Battle in the Deep Sea, the Spirit's Cry!

"Boom!"

As Noah's Ark moved, the enormous chains binding it began to sway, easily smashing the mountains below!

"Get out of the way!"

"Ah!"

Some Fish-Man who couldn't dodge in time were hit by flying pebbles and lost consciousness on the spot.

The other Fish-Man Race narrowly escaped the attack stared at the sky in terror, fearing they might also be hit.

"Damn it, that bastard Vander Decken..." Hody, gripping the chains, gritted his teeth and said, "How dare he betray me..."

At that moment, Hody's heart was filled with rage!

But when he saw the Straw Hat Pirates below, his expression changed.

"Humans..."

If Noah's Ark had crashed down on them, these humans would surely have died.

In this way... he can easily kill these powerful humans!

Thinking about this, Hody's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Hahaha~"

"You've really done a good thing, Vander Decken!"

After laughing, Hody began to climb up quickly.

"Princess Shirahoshi is such a brave person..." Nami's expression became complicated as she watched the figure recede into the distance.

"Yes."

Nicole Robin nodded in agreement. To go to such lengths... this princess's character is truly impeccable!

"Alright, with him here, Princess Shirahoshi will be fine." Zoro, who had remained calm throughout, looked down at the surrounding enemies and said, "Let's take care of these enemies first."

Clearly, Zoro believed that Xi Yan could take down that giant Noah's Ark!

"That's true, then let's..."

Before Nami could finish speaking, she realized that Hody, who had been on the battlefield, was gone.

"Um?"

"Hey, where's that guy named Hody going?"

The other person was just in front of Luffy a moment ago, how did they suddenly disappear?

The others also looked puzzled after hearing Nami's words.

Yeah, where did that person go?

Just then, Usopp pointed to the giant chain that had floated into the air and said:

"He's in heaven!"

"It's on that huge chain!"

Judging from their location... they probably won't be out to sea for long.

"On the chains?"

Hearing Usopp's words, the others also turned their attention to the chain.

Then, Perona looked surprised and said, "Does that guy plan to attack Princess Shirahoshi in the sea?"

It's not impossible.

"What?!"

Sanji immediately flew into a rage. That bastard actually planned to attack Princess Shirahoshi?!

Unforgivable!

With that thought in mind, Sanji used Geppo to take flight, clearly intending to attack Hody from the air.

"Huh?!" Chopper looked at Sanji in shock and said, "Sanji, how come you're flying too?"

This guy didn't eat Devil Fruit either.

How did he do it?

"Isn't this the same CP9 technique we encountered two years ago?" Usopp exclaimed in surprise.

If I remember correctly, this move is called Geppo.

"That's right, it's a CP9 technique." Nico Robin nodded.

Recalling what happened two years ago, Nicole Robin's eyes filled with emotion.

If it weren't for her friends back then, she probably wouldn't be living such a happy life now.

Thinking of this warmed Nicole Robin's heart.

"Hey, Sanji, wait a minute!"

"Luffy?"

Hearing this, Sanji, who was flying in mid-air, looked down at Luffy with a puzzled Luffy and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'll go to Hody's side, you're in charge of the plaza here," Luffy shouted.

Sanji was in mid-air, thought for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded and said, "I understand, but... Luffy, there's seawater up there, are you sure you want to go?"

With Xi Yan currently by Shirahoshi's side, he might not be able to detect Luffy's situation in time.

just in case...

"Seawater...?"

Upon hearing this, Luffy thought for a moment, then turned to Jinbe and asked, "Is there water inside the ship, Jinbe?"

"I don't know," Jinbe shook his head and said, "But Decken is Devil Fruit User, so I think there should be enough air for him to move around in there."

After saying that, Jinbe bent down and took out a Bubble Coral from his pocket, handing it to Luffy, and then continued, "Take this with you."

"Once you enter the sea, immediately cover your body with bubbles."

"Okay, I understand."

Luffy as he took the Bubble Coral, then swung his hands to grab Sanji, who was in mid-air, clearly intending for Sanji to throw him up.

"Luffy, please be careful of Hody," Jin said Jinbe. "In the deep sea, the abilities of Fish-Man Race and humans are worlds apart."

If the two were to clash in the ocean... Luffy would definitely be at a disadvantage!

As for why he didn't go out to sea to chase after it...

Firstly, this was Luffy's request; secondly... if he left now, the effect of this operation would be lost, so he had no choice but to stay here.

"I understand." Luffy nodded, then looked at Sanji in the air and said, "Please, Sanji!"

"Profound!"

Sanji nodded, then closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, trying to figure out what kind of power he could use to successfully throw Luffy into the double-layered bubbles of Fish-Man Island.

'If the force is too great, Luffy will fly into the sea; if it's too small, he won't be able to touch the chains, so we must control it carefully...'

After thinking for a moment, Sanji opened his eyes and said, "Alright, let's go!"

"I'm coming too!" Merry flew over and grabbed Luffy's shoulder, saying, "Take me with you!"

"Merry?"

Luffy looked at Merry with some surprise, clearly not expecting the little girl to go to the sea with him.

"Hey, little guy, that's no joke," Jinbe quickly interjected. "The pressure in the deep sea is unimaginable. Once you..."

Jinbe didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

The pressure in the deep sea is terrifying. If Merry were to enter the deep sea, given her physical condition, she would likely die instantly.

"Hey, Merry, Jinbe's right." Usopp ran over, looking at Merry with excitement, and said, "The deep sea is very dangerous, so you shouldn't go."

"I know what you're worried about, but my body can withstand the pressure of the deep sea," Merry said. "I tested that before we even went to the Sea Forest."

Although I don't know how it happened, she can definitely do it now.

Jinbe:???

Usopp:???

Why would this little guy experiment with something like this?

Isn't she afraid something bad will happen?

Is that true?

In response to Usopp's question, Nami replied, "That's true."

Upon hearing this, Usopp was immediately rendered speechless.

So that's really true?

Jinbe looked at Merry with a shocked expression and said, "How can such a petite body withstand the pressure of the deep sea?"

"As expected of Ship Spirit."

It seems that legendary creatures like Ship Spirit shouldn't be viewed through the lens of common sense.

"After all, I'm Ship Spirit," Merry smiled, then said seriously, "Besides... my abilities should be able to help Luffy on the high seas, so..."

"Please let me go with you, Luffy!"

She didn't know how strong Zoro Fish-Man Race were in combat in the deep sea, but since Hody was able to capture Vice Admiral in the deep sea, Luffy might be in trouble!

So... she absolutely has to go!

Perhaps sensing the determination in Merry's eyes, Luffy paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Let's go together then."

After saying that, Luffy looked up at Sanji above him and continued, "Sanji, I'm counting on you!"

"Knew!"

Sanji, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, looked intently at Luffy and said, "But you, remember to protect Merry for me. You absolutely must bring her back alive, understand?"

"Profound!"

Luffy nodded seriously. Even if Sanji hadn't told him, he would have done it anyway.

This time, Sanji didn't say anything, but instead forcefully launched Luffy and Merry into the air together.

With Merry around, there's no need to worry about power anymore.

After all... Merry has a knack for it!

"Air Force Rubber SHOOT!"

"Whoosh~"

Affected by Sanji's power, the two were sent flying in a flash, reaching the bubbles on Fish-Man Island in just a few breaths.

Then, they rushed forward without any hindrance!

"Po~"

"We've reached the space between the bubbles." Luffy around and said, "But why hasn't this speed stopped?"

He initially thought Sanji would just throw them both near the chains, but it hasn't stopped yet?

"Sanji must have taken my presence into account, which is why he didn't consciously control his strength," Merry, perched on Luffy's shoulder, shouted. "Don't worry, you won't fly away!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a Power of Wind appeared beside Luffy and Merry, forcibly stopping them both.

Then, Merry manipulated the Power of Wind to bring the two of them to a chain very close to the sea.

"Get ready, Luffy."

Looking up at Merry in the sky, he said with a solemn expression, "We're about to enter the sea."

Soon, Shirahoshi will be able to lead Xi Yan into the Connecting Corridor to the Ryugu Kingdom, and... this ship will soon enter the sea!

"Okay, I understand."

Bubble Coral, with the Bubble Coral in his mouth, Luffy, then handed it to Merry, saying, "Here, take this."

Merry isn't Devil Fruit User, and she won't lose her strength even when submerged in seawater, so it's perfect to give this thing to her.

"Profound!"

Merry didn't refuse and took the Bubble Coral with her hand.

Then, she looked up at Shirahoshi, who had already entered the Connecting Corridor, and said, "With Xi Yan here, there shouldn't be any problems with Shirahoshi."

"So all we need to do on our side is take out Hody."

"I know," Luffy nodded and said.

Even if Merry didn't say it, he knew what he had to do.

After all... that has always been his goal!

A moment later...

"Po~"

The enormous chain broke through the second bubble and entered the sea, taking Luffy and Merry with it.

"Forehead..."

The moment Luffy entered the sea, his body began to gradually lose strength, and his hands uncontrollably loosened their chains.

"Plum..."

"Gurgle gurgle gurgle~"

"Buzz~"

The next moment, a bubble appeared on the two of them, successfully protecting them.

"Phew... it's alright now," Merry said with a long sigh of relief.

Luffy breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to look around and asked, "Have you seen Hody?"

"No."

Merry shook her head and said, "I've been looking for that guy since I flew up here, but I haven't found his location."

The other party may have already entered the sea.

"Is that so...?"

Luffy for a moment, then looked up at the Noah's Ark receding into the distance and said, "In that case, let's..."

Before Luffy could finish speaking, his pupils suddenly contracted as if he had sensed something.

Then, he turned around and said, "Hody..."

"So... we really have entered the ocean." Merry, who had also noticed Hody, immediately frowned and said, "No wonder we couldn't find you."

If she sees Hody on the chains, she can take Luffy and knock him off the plane.

That way, even if we can't kill this guy by falling, we can at least deprive him of the ability to pursue Xi Yan!

What a pity...

"Although I don't know why you can fly, little thing, I've already entered the sea to prevent any accidents," Hody said with a sneer.

Upon seeing Merry Luffy, Hody abandoned his previous idea and decisively entered the sea to wait for the two of them.

That way... he won't fall because of the opponent's attack!

"Never mind this guy," Merry said, turning to Luffy. "Let's get to the ship first."

Fighting the Fish-Man Race in the open sea would be too disadvantageous, so let's go to the ship with Luffy first.

"Profound!"

Luffy nodded, then flicked his hand out of the bubble, intending to grab the huge chain high up.

Unfortunately... Luffy, in the deep sea, simply cannot do such a thing.

"Damn it, I can't catch him..." Luffy said with a grim expression.

The strength in his arms would dissipate rapidly in the deep sea, so... even if he touched the chain, he wouldn't be able to grab it and carry him and Merry over.

Upon seeing this, Hody immediately burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahaha~"

"You humans can't even move freely in the deep sea... You really are the lowest of creatures!" Hody laughed and said, "In the deep sea, you probably couldn't even beat Fish-Man Race child."

"And now, I'll make you lowly creatures who dare to defy me regret it!"

"Hahaha~"

At this moment, Hody felt incredibly pleased, clearly confident that he had Luffy and Merry under his control.

After all... in his view, the Fish-Man Race were invincible in the deep sea!

"Hateful..."

Luffy, having retracted his arm, looked at Hody with a grave expression and said, "Looks like I'll have to finish you off here."

"Hey, hey, hey, what nonsense are you spouting?" Hody looked at Luffy mockingly and said, "Human, where do you think you are?"

A mere human saying he 'Vice Admiral him in the deep sea... that's utterly ridiculous!

"You..."

"Rubber Pistol!"

Before Hody could say anything more, Luffy punched him.

Unfortunately... it didn't hit Hody.

"Hahaha~"

Hody, who perfectly dodged Luffy's punch, looked at Luffy with a sneer and said, "Straw Hat, in the ocean, your punches are as slow as a snail!"

In the deep sea, he could now unleash the strongest speed of the Fish-Man Race, a speed that the Straw Hat couldn't possibly catch!

"Fighting him here isn't going to work." Merry Luffy Luffy's shoulder, floated up and looked up at Noah's Ark high above, saying, "The most urgent thing is to get there first."

Only when Luffy reaches Noah's Ark, which is filled with air, can he unleash his full power.

Luffy understands this principle, but the problem is... they can't get through it!

"Hahaha, with me here, you can stop daydreaming." Hody appeared behind the two and said with a sneer, "You might as well just die obediently in the sea!"

"Hahahaha!"

"Sitting idly by and waiting to die is not in our nature," Merry shouted. "Wind Vortex!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Merry raised her hand and placed it outside the bubble, using the Power of Wind to create a miniature vortex.

Then, using this force, the bubble was propelled forward, quickly rushing towards Noah's Ark high above!

"Buzz~"

"What?!"

Hody was completely stunned as he watched the bubble being propelled forward by the tiny vortex.

Isn't that little girl Devil Fruit User? How can she use her powers in the deep sea?

Also, what's with that vortex? How can it propel the bubble forward without destroying it?

What the hell is this?!

Upon seeing this, Luffy immediately exclaimed excitedly, "That's great, Merry!"

With this, they can get inside the ship as quickly as possible!

"I told you I'd be useful to have along," Merry laughed.

If it weren't for her being with Luffy, Luffy would probably have been defeated by Hody by now.

So... she made the right decision to come along!

Luffy nodded very seriously, which could be considered as agreeing with Merry's words.

If it weren't for Merry, he really wouldn't have been able to get close to that ship.

Then Luffy said, "Can we go any faster?"

"No."

Merry shook her head and said, "Increasing speed requires increasing wind output, which will damage the bubbles, and then... we'll have to face the enemy in the ocean."

Although her abilities wouldn't be suppressed by the sea, fighting Fish-Man in the ocean would still put her at a disadvantage, so Merry didn't plan to do that.

"All right..."

Merry has already said that, what else can he say?

I just hope that Hody won't catch up with us at this point.

"Hmph, although I don't know what's going on with this strange little girl, I'm dreaming if she thinks she can shake me off in the ocean with that kind of power." Hody coldly looked at the bubbles high above and said, "Don't underestimate the Fish-Man Race, you two!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Hody dashed off and caught up with Luffy and his companion on the high Luffy in just a few breaths!

"Varied...?!"

Upon seeing Hody appear outside the bubble, Merry's pupils shrank to their smallest size.

Are the speeds of the Fish-Man Race really that terrifying?

"Little brat, you really think you can shake me off with this?" Hody sneered, "How naive!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Hody raised his fork and stabbed at them, as if he wanted to kill them both.

Seeing this, Merry immediately increased her power output, making Bubble move much faster, which allowed the two of them to successfully dodge Hody's attack.

However, due to the increased wind force, the bubbles began to distort, looking as if they were about to burst. This frightened Merry, and she immediately reduced her power output, which stabilized the gradually distorting bubbles.

"Damn it, if it weren't for the deep sea..."

"Hahaha, now you know why I said that, right?" Hody, who had returned to the two of them, looked at Merry and Luffy with a sneer and said, "In the deep sea, the strength of humans can never surpass that of the Fish-Man Race!"

"Hahaha~"

If he wanted to, those two guys wouldn't be able to escape his pursuit!

Shrimp, hahaha~

Then, Hody looked up at the chains not far away and said, "However... we can't let you continue ascending. It wouldn't be good if you were allowed to enter Noah's Ark."

If there were any air in there that could sustain the Straw Hat's activities... then he'd be the one who suffers!

With that thought in mind, Hody raised his right hand and grabbed a handful of water droplets, his muscles bulging as he clearly prepared to attack.

"Straw Hat, Shirahoshi entering the sea is actually a blessing in disguise for me!" Hody grinned maliciously. "That way, I can take you down without lifting a finger!"

"Hahaha~"

"Yabu Same!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a large amount of needle-like water flew out of Hody's hand and quickly shot towards the bubbles!

Seeing this, Luffy didn't hesitate to bend down and pull Merry up, shielding her in his arms.

The next moment...

"Swish swish~"

"Puff puff puff!"

The bubble burst violently after being hit, exposing Merry and Luffy to the deep sea.

"Ah!"

"Uh... gurgling... gurgling..."

The moment Luffy entered the sea, he felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, and his body began to fall uncontrollably downwards.

Upon seeing this, Hody immediately burst into laughter, saying, "Hahaha, those with superpowers are indeed very powerful on land, but in the ocean they can only become fish meat!"

"Straw Hat, see that? This is your true strength!"

"Hahaha~"

"With your strength, there's absolutely no way you can become the Pirate King!"

At that moment, Hody felt incredibly exhilarated.

Humans... are no match for him at all!

Just then, Merry, who had been held and protected in Luffy's arms, emerged from his Luffy and used her Bubble Coral to create another bubble for the two of them.

Then, Merry took out Xiao Qing from her arms and called out, "Xiao Qing!"

"Hiss~"

Xiao Qing, understanding what Merry was about to do, transformed her body into the shape of a bow and arrow without hesitation.

Then, Merry raised her hand, aimed at Hody beside her, and drew her bow without hesitation!

Hody:!!!

Having witnessed the power of this attack, Hody immediately retreated a considerable distance, fearing that he would be hit by the guy's attack.

Seeing this, Merry immediately breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, "Thank goodness... thank goodness this guy is afraid of my move."

Although it's uncertain whether we can hit this guy in the deep sea, as long as we can make him hesitate to act rashly, that's enough.

"Cough cough cough..."

"I... I almost died..."

Hearing Luffy cough, a look of worry immediately appeared in Merry's eyes.

Then, without turning her head, she said, "Luffy, are you alright?"

"Fine."

Luffy was lying on the bubble, wiped his mouth, then stood up and looked at Hody, saying, "But you, you're not hurt, are you?"

After the bubble burst, he couldn't even use his Observation Haki, so he didn't know if Merry had been attacked by Hody.

"I'm fine."

"He didn't take the opportunity to attack me," Merry said.

Whether this guy named Hody was arrogant or what, after the two of them entered the sea, he didn't continue attacking, but instead stood there mocking them...

Fortunately, this gave her the opportunity to save Luffy with her bubbles.

"That's good." Luffy breathed a sigh of relief, then looked up at the Noah's Ark receding into the distance and said, "But this can't go on forever. We have to find a way to get in there."

"I know."

While her weapon could intimidate Hody, it couldn't keep the bubbles moving into the air while maintaining the attack.

At least that was the case before her body touched the sea.

As for releasing power directly inside the bubble?

Don't be ridiculous. If you use the Wind Vortex directly inside the bubble, the bubble will explode first.

So... for now, we can only remain in this stalemate.

'Should I use Reverse Summoning Technique to summon Xi Yan?' Merry thought to herself.

If we summon Xi Yan, we can take him down quickly.

Thinking about this, Merry was somewhat tempted.

But when Mei Shirahoshi being by Xi Yan's side, Merry hesitated.

'If I summon Xi Yan here... will that villain named Vander Decken take the opportunity to attack Shirahoshi?'

If Vander Decken had made his move then, Shirahoshi would have been doomed. After all... that crybaby, idiot older sister is really weak!!

Besides... she can't rely on Xi Yan every time she encounters a problem, otherwise she will never grow up.

With that thought in mind, Merry gave up on the idea.

'Then it's up to the two of us,' Merry thought to herself.

Then, Merry began to think of ways to resolve the current situation.

'Continuing this stalemate won't do us any good,' Merry thought, frowning. 'After all, Fish-Man Race can stay in the deep sea for long periods, while Luffy and I don't have that ability...'

Since that's the case... then we have no choice but to take a gamble!

Thinking of this, Merry said, "Luffy!"

"I'm going to make my move!"

Although he didn't know what Merry wanted to do, Luffy still grinned and replied, "Oh!"

"Do what you want to do, Merry!"

Even if the bubble might burst, even if they both might die here because of it, it doesn't matter.

At this Luffy absolutely trusts Merry!

Hearing this, Merry felt a warmth in her heart, and then said with a firm look in her eyes, "None of us will die, none of us will!"

"Profound!"

"Buzz~"

The next moment, the arrow in Merry's hand became incredibly dazzling, and her aura became exceptionally terrifying.

"This feeling..."

Hody, with an arrow pointed at him, immediately felt a threat of death.

Would he die if he were hit by that kind of arrow?

How is that possible?

How could a mere human girl possibly do such a thing?

But his intuition told him that being hit meant death!

Although he felt extremely annoyed, Hody still chose to follow his heart, stepping back to create distance between himself and Merry, afraid of being hit by the attack.

'I don't know what's going on, but as long as I can dodge her attacks, that's fine,' Hody thought to himself.

After dodging the attack... her death was imminent!

Thinking of this, Hody's eyes turned fierce.

As if understanding Hody's thoughts, Merry shouted, "Trying to dodge my attack?"

"Then give it a try!"

"Wind Arrow!!!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Merry released her fingers and shot the green-glowing arrow away.

"Whoosh~"

The arrow burst into a dazzling light the moment it pierced the bubble, followed by a terrifying vortex!

"Buzz~"

Upon seeing this, Hody's pupils shrank to their maximum size, and then without hesitation, he unleashed his strongest speed and moved to the side.

The next moment...

"Whoosh~"

"Boom!!!"

The terrifying Wind Arrow struck a sea beast not far away, instantly blasting a large hole in its body!

"Roar..."

The sea monster that was hit let out a shrill cry, then its eyes rolled back and it lost consciousness.

"What a terrible attack..." Hody said with a grim expression.

If that hit him, wouldn't it just turn him into a bloody mist?

Thinking of this, an incredibly terrifying killing intent arose in Hody's heart.

This little girl must die!

Hody, realizing the threat Merry posed, immediately decided to kill Merry.

Then, he turned and rushed towards the area where Merry and Luffy had just been.

It was at this moment that he realized something was wrong.

"They actually gave up on Bubbles?"

Looking at Merry, who was desperately trying to climb upwards while clinging to Luffy's arm, it was clear that she planned to rush into Noah's Ark while Hody was dodging the attack.

"What a decisive human being..." Hody.

At this moment, even he, an extreme Fish-Man Race, had to admit that the little girl named Merry was very decisive.

If they continue to move using bubbles, they will never catch up with Noah's Ark.

But if you abandon the bubbles, you can quickly reach the ship...

Hiss... wait, something's not right!

Isn't this little girl Devil Fruit User? Why can she use her powers in the ocean?

Hody's eyes widened in shock as he watched the little girl unleash her power.

He didn't understand why the other party could still use their abilities under these circumstances.

Is this reasonable?

"Could this little girl not be Devil Fruit User?" Hody asked, frowning.

If he's not Devil Fruit User... then how can he use that special power?

Although he didn't know how it happened, Hody understood that the other person could use their powers in the ocean.

"Forget it, never mind," Hody shook his head and said, "Let's go kill her first."

Ultimately, the other party is just a human being. Even if they could use their abilities, they couldn't possibly shake him off in the deep sea after he had ingested a large amount of Energy Steroids!

Thinking of this, Hody let out a cold laugh.

Then, he moved, rushing towards Luffy and Merry, clearly intending to kill them before they reached Noah's Ark!

"Hahaha~"

Meanwhile, Merry was doing her best to move upwards.

' Luffy, you have to hold on!' Merry shouted in her heart.

Once they get into a place with air... that guy named Hody won't be a match for them!

'We have to get in!' Merry cried out in her heart.

Luffy, who was being held back by Merry, was also holding his breath as hard as he could, clearly not intending to cause Merry any trouble.

However... for him, who can't swim, this was just too difficult.

"Gurgle gurgle gurgle..."

Hearing the commotion below, Merry gritted her teeth, thinking, 'Hang in there, we're almost there!'

As long as we can get to Noah's Ark, then...

Where are you going?

Merry:!!!

A look of horror flashed in Merry's eyes as she saw the Fish-Man appear beside her.

How did this person catch up so quickly?

Is his speed really that terrifying?!