42 Siege preparation

After wandering around the City of Seven Waters for a while, Nicholas realized that it was very inconvenient without Yagara Bulls as a means of transportation. It was true that the City of Seven Waters lived up to its name as a water city, where waterways were the main thoroughfares and the streets were secondary. If one didn't use the waterways, they often ended up on dead ends.

Yagara Bulls, serving as a shared bike-like service, were easily found in the city. So Nicholas quickly found a shop renting Yagara bulls.

However, after Nicholas negotiated the price with the shop owner and paid promptly, a new problem arose: these Yagara bulls seemed to be afraid of him. Their fear was palpable; upon Nicholas's approach, they trembled and sank into the water, making it impossible for Nicholas to even ride them.

The shop owner was puzzled by this situation, as it was the first time in many years of operating the shop that he had seen Yagara Bulls react this way.

Nicholas, realizing what was happening from the fearful looks of the Yagara Bulls, understood that animals had a sharper sense of danger than humans. Just as even the fiercest dog would cower before a butcher, so too did these Yagara Bulls exhibit fear in his presence, despite his intentions.

After the shop owner attempted to communicate with the Yagara Bulls for a while and was about to refund Nicholas and ask him to leave, Nicholas suddenly approached the Yagara Bulls.

"You don't need to be afraid. If anyone is willing to carry me, I will pay extra to treat them to water meat."

Hearing Nicholas's words, the Yagara Bulls, who were originally submerged in the water, looked at him with confusion. They couldn't understand why this person could speak their language, as even the shop owner could only understand their intentions, not their language.

"There is no need to be confused. I just used a little trick."

As the Yagara Bulls remained puzzled, Nicholas's voice echoed in their minds once again.

While the other Yagara bulls were still perplexed, a sly-looking Yagara bull slowly emerged from the water and looked at Nicholas.

"Human, are you telling the truth?"

"Of course."

"Then come up; I'll carry you."

After hearing this little guy's words, Nicholas jumped onto the seat behind it.

Then, the Yagara Bulls, with red and green stripes on their bodies, swam forward. They entered a rapid waterway through a canal and headed towards the location Nicholas had indicated. After passing under a bridge, the Yagara Bulls finally stopped, indicating they had arrived.

"This is the agreed-upon reward." Nicholas took out a stack of Berry notes and placed them in the Yagara Bulls's harness. He patted the Yagara Bull's head, indicating it could leave.

The Yagara bulls affectionately nuzzled Nicholas's palm. After all, the Berry Nicholas provided was enough for it to feast on water meat and even bring some back for its family.

"Human, farewell! You're welcome to visit my home if you have the chance."

With that, the Yagara Bulls turned and left, returning to the shop to continue serving customers.

As for the Yagara Bulls's invitation, Nicholas just smiled. After all, he had no interest in visiting the underground cities where the Yagara Bulls lived.

After disembarking, Nicholas followed the direction indicated by Stussy's Vivre Card.

Upon meeting with Stussy, Nicholas unexpectedly received news.

"Rocks wants to talk to me?"

In response to Nicholas's inquiry, Stussy nodded and handed the Den Den Mushi to Nicholas.

Nicholas dialed Den Den Mushi's number dedicated to contacting Rocks.

"Bulu Bulu~ Bulu Bulu~"

After a few rings, the Den Den Mushi's appearance changed suddenly; it grew hair, and its expression became that of Rocks.

Once the Den Den Mushi was connected, Rocks immediately spoke, "Nicholas, are you currently in the first half of the Grand Line?"

"Yes, what's up, Captain?"

"It's nothing major. It's just that the Navy and the World Government's actions in the New World have made me uncomfortable. So, I want you to attack the Enies lobby. If you succeed, I'll give you the Devil Fruit you want."

Nicholas narrowed his eyes upon hearing Rock's words. He wondered what major event the World Government and the Navy had stirred up in the New World to make Rocks so eager for retaliation.

"No problem, but how far do you want me to go with attacking Enies lobby?"

Rocks fell silent for a moment upon hearing Nicholas's question.

"As far as you like."

"Hehehe, interesting. Alright, I promise. Prepare the reward, Captain."

After the conversation ended, the two hung up the Den Den Mushi.

"So, Captain, our next stop is Enies lobby?"

Simon asked curiously.

"Yes, our goal is to attack Enies lobby. After all, I've been eyeing that Devil Fruit for a long time."

Nicholas said it with a smile. Stussy and the others knew that the Devil Fruit was prepared for Vista.

After the call with Rocks, the group found a restaurant and sat down. Nicholas began to ponder.

He had always been curious about one thing: whether Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of this world, would die. After all, in his previous life, One Piece was just an anime, and as the protagonist, Luffy would never die.

But now, in this real world, he wondered if Luffy could continue to overcome any challenge or escape from any situation, just like in the anime. This was why Nicholas only considered the anime as a reference; after all, the anime could have many unrealistic elements, while reality did not. In this world, people had their own thoughts and personalities, and Nicholas even doubted if Luffy could die in any way imaginable.

"Hehehe, Enies lobby, the place where the World Government judges criminals. But in this world, the strong are respected, criminals, hahaha."

Seeing Nicholas's demeanor, Katie felt worried. Nicholas's maniacal laughter made her uncomfortable, but Stussy remained calm, eating her steak. She had seen Nicholas's weirder side, and this behavior didn't faze her. As for the people around the restaurant, although they initially wanted to intervene and stop Nicholas's unreasonable behavior, when they saw Vista and his giant axe and shield, they wisely chose to smile instead.

After finishing their meal, the group boarded the ship again and set sail towards Enies lobby.