Ghosts Wandering the Sea, Terrified Marines!

"Where should we wait for Lili's Pops?" Merry asked, tilting her head up.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately turned their attention to Lili.

"Well..." Lili said somewhat awkwardly, "I only know that the Navy will leave from Mobe Jemru, but I don't know exactly where..."

After all... the Mobe Jemru sea area is simply too vast.

"It seems we'll have to search slowly then," Zoro said, frowning.

Nami thought for a moment after hearing this, then turned to look at Xi Yan and said, "At a time like this, we can only rely on you."

"Besides me, there's no one else who can find someone in this kind of place," Xi Yan nodded and said.

He's the only one in the entire Straw Hat Pirates with the ability to search for intelligence on the high seas, so only he can do it.

"Then it's up to you!" Luffy grinned, showing his teeth.

"Profound!"

Listening to their conversation, Lili immediately showed a curious expression. Could the other person be some kind of peculiar Devil Fruit User?

Thinking of this, Lili was about to ask, but before she could open her mouth, she found that the once cloudless sky had suddenly darkened, and at the same time, a large fog rose around her.

This change left her stunned.

"Hey, hey, hey, are they coming again?"

Seeing the environment change drastically in the blink of an eye, Usopp exclaimed in horror, "Please, no more ocean fissures!"

"I don't want to experience hail from the sky again!" Chopper shouted.

"Judging by the density of this fog, I think it might be a mirage," Zoro said.

"No, it's probably just fog," Nami said, observing her surroundings.

"It's just fog... that's good."

Hearing Nami's words, Usopp and Chopper visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as it's not one of those weird and terrible weather conditions, it's fine.

"That's true, but it's really difficult to find a target in this level of fog," Brook said.

Standing at the bow of the ship, Xi Yan stared intently at the sea ahead and said, "No, that's not it."

"What's the meaning?"

"Because I've already seen the warships."

Xi Yan pointed ahead and said, "If I'm not mistaken, the person pulling on that raft in the middle of the warship is Lili's Pops, right?"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked surprised. They had actually encountered their target so quickly?

Without a second thought, everyone jumped up from the deck and quickly moved toward the bow of the ship.

"It really is a warship..."

"It's definitely Pops!" Lili exclaimed excitedly, "It really is Pops!"

That's great... that's really great!

She's finally met her Pops!

"Could it be a mirage?" Zoro asked cautiously.

If it's just a mirage, there's no point in rushing there.

"It's not a mirage," Xi Yan said. "It's a real warship."

Whether it's a mirage or not, his Mangekyō Sharingan can still tell.

"So, those four warships in front are the navy escorting Lili's father," Perona said.

"They actually mobilized four warships because of a single pirate," Franky remarked. "It seems Lili's Pops is quite a big shot."

"An important person, huh...?"

Hearing Franky's words, Xi Yan frowned. Was a 300 million bounty worth sending four warships to escort him?

Something feels off.

Nico Robin had a similar thought. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Using four warships to escort a pirate with a bounty of over 300 million Beli does seem a bit strange. It shouldn't be like this normally."

At least that's not what she knew.

"More than that, I'm curious about their reasons for choosing this route," Perona said. "Normally, the navy should have absolutely safe routes, right?"

There's no reason to come here.

You should know that this is an extremely dangerous sea area!

The slightest mistake could result in everyone dying here.

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

Yes, why is that?

What were their reasons for choosing this location?

It can't be just for the thrill, can it?

That's a bit of a stretch; the Navy isn't pirates!

"Could it be for fishing?" Xi Yan thought for a moment and said, "Just like that guy Hody used Neptune and the others' lives to lure Shirahoshi away."

Who knows, maybe Lili has some secrets that the World Government might be interested in.

Thinking of this, Xi Yan narrowed his eyes.

"Your analogy is so subtle..." Usopp remarked.

While what she said wasn't wrong, the thought that Princess Shirahoshi was a mermaid...

Xi Yan ignored Usopp and turned to Lili, saying, "Lili, do you have some kind of secret?"

Upon hearing this, the Straw Hat Pirates understood why Xi Yan had asked that question.

It turns out that Xi Yan suspects the World Government is targeting Lili!!

"A special secret?" Lily was stunned for a moment, and then asked doubtfully, "What secret?"

Does eating the Mini Fruit count?

Xi Yan:...

Hearing Lili's words, Xi Yan gave her a complicated look, then shook his head and said, "It doesn't count."

They've openly admitted they're ability users; what kind of secret is that?

"Then I don't know," Lili said, shaking her head.

"Then it probably isn't," Sanji said. "It's most likely a coincidence."

"A coincidence...?"

After glancing at the approaching warship in the distance, Xi Yan frowned.

There are so many coincidences in this world.

Just then, Xi Yan frowned as if he had noticed something and said, "I didn't expect to run into an acquaintance."

"Acquaintance?"

"Hmm." Xi Yan nodded and said, "The warship ahead carries the same Vice Admiral Momonga we encountered before."

"It's that Mohawk Head."

"Vice Admiral Momonga, huh...?"

Upon hearing Xi Yan's words, everyone understood what he meant.

He was one of the Vice Admiral they encountered on Judicial Island!

This person... must know Xi Yan!

"You all know each other?" Perona asked in surprise.

"More or less."

"Actually, I don't know him..." Brook said softly.

"It's normal that you don't recognize him," Usopp said. "Because we met him on Judicial Island."

After hearing Usopp's explanation, Brook and Perona understood what had happened.

No wonder they didn't recognize him.

Then, Brook asked curiously, "Is this person very capable?"

"He's definitely a pretty formidable Vice Admiral," Luffy said. "He almost killed me back then."

Recalling some of the things that happened back then, a hint of regret appeared in Luffy's eyes.

He would have died if Xi Yan and his group hadn't protected him.

Zoro, his eyes gleaming, exclaimed, "If I remember correctly, this guy is a swordsman!"

"Hmm." Xi Yan nodded and said, "Yes, this guy is not only a swordsman, but also a very powerful one."

"That's great!" Zoro said with a smile.

Clearly, Zoro was now eager to test his skills against this swordsman.

"Let's go!" Luffy said. "Let's rush over there to save them, so we can eat Paradise Cuisine sooner!!"

As he spoke, Luffy grabbed the ship's hull and prepared to fly off.

Seeing this, Nami quickly teleported to Luffy's side and struck him.

"Bump!"

After knocking Luffy down with a single punch, Nami opened her shark-like claws and roared, "Are you planning to go there yourself, Luffy?!"

"If you rush around recklessly, you could make Lili's Pops even more dangerous, you idiot!"

Luffy was somewhat displeased upon hearing this. What was wrong with him simply going over to rescue the person?

Seeing this, Usopp said helplessly, "Luffy, Nami right. Acting recklessly could easily hurt Lili's Pops."

"Then... you won't be able to enjoy the delicious Paradise Cuisine anymore."

Upon hearing this, Luffy immediately became obedient, since one of the reasons he saved people was to eat them.

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

"Of course we need to develop a battle plan," Nami said, holding up one finger. "How about you leave this mission to me?"

"Okay, Lili ~"

"Then I'll leave it to you, Miss Nami!"

"Leave it to me with confidence~"

Nami Lilu a confident smile, clearly confident in her upcoming plan.

Then, Nami took out a pen and paper and quickly started drawing on the deck, clearly formulating a plan for the battle.

Upon seeing this, Luffy became extremely anxious, scratching his head and ears in frustration.

"Nami, hurry up!"

"I know, I know, don't rush me," Nami said without looking up.

Soon, thanks to Nami's efforts, a suggested drawing was produced.

Then, Nami picked up the blueprints, looked up at her companions, and said, "I just took a look through Usopp's binoculars and noticed that Pops Lili is wearing chains."

"These chains not only secured him to the frame, but also connected him to the surrounding warships."

"So... if we want to rescue Lili's Pops, we first need to destroy those chains."

As she spoke, Nami pointed to the chain diagram in the picture, so that everyone could understand her thoughts.

After glancing at the picture in Nami's hand, Zoro said, "Leave this to me."

It's just a chain; we can easily break it.

"Don't worry, you'll get your share."

Nami smiled, then said seriously, "Alright, now I'll explain the battle plan."

"The first step is a feint attack. Usopp, Robin, Perona, and Brook, all Devil Fruit User, will use Merry's powers to launch an aerial attack on the navy ships, causing chaos."

"Then, using the fog as cover, Merry used her powers to send Zoro and Sanji to where Lili's father was."

"Once Zoro and Sanji arrive, we'll work together to break the chains binding Lili's Pops and the chains connecting the warship."

"Afterwards, Merry used the Power of Wind to lift Lili's Pops up, and quickly brought everyone back to the pirate ship."

"This way we can use the Power of Wind to quickly leave this area of the sea!"

"As for those whose names weren't called, they'll stay on the pirate ship, just in case."

After finishing her explanation, Nami gave a confident smile and asked, "Everyone, are you satisfied with my battle plan?"

"Satisfied, very satisfied!" Usopp said, giving a thumbs up.

He preferred operational plans that avoided close combat with the navy.

Because this is very safe~

Ha ha ha ha.

"This battle plan is indeed excellent," Nicole Robin nodded. "The feint attacks all have the capability for long-range attacks or harassment."

As for why Xi Yan wasn't included in the plan?

Since the other party is an acquaintance of Xi Yan, they might remember Xi Yan's aura, so it's reasonable for them not to let Xi Yan go.

"Brook also has long-range attack capabilities?" Chopper asked in surprise.

Isn't he a swordsman?

"Yohohohoho~"

"While I can't unleash a long-range slash, I can release my soul to scare them!"

As he spoke, Brook released his own soul, leaving Chopper completely stunned.

"Is this why you sent Brook?" Franky asked, stroking his chin.

"Yes," Nami nodded.

If Brook's abilities couldn't be used remotely, she wouldn't have let Brook take action.

"No, what about me?" Luffy pointed to himself and said, "Why didn't you include me?"

"We don't need to fight a protracted war with them, so you don't need to go," Nami explained.

If Luffy, a quick battle could turn into a protracted war, so Nami doesn't really want Luffy.

"No!"

Luffy up and said, "I have to go!"

How could such an important operation be without him?

Absolutely not!

Looking at Luffy baring his teeth at her, Nami sighed helplessly and said, "I knew it would be like this..."

After shaking her head, Nami said, "Alright, then you can go with Zoro and the others to rescue Lili's Pops."

After saying that, Nami paused for a moment, then looked at Luffy seriously and said, "But you remember this, you're not allowed to cause any trouble there, understand?"

"Okay, okay~" Luffy grinned, "I won't do anything reckless."

He's been looking forward to this Paradise Cuisine for so long, how could he possibly do anything reckless?

"Merry, are you alright?"

Usopp glanced down at Merry, whose eyes were gleaming with excitement, and said, "Lili's Pops is Giant Clan."

Hearing Usopp's words, Merry tilted her head and glanced at him, saying, "I can lift even a pirate ship, how could I not be able to lift Lili's Pops?"

Usopp:...

Upon hearing this, Usopp was immediately rendered speechless.

Yes, Merry can lift even a pirate ship, how could she not lift a Giant Clan?

It seems he's gotten a little carried away by his concern.

Thinking of this, Usopp scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly and said, "I almost forgot about that."

"Hehe, leave it to me!" Merry laughed, hands on her hips. "I will execute this operation plan perfectly!"

What she loves most is fighting alongside her friends; it makes her feel like she's really awesome!

Thinking of this, Merry smiled even more broadly.

"Then it's up to you." Usopp said with a smile, ruffling Merry's hair.

"Profound!"

"The fog's even thicker than before," Chopper said, looking up at the sky. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course, no problem." Nami smiled and said, "The thicker fog is actually more advantageous for us!"

After all... that way the other side won't be able to see them!

Then, Nami waved her hand and said, "Let's get ready to move out. Remember to grab your Den Den Mushi."

"Clear!"

Meanwhile, on the other side...

"I've never heard of a pirate willingly boarding a World Government transport ship." Vice Admiral Momonga, standing before Panz Frye, frowned as he looked at the man and said, "Why did you do that?"

"Panze Frye!"

"I just want to take back what rightfully belongs to people," Panz Fry said.

"Your things?"

Vice Admiral Momonga paused for a moment. Were they going to send him something from the ship?

How could he not know?

As if understanding Vice Admiral Momonga's group, Panz Frye calmly stated, "Ever since your Navy killed Whitebeard, the New World order has been in utter chaos."

"And the island where your World Government previously anchored is one of the islands that suffered greatly from this."

"Because of you, the islanders on that island are living hand to mouth, constantly worrying about whether they will starve to death!"

"Even so... the World Government officials on that ship still stole the island's remaining food!"

After saying that, Panz Fry paused, then roared, "Do you know why they did that?"

"Just because the World Noble hold banquets every night, they want to steal all the food!"

"What a despicable thing to do..."

"I'm a chef, and I can't stand seeing people go hungry, so I stepped in. What's the problem?!"

Even now, Panz Fry doesn't think he did anything wrong.

Looking at Panz Frye who was roaring angrily, the Momonga frowned and said, "Is this why you went to the ship to steal food?"

"But have you ever thought about this question?"

"The devastation on those islands was caused by you pirates, don't try to twist the facts!"

He admitted that the World Government had done a really messed up thing, but ultimately it was because of the pirates.

If it weren't for so many pirates in the New World, those islands wouldn't have ended up in such a terrible state.

Therefore... pirates are the ones who deserve to die the most!

After hearing Vice Admiral Momonga Flynn's words, Panz Fry paused for a moment, then turned his head and said, "Anyway, we're like two parallel lines, never intersecting, and never able to understand each other, so there's nothing more to say."

"That's true." Vice Admiral Momonga Squirrel nodded with a complicated expression.

He then ignored the trapped Panz Frye and turned to look at his men.

"Everyone, perk up!"

"Recently, attacks on pirates have been frequent in various places, so our ship, which is holding pirates, is also a possibility of being attacked."

Vice Admiral Momonga said, "If you spot anything unusual at sea, open fire immediately, without hesitation!"

"Yes!"

Vice Admiral Momonga nodded, then used Geppo to return to his warship.

Upon reaching the deck, Vice Admiral Momonga frowned and said, "Who on earth would do something like this?"

Even now, he still can't understand why the other party did this.

After shaking his head, Vice Admiral Momonga turned and walked towards the cabin, saying to his subordinates, "Notify me immediately if anything happens."

"Yes!"

After watching Vice Admiral Momonga leave, the marines began to cautiously observe their surroundings, fearing that something strange might appear.

Unbeknownst to them, several people were approaching from the sky.

"This fog is incredibly thick," Sanji said, frowning.

He could even smell the air was different.

"As long as it makes our movements convenient," Zoro said casually.

"By the way, Lili," Usopp looked at Lili curiously and said, "Were you and your Pops both born in Elbaf?"

"Huh?"

"You've heard of Elbaf too?" Lili asked, somewhat surprised.

She really hadn't expected the other party to know about Elbaf.

"Of course I know," Usopp said with a smile. "The powerful Dorry and Brogy have a very good relationship with us!"

"You actually know those two legendary elders?" Lili asked Usopp in surprise.

"Of course!" Luffy grinned, showing his teeth. "We even had barbecue together!"

"That's amazing! That's a legendary figure I've never even met," Lili said.

Those two are the captains of the Giant Warrior Pirate Crew!

A true legendary figure!

Then, as if remembering something, Lili laughed and said, "Speaking of which... those two and my Pops were childhood playmates, weren't they?"

"Really?"

"Of course!" Lili nodded.

"That gives me another reason to save people," Zoro said with a faint smile.

Upon hearing Zoro's words, everyone immediately burst into laughter.

Yes, the other person is Brogy and Dorry's friend, so... they have another reason to save them!

"Alright everyone, we're almost there!"

Looking down at Merry from the warship below, she said, "Prepare to make your move."

After saying that, Merry manipulated the Power of Wind to send Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji to the other side, intending to send them down below after they had made their move.

"Leave it to us~" Perona said with a smile.

She then activated her Devil Fruit ability.

The next moment, a large number of Negative Ghost flew down from the sky and arrived on the warship at an extremely fast speed.

"Negative~"

"Negative~"

"Negative~"

"Huh?!"

The sailors on the warship were dumbfounded by the sudden appearance of that Negative Ghost.

"What... what the hell is this thing?"

"It's a ghost, it's definitely a ghost!"

"Damn it, how could there be ghosts in this world!" a Navy Major yelled. "Get ready..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw Brook's spirit appear before him.

"Yohohohoho~"

Hello everyone!

"A ghost!!!"

The terrified Navy Major let out a bloodcurdling scream and scrambled away in all directions.

Seeing this, Brook laughed even harder.

"Yohohohoho~"

"Everyone, don't run away!"

"Don't come any closer!!!"

"Looks like it's working quite well~" Nico Robin said with a chuckle, looking down through the binoculars. "Let me try it too."

After saying that, Nico Robin decisively activated her Devil Fruit power, causing pairs of arms to grow from the necks of the Marines.

The next moment...

"Hook Claw!"

"Click~"

"Click~"

"Click~"

One by one, the Marines attacked by Nico Robin fell to the ground.

"What the hell is that?!" a nearby sailor exclaimed in horror. "Why were they killed by those arms that just appeared out of nowhere?"

He had barely finished speaking when he noticed his companion looking at him with a terrified expression.

"W-what's wrong?"

"You've grown arms on your neck too!"

"Huh?!"

"Click~"

"Ah!"

"There's a monster... there's a monster!"

"It's a ghost! It's a ghost!"

"This must be a ghost wandering the sea!"

Run!

"And then there are these man-eating flowers that just appeared out of nowhere... Help!"

"Don't eat me, I smell terrible, I... Waaaaah..."

"What on earth is going on?!"

Watching the man-eating plant swallow its companion whole, the nearby navy officer was so terrified he wet himself.

"Looks like my attack wasn't bad at all~" Usopp said with a smirk.

Perona, standing to the side, looked down and laughed, saying, "They're really funny!"

"Hala hala hala~"

"Look at my Negative Peak ~"

"Buzz~"

"Buzz~"

"Buzz~"

"I'm sorry... If there's an afterlife, I want to be a paramecium."

"I want to be a Masira."

"I don't deserve to be in the navy at all; I'm only fit to be a salted fish..."

"Hey, what's wrong with you all?"

"We're doomed... we must have stumbled into some kind of demonic territory!!"

The navy soldiers, surrounded by all sorts of monsters and demons, felt utterly desperate.

They... seem to be dying.

Hehehe~

Looking at the reactions of the group below, Merry chuckled and said, "They're really funny~"

"Merry, don't forget to send Zoro and the others over there."

"Profound!"