume only the three of them could hear:
"Zoro, Sanji, get ready."
Zoro and Sanji were visibly taken aback upon hearing this seemingly random statement.
They had no idea what earth-shattering plan this usually unfathomable vice-captain was plotting when facing a Shichibukai at his peak.
But the absolute trust forged through life and death along the way surpasses all words.
Neither of them raised any questions.
He immediately mustered the last bit of strength in his body, tensing his muscles to the limit, and replied in a deep voice:
"clear."
Viktor took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill his lungs.
The next second, he raised his hands, and his ten fingers instantly transformed into dazzling afterimages.
In a series of complex hand seals.
Two completely different types of chakra simultaneously coalesced within Viktor's body.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
With a low shout, the earth trembled violently.
In the foul-smelling moat surrounding the castle, a large amount of seawater was being forcibly drawn away by an invisible, immense force.
"roar--!"
The water surged skyward, converging and twisting in mid-air, transforming into a gigantic, menacing, roaring water dragon.
With immense force, it hurtled towards the sky above the two of them.
Immediately afterwards, Viktor switched hand seals.
His chest bulged high, he tilted his head back, and towards the direction of the water dragon in the sky, he spewed out terrifying flames as turbulent as a tsunami.
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!
An extraordinary steam explosion occurred at this moment.
The intense heat and flames collided violently with the enormous water dragon in mid-air without any buffer.
"laugh----!!!"
The deafening explosion instantly reverberated through the sky.
The raging fire extinguished the terrifyingly high temperature.
The enormous water dragon, formed from tons of seawater, was completely evaporated the moment it came into contact with the water.
The collision of water and fire unleashed an unimaginable burst of high-temperature white steam.
The steam surged forth like a reversed avalanche, spreading wildly in all directions with tremendous force.
In the blink of an eye, a thick white fog that blotted out the sky completely swallowed up the ruins within a radius of several kilometers.
The whole world was plunged into a vast, dark expanse where no one could see their own hand in front of their face, and even the figure of the giant bear on the city wall was completely obscured.
Seeing the familiar white mist filling the sky, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, and Usopp's eyes lit up instantly.
Images from deep within my memory were awakened.
"This is... the move Victor used when he escaped the main force of the Navy in Loguetown!!"
In the heart of the thick, white fog, Victor turned around.
A confident smile, as if he had everything under control, played on his lips as he loudly proclaimed to his companions:
"Now! Run!!!"
"oh!!!"
No further explanation is needed; the Straw Hat Pirates' teamwork reached its peak at this moment.
No one hesitated.
No one questioned why they didn't stay and fight.
Franky's arms jerked violently, and with the help of his massive cyborg physique, he charged ahead without hesitation, clearing a path through the thick fog like a bulldozer.
Viktor moved with practiced ease, scooping the exhausted Nami into his arms and moving with lightning speed.
Robin chuckled and took long strides to follow closely behind.
Zoro hoisted the exhausted Luffy onto his broad shoulders and ran with gritted teeth.
Usopp unleashed an astonishing will to survive, grabbing Chopper with his left hand and Rasoo with his right, and dashed out like a gust of wind.
Sanji and Clay, the crow circling in the sky, consciously stayed at the very bottom of the group to cover the rear.
Under the cover of the intense heat and dense fog, everyone squeezed out the last bit of potential from their bodies.
They unleashed their maximum speed.
It sped toward the Golden Sunshine, which was anchored in the waters at the edge of the island.
...
And at the very center of the dense fog.
On the ruins of the city wall, the bear still stood quietly in the same spot.
He didn't take a single step to give chase, nor did he remove his gloves to use the Paw-Paw Fruit's ability to deflect everything and clear away the obstructing mist.
He stood there quietly in the white mist, letting the warm steam dampen his black coat.
Listening to the Straw Hat Pirates' chaotic footsteps fading into the distance deep within the thick fog.
This ruthless man, renowned throughout the seas and feared by countless pirates, was known as the "Tyrant."
On his lifeless face, a rare, gentle smile, full of human warmth, appeared.
"You have a good son… Dragon."
In a deep voice that only he could hear, the bear murmured to himself in the mist:
"And there is a group of outstanding partners."
"He is not alone on this vast sea."
After confirming that the Straw Hat crew had escaped safely, Kuma slowly suppressed his smile and resumed his indifferent expression.
He took out his personal Den Den Mushi, a gold-plated, imposing-looking device, from his large bosom and smoothly pressed the answer button.
"Smack."
The signal on the other end of the Den Den Mushi connects instantly.
The golden Den Den Mushi immediately mimicked the calm and expressionless face of the bear at that moment.
"Marshal of the Warring States Period"
Big Bear's voice was steady and powerful as he reported in a businesslike manner.
"The Straw Hat crew has defeated Moria."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a deep breath suppressing anger.
Big Bear didn't pause, continuing in his monotone voice:
"However, just as the order to eliminate them was about to be carried out."
"I was blocked by an extremely eerie thick fog created by that man named 'Red Lotus'."
"They took advantage of my obstructed view to escape and leave this area of the sea."
"What?!"
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, the furious roar of Fleet Admiral Sengoku overturning his massive desk came through instantly, accompanied by the clatter of documents scattering across the floor:
"Damn it!!"
"What exactly is this 'Red Lotus'?!"
"Even someone with your level of combat power can't stop him?!"
The roar of the Sengoku period made even the Den Den Mushi tremble.
"Damn the Straw Hat crew! They got away again!"
"The World Government has almost completely lost face in front of this bunch of lunatics!"
"Hoo..." Sengoku forcibly suppressed his anger and quickly made a decision.
"Since they've already run away, let's leave them alone for now!"
"The fog in this sea area is too thick; pursuing them would be a waste of time."
"I will immediately arrange for naval commanders to conduct a tight interception at the Sabaody Archipelago, their only route to the New World!"
"We absolutely cannot let them cross the Red Earth!"
"Bear!" Sengoku's voice became extremely stern.
"Go check on Moria's condition right now! Don't let him die under any circumstances!"
"We absolutely cannot allow the news of a Shichibukai's defeat to leak out!"
"This will cause huge turmoil at sea!"
Despite the marshal's roar, Big Bear's expression remained completely unchanged; he simply replied with two words:
"clear."
"Kachcha".
As the Den Den Mushi was disconnected, the dense, hot fog that had enveloped the area for several kilometers gradually dissipated under the sea breeze.
Sunlight once again bathed this ravaged land.
Big Bear stood silently atop the high ruins, gazing at the distant horizon.
Although there was nothing left there, he could still seem to see their resolute figures gradually disappearing at the horizon.
a long time.
Big Bear put away the Den Den Mushi and turned around.
He walked with steady, heavy steps, stepping over the rubble and debris scattered on the ground, toward the ruins that had been crushed by Oz.
There, the dying Moonlight Moria awaits his rescue.198Chapter 1zy in the Morning Light! The Eighth Companion and the Feast on the Sunshine
Chapter 199 A Frenzy in the Morning Light! The Eighth Companion and the Feast on the Sunshine
Viktor used the violent collision of Water Release and Fire Release to create a massive area of high-temperature steam and dense fog.
Under the cover of complete darkness...
None of the Straw Hat crew dared to pause for even a second.
All I could hear was the howling wind and the heavy breathing of my companions.
Just as everyone was about to rush out of the edge of this dark forest.
In the morning light ahead, a tall and strange figure appeared.
That was Brook, the skeleton gentleman who had gone off alone to retrieve the shadow.
At this moment, Brooke stood quietly in the morning light filtering through the tree canopy.
He lowered his head, staring intently at the black shadow that had reappeared at his feet.
Although he was nothing but a skeleton, it seemed as if invisible tears were flowing from his empty eye sockets.
As a victim who has been without a shadow for five years.
He had clearly sensed it the instant the shadow returned.
Gecko Moria, the Shichibukai who once brought him endless despair, has been utterly defeated.
I heard hurried footsteps coming from the woods.
Brook looked up and saw the Straw Hat crew rushing towards him.
He gripped the purple cane tightly and strode forward to meet them.
Before the people who had run up to him could speak,
This lonely skeleton, who had wandered alone on the sea for fifty years, suddenly bent his knees and knelt down on one knee on the muddy ground with utmost solemnity.
He laid the cane sword disguised as a walking stick flat beside him and bowed his head deeply.
"Everyone... just now, my shadow... has finally returned."
Brooke's shoulders twitched slightly, carrying an indescribable sense of anticipation and pleading:
"If... if your invitation on the ghost ship still counts..."
"Please let me join your team!"
"Even if... even if it's just letting me play the violin for everyone on the deck, that would be fine!"
Zoro, who was running at the very front of the group, did not slow down his pace at all.
He carried the unconscious Luffy and ran past Brook at breakneck speed.
A wild and triumphant smile spread across his face as he shouted:
"Then hurry up and catch up, Bone!"
"We're about to set sail!"
Upon hearing this, Brooke's empty eyes widened suddenly.
Then, he let out his signature laugh, grabbed his cane, and strode off to catch up with the group.
"Yohohoho! Yes, ma'am!"
With renewed vigor, the group finally broke through the last thin layer of dense fog.
My vision suddenly opened up.
The bright and warm morning sunlight shines down without reservation on the sparkling blue sea, refracting thousands of golden rays.
And within this light.
The Golden Sunshine, moored on the shore, is facing the sea breeze, quietly waiting for its owners to return.
When I saw the Sunny's huge lion's head ramming horn.
An indescribable sense of security and belonging welled up in everyone's hearts.
That was their home.
"We've arrived!! It's the Sunny!!"
Usopp was so excited that tears streamed down his face, and he cheered loudly.
The group followed the lowered drawbridge and leaped onto the familiar deck.
When my feet stepped onto that vibrant green lawn...
The nerves that had been stretched to the point of breaking at any moment were finally able to relax completely at this moment.
"Thump, thump..."
Several muffled thuds were heard in succession, except for a few people who were still barely standing.
Almost everyone collapsed onto the soft turf deck, disregarding their image.
They lay sprawled out, breathing in the salty, fresh sea breeze as if trying to expel all the stale air from their lungs.
Viktor stopped and gently lowered Nami from his arms.
However, as soon as her feet touched the ground, Nami showed no intention of letting go.
The immense joy of surviving the ordeal was intertwined with lingering fear, leaving her emotionally overwhelmed.
She took a sudden step forward and hugged Victor tightly around the waist.
She buried her face in his chest, which reeked of gunpowder and blood, and tears instantly soaked his shirt.
Viktor was slightly taken aback at first, then his eyes softened considerably.
He reached out and gently stroked Nami's long orange hair, trying to soothe her.
Then, he pulled Nami to the main mast, and the two sat down together with their backs against the thick wooden pillar.
On the grass not far away, Usopp was lying in a perfect "X" shape.
He stared blankly at the cloudless, azure sky above, exhaled a long breath, and let out a long, drawn-out sigh from the depths of his soul:
"Ah... I survived..."
"We actually survived those unreasonable monsters..."
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Just as everyone was immersed in this hard-won tranquility, enjoying the comfort of the breeze and sunshine.
"Gurgle gurgle gurgle————"
A loud rumbling sound, like rolling thunder, abruptly shattered the warm atmosphere.
Luffy, who had been casually tossed into the middle of the grass by Zoro, suddenly sat up straight like a spring.
The captain, who had just awakened from a deep coma, hadn't even fully opened his eyes yet, but he kept rubbing his completely shrunken belly with both hands.
His brows were furrowed, his face contorted in a grimace, and he complained at the top of his lungs:
"How strange!"
"Why does my stomach feel so empty!"
"It's like I haven't eaten for three days!"
"I'm so hungry!! I want to eat meat—!!!"
Hearing this heartless shout.
The people on the deck, who had just been deeply moved, suddenly went berserk.
"Swish, swish, swish!"
Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and Franky instantly transformed into demons covered in sharp "shark teeth".
They roared furiously at his bewildered face, spitting everywhere:
"You lawless, idiotic captain!! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"Do you even know how long we were on edge because of your blue monster form, which was packed with a hundred shadows?!"
"And that giant demon with the exact same personality as you, you bastard, you made us suffer so much!"
"Of course you're hungry, because you've used up all your energy!!!"
Even the usually gentle Chopper stood up, waving his little hooves angrily in agreement:
"Exactly! Luffy, you're being too reckless!"
"We almost lost our lives just now, sob sob sob..."
Faced with a barrage of criticism from his companions.
Luffy was taken aback by the insult.
Then, he slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze swept over his companions, covered in dust and bloodstains, yet whose eyes remained vibrant.
His lips gradually turned up, eventually forming a wide grin that revealed a carefree yet incredibly sincere smile.
He reached out and touched the precious straw hat on his head, smiling insincerely:
"Hehehe...Is that so?"
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."
Just as Luffy was apologizing.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the other side of the deck.
There, Brook was quietly watching the noisy group of pirates, a cup of red tea he had somehow found.
Luffy's eyes instantly turned into two sparkling stars.
He excitedly shoved aside the four people in front of him, pointed at Brooke, and shouted:
"Ah! It's a skeleton!! You've finally come!"
Luffy leaned forward expectantly: "You found your shadow, right? So, are you going to join us? Hehehe!"
Looking at this young man who changed his destiny.
Brooke slowly put down her teacup and gracefully removed the worn-out black top hat from her head.
He bowed deeply to Luffy and to everyone on the deck.
"Ah, yes."
"Thanks to all of you who fought so hard, my shadow has finally returned to my side."
Brook straightened up, his empty eye sockets fixed on Luffy, and solemnly declared:
"From now on, I entrust my life to the captain."
"I am willing to be your partner and sail with you to the end of the sea!"
"Yohohoho!"
Upon receiving this affirmative answer, Luffy was so excited that he jumped straight up from the deck and did a somersault in mid-air.
He landed steadily on the gunwale, hands on his hips, one foot on the railing, facing the morning sunlight, and loudly announced:
"Oh!!! Everyone listen up!"
"I hereby announce—to warmly welcome our new companion, musician Brooke, aboard!"
"And to celebrate our great victory on Ghost Island..."
Luffy raised his hands high: "The grandest banquet ever! Now it officially begins!!!"
"Ohhhhhhh!!!"
Usopp and Chopper immediately raised their hands in enthusiastic response.
Upon hearing the word "banquet," Sanji, who had been leaning against the railing on the other side smoking, exhaled a smoke ring with annoyance.
He stepped forward and lightly kicked Luffy's butt with his leather shoe, complaining:
"Hey, stop just talking, you bunch of gluttons."
Although he kept grumbling and complaining about the workload.
But Sanji's usually arrogant lips curled into a gentle smile.
He stubbed out the cigarette butt in his hand, flicked it with his finger, and the cigarette butt flew through the air in an arc before falling into the sea.
Then, he turned around and walked briskly toward the Sunshine's spacious and bright kitchen.
"Robin-chan~ Nami-san~"
Sanji's voice instantly became incredibly melodious.
"Please wait a moment, ladies. Our special recovery dessert and freshly squeezed juice will be served shortly."
Then, his tone instantly turned cold:
"As for you stinky men, just stay on deck and wait to eat some roast meat!"
The crisp sound of a cleaver hitting the cutting board echoed from the kitchen.
The usual hustle and bustle on the Sunny has finally returned in full force.
Victor leaned quietly against the mainmast, enjoying this moment of peace.
He turned his head slightly, listening to the sounds coming from the center of the deck.
Luffy and Usopp, arm in arm, pulled Brook, who had just joined the crew, and danced a ridiculously funny celebratory dance with laughter of "yohohoho".
Chopper excitedly clapped his little hooves and kept the beat.
Zoro simply closed his one eye and leaned against the ship's side.
Three seconds later, a steady snoring sound was emitted.
The sails of the Golden Sun have been hoisted high.
This warship, carrying the dreams of many, sails against the wind and waves, facing the rising sun.
We gradually drove away from the Devil's Triangle, a region shrouded in mist and gloom.
Victor leaned against the railing, gazing out at the sea.
[Ding! Detection indicates the host has successfully escaped the "Thriller" waters. The major story event, Ghost Island Battle, has officially concluded!]
[Ding! Overall rating: S-rank!]
[Congratulations, host, you have received the campaign completion reward: Ninja Way Points +5000]
Upon hearing about the 5,000 points he had gained, Viktor finally managed a very pleased smile.
He had almost emptied his savings to urgently exchange for the Mangekyou Sharingan and Susanoo.
This huge sum of money was a godsend, giving him renewed confidence.
However, the system's reward notifications did not end there.
[Ding! The host has been deeply exposed to the energy operation mode of the "Shadow-Shadow Fruit" during this battle, triggering a special reward.]
[Congratulations, host, you have obtained a rare reward: Bloodline Limit - Shadow Activation]
[Shadow Activation: The host can use chakra to give their shadow a true "physical form" and "life force," enabling it to cut through physical targets like a blade, act as a shield for defense, and even briefly infiltrate the shadows of others to bind and strangle them.]
Viktor's eyes widened; this was a huge surprise!199Chapter 200 Tears Spanning Half a Century! The Double Image of Oz and Laboon the Whale
Chapter 200 Tears Spanning Half a Century! The Double Image of Oz and Laboon the Whale
A moment later.
On the deck of the Sunny.
A grand banquet to celebrate the victory and the addition of new partners is in full swing.
Sanji kept bringing out mouthwatering, exquisite dishes from the kitchen.
The huge roasted meat sizzled and dripped with oil, emitting an enticing aroma.
The hearty seafood risotto was stuffed with fresh shrimp and scallops bigger than a fist.
There were also delicate desserts prepared especially for the ladies on the side.
"Delicious! Delicious! Meat! More meat!"
Luffy's eyes gleamed like searchlights.
His hands moved like blurs, frantically devouring the food in front of him like a whirlwind sweeping away fallen leaves, his mouth stuffed full, making it difficult for him to even speak clearly.
Chopper, who was already tipsy after drinking some of the special juice, completely let loose.
He stuck two chopsticks into his two nostrils.
With his arm around the equally unrefined Usopp, they performed a comical "chopstick dance" in the middle of the deck, eliciting bursts of laughter from the entire audience.
"Lasu" is currently lying on the grass.
Its two short front paws were tightly protecting a piece of meat with bone that was larger than its entire body.
Its tail wagged like a small propeller, and its face was covered in oil from eating.
When Brooke, who had just boarded the ship, curiously approached and tried to touch the magical dog.
Rasu immediately raised his head alertly and barked a protective bark at the skeleton.
Brooke laughed out loud at his fierce look.
Meanwhile, Clay was circling in mid-air, searching for his target.
With its agile speed.
Like a black lightning bolt, it snatched a fine snack from Zoro's wine glass with perfect precision.
"You bastard! You stinky bird! Give me back my snack!"
Zoro was so angry that veins bulged on his forehead, and he cursed at the sky.
Clay, meanwhile, leisurely perched on the tallest mast.
While chewing on delicious snacks to go with his drinks, he let out arrogant laughter.
In the corners of the revelry, the atmosphere was quite different.
Victor leaned lazily against the base of the mainmast, holding a wine glass in his hand.
He gently swirled the crimson liquid inside, watching his boisterous companions with a smile.
Nami had just finished a fierce battle and had drunk some strong red wine.
Her cheeks were flushed, like ripe apples, and her beautiful eyes held a hint of dreamy intoxication.
She staggered over to Victor.
Without any hesitation, she straddled him and sat down next to him.
She nestled most of her soft, delicate body into his arms without reservation.
Nami stretched out her fair arm and naturally wrapped it around Viktor's neck.
She leaned close to Viktor's ear.
Her warm breath carried the sweet scent of citrus liqueur, and she murmured in a soft voice that only the two of them could hear:
"Victor… thank you for risking your life to protect me today."
"Are your eyes... really okay?"
Feeling the warm, soft flesh in his arms, Viktor reached out and firmly embraced Nami's slender waist.
He lowered his head slightly, his nose gently brushing against Nami's pert nose, a doting smile curving his lips.
"As long as you behave well and don't cause me any trouble, everything will be fine."
Before Nami could react, Viktor naturally turned his head away.
He planted a deep kiss, thick with the scent of strong wine, on those two alluring, soft red lips.
"Hmm..."
Nami let out a soft, alluring moan.
She didn't push Viktor away; instead, she obediently closed her eyes.
Her hands involuntarily gripped Viktor's shirt collar, responding passionately.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Nami was panting, and the blush on her face spread all the way to her ears.
She leaned close to Viktor's ear, her voice as soft as a feather:
"I'll reward you tonight..."
The intimate interaction between the two, oblivious to everyone else, was not missed by Robin, who was sitting on a recliner not far away.
Robin held a steaming cup of coffee, elegantly crossing her long, straight legs.
She rested her delicate chin on her hand, gazing at the couple beneath the mast who seemed to merge into one.
"Hehe... the first mate's 'treatment' method is indeed unique and highly effective."
Robin took a sip of coffee, his eyes sparkling:
"It seems our navigator is destined to be very tired tonight."
Hearing Robin's blunt and blatant teasing...
Nami, who was already shy because of the alcohol, was instantly so embarrassed that she wanted to disappear.
She gasped and buried her flushed face deep into Viktor's broad chest.
Victor remained unperturbed by Robin's teasing.
A slight smile played on his lips.
Without any hesitation, he picked up his glass of red wine and raised it towards Robin.
His deep black eyes were filled with the subtle tension and unspoken implications unique to adults.
She retaliated against Viktor's aggressive gaze.
Even Robin, who was usually calm and composed, had a rare blush creep up her pale cheeks.
She turned her head away somewhat awkwardly, pretending to look at the scenery on the sea.
After a brief, ambiguous exchange, Viktor dropped the joke on his face.
His gaze swept past the crowd.
Ultimately, the blame fell on the skeleton musician who was causing trouble with Luffy and the others.
Viktor was well aware of how the plot was going to unfold.
He knew it was time, in this joyous moment, to finally untie the knot in the heart of this lonely skeleton that had been sealed for half a century.
Victor put down his glass and deliberately raised his voice.
He turned to Zoro and Sanji, who were drinking on the other side, and exclaimed loudly in a casual tone:
"Speaking of which, the size of that ancient demon Oz is really ridiculously exaggerated."
Viktor paused, then glanced meaningfully in Brook's direction:
"But thinking about it carefully..."
"That guy was as big as a mountain."
"It's about the same size as the island whale we encountered at Twin Capes of Reverse Mountain when we first entered the Grand Line—'Laboon'."
The moment the word "Labu" was clearly and unmistakably uttered from Viktor's mouth.
Brooke was holding a freshly poured cup of hot black tea, ready to continue his skull jokes.
But the moment he heard the name, his movements froze in mid-air, like a real skeleton.
"Crack!"
Brooke loosened his grip, and the delicate porcelain cup fell onto the hard deck.
The teacup shattered instantly, spilling scalding hot black tea all over the floor.
Brooke's entire body, devoid of any flesh or bone, trembled violently at this moment, making a "crackling" sound.
He turned his head sharply, his previously empty eye sockets now fixed intently on Viktor:
"First mate...you just said...lab?!"
Luffy, who was eating meat with gusto, suddenly stopped chewing.
Usopp, who was dancing, suddenly widened his eyes and stopped in his tracks.
Usopp, as if struck by lightning, pointed at Brook in shock and stammered:
"Wait! Wait!"
"The way you look..."
"Uncle Crocus of Twin Capes said so!"
"Laboon keeps ramming the Red Line with its head because it's waiting for a group of pirates from the West Blue!"
"Those pirates love to sing..."
Usopp swallowed hard. "Hey, skeleton, could you be...?"
Zoro, who was standing nearby, also put down his wine glass.
"Huh? Are you kidding me..."
"You're that whale, one of those pirates who waited at Twin Capes for fifty years?!"
Amidst this breathtaking shock, Luffy stood up.
He strode up to Brooke, who was trembling all over.
Luffy, adjusting his straw hat, looked at the newly joined musician and grinned earnestly.
"Oh! Is that so! That's wonderful!"
Luffy shouted, "Brook! Laboon is doing great! He's full of energy!"
"Moreover, I even used this straw hat to make a duel with him, a duel between men!"
"He's waiting patiently for us to come back and find him!"
Upon hearing this news...
Hearing that his companion, whom he regarded as a child but felt deeply guilty for being unable to keep his promise, was still alive.
While they were still healthy and full of hope, waiting for them at Twin Capes.
Brooke's ravaged soul could no longer hold on.
"thump."
He knelt heavily on the deck.
Brooke stretched out her hands, now nothing but bare bones, and tightly covered her face, a face that could never shed a tear.
It spanned fifty years of solitude.
In the desolate and gloomy Devil's Triangle, he wandered in despair, surrounded by the remains of his companions.
That deep-seated loneliness and guilt, more terrifying than death itself.
At that moment, it all turned into a tearless sob.
"Waaaaaahh...
"That's great…that's really great…Lab is still alive…"
Brooke knelt on the ground, crying like a child who had finally found a home.
His voice was hoarse and trembling:
"These long and painful fifty years... I'm truly... truly grateful to have survived!!!"
Under the silent gaze of everyone.
Brooke reached out with trembling hands and opened his skull, which had once been split open.
He carefully retrieved a perfectly preserved conch shell from the depths of the empty skull cavity.
That was his most precious treasure, and also the promise they made to Raab.
Brooke pressed the switch with trembling fingers.
A song, slightly noisy yet full of boldness, tragedy, and endless joy, slowly drifted out from the soundbox.
Fifty years ago, the entire Rumbar Pirates were facing imminent annihilation.
For the sake of Labu in the distance, they used the last bit of strength of their lives to sing their final swan song together.
Brooke stood up and placed the microphone aside.
He set up the somewhat worn violin, took a deep breath, and then began to play.
The sounds of those former companions of Soundberg, long gone.
With his weathered yet hopeful voice, Brook sang a great hymn to all pirates on this brand-new pirate ship.
"Yohohoho~ Yohohoho~"
"Bring Binks's wine to your side..."
"Riding the winds and waves, I roam freely, the waves accompanying the setting sun..."
Beautiful piano music and choral singing filled the deck of the Sunshine.
Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and the others also started clapping along to the rhythm.
"Yohohoho~ Yohohoho~"#200Chapter 201 A Good Night for the First Mate! The Sweetness of Citrus and the Allure of Subtle Fragrance
Chapter 201 A Good Night for the First Mate! The Sweetness of Citrus and the Allure of Subtle Fragrance
The grand banquet lasted until late into the night.
The sea breeze completely dispelled the gloom over the entire Ghost Island.
As night deepened, the joyful yet poignant chorus of "Binks' Wine" finally subsided on the deck.
Having been given a new lease on life, Brooke leaned against the corner of the deck and fell into a deep sleep.
His jaw, devoid of flesh, was slightly open, as if a satisfied smile still lingered in his sleep.
Luffy's belly was round and full, like a huge ball about to burst. He lay sprawled on the soft grass, completely unprepared, snoring loudly.
Zoro and Sanji also exhausted the last bit of strength for today's desperate battle.
They each found a quiet corner by the ship's side and drifted off into a deep sleep.
The noisy Thousand Sunny has finally found a long-awaited tranquility.
The sound of water stopped in the bathroom of the cabin.
Viktor washed away the thick bloodstains and pungent dust left from the series of bloody battles.
After drying off the water stains, he changed into a soft, loose-fitting black shirt.
After a short rest.
The intense backlash from activating the Mangekyou Sharingan during the day has completely subsided.
He stood in front of the mirror, his deep black eyes looking particularly captivating in the cool night.
Victor pushed open the bathroom door but did not go back to the room.
Instead, he strode up the quiet wooden stairs and headed straight for the navigation room on the second floor of the ship.
Gently push open the heavy wooden door; the main lights in the nautical room are not on.
Only a dim orange table lamp shines beside the large solid wood nautical table, emitting a warm and ambiguous halo.
Nami was not asleep.
She was wearing only a thin, almost transparent white silk camisole nightgown and was lying on the huge nautical table.
Nautical charts and surveying tools were scattered on the table.
Clearly, Nami had just finished drawing the sea chart.
A cool sea breeze blew in through the half-open blinds, carrying her fresh, sweet citrus scent into Victor's nostrils.
Hearing familiar footsteps coming from the doorway, Nami immediately turned around.
When he realized that the person who came was Victor.
She didn't even bother to put on slippers, her bare, fair feet stepping on the soft wool carpet.
Like a bird returning to its nest, she flew straight into Victor's broad embrace.
"Victor…"
Nami tilted her head back, her bright eyes filled with undisguised heartache.
She reached out her soft, slightly cool little hand, and gently, carefully, stroked the corner of Victor's right eye with her fingertips:
"Does it still hurt here...?"
"...You reckless bastard, you really scared me to death."
Seeing the worry in the girl's eyes, Victor did not respond with words.
He pushed the door to the navigation room shut with his other hand and locked it with a crisp "click".
Immediately afterwards, Victor's strong arms wrapped around her slender waist.
With a little effort, he easily lifted her up.
He took two steps forward and gently placed her on the edge of the large nautical table.
Nami let out a short, unexpected gasp.
Victor braced his hands on the table on either side of her body, his tall and imposing frame leaning forward, completely trapping her in his territory.
He lowered his head and sealed those soft, red lips that were still chattering away.
"Hmm..."
Nami's eyes widened suddenly.
But soon, her breathing became rapid and disordered under Victor's aggressive onslaught.
The hands that had been pressing against Viktor's chest in a slight attempt to resist gradually lost their strength and slowly softened.
She eventually gave in to complete submission, clutching tightly the black silk lapel of his robe.
Victor's thin lips, burning with predatory heat, reluctantly left her lips, tracing a path down her exquisitely perfect jawline.
His gaze lingered on her long, fair neck and delicate, alluring collarbone.
It left behind a series of hot, blush-inducing crimson marks.
As the movements become more intense.
The already thin white silk camisole slipped down her rounded shoulders and bunched up in the crook of her arms, revealing a large expanse of dazzling white skin.
"Victor…"
Nami let out a soft, alluring murmur, her voice filled with irresistible spring water.
A hazy blush rose to the corners of her eyes.
Driven by unconscious instinct, her long legs wrapped tightly around Viktor's strong, narrow waist.
The room was filled with the aroma of citrus, which became incredibly rich and sweet, like fermented honey, as the two people's breathing became more rapid and their body temperature rose.
In a hazy, half-awake state, the souls and bodies of the first mate and the navigator...
On this table covered with nautical charts of the Grand Line, an unreserved and passionate exchange took place.
...
As night deepened, the sea breeze became even gentler in the latter half of the night.
The sea soothed the clamor in the navigation room.
All that remained was the rhythmic sound of the waves gently lapping against the hull of the Sunshine.
The navigation room returned to calm, the lingering ambiance of the past still present, with only the heavy, gradually calming breathing of the two people remaining.
Nami had already been through a huge fright from Oz during the day and a desperate escape, so her strength was already exhausted.
Adding to the intense, torrential demands she had just endured, she was now completely exhausted.
Like a lazy, tired kitten, she curled up in Victor's broad, warm embrace and fell into a deep sleep, completely defenseless.
Long eyelashes cast a faint shadow under the eyelids.
A trace of glistening tears, a result of past joy, still lingered at the corner of her eye.
Viktor gently pulled a thin blanket from the sofa and carefully wrapped Nami's delicate body, which was covered with ambiguous red marks.
He lifted her up by the waist, carried her through the quiet corridor, and took her back to her own bed.
He lowered his head and left a tender goodnight kiss on the girl's smooth forehead.
Viktor considerately tucked the blanket around her, then turned and left the room.
However, men with formidable strength possess physiques far exceeding those of ordinary people.
The flame within him was not completely extinguished by the release he had just made.
Instead, it was the citrus-like sweetness that made them even more restless.
Viktor stood alone in the dimly lit corridor, his gaze naturally falling on the wooden door next to Nami's room.
That's Robin's room.
Viktor stepped forward and gave him a gentle push.
"Click".
The door lock wasn't engaged; it made a soft click as it was turned.
On this pirate ship full of men, a mature woman's room is left unlocked at night.
This is clearly a silent invitation.
Pushing open the door, the room was very dimly lit.
The main light was off; only a uniquely designed, deep blue wall lamp by the bedside emitted a suggestive glow, creating a mysterious and ambiguous atmosphere in the room.
Robin was lying on his side on the large double bed.
She was wearing a very form-fitting black deep-V lace nightgown.
The light and alluring fabric perfectly accentuated her voluptuous curves, which were considered to be in perfect proportion.
Her long, straight legs were partially hidden by the lace.
She exudes a unique charm that mature women possess, enough to make one lose all reason.
Viktor pushed open the door and walked in.
The usually intelligent archaeologist showed no surprise whatsoever. Instead, she rested her delicate chin on one hand, her deep, beautiful eyes sparkling.
Her red lips parted slightly, revealing a captivating yet slightly cunning smile:
"Oh, first mate, have you fed our poor navigator lady so quickly?"
"Your stamina... is truly terrifying."
Hearing this blatant joke...
Instead of being embarrassed by being exposed, Viktor let out a low chuckle.
He closed the door tightly and stepped forward.
His tall, imposing figure approached the bedside, and his shadow instantly enveloped Robin on the bed.
"Since you know how strong I am, you still dare to sleep without locking the door at night?"
Viktor looked down at her, his voice unusually low and hoarse.
As soon as I got close to the edge of the bed, a deep and mysterious feeling emanated from me.
The chilling floral fragrance, seemingly capable of instantly captivating one's soul, instantly and completely overwhelmed Viktor's entire sense of smell.
That was Robin's unique scent.
It is richer and more intoxicating than citrus.
This is completely different from Nami's passive style, which is immature and passive.
Faced with Victor's extremely aggressive gaze, Robin straightened up quite proactively.
She stretched out her long, slender, fair arms, which, like nimble water snakes, wrapped tightly around Viktor's neck.
Robin tilted her head back slightly, closed her eyes, and met Victor's lips as they pressed down.
Their kiss was without the slightest awkwardness or hesitation, filled with the passionate pull between adult men and women.
A fierce battle between the tongues, and increasingly rapid breathing from the nasal cavity.
The soft sounds of silk and lace fabrics rubbing against each other echoed and warmed the secluded blue room.
Viktor's warm, large hand slid down her slender waist, caressing her stunningly perfect curves.
Despite feeling that burning touch, Robin showed no sign of flinching or shyness.
Instead, she raised her long, swan-like neck and let out a captivating sigh that sent chills down one's spine.
Her long, straight legs were slightly raised.
She hooked her arms tightly around Viktor's waist, pulling him completely towards her.
In this dangerous atmosphere unique to adults and the ultimate fusion of souls.
The cold, silent night was completely ignited, transforming into a rolling, burning red lotus.
The whisper of the waves and the gentle swaying of the mast in the wind became the best background music for this long, beautiful night.
...
Time passed quietly, and the darkness faded away.
The camera slowly zooms in on the shimmering, azure sea, reflecting countless golden rays.
Passing through the bright, round porthole of the women's dormitory on the Golden Sunshine, the view quietly settles on the slightly messy, large double bed inside.
The first warm rays of morning sunlight fell perfectly on the pure white silk quilt.
Viktor slowly opened his deep eyes.
He felt a slight numbness in his right arm.
Looking down slightly, he saw a stunningly beautiful woman nestled tightly in his arms.
Robin's long, smooth, black hair, like a waterfall, was scattered messily on the snow-white pillow.
Her smooth, fair back, and her delicate collarbone covered with noticeable red marks, were exposed without any attempt to conceal them, glistening in the morning light.
The archaeologist, who usually exudes a cunning and intellectual aura on the ship, has shed all his strength and defenses at this moment.
She slept soundly in Viktor's arms.
On that exquisite and flawless face, there was even a faint, serene smile at the corner of her mouth.
Like a traveler who has finally found a safe haven after a storm.
Viktor gazed at her sleeping face with an unprecedented gentleness in his eyes.
He lowered his head with satisfaction and took a deep breath of the captivating fragrance that lingered in her hair around her neck.
He did not pull out the arm that had been pressed numb.
Instead, he held the soft, warm body in his arms even tighter.
This is the most perfect morning for the first mate