The Sunken Island

"So many things happened while I was asleep?"

Hearing Xi Yan's explanation, Luffy's eyes were filled with surprise.

He never expected that after defeating Moria, another Shichibukai would appear!

And after that Shichibukai... Moria actually stood up again and started fighting that Shichibukai?

"Yes," Xi Yan nodded, "If Moria hadn't suddenly intervened, we would have been in real danger..."

Their Chakra was almost depleted, and their companions were either injured or crippled.

And that bear... was almost at full strength!

The thought of the bear's Devil Fruit ability made Xi Yan feel that it was a bit outrageous.

How can such outrageous abilities exist in this world?!

Luffy nodded, then asked with some confusion, "But why is that Big Bear here?"

"Judging from his tone, he's here to invite Xi Yan to become Shichibukai," Nico Robin said. "It's most likely that the World Government has taken a liking to Xi Yan's abilities."

Nico Robin understood: the World Government was now more interested in the Ninja Xi Yan than in her, who could read the Historical Text.

After all... his power didn't originate from Devil Fruit!

One thing Nico Robin is quite curious about is how the World Government determined that Moria would be defeated by them?

Could it be that the Shichibukai are inherently weak?

Or are you... preparing for both possibilities?

If Moria defeats them, Kuma will only take Xi Yan with him. If they defeat Moria... will he then invite Xi Yan to become Shichibukai?

Hmm, that makes sense now that you think about it.

"Invite Xi Yan to become Shichibukai?" Luffy was taken aback at first, then angrily said, "That damned Big Bear, how dare he steal my crewmate!!"

"If I ever see him again, I'll beat him to a pulp!"

Luffy was furious! How dare that bastard do such a thing while he was asleep? He wouldn't let that guy get away with it.

Seeing Luffy's anger, Xi Yan smiled and said, "I just didn't agree to his request."

"That won't do either, I have to beat him up!"

"Fine, then I'll beat him up next time we meet!"

"Um!"

Luffy nodded seriously, seemingly already thinking about how to defeat that wretched Big Bear.

However... in Luffy's mind, the image of Kuma is that of a real bear.

"That guy's Devil Fruit ability is still a problem," Zoro said, frowning. "Without dealing with that, it will be difficult to take him down."

The ability to deflect any attack—how terrifying is that?

Most importantly, after being knocked down, he can still use his ability to deflect his injuries... That's insane!

Listening to Zoro's words, the others also fell into deep thought; the power of that Paw-Paw Fruit was still very troublesome.

After throwing a tantrum for a while Luffy gradually calmed down, and then his stomach started growling.

"Sanji!!"

"I want to eat!!"

"Sanji is already doing it," Merry said.

Sanji had just guessed that Luffy would wake up soon, so after leaving the island, he went to the kitchen and started cooking.

Sure enough, Luffy woke up not long after.

That's good~

Luffy grinned, showing his teeth. It felt so good to be able to eat right after waking up.

"There's something I'm wondering about," Franky said. "Why is Moria helping us?"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately fell silent, even Luffy, who was also quite curious about it.

"This might be related to something I did."

"One thing?"

"Hmm." Xi Yan nodded and said, "After Moria was defeated by Luffy, Moria asked me a question, so I told him to find the answer in his own heart, and I also gave him an Illusion."

The group exchanged bewildered glances, not realizing there was anything wrong with it.

"Could the key to this be... your Illusion?" Nico Robin asked.

"More or less," Xi Yan said with some emotion. "The ability of this Illusion is to make the victim see the image they fear most."

"Is it you who gave that Ghost Woman the ability to see the Giant Cockroach?"

"Right."

"Big cockroach...?"

A question mark popped up above Luffy's head. What on earth is all this?

Xi Yan glanced at Luffy with a puzzled look. This kid was there when he first used Illusion on Ghost Woman.

Oh, right, that kid was lying on the ground, feeling withdrawn, so he probably didn't hear me.

"That's what the Ghost Woman is most afraid of," Xi Yan explained.

"But why would Moria be shown the most terrifying image...?"

"Perhaps it's because I showed him his dead comrade."

As he spoke, Xi Yan recalled Moria's expression at the time, and felt a pang of emotion.

'Is the terrifying image of Moria's beloved companion?'

Although he didn't know exactly what Moria's companion had said to him, the other's change was definitely related to it.

Perhaps... Moria has made peace with himself?

It's similar to... defeating Heart Demon.

After shaking his head, Xi Yan said, "In any case, our escape this time was indeed related to Moria."

"I see..." Luffy nodded and said, "Looks like that guy's not a bad person."

"Huh?!"

Chopper looked at Luffy in shock and said, "We were enemies before, Luffy!"

"Yeah, he stole your shadow before, aren't you angry?"

"Hahaha, that?" Luffy laughed and said, "I felt better after beating him up."

He was indeed very angry before the battle ended, but after defeating his opponent, he felt relieved and naturally didn't hold a grudge.

Moreover... his own crewmates were saved by Moria, so Luffy is very grateful to Moria.

"As expected of... Luffy..."

"By the way, where are Brook and the Proposing Woman?" Luffy asked.

As he spoke, he looked around, searching for his preferred partners and the friends he had met this time.

"Huh?!"

"Usopp isn't here either..."

"Brook is chatting with Sanji in the kitchen," Xi Yan said. "Usopp hasn't woken up yet; he's sleeping in Chopper's medical room."

"As for Lola and the others..."

Xi Yan said helplessly, "The situation was rather complicated at the time, so Lola and the others left."

"They've left..."

Luffy paused for a moment. He quite liked those guys, but they'd already left?

However, he had experienced this before, so he quickly cheered up and laughed, saying, "Haha, then see you next time!"

Seeing Luffy laughing, Xi Yan smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, if we have the chance, we'll meet again in the New World."

Nami just mentioned that Lola's family seems to be quite powerful, but they didn't go into details, so Nami doesn't know the specifics.

Xi Yan pondered that the other party might be a descendant of a great pirate or an important figure from some country.

Xi Yan didn't understand why she proposed to someone right after meeting them.

Could it be that her family was pressuring her too much, so she ran away to seek her own love?

But her love life is just too unusual...

Thinking about this, Xi Yan fell into deep thought.

Just then, Brook pushed open the door and walked in, saying, "Everyone, Mr. Sanji's meal is ready..."

"Huh?!"

"Mr. Luffy, are you awake?!"

"Brook!!"

Luffy off the ship and ran to Brook, saying, "You, can you join my pirate crew now?!"

The shadow has already helped the other party retrieve it, so it naturally possesses the ability to stand in the sunlight again and can continue sailing!

Hearing Luffy's words, Brook, bathed in direct sunlight, laughed, "Yohohoho, thanks for remembering that."

"But... there's something else I haven't told you yet."

"What is it?"

"I have an important promise with my companions..."

"It's about Laboon, isn't it?" Luffy grinned, "Franky and the others told me."

Brook paused for a moment, then glanced at Franky leaning against the wall in surprise, clearly not expecting the other man to tell Luffy such a thing.

"Ah... that's right, it's Laboon."

"It was a Little Whale named Laboon, in a certain strait..."

"Brook, we know Laboon."

"Huh?!"

Brook paused, staring at Luffy in shock, and instinctively asked, "You two know each other?"

"Yes!"

Sanji walked up from behind, nodded, and said, "We encountered that big guy at Twin Capes."

"Mr. Sanji..."

"When we first entered the Grand Line, we encountered that huge guy at the entrance," Nami said. "We also learned that Laboon had been waiting there for fifty years..."

"That guy would be so happy if he knew you kept your promise too."

"Fifty years later... he's still there...?" Brook said, her voice trembling slightly.

He never dreamed that, fifty years later, that little guy would still be waiting there... Laboon hadn't forgotten their promise!!

"Yes," Nami nodded. "The old man at Twin Capes said you might be dead, but Laboon doesn't want to believe it."

"So... he would ram his head against the Red Line every day, and he didn't stop even when he was covered in wounds."

Hearing Nami's words, Brook immediately tensed up. That little girl was actually doing something like that?

Isn't this just hurting yourself?

Seeing Brook's state, Nami immediately said, "Don't worry, he won't hurt himself anymore."

"Luffy has reaffirmed his promise with Laboon in his own way, and he will stay there and wait for us."

Although Luffy's method was rather crude, at least it stopped the other party from hurting him further.

This is good news for them.

Hearing Nami's words, Brook glanced at Luffy, clearly not expecting him to do such a thing.

That's for the best; at least the little guy stopped hurting himself.

However, Brook felt heartbroken when he thought about Laboon's collision with the Red Line.

"Laboon... how could he hurt himself like this..."

"Because he wants to come find you."

Upon hearing this, Brook couldn't hold back anymore; her body began to tremble uncontrollably, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Is Laboon still in good spirits?"

"Ah, your spirit is as strong as a mountain," Sanji said.

As he spoke, he made a very exaggerated gesture, as if he were gesturing to Brook to show just how huge Laboon was.

"That's great... that's great!!"

At that moment, Brook's tears flowed uncontrollably, and she stood there crying loudly.

"I've never been happier than today!!"

"It's amazing that I've lived this long!!"

For Brook, today was the happiest day of his fifty years, and the day he received the most good news.

Laboon is still alive and waiting for them in that same place, his mind unchanged even after fifty years.

This means that his persistence was meaningful; Laboon hasn't forgotten them!

Thinking of this, Brook cried even harder.

"Thank you... thank you all!!"

Thank you so much!

"Don't be so formal, hahaha," Luffy laughed.

After Brook had completely calmed down, Luffy asked, "So, what are your thoughts now?"

Brook paused for a moment, then looked at Luffy with utmost seriousness and said, "Mr. Luffy, can I join the Straw Hat Pirates?"

Haha, that's great!

"Huh?!"

"You agreed so easily?!"

Sanji and the others stared at Luffy in shock, but the next moment they rushed to Brook's side, lifted him up, and said, "But... welcome, you skeleton bastard!"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

"Yohohoho~"

At this moment, Brook once again experienced what it felt like to be a pirate.

As the ceiling drew ever closer, Brook murmured to himself, ' Laboon... thank you for waiting for me so long...'

After putting Brook down, Luffy said, "If you want to see Laboon, we can turn back now."

Although it would take more time, they didn't mind taking a detour for Brook's sake.

Seeing his friends laughing and looking at him, Brook laughed too, and at the same time... he made a new decision in his heart.

' Laboon... could you wait a little longer?'

'My pirate spirit has been rekindled... I also have the ambition of a pirate,' Brook murmured to himself.

What they said back then was that they would meet Laboon again in a positive light.

So... he hopes that the day he meets Laboon will be after circling the Grand Line once, and they will meet face-to-face!!

Thinking of this, Brook said, "Mr. Luffy's dream is to travel around the world and become the Pirate King, right?"

"Yes!"

"Then I'm not in such a hurry to meet Laboon," Brook said. "We, with our long lifespans, will meet sooner or later."

"I will tell him everything that happened along the way!"

Island Whale have lifespans of several hundred years, and he lived for fifty years without changing at all, so... their lifespans are both very long.

Besides... from our current position, there's not much difference between going back and going in a circle.

So Brook decided to travel the world with his friends and meet Laboon head-on!

The companions exchanged bewildered glances, clearly surprised by Brook's decision. However... since it was Brook's decision, they could only respect it.

"Okay, I understand," Luffy nodded.

"So..."

Let's get to know each other again!

Brook took out a Wanted Order and slammed it heavily on the ground.

"Huh?!"

"Wanted Order?"

"You're a wanted criminal too?!" Sanji exclaimed, looking at Brook in surprise.

"That's right, I have a bounty on my head!" Brook bowed his head, knelt on one knee before Luffy, and said earnestly, "I am Brook, a wanted criminal with a bounty of 33 million Beli!"

"He once served as the captain of Guard Team, and later became the acting captain, swordsman, and musician of the Rumbar Pirates!"

"From this day forward, I entrust my life to Straw Hat Luffy. To avoid being a burden to everyone, I will give it my all!"

"Yohohoho!"

Hearing Brook's words, Luffy laughed and said, "Welcome to the team, Brook!!"

"Yohohoho!"

"Brothers, to welcome our new comrade... let's have a feast!!"

"Profound!!"

Seeing his friends' happy faces, Brook laughed along with them.

To have lived this long... that's truly amazing!

On the other side, outside the Thriller Bark, a pirate ship was floating on the sea.

"Is Lord Moria's battle not over yet...?" Hogback swallowed hard.

Since the Straw Hat Pirates left, a terrifying rumbling sound has been heard from the island, and it hasn't stopped yet.

How badly must they have been hit?

"A battle at the level of the Shichibukai is never going to end so easily," Absalom said.

"That's true, but..."

Hogback hesitated, knowing full well the strength of his own Shichibukai.

Is Lord Moria, who was defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates... truly a match for Bartholomew Kuma?

Absalom glanced at Hogback and said irritably, "Lord Moria is different now."

"What's different?"

"You didn't see it, so naturally you wouldn't know." Absalom turned to look in the direction of the island and said, "Lord Moria ... he has really changed."

Absalom has followed Moria for many years, so he can naturally see the situation of his boss.

Now... he just hopes his boss can defeat this Bartholomew Kuma.

Hogback looked at Absalom with a puzzled expression, still unable to understand what the other man meant.

However, he didn't think too much about it. He figured he would know what Absalom meant once Lord Moria returned.

"By the way, where did Perona go?" Hogback asked.

"Her..." Absalom said with a grim expression, "I don't know where the bear took her."

Although that mischievous girl really enjoys playing pranks, she is ultimately his partner.

His fate is now unknown, and he is in a bad mood.

Hogback paused for a moment after hearing Absalom's words, then muttered, "So this is Lord Moria's reason for fighting a bear...?"

Although Lord Moria never allowed them to call each other captain, he could tell that the other party cared a lot about the three of them.

Now that Perona may have been killed by Kuma, how could Lord Moria not be furious?

'This is the kind of Lord Moria we are willing to follow...'

Thinking of this, Hogback said with some worry, "We must make sure everyone is safe and sound."

Whether it's Lord Moria... or Perona.

Just then, an even more terrifying explosion rang out.

With a deafening explosion, the Thriller Bark of the distant ship... ripped open!

It was as if something incredibly terrifying had exploded on top of it!!

"What... happened?" Hogback asked in shock.

"Is this what a battle at the Shichibukai level is like...?" Absalom swallowed hard and said, "Truly terrifying."

They actually managed to destroy this island and turn it into this state!

Meanwhile, the two Shichibukai had just been engaged in Life and Death Fight on the island had now distanced themselves and were standing facing each other on two huge rocks.

The Thriller Bark beneath their feet had been completely shattered, its foundation gradually separating.

A large amount of seawater surged up from below, and it may not be long before this place is completely submerged.

"Look, this is the result," the bear said.

The massive ship, after their battle with the Straw Hat Pirates, simply couldn't withstand the attack from the two of them.

After all... when he fought Moria, the Bear Paw Impact he used was far more terrifying than before.

"It's just a ship, so what if it's broken?" Moria sneered. "I'm not going to keep it anyway."

Moria is now planning to go to the New World.

Since we're going to the New World, we can't possibly use this enormous ship to go, so let it break and consider it a celebration of its rebirth!

As he thought this, Moria raised his left hand, which had been twisted and contorted from the beating.

Then, the Devil Fruit power activated, and the shadow lying on the ground quickly began to wriggle, forcefully returning to its original form!

As the shadow shifted, Moria's bones cracked!

"Click click click..."

In a very short time, Moria's twisted arm miraculously returned to its original shape!

This process was painful for Moria, as he had to go through the process of having his arm repaired!

But Moria's expression remained unchanged; he still looked at the bear with a cold smile, like a madman.

"That's truly... a terrifying ability," the bear said. "He actually recovered from his injuries just like that?"

"You have the nerve to talk about others like that?" Moria pointed to the two floating energy wisps nearby and said, "Who's the one who's bullying others by claiming they can project their injuries?"

If he hadn't arrived in time, the Straw Hat Pirates might have all been killed by this guy.

Not only that, this bastard also used his ability to deflect the injury after being stabbed by himself.

All I can say is that it's incredibly shameless.

Just then, a huge fish leaped out of the water and landed right on the wound gas that the bear had sprung up from behind.

The next moment...

"Bump!!"

This enormous fish was instantly blasted into dust!

Seeing this, Moria's sneer deepened.

Xiong didn't intend to explain, because it was indeed a convenience brought by his ability, and there was no reason not to use it.

Looking at the silent Kuma, Moria's smile faded as he said, "Kuma... you could say you're an outlier among the Shichibukai."

"What exactly has the World Government given you that makes you willingly work for them?"

"They even... underwent modifications!"

Moria glanced at the steel on the bear's arm, his eyes filled with confusion.

It's important to know that those who become Shichibukai are all heroes of their time, and such people are generally unruly and rebellious.

And such a being... would willingly become Guinea pig for the World Government?

He didn't understand.

Xiong glanced at his shoulder, then said stiffly, "Of course... I have my reasons."

As long as his daughter can grow up healthy, what does it matter if she's modified by the World Government, or even if he dies?

"Whatever you want," Moria said, shaking his head.

He asked that question out of curiosity; he didn't really expect Kuma to reveal his deal with the World Government.

Otherwise, the World Government might very well take back what it gave to Kuma.

After thinking for a moment, Moria said, "Alright, let's continue our battle."

"I didn't make you spit it out..."

"She's alright," Xiong said.

"What?"

"I said, that little girl is fine," Xiong said calmly. "She's still alive."

Seeing that the bear had put things so bluntly, Moria spat and said, "Wouldn't it have been better to say this earlier?"

If he had told the truth after the Straw Hat Pirates left, he wouldn't have continued fighting them.

Sheathing his greatsword, Moria asked, "So, where is Perona?"

He didn't expect Xiong to help him bring the person back, so he planned to go himself.

Instead of answering, Xiong asked, "Are you... sure you want to bring her back?"

"What's the meaning?"

Moria frowned as he looked at the bear, not immediately understanding what it meant.

"You should understand what the failure of the Shichibukai means," Kuma said calmly.

Hearing the bear's words, Moria was stunned for a moment, then his face darkened.

Yes, he understood what that meant.

He believed that it wouldn't be long before the navy came to surround and annihilate him, after all... he planned to set sail again!

The force tasked with suppressing the Shichibukai would be at least several Vice Admiral... no, more likely Admiral leading the charge!

In this situation, it's quite possible that he'll run into problems with little Perona by his side.

At least that was the case during this period.

but...

"Whether my crew returns or not is my decision!" Moria said. "It's not your place to make that decision!"

"Yeah..."

Bear nodded and said, "She's with Hawkeye."

After saying that, the bear shut its mouth and turned to leave.

The ability he initially unleashed was now returning to him; if he didn't leave now, he might die here.

After all... this is Moria's territory!

"Hawkeye, huh...?"

Recalling the man with eagle-like eyes, Moria actually relaxed.

That guy can be considered a hero; he's spent his whole life dealing with swords, so he probably wouldn't stoop to the level of a little girl.

In that case... let's take care of the upcoming matters first.

Perhaps it won't be long before the navy comes to surround and wipe him out!!

Let's bring Perona over after he resolves his issues.

Then, Moria looked at the bear and said, "Since you gave me the information, I'll give you some advice too."

Upon hearing this, the bear paused, then said, "Speak."

"You'd better find a way out for yourself as soon as possible," Moria said. "Although I don't know what deal you made with the World Government, if you don't extricate yourself in time, you probably won't have a good ending."

He knew those guys' mindsets all too well... A thief is a thief!

Even if they act as dogs for the World Government, the World Government won't take them seriously. This is why Moria has always looked down on the World Government.

The only reason I agreed to become Shichibukai was because I could stay here and be a shut-in in peace.

Hearing Moria's words, the bear didn't say anything, not even a gesture, and instantly disappeared from the spot.

Along with it, the wisp of gas that had been floating not far away also disappeared.

Glancing in the direction the bear had gone, Moria narrowed his eyes and said, "This guy seems a bit different from the rumors."

Will Tyrant remind himself of those things?

It seems this guy is more complicated than I thought.

After shaking his head, Moria transformed his shadow into a bat, which lifted him up and gradually carried him into the air.

Sitting atop the giant bat, Moria silently gazed at the gradually fading island below, murmuring, "In the end, I still feel a pang of reluctance..."

But Moria also knew that the island couldn't be saved; it was a miracle that it had survived this long.

And so, Moria sat on the bat, silently watching the island gradually sink until it was completely submerged, at which point he turned and left.

Soon, Moria found his pirate ship on the high seas.

"Ah, it's Lord Moria!!"

"Lord Moria!"

Absalom was incredibly excited to see Moria fly back.

Hogback was also visibly excited, as this meant his leader truly possessed formidable fighting power comparable to a bear!

Moria nodded after landing on the ship, and after retracting his shadow, he said, "Well, are you all alright?"

"We're alright," Absalom said. "Did you defeat the bear?"

"No," Moria shook his head frankly, "That guy isn't so easy to defeat."

The Paw-Paw Fruit's power is too overpowered; defeating it won't be an easy task.

Absalom nodded in understanding; after all, the other party was also Shichibukai.

Hogback stared at Moria with shining eyes, realizing that his boss did indeed seem different.

At least the other person's spirit and energy are different.

As a doctor, I'm very sensitive to this kind of thing!

"Lord Moria..."

Call me Captain.

"Huh?!"

Absalom and Hogback stared at Moria in surprise, never expecting him to make such a request.

Didn't they used to forbid them from calling each other that?

The first time I called out, I got a severe scolding.

"From today onward, I will set sail anew!" Moria said earnestly. "Are you willing to continue following me?"

Absalom and Hogback exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter, saying, "We're at your service, Captain!!"

"Hehehehehe!"

After receiving an affirmative answer, Moria burst into laughter, a truly joyful laugh.

Then, he looked at Hogback and began to think about what kind of Devil Fruit he should find for him, at least enough to give him the ability to protect himself.

As for Absalom, there's no need to worry; the Invisibility Fruit's ability itself greatly increases his chances of survival.

"By the way, Moria..."

"Um?"

Absalom:...

Seeing Moria's expression, Absalom immediately changed his tune, asking, "Captain, have you received a message from Perona?"

I'm so used to calling Lord Moria that it's not easy to change it all at once.

"Perona..."

Moria glanced at the distant sky and said softly, "The current situation is not suitable for bringing her back. She's safer over there than here."

"Besides, we don't have the time right now."

"Huh?!!"

"What's the meaning?"

The two stared at Moria, somewhat dumbfounded. What did he mean by saying the other person would be safer somewhere else?

And... what does "no time" mean?

"The navy will be coming to annihilate us soon," Moria grinned. "There's even a possibility that Admiral might appear."

Absalom:...

Hogback:...

The two looked at Moria with blank expressions, as if they hadn't been told that Admiral surround and annihilate them.

"What, scared?"

"Captain... is it too late to let us off now?" Hogback cried. "I also want to seek refuge with Perona."

"That won't do!"

Why?

"The bear's already gone. I don't have the ability to slap people away," Moria said, shrugging.

Upon hearing Moria's words, Hogback and Absalom exchanged a glance, then sighed resignedly.

"Why..."

What else can we do but obediently follow along?

"You two idiots, show some backbone! Let's see how your captain beats up Marine Admiral!"

"Yes..."

"Speak louder!"

"Yes!!"

"That's more like it!" Moria laughed loudly, hands on his hips. "You two, from today onwards, I'm going to give you a good workout."

"Hehehehe!"

"No...!"

"That won't do!"

"Hehehehehe!"