Jaya Island, a small house by the coast.
After diagnosing the chestnut-headed uncle lying on the bed, Chopper's face turned serious as he said, "It's decompression sickness! And it's severe! How did it get this bad? If not for diving for years without proper measures, it shouldn't have reached this level!"
"Decompression sickness? What's that, Teacher Chopper?" Kaya asked curiously.
"Sometimes divers can get this illness, which is not usually very serious, but this uncle's case is quite special, as it has become a chronic disease," Chopper explained quickly.
"Simply put, when divers ascend from the seabed to the surface, due to insufficient decompression, a certain element that is dissolved in the blood cannot remain in that state and forms bubbles under such circumstances."
Afterwards, the bubbles expand inside and outside the blood vessels, causing damage to blood flow or muscle joints.
"This uncle must have been diving continuously while the bubbles had not yet disappeared, diving again and again every day, accumulating over time, which is why it has become like this, at least for the past ten years!"
After listening to the professional doctor's explanation, the Straw Hat Crew was very surprised.
"Cough... "
On the sickbed, the chestnut-headed man coughed and smiled, saying, "Impressive medical skills, just a simple examination and you can see everything. I have indeed been diving for ten years."
"Hahaha, of course, it took me a lot of effort to find a ship doctor like this," Luffy grinned.
"Haaha."
The man laughed and sat up, waving his hand to indicate that Chopper need not worry.
"You can call me Cricket. Straw Hat Luffy, you said you're going to Sky Island?"
"That's right."
"Really impressive, there are still people in this era who believe in the existence of Sky Island. You're quite a fool too."
Ceicket laughed heartily and said, "Ape, bring the alcohol. How can we not entertain the guest when they have come this far."
"Yes, boss!"
The ape immediately went to get the alcohol.
Chopper hurriedly said, "Wait a minute, it's best for you not to drink alcohol, and also, don't smoke. Look at the cigarette butts on your table, decompression sickness might not be what takes your life, you might already die with cancer ."
"Thank you, Doctor Chopper."
Cricket sat up and chuckled, saying, "I know my body best. This won't kill me, so don't worry."
Luffy fully agreed with this.
Compared to people in the previous world, the physical strength of people in this world is at a monster level.
"So, can you tell me where the Knock-Up Stream is now?" Luffy asked, sitting down on a chair brought by Bartolomeo without hesitation.
"I will tell you everything I know, and then the Saruyama Alliance Alliance will take you to the location of the Knock-Up Stream," Kuli Guy nodded, without any concealment, and explained it very kindly.
The Knock-Up Stream occurs frequently in the sea near the town of Mofu, five times a month, very regularly.
But the location is different each time.
"When was the most recent one?" Nami asked, "We need to get to Sky Island before the Log Pose resets, otherwise it will be troublesome."
"The magnetic force of this island only takes a day to fill up. You're a navigator, right? Don't worry, you have enough time," Cricket paused and continued, "When you arrived here, you must have encountered a sudden darkening of the sky, right?"
"Yes, it was like a cumulonimbus cloud, but not quite the same. It was my first time seeing such a gloomy day," Nami replied.
At this moment, the ape brought over some wine and poured a glass for Luffy.
Cricket picked up a bottle, took a few sips, and then said, "After encountering such a gloomy day, the Knock-Up Stream will definitely occur the next day, so you have a chance, but only one."
Hearing this, Nami breathed a sigh of relief, and everyone looked at Luffy, waiting for the captain's decision.
Luffy smiled and said, "Tomorrow? Where exactly?"
"Probably around 10 o'clock in the morning, and as for the direction... according to my experience, it's in the south of this island," Cricket replied.
Upon hearing this, Usopp eagerly said, "Then let's set off early, Luffy!"
"Hold on!" Cricket looked speechless, "you are rushing like this, do you even know where the direction of South is?"
"Oh right, because our target is not an island but a sea current, the Log Pose won't work," Nami punched Usopp hard and said, "Shut up, Usopp."
"Haha, there is a special bird called the 'Guide Bird' on this island. It is in the forest outside, and its head always points south. As long as you catch this bird, you will not lose your way."
Upon hearing this, the loyal subordinate Bartho immediately stood up and said, "Luffy-sama, leave it to me. Please rest assured, I will quickly catch this bird."
"Wait! Wait!" Cricket said helplessly. "Straw Hat Luffy, why are your subordinates so impatient?"
"Hahahahahahaha, indeed," Luffy laughed.
In the original story, members like Usopp, who are timid, are extremely afraid. But now, on his ship, they are becoming more and more proactive.
Shaking his head, Cricket explained to Bartholomeo, "The call of the Guide Bird is very unique. Once you hear it, you will immediately understand."
"Understood!" Bartholomeo immediately called his subordinates, "Second team, assemble! Let's go!"
He quickly left with his five agents.
"There is a bug-catching net at the entrance. Take it, it might be useful," Cricket instructed.
"Oh, thank you."
The group of people walked out of the cabin.
At this moment, Robin asked curiously, "Why are you so kind to tell us all this? Is it simply because Luffy is a Shichibukai?"
"No, actually I have my own selfish motives. My full name is Mont Blanc Cricket, I am a descendant of the great swindler Mont blanc Noland from 400 years ago..."
Cricket lit a cigarette and explained while smoking.
The Straw Hat crew listened attentively.
Luffy, of course, knew this story and was not interested in hearing it again. He immediately patted Vivi's shoulder, indicating her to follow him.
At the same time...
Luffy opened the adventure shop and started refreshing.
The small crisis earlier made him a little alert.
The further he goes in the Grand Line, the stronger enemies he will encounter.
Leaving aside the others for now, Vivi and Nami, he must quickly ensure that these two girls have enough power so that they won't encounter such a situation again.
Coincidentally, he also has a lot of adventure coins now. Anyway, let's start by refreshing four special fruits.
This time, he was very lucky. After only three refreshes, he saw a special gift box.
[Adventure Coins]: 8245 → 7105
Unfortunately, he didn't see the Haki fruit. His Observation Haki is still stuck at level 4.
The two of them went outside.
Vivi whispered, "Mr. Luffy, is there something you want to tell me?"
"This is for you."
Luffy handed her the special fruit gift box. "This is my 60-year..."
"60 years of lifespan~!"
Vivi smiled brightly and happily accepted the gift box.
After opening it, she indeed saw six special fruits.
She knew that Nami was the first to master all six styles, while the other crew members only mastered one technique.
Now, she also received this gift.
Vivi was very moved. This showed that her position in Mr. Luffy's heart was the same as Miss Nami's.
She didn't care about the six styles, but she cares more about Mr. Luffy's intentions.
Without saying any formal thank you, she hugged Luffy with gratitude and boldly gave him a kiss.
In response, Luffy could only demonstrate and teach her what it means to exchange breaths.
Luffy looked down at the shy princess in his arms. He lowered his head and kissed Vivi's moist and warm tender flesh with his lips. Her lips were moist, greasy, with a mix taste of flower and fruit. Luffy opened his mouth activated his rubber lips, and smeared his saliva on the inside and outside of her lips, even her pretty chin was covered.
Not long after, Vivi's body gradually softened, her teeth opened slightly, and Luffy's long tongue took advantage of the gap, savagely invading Vivi's mouth.
Vivi With her feet, waist and head slightly raised, exposed her fragrant tongue.
Luffy had already tasted Vivi's mouth several times. After experiencing it carefully again this time, he could appreciate the beauty of it even more. In the very moist and warm mouth, a soft and smooth strip of tender meat was very welcoming.
Tongue kisses seemed to be able to express love and connect the soul. The Pirate and The Princess kept kissing passionately, exchanging each other's saliva. The hot tongue conveyed Luffy's fondness for this little princess. After a long time, The Pirate and The Princess separated their lips reluctantly. Their heart full of heat.
"Princess Vivi, your mouth taste so sweet" Luffy teased as he looked into his Kidnapped princess's eyes.
"Um~ Luffy..." Vivi blushed and lowered her head, and slapped Luffy's chest with her soft fist.
Meanwhile, outside the door, on the wall, an eye and an ear quietly turned into pink petals and disappeared.
Inside the house.
Robin smiled lightly, pretending not to see or hear anything.
In the forest.
Bartolomeo, full of enthusiasm, walked at the front.
Daz Bonez, Gem, and Mr.9 followed on the left and right.
Bentham and Galdino were at the back.
"Why does this lady have to come and catch birds... One person is enough for this kind of thing," Bentham said with no enthusiasm, tiptoeing and doing ballet steps.
Glancing at him, Galdino snorted and said, "What an idiot."
"What are you saying, Mr.3!"
"Mr.2, I admit that your strength is indeed 'a little bit' stronger than mine, but when it comes to intelligence, you are far inferior to me," Galdino pushed his glasses and revealed a wise look.
"It's been several days since you joined the Straw Hat Pirates, and you still haven't understood? In this pirate crew, what determines your position is not strength!"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"That long-nosed Usopp, his fighting ability is not even as good as a chicken raised for two and a half years, but do you think there is a big difference in his position compared to the first mate, Roronoa Zoro?"
Upon hearing this, Bentham couldn't help but reminisce.
It seemed that there really wasn't much difference.
These people quarreled and made noise every day, and it was impossible to tell who had a higher or lower position.
If you had to say, the scariest one was the woman named Nami.
"So what are you trying to say?"
"Haven't you understood yet? To integrate into this organization, what you need is not immense strength, but..."
At this point, Galdino pushed his glasses again, and the lenses reflected a bright light of wisdom.
"What is it?"
"It's pretending to be foolish!"
Galdino decisively said, "As long as I act more foolish and have fun with them every day, my position will eventually rise. I won't be limited to just being a member of the second team!"
Bentham: ("....")
"Hmph, it seems you don't understand, Mr.2! I, Mr.3, Galdino, am going to become the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates!"
Galdino revealed his ambition.
Unlike the dangerous missions he often had to carry out at Baroque Works, in the Straw Hat Pirates, as long as he pretends to be foolish and gets along with everyone, promotion and salary increase are not just dreams!
"Oh you are a fool, and this point, I have known already."
"Huh?"
Galdino said dissatisfiedly, "I haven't finished yet. To pretend to be foolish, one person is not enough. Haven't you noticed something more important?"
"What?"
"A partner! Understanding the importance of a partner! Look, Usopp and Chopper are a pair of partners, Zoro and Sanji are also a pair of partners, Johnny and Yosaku are also a pair of partners!"
Patting Bentham's shoulder, Galdino grinned and said,
"Join forces with me and climb up together, Mr.2!"
Bentham was a little moved. Although he didn't know why this fool wanted to find him, they were all companions who went from unemployment to reemployment. It was great to become partners again
"Mr.3!"
"Mr.2!"
The two looked at each other, suddenly feeling a sense of sympathy.
From the front came Bartolomeo's dissatisfied voice,
"Hey, hey, don't slack off, you two. Hurry up we must catch that bird before tomorrow!"
"Eh?"
"Vice Captain Barto!
"Ah?! You cannot call me Barto? I'm just a little brother who ranks three. Barto is a title exclusive for Luffy-sama. Just call me Vice Captain!"
"Yes, Vice Captain"
Evening.
Bartolomeo and his team returned, not only capturing the guide bird, but also catching many strange things.
"Luffy-sama, this is the King of South Birds"
He ran over, as if inviting praise, and said, "I caught a hundred of them. After a rigorous selection process, it stood out and became the 'king'! Only such a King South Bird is worthy of your status as Luffy-sama, the Almighty"
Who wants this thing?!
Luffy's mouth twitched, seeing Mr. 3 next to him with a swollen face.
"What happened to him?"
"He might have tripped."
[Looks like he got beaten up.]
Luffy waved his hand.
"Give it to Usopp, he'll definitely like it."
After a pause, he called Chopper over to treat Mr. 3's injuries.
At this moment, Cricket walked over, confirmed the guide bird, and nodded.
"Now, do we need the final preparations?"
"What else?" Nami blinked her eyes.
"Reinforce the ship! Your Sunny is sturdy, a very powerful ship, but the other Merry... to be honest, I don't know if it can withstand it."
The power of the Knock Up Stream is immense, it can push the ship up to a height of 7,000 meters in an instant.
Ordinary ships would disintegrate in the moment of impact.
Altough Luffy can use his fruit abilities to Rubberize the ships, but he has to be in touch with the ships, which is indeed a problem. It's better to take more measures.
Luffy nodded and immediately called the male crew members to start reinforcing the Merry's hull.
Amidst everyone's busyness, two pirate crews arrived one after another.
The first one is the Masira Pirates, led by Captain Masira. They, along with the Shoujou Pirates, are collectively known as the Saruyama Alliance and are fans and subordinates of Cricket.
With their joining, the work became smoother.
Next to arrive is the Bellamy Pirates led by Bellamy. Of course, they are not here to steal gold, but to wait for departure and go to Sky Island together with the others.
Luffy doesn't really care, let them just follow along, anyways he is not responsible for anything.
Seeing everyone reinforcing the Merry Go, Bellamy also had his subordinates help.
It continued until the early hours of the next day, around four or five o'clock. When the female crew members, who had slept soundly, woke up, everyone finally finished reinforcing the Merry Go.
At this point, the original Going Merry has been completely transformed. It now has many iron plates and is equipped with a pair of wings.
Especially the most critical part of a ship, the keel, has undergone extensive construction at the bottom of the ship, regardless of cost, to ensure that it does not disintegrate in the Knock-Up Stream.
"That should do it."
Cricket stood on the shore, looking at the early morning sunlight, and smiled, "Straw Hat Luffy, I wish you a smooth journey."
"Thank you, Mont Blanc Cricket."
Luffy stood on the deck of the Merry Go, grinning, "Your ancestors were not liars. The Sky Island above our heads is real, as well as the Golden City. Just wait, you'll know soon enough!"
Cricket stood still in place, watching the ship gradually move away from the shore.
The fleet, consisting of five pirate ships, sailed towards the area where the Knock-Up Stream is located.
They are respectively:
The Thousand Sunny, commanded by Nami!
The Going Merry, with Luffy at the helm!
The New Witch's Tongue, led by Bellamy!
The Victory Hunter, belonging to the Masira Pirates!
The Uton Sonar, belonging to the Shoujou Pirates!
"Set sail, heading for Sky Island!"