The Lion Hunt! Assault on the Sky (continued)

The little princess's face was slightly flushed, and she was rubbing the hem of her sailor uniform with both hands.

"Now that you've put on this outfit, don't let it down."

Naito said, "Just do what you're supposed to do."

Viola paused for a moment, then stood at attention, chest puffed out, head held high, and replied earnestly, "Yes!"

Was Vice Admiral Naito trying to encourage me?

I'm a little happy.

The little princess felt a little pleased.

Joining the Navy was such a fantastic decision!

I never expected that my abilities would be valued so highly by headquarters, and that I would be able to participate in this major operation so soon!

Moreover, you can even be on the same ship as Vice Admiral Naito!

After graduating from basic training, you must apply to join the Marine Guerrilla Unit; that way, you can get closer to Vice Admiral Naito!

As the little princess was thinking this, she saw that Ain and Hancock each occupied one side of Naito, almost facing each other.

Vice Admiral Momousagi, whom I had met in Dressrosa, made no attempt to hide her close relationship with Vice Admiral Naito.

Huh?

The little princess seemed a bit dazed.

The situation is a little different from what I expected.

"Guhahahaha,"

Crocodile had been assigned to the ship along with Hancock, leaned against the railing and chuckled, "How interesting. I thought this journey would be boring, but it turns out there's such a fun show to watch. Hey, Vice Admiral Naito, as the male lead, shouldn't you take the initiative?"

Naito turned to look at the man laughing unrestrainedly. "Get back inside the cabin, Crocodile. You have no right to speak here."

"Guhahahaha!"

Crocodile didn't care. After spewing his insults, he laughed heartily and strode towards the cabin.

This man is actually quite interesting.

Like the Golden Lion, he is also a prime example of depravity after his spiritual heart was shattered, wasting his time on a vague and unattainable goal.

But unlike the Golden Lion, Crocodile's pursuit is indeed of great value.

What's most remarkable about this guy is that after being sent to Impel Down by Luffy, he immediately achieved enlightenment in Ryuba, instantly transforming from the weakest of the Shichibukai into someone who could hold his own against the Marines. Two years later, he was promoted to Emperor Father, truly gaining the qualifications to compete for the One Piece.

However, to Navy Naito, a pirate is a pirate, and he won't give him any courtesy.

Then, three massive warships slowly set sail from the port of G-1 Base and rapidly advanced towards the location of the Golden Lion.

Not long after.

On the deck of the warship, Naito continued hammering iron ingots as always.

"Vice Admiral Naito is truly hardworking."

Drake on the side wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a sigh.

I originally thought that Vice Admiral Naito was completely different from the image portrayed in the propaganda, and that he was only being heavily promoted by headquarters because of his strength.

However, after spending the last two days with them, I realized that wasn't the case.

Putting aside everything else, at least in terms of diligence, Vice Admiral Naito was second to none.

He spends most of his day exercising.

On the contrary, the ladies who kept bothering him could only interact with him for a very limited time, and even Vice Admiral Naito seemed to ignore them.

What incredible willpower!

The naive Drake couldn't fathom how Vice Admiral Naito could remain unmoved amidst those beauties!

"That's exactly right!"

Prince Grus agreed, saying, "That's the kind of demeanor a naval hero should have!"

He then asked with some doubt, "But what's the point of hitting Tekkai with your fist like that?"

Instead of wasting time chatting, why not do a few more sets of squats?

Smoker, carrying a barbell, veins bulging on his forehead, said, "The next enemy is the Golden Lion. Every bit of strength we gain increases our chances of victory."

"Oh, Smoker- senpai, you're just being a bit too self-conscious."

Binz, who had already become quite familiar with them, said with a grin, "Our mission in this operation is to cheer on Naito and the others."

"That's true."

Grus nodded in agreement, "Although it's very frustrating, an enemy of the Golden Lion's caliber is beyond our capabilities."

Just because you can't do it now doesn't mean you can't do it in the future!

Smoker gritted his teeth, almost forcing the words out, "To not do something just because you can't is the act of a coward!"

Yeah?

Binz couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

This Smoker guy really made some bold statements.

She's already twenty-eight years old, but she still doesn't have that Haki.

That's true, he hasn't spent enough time with Naito. After some time, once he truly realizes the vast difference between himself and the monsters, he'll understand.

There really is a huge difference between people.

While the male marines chatted idly, the female marines were not idle either.

"This man has gone too far,"

Major Hina exclaimed indignantly, "What do you mean he won't refuse any advances from women he doesn't dislike? That's utterly irresponsible and despicable!"

"Right? Right?"

Doll, with an air of "you know me, best friend," said, "I really don't know what it is about him that Ain and the others like! Even Gion- senpai is head over heels for him, is it just because that guy Naito is handsome?"

Upon hearing this, Ain, who had been quietly watching Naito throw his punch, turned around and gave Doll a death stare.

This woman really dares to speak her mind.

But that's fine, Senior Doll, just keep being stubborn.

That's what she was thinking.

Hancock exclaimed in her ear, "As expected of Naito! Now his punches no longer overflow with Conqueror's Haki. At this rate, he should be able to master Conqueror's Haki Coating soon!"

Just then, Viola, who had been gazing at the sky from the ship's side, suddenly walked quickly to Naito's side and whispered something in his ear.

Naito, who was immersed in his training, suddenly stopped throwing a punch. "Ain."

"I am here."

Ain immediately stood up.

"Immediately inform Professor Zephyr and Senior Borsalino that we have arrived," Naito said.

The meaning of "arrived" is:

Is war about to break out?

Smoker instantly dropped the barbell he was carrying on his shoulder, his eyes burning with intensity.

Drake looked at him with amusement. "Senior Smoker, do you still have the strength to fight?"

My legs are shaking.

Faced with the questions, Smoker simply lit two cigars and scoffed, "More than enough!"

Later that, on a large ship in the middle, the officers and the Shichibukai gathered.

"Is it right here?"

Zephyr tilted his head back and gazed at the vast sky.

There were many clouds in the sky, so no islands floating in the sky could be seen.

But Zephyr nodded to himself, "Hmm! I can feel it, it's so high up! No wonder no one can even see that island!"

"Oh, what an amazing Observation Haki, Professor Zephyr."

Kizaru said slowly, "I didn't feel anything."

"Snort."

Zephyr snorted, too lazy to pay attention to his apprentice. "Then, prepare to attack."

"I can understand launching an attack, but the problem is,"

Hanafuda shrugged. "How are we supposed to get up there in the sky? I'm not good at Geppo."

"Me too."

Jinbe nodded calmly.

Crocodile,

Without any hesitation, Zephyr looked directly at Crocodile, something that had been planned in advance, and said, "Use your abilities to send the others up."

"Hahaha, what kind of transportation do you think I am?"

Crocodile gave a disgruntled snort.

You have no choice but to agree!

Zephyr's voice was cold and stern.

"Tsk."

The Crocodile clicked its tongue in displeasure.

"Gion, you and Simon stay on the sea,"

Zephyr then looked at Gion, "Just in case anything unexpected happens."

In any case, the power that is about to ascend to the sky has completely overflowed.

"Understood, Professor Zephyr."

Gion nodded solemnly.

"Alright, let's go."

Kizaru had transformed into light and vanished from the deck in an instant.

Let's go!

Naito launched himself into the air, soaring straight into the sky.

"You bastards, get over here!"

Crocodile's body instantly turned into sand, coalescing into a massive platform of yellow sand.