Creak—
At first, Luca only heard a faint noise, insignificant amid the sounds of the machinery running.
But then, one after another, noises came from all over the equipment. At the same time, the temperature inside the room began rising rapidly.
By then, Luca finally understood what was happening.
"We're done for..."
The situation was already beyond his control.
The equipment under his charge had suffered such a serious failure. He'd probably be executed for it.
Cracks appeared in the machine parts, plain as day.
Bang—
Whoosh—
A piece suddenly shot loose from somewhere, carrying terrifying momentum as it grazed Luca's cheek.
Splurt—
Blood sprayed from his face. Feeling the warmth against his skin, Luca finally reacted. He yanked open the door and rushed toward the deck.
He'd worry about what happened afterward later!
For now, escaping with his life was what mattered!
Boom!!!
Not long after Luca ran out, an explosion rang out, and the warship that had been speeding forward came to a halt.
"Not bad."
Watching a plume of black smoke rise in the distance as the warship abruptly stopped, Nia patted Grey on the shoulder in praise.
"Hahaha, I took out a warship too!"
Luo's face darkened.
"Anyway, we've successfully resupplied. Now let's head straight for the Grand Line!"
Without its engines, there was no way the warship could catch up to the Polar Tang under sail.
Rod clapped his hands. Once everyone's attention was on him, he raised his fist.
"Then, to celebrate our imminent entry into the Grand Line and the arrival of our new crewmate, let's have a banquet!!"
"Yeah!!"
"Cook! I need a cook!"
A little while later, Rod stared at the food before him, his face full of misery.
They still hadn't found a cook, so all they could