Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Rejecting Hancock
Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Rejecting Hancock
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Time flies so rapidly.
A dilapidated sea train sped through the stormy seas from the capital of Water 7 toward Enies Lobby, its wheels screeching as if echoing the crew's unease.
The atmosphere onboard was tense and somber.
Zoro sat cross-legged, diligently cleaning his sword with a quiet determination, his movements methodical and precise.
Across from him, Sanji smoked cigarette after cigarette, the faint glow of the embers illuminating his sharp features in the dim light.
The others sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts, their expressions heavy with worry and unease.
No one spoke-a reflection of the shock and turmoil they had endured recently.
The Going Merry had faced countless trials, its resilience inspiring the crew even in the hardest of moments.
But the fall from Skypiea had left its scars, a devastating blow that seemed to foreshadow the ship's inevitable fate.
The crew had arrived at Water 7 with hopes of restoring their treasured ship, but yet another crisis struck before they could even begin.
The shadow of Alabasta still loomed over them, a reminder of the sacrifices they had made.
Vivi, their dear friend and the former princess of Alabasta, had been abducted by a hidden faction of Cipher Pol.
The celebration of welcoming their new companion, Franky, had been brutally cut short. Now, they hurtled toward Enies Lobby-a fortress that stood as the gateway to justice under the World Government-to rescue their cherished friend.
"Everyone, don't look so down! We will rescue Vivi!" Luffy suddenly broke the heavy silence, standing with his trademark grin, his voice brimming with confidence.
His unwavering spirit was like a spark in the gloom, but it wasn't enough to erase the anxiety etched on their faces.
Carina, seated near the window, cast an irritated glance at him.
She admired his optimism but couldn't ignore the gravity of their situation. Enies Lobby was no ordinary destination; storming it would be akin to spitting in the face of the World Government itself.
Success seemed like a far-off dream, a gamble against impossible odds.
Failure, on the other hand, would likely mean death-or a lifetime in the depths of Impel Down.
Even so, she held her tongue.
Luffy's faith in his crew was unwavering, and for better or worse, it was contagious.
Perhaps, she thought, that belief was the only thing keeping them moving forward.
Time spent with Luffy and his crew had changed her.
Their reckless determination to protect their own was contagious.
Usopp suddenly donned a mask and declared, "From now on, I'll be called Sogeking! Luffy, don't call me Usopp!"
Everyone rolled their eyes, ignoring him, except for Luffy, who nodded with genuine enthusiasm, oblivious to the absurdity of Usopp's act.
****
Meanwhile, far away, Colt and his group had departed Amazon Lily under Hancock's reluctant gaze. They had passed it on the way to their destination.
Robin observed the lovestruck Empress and turned to Colt, who was deep in thought.
"Hancock practically threw herself at you. Why not take her along?"
Colt's mouth twitched in exasperation as he opened his eyes.
The memory of that night on the Island-when Hancock had almost launched a "midnight raid" on him-surfaced in his mind.
He sighed internally at her overzealous affection.
"I'm not interested. Personality matters more than looks," he replied tersely.
His words, however, were met with skeptical glances from Robin, Nami, and Perona.
Sensing their disbelief, Colt quickly changed the subject.
"Do you really want her aboard? Imagine her domineering attitude screaming at you every day."
Hancock's haughty image flashed in their minds, making the women shiver.
They quickly shook their heads in unison, firmly rejecting the idea.
Even Carrot, usually composed, appeared visibly uneasy.
The subject was dropped, and the journey continued.
As the Flying Feather approached Enies Lobby, Robin's expression grew somber, her heart heavy with memories of Ohara.
But amidst the pain, she also felt a flicker of resolve.
Colt stepped forward, gently holding her hand.
"Take your time. One day, I'll bring retribution to the Five Elders for you."
Robin's heart warmed at his words.
She felt incredibly fortunate to have Colt by her side-someone who not only empowered her quest for justice but also gave her love and companionship.
"Thank you, Colt..." she whispered.
Colt smiled softly and activated the Rinnegan's powers.
The ship soared into the sky, bypassing the chaotic battlefield below as the crew of the
Thousand Sunny launched their assault on Enies Lobby.
Smoke and flames consumed the judicial island as Franky and his men created havoc to
distract Cipher Pol.
Meanwhile, Luffy led the crew in a fierce battle against the elite agents.
Usopp, wearing his Sniper King mask, ignited the World Government's flag with a slingshot.
The bold act shocked the onlookers, who deemed the crew utterly insane.
Colt watched the events unfold with mild amusement.
Witnessing the live action of a battle straight out of legend was oddly entertaining.
His gaze shifted to Blueno, who lay unconscious.
Colt shook his head slightly, unimpressed with the squandered potential of such a versatile
Devil Fruit power.
In the towering structure above, Luffy clashed with Rob Lucci in a brutal display of raw
strength and technique.
Luffy's newly mastered [Gear Second] enabled him to hold his ground, though the strain of maintaining the form was evident.
But true to form as the protagonist, Luffy used a new ability during the intense battle-[Gear
Third].
"Gomu Gomu no Gigant Pistol!" Luffy bellowed as his colossal fist hurtled toward Lucci, who braced himself with [Tekkai].
The devastating blow sent Lucci crashing through walls and onto the deck of a warship.
Gritting his teeth, he rose, furious at himself for underestimating Luffy.
This fight would be witnessed by influential figures, and failure was not an option.
Re-entering the tower, Lucci unleashed his wrath on Luffy, punishing him with a relentless
barrage of [Rokuogan].
Elsewhere, Spandam accidentally triggered the Buster Call.
The looming fleet caused chaos as Marines fled in disarray.
Colt turned to Robin, who shook her head.
"I have no quarrel with the innocents. My only target is Spandam," she said firmly.
Nodding, Colt raised a hand.
A boulder descended from the sky, striking Spandam and rendering him unconscious.
Seizing the opportunity, Vivi escaped amidst the commotion.
"Do what you need to," Colt said with a smile.
Robin's lips curled into a smirk as she clasped her hands together.
"[Gigantesco Mano...]."@@novelbin@@
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