The Real Reason They Could Fool the Marines!

The New Marines' warships were highly distinctive on these seas. While shipbuilding technology everywhere else was still stuck in the age of sailing ships, New Marines vessels had largely moved beyond wind-powered propulsion.

Since Dr. Vegapunk's return, the New Marines' military technology had developed at a tremendous pace. In just a few short years, their weapons and equipment had already undergone several generations of upgrades.

Thus, even though Usopp on the lookout merely glanced at the rapidly approaching vessel in the distance, he immediately recognized its identity.

"A New Marines ship?!"

Usopp's words startled everyone on the Straw Hat Pirates' deck, but Luffy and the others quickly regained their composure.

Nami reacted the fastest. As she ran toward the cabins, she shouted at her companions who were still standing around, "Don't just stand there! Go change!"

"The warship will be alongside us any moment now, so hurry up!"

The Straw Hat Pirates knew perfectly well that their destination, Whole Cake Island, was the New Marines' headquarters. Naturally, they had not come unprepared.

Franky had already made some modifications to the Thousand Sunny's appearance. The lion head at the bow had been replaced with the sheep figurehead removed from the Going Merry years ago, while its bright red-and-yellow paint scheme had been changed to a more subdued white-and-blue one.

The pirate flag had naturally been taken down long before they entered these waters, replaced with a standard white sail.

To avoid inspection by the New Marines, the Straw Hat Pirates had purchased wigs, fake beards, and other disguises on various islands. Their makeup might be somewhat rough due to the rush, but it should be enough to conceal their identities.

As far as the Straw Hat Pirates knew, thousands of ships traveled to and from Whole Cake Island every day. No