At that moment, Roelki steered his pirate ship closer.
Staring at the massive warship before him, his face twisted in shock and horror.
"Where is Captain Lu Yu?"
Just moments ago, Lu Yu's small and tattered ship had been in that exact spot. Now, in its place stood a monstrous warship, its fearsome design and ominous colors exuding an overwhelming sense of dread.
Most importantly, this was exactly where Lu Yu's ship had been.
Could it be… Captain Lu Yu was killed!?
But… who could have done it…?
Just as Roelki was lost in thought, Akame suddenly leaped onto the terrifying warship before him.
"Sister Akame… this…"
"Hehehe… Hahahaha…!"
"So that's it… I'm not as decisive as Sister Akame, am I?"
"As an apprentice crew member, I have to avenge Captain Lu Yu as well!"
"Little ones, attack!"
Roelki hesitated for a moment, then gave the order to engage.
In his mind, Akame had already taken the initiative to avenge their captain, while he himself had been too afraid, too uncertain. Was this the difference between an official crew member and an apprentice?
Feeling ashamed, Roelki clenched his fists and charged forward.
"Captain!?"
But the moment he landed on the deck, he saw Lu Yu standing calmly at the bow of the ship, completely unharmed.
"This… could it be…?"
"Roelki, you performed well."
"From now on, you're a full-fledged crew member."
"Take the lead—set course for Shells Town."
Lu Yu could see the emotions flashing across Roelki's face but didn't dwell on them. The plan had to move forward.
"Ah!?
"Captain is mighty!"
"I—Roelki—will serve the captain with my life and soul!"
"I'll lead the way immediately!"
All his doubts and questions vanished in an instant. Overjoyed, Roelki rushed off to steer the ship.
Watching Roelki's excited antics, Lu Yu couldn't help but feel that this crew member had a few screws loose. However, he chose to say nothing.
The appearance of Arlong had confirmed something for Lu Yu.
There was no reason to linger in the East Blue any longer.
Either he'd run into monstrous foes far beyond his current strength, or he'd only encounter weaklings.
For him, neither would be of any benefit.
Moreover, his bounty had now soared to 30 million.
There was no point in staying here.
First, they would go to Shells Town to take Morgan's head.
Then, they would head straight for Loguetown.
---
Meanwhile, in Shells Town…
"What?"
"You want to join forces with me?"
"Hahaha! Captain Nezumi, what makes you think you have the qualifications to stand before me and say such things?"
"You're just a pathetic nobody with no real strength!"
Morgan's scornful voice echoed through his office.
To him, even though Nezumi held the same rank as him, the man was utterly beneath him.
A branch Captain who climbed the ranks through bribery and flattery? That was nothing compared to Morgan, the man who slew the infamous Black Cat Pirates!
How could he possibly cooperate with someone as lowly as Nezumi?
"Captain Morgan's, please hear me out."
"This new pirate… he's already taken down several major crews with bounties in the tens of millions."
"Even the Arlong Pirates have fallen to him."
"Right now, he's heading for Shells Town."
"I have the information. You have the power."
"With your axe, such a pirate will surely meet his end!"
Nezumi's eyes gleamed as he spoke with a sycophantic smile.
He wasn't the least bit offended by Morgan's insults—he was long used to such treatment.
Now that Arlong had been defeated, he had the chance to take control of the remnants.
If he could join forces with Morgan to take down Lu Yu, he would gain an even firmer grip over the East Blue's illicit affairs.
At that point, he would rule his own little empire.
"Pirate… Lu Yu?"
"Just a rookie."
"If he dares step foot into my waters, I'll cut him down myself!"
"Get lost!"
"Stay any longer, and I might just chop you up instead!"
Morgan sneered with contempt.
"I can pay to make your statue even bigger."
Nezumi added, unfazed.
Morgan's eyes lit up.
Although he had already drained most of Shells Town's wealth and forced its people to build a grand statue of him, Nezumi's proposal piqued his interest.
"Hmph!"
"Fine. I'll let you assist me."
"But the pirate's head belongs to me!"
Morgan brandished his axe with a menacing grin.
Nezumi merely smiled flatteringly in response.
Yet, deep inside, he was grinning for another reason.
---
"Captain Morgan! A pirate ship has entered the inner sea!"
"Based on reports, it's the infamous Dragon Hunter Pirates, with a bounty of 30 million!"
A Marine officer burst into the room, delivering the urgent news.
"So… they've arrived."
"Nezumi, watch closely."
"This is the grandeur of a true hero of justice—not the pathetic scheming of your kind!"
Morgan declared proudly as he put on his coat and prepared to depart.
Nezumi quickly followed behind him.
At the same time, three Marine warships sailed into the inner sea of Shells Town.
These reinforcements had been summoned by Nezumi.
To take down Arlong, Lu Yu had to be powerful.
In Nezumi's mind, even if Lu Yu had won, he must have suffered significant losses in doing so.
Now was the perfect time to strike.
---
Meanwhile, at the Marine training grounds…
A green-haired swordsman was tied to a post.
That's right—Zoro.
Previously, he had been cut down by Lu Yu.
Now, he was bound as punishment for "sticking his nose where it didn't belong."
Nearby, a young man in a straw hat and a little girl had arrived at the scene.
"Navy?"
"What are they up to?"
Luffy asked in confusion.
Fear? No, there was no fear at all.
After all, Garp had frequently visited him before he set sail.
He had seen plenty of Marines growing up.
Since they weren't attacking him, he didn't really care.
On the other hand, Coby was trembling in terror.
After all… he was still technically a pirate.
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