"Since you already have a powerful enough Devil Fruit, you don't need to eat these three," Meiser said, stroking his chin.
"So what do you plan to do with these three Devil Fruits?" Usopp asked curiously.
"Of course, I'll first ask Zoro and the other two if they want to eat them," Meiser said. "If they don't, I'll give them to Sister Shakky to sell."
Upon hearing this, Usopp recalled what those three had said in the past and shook his head. "Aside from Sanji, Franky and Zoro probably won't eat Devil Fruits."
"Let's ask first," Meiser said. "If they don't want them, then forget it."
This time, Usopp only nodded without saying anything more.
Just then, Chopper looked up and said, "Hey, everyone, I ran into a group of people impersonating us on Sabaody Archipelago."
"Impersonating us?"
Meiser was taken aback and then asked in surprise, "There's such a thing?"
Who were these fearless people daring to impersonate them...
Weren't they afraid of being hunted down by the World Government?
Luffy, on the other hand, showed an interested expression and said, "What kind of people are they?"
"They exist," Chopper first nodded to Meiser, then turned to Luffy and said, "They look exactly like us."
Recalling the appearance of those people, Chopper nodded with great certainty.
Usopp: —
Looking at Chopper's innocent expression, Usopp felt utterly speechless.
How are they the same at all?!
The fake Luffy and Zoro are practically round like balls!
Not to mention Franky and Sanji's builds—they're obviously way too skinny!
And as for the guy impersonating him...
The moment he thought of that guy wearing the Sogeking mask, Usopp felt his eyelids twitching.
"Exactly like us?"
Luffy was stunned for a moment, then said excitedly, "There's such a thing?"
Could it be that his father had another child out there?
Seeing Luffy's excited expression, Nami shook her head helplessly and said, "Don't listen to Chopper's nonsense. Those people are nothing like us."
At the very least, she refused to admit that the girl called Nami looked anything like her.
Luffy was stunned again, then said somewhat disappointedly, "So they're not the same after all..."
He thought he had found long-lost brothers.
Well, never mind then. Not interesting.
Nami: ...
So what exactly are you disappointed about?
"You knew about this too, Nami?" Meiser asked in surprise.
"Of course I knew," Nami nodded. "Those people have been on the island for a while now. How could I not know?"
It's just that she didn't care much about them, which is why she hadn't mentioned it.
"For a while now?"
Meiser was taken aback, then turned to Shakky and said, "So... Sister Shakky, you knew about this too?"
"Of course,"
Shakky nodded. "What on Sabaody Archipelago could possibly escape my notice?"
Meiser:
"Why haven't you told them before?"
As if sensing Meiser's confusion, Shakky said, "I wasn't planning to mention such a trivial matter, but since Chopper brought it up, I'll tell you about it."
After a brief pause, she continued, "The person impersonating little Monkey is named Demaro Black, known by the alias 'Three-Tongue'!"
"He's a pirate with a bounty of 26 million Berries."
"By using the Straw Hat Pirates' reputation and his silver tongue, he successfully gathered a group of followers.At this point, a trace of emotion appeared on Shakky's face.
Although that guy's strength wasn't much, his eloquence was truly impressive—otherwise he wouldn't have been able to recruit so many people.
"Using our reputation?" Chopper immediately became displeased and said, "How could they do that?!"
This was tarnishing the name of their Straw Hat Pirates!
Nico Robin showed a thoughtful expression, wondering who would be so fearless as to dare impersonate her... they certainly had guts.
"Just a bunch of clowns performing on stage."
Shakky waved her hand dismissively, "They'll probably be captured by the Marines soon enough, so there's no need to pay them much attention."
"Moreover... the existence of these people will help draw the Marines' attention away from you, won't it."
"Is that so..."
Chopper was momentarily stunned by Shakky's words, then fell into deep thought.
If that was the case... then perhaps they really didn't need to worry about those guys.
"Exactly."
Shakky nodded, then looked at Usopp and Nami, "You two probably feel the same way, right?"
Hearing this, Usopp and Nami both smiled simultaneously.
"Why not use such a perfect shield~" Nami laughed.
It would be even better if the Marines captured these people—that way... they could safely reach Fish-Man Island!
Thinking this, Nami's smile widened even more.
"That's true." Usopp also nodded in agreement.
"The existence of this group can indeed help divert the Marines' attention from us," Meiser said while stroking his chin. "This way we can set sail smoothly."
Although this wouldn't last long... as long as it allowed them to safely depart, that would be enough!
Then Meiser turned his gaze to Luffy and asked, "Luffy, what do you think?"
"Huh?"
"I'm asking if you want to go punch them flying," Meiser said.
"If needed, I can also teach them a lesson," Perona chimed in.
As she spoke, she floated up, her eyes becoming sharp.
Although she wasn't a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, she was willing to contribute to them now.
"No."
Luffy shook his head, "They're not the real deal anyway. Setting sail for adventure is more important."
This time Meiser just smiled and nodded without saying anything more.
Clearly, Luffy's response didn't surprise him at all.
Then Meiser looked at Shakky and asked, "By the way, Shakky, is there anyone among that group impersonating me?"
As if thinking of something amusing, Meiser narrowed his eyes with a smile.
'It would be really fun if someone actually tried to impersonate me,' Meiser thought with an inward laugh.
"After all... the World Government despises him to the bone!"
"Anyone who does that would face the World Government's frenzied retaliation and pursuit!"
"By then... death might even become a luxury for the impersonator!"
"Who would dare?" Shakky rolled her eyes.
This kid attacked Mary Geoise - who would dare impersonate him under these circumstances?
Anyone who does this is signing their own death warrant!!!
Anyone with half a brain wouldn't do this unless they wanted to die!
"It seems these guys have at least some brains," Meiser said while stroking his chin.
Though only some, and not many.
"Not just impersonation - even if someone spreads news that you're still alive, that person would be captured and thoroughly interrogated," Shakky said.
To prevent the possibility of Meiser being alive, the World Government would absolutely do this!
"That's true too," Meiser said.
Although he's considered 'dead' in the World Government's eyes, they never recovered his body!
So... after getting such information, the World Government would definitely send people to capture him!
"I wonder how the World Government will react when they discover Meiser is still alive," Nami said with a laugh.
Meiser thought for a moment, then said: "They'd probably be so shocked their jaws drop, then immediately gather a massive force to surround us."
"A massive siege..."
After imagining that scene, Nami asked: "On the scale of a Buster Call?"
"It might be even more exaggerated than a Buster Call," Nico Robin said.
Given what Meiser did, it's possible the Marines would dispatch two or three Admirals, so... the fleet scale would definitely be more exaggerated than a Buster Call!
"Then we need to become stronger," Usopp said.
So they can protect their crewmates properly!
The others exchanged glances upon hearing this, then laughed together.
Clearly, they shared Usopp's sentiment.
To protect their crewmates, they're willing to put in greater effort!!
Seeing everyone's reaction, Meiser felt warmth in his heart and said: "Then let's work hard together!" "Yeah!"
At this moment, everyone laughed even more happily.
Then Usopp said: "By the way, what's the situation with Brook now?"
Franky is on the ship, Sanji went to find Merry and Zoro, and then... only Brook hasn't arrived yet.
"Sister Shakky has already contacted Brook," Meiser glanced at Usopp and said: "He should probably arrive on the ship soon."
As for whether Brook would be reluctant to leave his current career...
Don't joke about that!
He's a member of the Straw Hat Pirates - how could he give up being a pirate for something like that? He doesn't believe Brook would abandon being a pirate.
"Doesn't that mean... we're all assembled!"
"Exactly!"
"Alright!"
Luffy slapped the table and stood up, saying: "Since everyone's here, let's set sail!"
"Destination, Fish-Man Island!"
"Yeah!!"
Watching the young ones with beaming smiles, Rayleigh and Shakky also showed smiles on their faces.
At this moment, they seemed to see their past selves in them.
Then Rayleigh said, "I'll go with you and help you deal with the Marines on the island."
Although the probability of a Marine Admiral appearing on this island wasn't high, he couldn't be completely certain there weren't any, so it was better for him to accompany them.
"No need, we can handle it ourselves," Luffy grinned, showing his teeth.
Rayleigh fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "Then I wish you smooth sailing~"
"Alright!"
"Uncle Rayleigh, Shakky, goodbye~"
"Goodbye."
After watching the group leave, Rayleigh sighed with emotion. "I wonder what kind of reputation they'll make for themselves after entering the New World."
"We'll find out soon enough, won't we?"
"True enough."
Rayleigh nodded, then a bright smile appeared on his face.
At this moment, he truly began to look forward to it.
Looking forward to... the day when that kid Luffy becomes the Pirate King!
Shakky smiled upon hearing this, then brought out that special liquor she had treasured for two years.
Rayleigh: !!!
The moment he saw the liquor, Rayleigh's heart skipped a beat.
"Drink up," Shakky said. "Now you have no excuses."
Rayleigh:
Looking at Shakky's cunning gaze, Rayleigh silently sighed.
"Ah."
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
At the Marine branch on Sabaody Archipelago, the Marines were currently gathering for an emergency assembly.
"BZZT!!!"
"Everyone, assemble immediately!"
"What's happening?"
Hearing the voice from the broadcast, Sentomaru's eyes showed a trace of confusion.
Could it be that another so-called Supernova had come to this island?
"Brother Sentomaru, we've spotted traces of the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"What did you say?!"Hearing the Marine recruit's words, Sentomaru's pupils contracted to their limit."
Then he said, "Can you confirm the accuracy of this information?"
"Yes."
The Marine recruit nodded. "Our people have already discovered the Straw Hat Pirates' gathering place!"
"Good, I understand!"
After receiving the confirmation, Sentomaru turned and walked outside without hesitation.
He was going to take several Pacifistas to eliminate the Straw Hat Pirates!
"Brother Sentomaru, should we notify Admiral Kizaru?"
"That won't be necessary." Sentomaru shook his head. "I can handle them with just a few Pacifistas."
The Straw Hat Pirates without the Blood-Eyed Ninja were nothing to fear!
"Yes!"
After watching Sentomaru leave, the Marine recruit returned to the formation.
Subsequently, a group was ordered to go to the concert venue on Sabaody Archipelago to make arrests.
"That's the guy!"
Looking at Brook standing in the shadows, the Marines instinctively gripped their weapons, their expressions becoming somewhat tense.
"Marines, huh..."
Noticing the Marines hidden in the darkness, Brook subconsciously murmured, "It seems my identity has been exposed."
Oh well, since this was his final concert anyway, there was nothing to worry about.
Thinking this, Brook walked into the light with his guitar.
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting"
"Ah!!"
"Soul King-sama!!Looking at Brook holding his guitar, the fans' eyes were filled with enthusiasm.
At that moment, several Marines rushed out from the shadows, aiming flintlocks at Brook.
"This ends here, Brook!"
"Huh?"
"Marines?!"
"Why are the Marines here?"
The audience was stunned as they watched the Marines suddenly emerge and surround the area.
Ignoring the audience's reactions, the Marines fixed their intense gaze on Brook on stage.
Then, one man produced a wanted poster and declared, "This man is you!"
"Acting captain of the Rumba Pirates, Humming Brook, a pirate with a bounty of 33 million Berries!"
"No way, how could Soul King-sama be a pirate?"
"That's right, you must have made a mistake!"
"There's no mistake!" the Marine stated firmly. "This man is the pirate Brook."
"Not only that, he is also a member of the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"Wh-what?!"
Hearing the Marine's announcement, the audience froze.
Their Soul King-sama... was actually a member of the Straw Hat Pirates?
"Brook is a pirate?"
"And he's part of the Straw Hat Pirates?"
"How... how is this possible?!"
"But the Marines said so..."
"That can't be right. Didn't they say the Straw Hat Boy might be dead? But this..."
Brook listened to the audience's murmurs, his emotions gradually growing complicated.
Before he could say anything, three men armed with weapons stepped forward.
"You're finished, Brook."
"Managers..."
Looking at the three managers' faces, Brook spoke with a complex tone, "So it was you behind this after all."
"Why?"
"Because you started thinking about retirement!"
The manager glared at Brook with a grim expression. "Just when we could have made a fortune riding your popularity, you insist on quitting now... What are we supposed to do?!"
Without Brook as their cash cow, their company wouldn't be able to survive.
So... so they absolutely couldn't allow Brook to leave peacefully!
"Just for that reason?"
"Exactly!"
Without hesitation, the manager pulled out a short gun and aimed it at Brook. "That's exactly why!"
Rather than letting their cash cow go, they'd rather destroy him!
Brook fell silent for a moment before speaking with mixed emotions, "Managers, these past two years... thank you for your care."
"And thank you for bringing me to this island!"
Hearing Brook's words, the managers were taken aback.
At such a critical moment... he was saying things like this?
He...
"You don't blame us?"
They had expected Brook to lash out with harsh words, but instead he was thanking them?
What... what did this guy mean by that?
"What would resentment accomplish?" Brook said calmly.
Brook's response left the managers completely stunned. This man...
Ignoring their reaction, Brook turned to the audience, taking in each person's expression.
Then, he picked up the microphone and softly said, "For us, this island is one of regret, where we once experienced failure."
"But at the same time... this island is also the island of new beginnings!"
The audience listening to Brook's words gradually showed confusion in their eyes.
What exactly was this man trying to say?
But before they could voice their doubts, Brook shouted loudly.
"Straw Hat Luffy is dead?"
"Don't be ridiculous!"
"He's the man destined to become the Pirate King—how could he possibly die?!"
"Now, I formally announce to the world!"
"Pirate Straw Hat Luffy... is still alive!!!"
"Huh?!"
"WHAAAT?!"
Hearing Brook's words, the audience's eyes nearly popped out in shock, their faces filled with disbelief.
That man who fell unconscious at the end of the Summit War... was actually still alive?
"Quick, send this news back to headquarters!" a man dressed as a reporter said urgently. "We must release this information immediately!"
The Straw Hat Pirates have officially returned... This is earth-shattering news!!
As if imagining his future promotions and salary raises, the reporter's eyes gleamed with fervor.
Fame, wealth, beautiful women... he wanted it all!
Ahahahaha!
"Soul King!" one audience member boldly shouted. "Where is Straw Hat Luffy?!"
If he claimed Luffy was alive, he needed proof.
"Yohohoho!"
"A man like him won't remain silent forever. Just wait and see!"
Hearing Brook's words, the fans fell silent.
Then, a woman shouted, "Then... Soul King, are you leaving?"
If he left now... wouldn't they never hear his songs again?
At this thought, her heart filled with reluctance.
"That's right. I'm going to follow Captain Luffy and leave this place."
Brook nodded. "But... before that, let me perform one last song for everyone!!"
"I am Brook, the Soul King who loves you all down to my bones!"
The fans fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then erupted into fervent cheers.
"WOOOO!!!"