Chapter 261: Battle Plans

"Lexie did it," Saphir remarked, her admiration evident in her tone as he watched the tank pull the Going Merry to safety.

"She always comes through for us," Vivi chimed in, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"She is truly amazing," Conis agreed. This was the first time seeing her in action and she knew she was much more capable. 

Meanwhile, Raki observed the scene with a thoughtful expression, her mind racing with questions and possibilities. As she watched the machine's display of power, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Turning her attention to Ben, she sensed an air of mystery surrounding him. Her thoughts also drifted to Conis and the flames that seemed to dance upon her back. She wondered whether she could get this strong and have a similar power. 

"So Ben, what are our next plans?" Mikita asked. 

"There are more priests and also him to deal with," Ben replied. He added, "There is also the gold." 

"Are we interested in gold?" Kaya asked. 

"We do have a lot in the ship`s vault," Vivi chimed in.

"Not really, but just something else to do," Ben replied. 

The Going Merry approached the Miss Love Duck. Zoro had cut the rope off. 

"Ben, thanks for this," Luffy waved. 

"We do appreciate this," Usopp added.

"No worries, it was Alvida's plan anyway," Ben replied with a reassuring smile.

"She sure is smart," Nami remarked.

"She's our vice captain," Vivi added, her pride in their leader shining through.

"A beautiful vice captain," Sanji interjected dreamily, his eyes sparkling with hearts. 

"Pervy Chef," Zoro retorted, rolling his eyes at Sanji's antics.

"What did you say, you idiot?" Sanji shot back. 

Lexie pulled up towards the Miss Love Duck. Alvida jumped onto the deck of the Miss Love. "My love, Nojiko said, she will park up Lexie," Alvida reported. 

"Okay," Ben replied. 

"Lets go and find the treasure," Luffy shouted. 

"We might join you as well," Ben replied. 

"First come, first serve," Nami said. She looked adamant on the treasure. 

"Well, there is also that guy as well," Ben said. His tone was serious. 

"I will defeat him," Luffy stated. He smiled. 

"First come, first serve," Ben said. 

"And we will," Luffy stated again. Zoro and Sanji smiled. Usopp and Chopper looked a bit worried. 

"Lets go," Luffy shouted as the Going Merry sailed on. 

"We should go after them, my love," Alvida urged.

"We will, but we need to gather everyone together first," Ben responded, his voice calm.

"They'll have a head-start if we wait too long," Saphir interjected. She did not want to lose the competition.

Raki nodded in agreement. "We can't afford to delay any further. We need to get moving," she said. She thought about the battle. They both seemed confident. She saw Luffy dancing without a care in the world. Her crew was also drinking and relaxing. She thought they knew about the situation but were relaxed. 

Vivi looked at her. "They are reliable," Vivi said. They all smiled. Raki looked at Vivi. Her words had conviction.

"Once Nojiko is aboard with Lexie, we'll have a brief meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page," Ben declared.

They all nodded. After a few minutes, and the girls getting ready, they all met up on the Bridge. Kaya, HQ, Alvida, Mikita, Honey, Nojiko, Vivi, Marianne, Zala, Robin, Saphir, Conis and Raki were all on the Bridge with Ben. 

"Everyone is here my love," Alvida said. Honey still had a smile of satisfaction on her face. Robin also had a smile however Ben could not tell what she was feeling. 

"Good, Nojiko, HQ let's set sail, follow the Going Merry path for now," Ben ordered.

"Yes Captain," Nojiko replied. HQ nodded. Nojiko sat on the helm`s seat and pressed a few buttons. She moved forward with the lever and the Miss Love Duck started to move. 

"So what are the plans?" Zala asked. 

"Well," Ben began, however Raki interrupted.

"Ben, I want to show you something, something important," Raki interjected, her voice filled with urgency and determination.

"Important?" Marianne questioned, curiosity piqued by Raki's cryptic statement. Mikita and Zala looked at her. 

"Yes, important. Ben, please?" Raki implored.

 "Sure, we can have a look, but we need to keep the Miss Love Duck on course and protect her," Ben replied.

"So we will have to split up?" Kaya asked.

"Yes, we will but only two groups," Ben replied. Ben knew dividing is always risky however, it will be needed, firstly for Raki and secondly they could cover more ground and explore. Also, his girls are strong, he does not need to be around them all the time.

"So how will we decide between the two groups?" Vivi asked.

Ben thought for a second. "Me, Alvida, Zala and Raki will go on foot," Ben said.

"Why don't we take Lexie?" Zala asked. 

"Actually, that is a good idea," Ben replied. 

"Can someone drive it?" Vivi asked.

"I can my love, Nojiko and HQ have been teaching me," Alvida replied.

Ben thought, when did she have the time to learn it. He was impressed. "Okay, that solves that issue, Ben replied. He added, "The rest will stay and protect the Miss Love Duck and if you see 

the priest, to defeat them." 

"They will all have that ability like Satori," Mikita responded.

"Mantra," Raki added. She had chills down her spine.

"Yes, they will and Satori was not even their best user, however others will not and they will be easier to take down," Ben added.

"We know about the heat dial priest," Saphir remembered. 

"Yes, Shura and his pet," Raki said. She kissed her teeth. 

"I will beat him," Kaya said. She remembered him for hurting her best friend and fellow doctor. Vivi nodded in agreement. 

"Then there are the other two priests," Raki added. 

"We will take them down,"Alvida replied. She clenched her fist. She had been training and something was telling her she is going to need all her experience and knowledge for this. 

"There are also the guards and divine soldiers,"Conis interjected. She was nervous about them. 

"And we will beat them," Saphir replied. Marianne nodded. 

"Yes, we will," Mikita replied. She was going to defeat them all or help. 

"But keep away from Enel," Ben replied. 

"He is that dangerous," Kaya said.

"He is," Conis and Raki said together. 

"We will defeat him," Alvida assured them.

"That we will," Ben said. "We also have the four dials and two shooters. Marianne and Zala take the Impact Dials, Mikita, Vivi go for the Axe Dials," Ben ordered.

"I wanted one," Nojiko teased. She had a cheeky smile.

"I can give you mine," Zala offered.

"Or mine," Vivi als offered.

"No need, just kidding," Nojiko replied.

"We need to collect their weapons like we are doing," Ben said.

"Those weapons have come in handy," Vivi said. She thought of her Gero Gero Gun.

Marianne nodded. "Okay, sounds like we have a plan," Ben said. 

All the girls nodded. "Let's head downstairs to get to Lexie, let's kick their ass," Ben announced. 

The girls smiled back.