76 Chapter 76 - Shimotsuki Village 03.

[Chapter Size: 2644 Words.]

Third Person POV

Village Shimotsuki, East Blue.

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The crackling of purple flames still danced in the crew's memory when Nami, with her piercing gaze and dissatisfied tone, directed her question to Luffy.

"Luffy, do you have anything to do with that ship catching fire at the dock this afternoon?" Her words were like sharp arrows, and anticipation hung in the air as everyone awaited the captain's response, even though they already knew the answer.

Luffy, in turn, wasted no time in his typical irreverence. A playful smile lit up his face as he teased Nami, well aware that his antics wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Is my woman very curious?" Luffy's banter echoed, eliciting some complicit smiles among the crew members. Even in the seriousness of the situation, it was hard for everyone not to be infected by Luffy's unique way of interacting with Nami, despite his sometimes explosive behavior.

"Stop joking and answer me!" Nami wasn't willing to relent, keeping her gaze fixed on Luffy. The truth was implicit, but she sought to hear it from his mouth.

"Well, I met some interesting people, so I found even more interesting things." Luffy's smile was an unspoken confession, a clear indication that he was, indeed, behind the chaos at the dock. There was no denial, just a subtle revelation of his actions.

"Does Luffy always stir up trouble when he's alone?" Nojiko, with her playful spirit, threw the question with a hint of amusement.

"YES!" The enthusiastic chorus of the crew resounded in response, revealing that, even with his craziness, everyone was accustomed to and, in a way, even expected their captain's antics.

Night fell on the small town, and the crew found themselves on a secluded beach. The Black Pearl was positioned in the center of the sand, ready to serve as overnight shelter for the team. Everyone gathered around, ready to share a meal and discuss the day's events.

"What would these interesting things be?" Curiosity shone in Yamato's eyes as she inquired about the recent happenings.

"Nothing much, just some information hunters and a possible order to catch us from a king of this sea." Luffy's response was given calmly, revealing that, despite the seriousness of the situation, he wasn't overly concerned about potential threats.

"Really? Are they strong?" Zoro's expression indicated his interest in a possible challenge.

"I don't know, but I highly doubt it. If you want to fight tomorrow, feel free." Luffy offered, and Zoro nodded enthusiastically, ready to face any challenge that arose.

"Tomorrow, Kuina-Sama will give her answer, Luffy-Sama?" Shirahoshi expressed her concern, aware of the possibility that Kuina might decide to part ways the next day.

"Yes, we'll get Kuina's answer, deal with our pursuers, and set sail after all that." Luffy affirmed, outlining the crew's future plans.

While Kuina chose to spend time with her father, Master Koushirou, after so many years, uncertainty loomed over her decision regarding the crew.

"Do you think she'll accept or stay?" Reiju's question revealed anxiety about Kuina's choice.

"I don't know, but regardless of what she chooses, I hope she becomes strong in the future." Luffy's statement echoed, finding agreement among those present. Respect for the girl's choice was evident, regardless of the path she decided to follow.

Expectation hung over Luffy regarding Kuina's decision. Although he was optimistic that she might join the crew, there was an awareness that other options were in play.

The night unfolded with lively conversations between Luffy and the rest of the crew, covering various topics before retiring to their cabins on the Black Pearl. The atmosphere was light, but the tension regarding Kuina's response persisted in the air.

Upon waking up the next day, Luffy found himself surrounded by his women, ready to start a day that, unlike the previous one, would be dedicated to heavy training. Rest was left behind, replaced by preparation for future challenges.

As they devoted themselves to morning training and had lunch in the middle of the day, a boat appeared on the horizon, displaying the flag of a specific kingdom.

Apprehension grew in the crew as they spotted the luxurious ship with the Goa Kingdom flag approaching. Confusion set in when Hugo expressed his perplexity, questioning the identity of the newcomers.

"Who are..." Hugo murmured, echoing everyone's uncertainty.

"This isn't the Goa Kingdom!" Usopp exclaimed, using a magnifying glass to observe the symbol on the approaching ship's sail.

"It seems so... Luffy, do you know why they're coming our way?" Lami inquired, seeking clarification alongside Luffy.

"Simple, they are the ones hunting us... A member among us, to be more specific." Luffy's revelation was delivered with a calmness that surprised some members of the crew.

"And who would that be, Captain?" Bepo asked with curiosity.

"Our mermaid..."

"What?!"

"The princess!" Hachi was alarmed.

"Me!?" Shirahoshi exclaimed, covering her mouth.

"Sharky!" Megalo protested quickly.

"There's nothing to worry about; I doubt there are people who can pose a challenge to us in this sea, so relax." Luffy tried to reassure the crew, but the tension persisted.

"Why are they after me, Luffy-Sama?" Shirahoshi questioned, seeking answers.

"Damn humans!" Hachi expressed his discontent beside her.

"As much as I dislike your prejudice, Hachi, you're right about these specific people... But you can't speak for an entire race..." Lami added, bringing a broader perspective.

"She's right, Hachi, and Shirahoshi, people are greedy by nature; you'll have to learn from this. We'll see a lot of it on this journey." Luffy spoke calmly, anticipating the arrival of the boat on the beach.

As Zoro wanted to fight, he quickly prepared after Luffy increased his recovery due to the training before the ship arrived. The atmosphere on the beach was tense as the group of 14 people, the Straw Hats, remained clustered next to the imposing Black Pearl, which rested in the middle of the sand.

With the arrival of the official ship from the Goa Kingdom, all eyes turned to the vessel. Three imposing men, clad in elaborate armor, disembarked from the ship. A second group, made up of more common knights, carried a plank and descended from the boat more slowly.

The first three men advanced toward the Straw Hat crew with an arrogant posture, standing out as the main forces of the royal group. Every step they took in the sand made it clear that they were confident in their authority. The sound of waves breaking in the background seemed to accompany the tense advance of the situation.

Luffy, leading his crew, remained unshaken, his piercing gaze taking in every detail of the newcomers.

"So, you're the feared Straw Hats? You don't seem that impressive..." taunted one of the newcomers, his voice dripping with disdain.

"But look, commander, they have beautiful women!" added another man beside him, wielding a massive sword with disdain.

"It's true; we're here to capture the mermaid, but who says we can't enjoy other prey along the way? HEHE." taunted the third.

As they spoke, they adjusted their helmets, partially obscuring their faces in the dim light. Men around 35 years old, their features remained obscured, but a hostile atmosphere surrounded the group.

The women in Luffy's group stared at the newcomers with contempt, the tension in the air indicating that they were ready to act at any moment.

Luffy, standing at the forefront of his crew, cast a curious glance at the newcomers.

"You want our mermaid, don't you? Tell me, what gives you the courage to think you can just pass through us and take her like that?" Luffy asked, his expression reflecting curiosity in the face of these men, considering his crew was the most dangerous in these waters.

"We are in the service of His Royal Majesty, Sterry, the First of His Name!" declared the man who seemed to be the commander, his voice echoing with an air of authority.

"We are the royal knights! We are here to fulfill the orders of our king!" asserted the others, while the gleam of their armor shone in the sunlight.

"Sterry is Sabo's brother..." Luffy pondered and spoke to the men in front of him. "What made your king interested in our group? I heard the request came from someone above him." Luffy questioned, keeping his arms crossed.

"Yes, our king is recognized by higher forces, and as representatives of that request, we are here to fulfill his orders." explained the commander, while a group of twenty knights, armed with swords and shields, lined up behind the leaders, ready for battle.

"Do you know who we are? Why so much courage?" Luffy persisted in his quest for answers.

"Just a pirate crew with a captain valued at 50 million. I've captured a pirate with 120 million in the Grand Line before King Sterry recruited me! Don't overestimate yourself, little pirate!" challenged the commander, eliciting an amused smile from Luffy.

"Zoro, Hugo, Lami, and Bepo, take care of them," ordered Luffy, turning to watch the spectacle from a distance. The stage was set for a confrontation in the radiant sunlight.

Most of the crew followed Luffy while the remaining four stood firm before the group.

"Commander, it seems like they're underestimating us..." observed a soldier at his side.

"True, but there's no need to get too worked up. We just eliminate these four and get the others." he said with simplicity.

"Hm? I expected something like, 'Hand over the mermaid, and we'll spare you,' but it looks like I was wrong with all that cliché. It's good to see things different from the usual! Hahahaha." Luffy laughed casually, settling in to watch the fight from some rocks on the beach.

"Luffy-Sama, will they be okay?" Shirahoshi asked, visibly concerned.

"Don't be so scared. They'll handle it easily, so relax." Luffy reassured the mermaid's concerns confidently.

The fight began as soon as Luffy uttered those carefree words, and everyone watched as the royal knights and the Straw Hat members engaged in battle.

"Chains?!" exclaimed Nojiko beside Luffy.

The one who called himself the commander seemed to possess a Devil Fruit that allowed him to release chains from his body.

"How interesting, this reminds me of the Uzumakis." commented Luffy.

"Who?" asked Reiju beside him.

"Forget about it." Luffy preferred to quickly change the subject.

The chains flew quickly toward the four Mugiwara members. There were four chains, moving at high speed, curving through the air.

Zoro countered with his sword but managed to repel with some difficulty. Lami activated her Room and switched places with a rock. Bepo was caught by a chain and yelled as he was thrown. Hugo was also captured but held his ground with the strength of his imposing body.

"They seem to have abilities!" remarked one of the enemies, closely examining the Mugiwara's actions.

"That ability where the woman switched places seems dangerous."

"Shambles!" exclaimed Lami, raising a finger in a characteristic gesture.

Bepo and Hugo, who were being held by chains, were swapped for rocks the next moment.

"Thanks..."

"Thank you, Lami!"

Both expressed gratitude, returning to the same initial position where the two groups faced each other again.

"This is more challenging than we thought, but our orders are clear from His Majesty. We must fight with all our might!" declared the commander. From his body, 10 chains emerged; another knight from the trio had his body covered in metal, while the third wielded a massive sword, drawing it from the sheath.

"Two Devil Fruits, how interesting. I wonder if there were these original knights to protect Sabo's brother in the Goa Kingdom." Luffy murmured internally, watching the fight unfold in total chaos in that area.

Bepo faced a tide of 20 knights, executing kicks in the air and launching Rankyaku to repel his opponents.

Hugo exchanged punches with the man covered in iron, but despite his strength, he was at a disadvantage against the user of the strange fruit.

Zoro engaged in an intense sword exchange with the swordsman, trying to incorporate Soru into his movements.

Meanwhile, Lami seemed to be having fun in her blue space against the opponent, dodging the chains and occasionally using Soru.

Although his Soru wasn't perfect, Luffy had trained them for a week, counting on the group bonus from the system, totaling 2 weeks, and if we add the effect of the Devil Fruit multiplication, Luffy provided 6 weeks of training in the time of one. They quickly began to develop the techniques, and even though they were still at an initial level, it was only a matter of time until they completely mastered the abilities.

The first to emerge victorious was Zoro, using his Soru to cut down the enemy, who fell dead shortly afterward.

"Sor Turen!" shouted the alarmed soldiers, but they were quickly hit by Bepo's kicks. Using kung fu style, he kicked blades into the air through Rankyaku.

"Damn! End this quickly, Sor. Linx!"

"Yes, commander!" replied the man fighting against Hugo, clad in iron.

"You should be paying attention to our fight." The commander heard the female voice escaping from his chains but was interrupted by the sound of a cut.

His chains were cut in front of him.

"Impossible!" he exclaimed, surprised.

"Hm? Why 'impossible'? It was very simple." Lami said with her sword in hand, revealing an air of nonchalance. She didn't even exert effort against this pirate and decided to end the fight right there.

"Hm?!" The man felt his arm being severed from his body, his expression changing to immediate shock.

"What? Hm?!" Before he could fully react to the dismemberment of his arm, his neck met a sharp line from Lami's weapon, and his head was removed in a precise motion, without the aid of the Ope-Ope no Mi. A jet of blood immediately spurted, marking the abrupt end of his life.

"Commander!" Sor. Linx was visibly frightened by his leader's quick defeat.

The supreme knights of the Goa Kingdom, those who took pride in following their king, were being massacred, and he was the only one remaining alive. Even with his strength, he couldn't overcome Hugo's iron fruit and seemed quite battered. However, he showed no signs of giving up the fight.

"I have to get out of here!" He decided to run, being the sole survivor. He never imagined finding monsters here, as this crew had only 90 million as a whole, and the captain hadn't even fought, finding all of this amusing from the start, like a show.

Giving Hugo a punch and making him fly after a clash, he started running to the opposite side, but soon felt his legs being separated from his body.

"!!"

Lami, who had finished her fight and was watching the man, used her cut while he was still within her attack zone.

"Ahhh, my legs?!" The man was scared, even though Lami had only removed his legs from his body without actually cutting them. The psychological blow to the man was strong—after all, who would want to see their legs being separated in front of their eyes?

"Because, they were made of iron!" The man exclaimed in horror.

"As if I couldn't cut iron." Lami taunted as she approached, her gaze meeting Luffy's.

Luffy just nodded, and Lami used her sword to cut the man, ending any attempt at negotiation.

"Wait! I can give you anything..." Before he could finish, his iron head was removed from his neck, resulting in a spurt of blood and the abrupt end of his words and life.

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