They had always understood this clearly, and had always carried a strong sense of confidence.
But the situation before them clearly offered no chance for that confidence to continue.
Naruto stared at the black pattern beneath Luffy's feet, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper. It did not look complicated. The most direct way to escape its control was to leave the pattern's range. The problem was that Luffy was now completely affected. Never mind leaving on his own-he might not even know what he was doing.
This ability was far too strange.
Nami tried to alert Luffy, only for him to turn back blankly. His eyes lacked their usual spark. Instead, it was as though something was leading him along, forcibly cutting off even his most basic judgment.
"Looks like dragging him out won't work." Naruto tapped his fingers lightly, then suddenly gave a meaningful smile. "Since he'll act according to the control, let's give him the opposite instruction."
Nami froze. "The opposite instruction?"
"Exactly."
Without explaining further, Naruto shouted straight at Luffy, "Luffy, don't save them, and don't go near anyone. Just stay right where you are. Whatever you do, don't leave!"
There seemed to be nothing wrong with those words.
Yet the very next moment, Luffy's body stiffened. Then he actually turned and backed away. His movements were somewhat sluggish, but his direction was clear. He was about to leave the black pattern's range.
Nami's eyes widened on the spot.
She had only thought they might as well try it, never expecting the method to actually work. Luffy had clearly been told to stay put, yet he was backing away of his own accord. Naruto had told him not to save anyone, and his body seemed to have received another command, beginning to leave the original area of