Chapter 842: Still Need to Take Precautions"The Land of Stonemasons.""Still the same repulsive ideology.""Whether female or male, equality is the law of nature."Regarding Xiaobai's words, Nami felt for the first time that Xiaobai wasn't such a cold person—it was Xiaobai when Satoru wasn't around; he couldn't maintain his cold demeanor when Satoru was nearby.Kin'emon, however, was surprised. "The Land of Stonemasons, that's an ancient name. You know it? Are you perhaps a historian?""But regardless, the morality and ideology of my country do not require external judgment!""And now is not the time to discuss my country's affairs.""I am grateful for your assistance. I heard you were brought here from a ship just now? Who exactly are you people?"Xiaobai didn't want to waste any more words on Kin'emon. He walked up to a wall, only wanting to find Satoru quickly.Sanji answered him, "We are pirates."Upon hearing this news, Kin'emon instantly glared in rage."You people are pirates! No wonder you are so barbaric! I detest pirates to the bone!""I thought we could co...""Bang!!"As Kin'emon spoke, there was a sudden loud noise—the sound of Xiaobai punching through the wall.Xiaobai turned his head and glanced back."Too much nonsense."He then stepped out. Nami and Chopperimmediately followed.Chopper sincerely praised him, "Xiaobai is amazing!"Franky had originally intended to act, but seeing this, he said, "Well, that saves me some cola."Sanji was the last one. After taking two steps, he still turned back to look at Kin'emon."What are you planning to do?""If we weren't pirates, you would probably run away with us, right?"Kin'emon was slightly embarrassed at being seen through. Although the situation was urgent, he still did not want to associate with pirates."Shut up! Get lost! Pirates!"Sanji bent down and used both hands to lift Kin'emon, who was only a head. "With only a head left, you can't escape, can you?""Am I right? Samurai of Wano Country!"Sanji switched Kin'emon's jaw and forehead back to their proper positions, lifting him by his topknot."There's movement over there! Go check it out!"The wall of the Confinement Room had been blasted open. If they didn't notice this, the patrols must be descendants of the deaf."Sanji, hurry up, the pursuers are coming."Nami urged Sanji.But Sanji was still confronting Kin'emon."We ended up being captured here because we received an emergency signal from the person you supposedly cut down! Samurai!"Hearing Sanji's words, Kin'emon became very agitated."I would absolutely never do something so disgraceful as randomly cutting people down!""I came to this island to rescue my son! If anyone dares to obstruct me, even if they are ten thousand strong, I will cut them down without fail!"At these words, Sanji stared at Kin'emon, meeting his gaze for a few seconds, before finally deciding to take him along.There might have been three reasons.First, since he was only a head, he truly couldn't escape. Because of this fatherly devotion to his son, Sanji, who had an unhappy early childhood, wanted to help him.Second, Luffy and the others came to the island, and they were captured on the island, all because of this samurai. So, he should take him out and let Luffy see him.Third, perhaps it was the mutual respect felt between two Special Agents (sp).The five people, carrying one head, left the Confinement Room. Xiaobai walked at the very front; although he was walking normally, he maintained the lead. When the path reached its end, the five of them saw many children of varying sizes inside a room.Just like the original storyline, these children cried out to the five for help.Even though they were still being chased, Namidecided to save them.Regarding this, Xiaobai still expressed boredom. "Womanly compassion. What does this have to do with you?"Nami's eyes darted. "If it were Satoru, he would definitely save them.""..."Giving no reply, Xiaobai turned around. "Get out of the way if you don't want to be caught in the crossfire!"This was a warning to Sanji and Franky.Having given the warning, Xiaobai lifted his foot and stomped down. Ice Eruption burst forth, freezing all the pursuers within the ice."White-haired Big Brother is so amazing!!!"This praise came from the children."Don't misunderstand, I just found their footsteps annoying."Xiaobai explained lightly, and then continued walking forward.Nami smiled. "Let's go, children. We're going to find the exit."...Over on the Burning Island side.Brook, who had woken up on the thousand sunny, used a den den mushi to call Satoru and the others, informing them that Sanji and the rest had disappeared, and only he was left on the thousand sunny.Satoru frowned slightly. When did that guy Xiaobai get so weak? He fell victim to a trick like Sleeping Gas?"Since they didn't leave any notes, it means the five of them were likely taken somewhere..."Robin guessed.Usopp strongly agreed. "That must be it. And Brook, since you're just bones, you were mistaken for a corpse, which is why you weren't taken."Brook's laughter came through the den den mushi."Ah! I see! Then I'm the only one who got lucky! Yohohoho!!"Robin continued, "The enemy must think they captured everyone. Can you see any buildings or signs of people around you?"The scene switched to the thousand sunny. Amidst the falling snow, Brook was walking leisurely, holding a cup of black tea. At his feet lay the fallen Anti-Gas Suit Monsters."My, Miss Robin's deduction skills are truly immersive.""There is indeed a very magnificent building, but it doesn't look like a restaurant."After hearing Brook's description, Usopp said that they still needed to see it with their own eyes to know the full situation."Brook, we're heading over right now. Wait for us..."The den den mushi conversation ended.During this time, Satoru, like Zoro, remained silent.Zoro didn't speak because he was maintaining his cool demeanor, and there was nothing he needed to say. Of course, he was also scrutinizing the surroundings for potential dangers.Meanwhile, Satoru was thinking, recalling the events that took place on Punk Hazard.Regardless of how the future unfolds, it's undoubtedly that guy Caesar who is causing trouble.Objectively speaking, with Satoru's current strength, he doesn't regard Caesar at all. Even Doflamingo is nothing special.Satoru would only feel pressure when facing the Four Emperors, such as at Cake Island or Wano Country.However, for these upcoming adventures, even if his strength was far superior enough to handle them, he couldn't just sweep through everything. Otherwise, it wouldn't be the adventure of the Straw Hat Pirates, but his own solo adventure.Regarding these growth experiences, Satoru didn't want to steal them from Luffy and the others. Therefore... he prepared to take some extra precautions.Ace survived, which proves that fate and history can be changed. Therefore, just because something happened before doesn't mean it will happen now. Some things still need to be properly prevented
Chapter 843: There Is No Such Thing As "If Only" In This WorldAt the front of the research institute, on the shore of the icy lake of the Ice-and-Fire Lake, the thousand sunny was docked."Yo ho ho~ Yo ho ho ho~"Alone on the thousand sunny, Brook sipped black tea and hummed Binks' Sake, preparing to disembark and wait for Luffy and the others.Suddenly, a figure jumped down from the lookout tower, startling Brook so much that he nearly spilled his black tea."Ah!"When he saw the figure's face clearly, he realized, "Oh, it's Satoru.""You scared me to death! You scared me so much my heart nearly jumped out—ah, although I'm already dead and don't have a heart anymore."The one who descended from the lookout tower was indeed Satoru. Since his room was inside the lookout tower, this was naturally the Clone Bai Yunhe had left behind in the room just in case. He had come down fully dressed in a cotton-padded jacket.A white cotton-padded jacket; Satoru really liked white. On the back of the jacket was a palm tree pattern, bought at the same shop as Satoru's casual beach shorts. Of course, he had changed into long pants; out of his dozen or so outfits, this was the only cotton-padded jacket and pair of long pants he had."May I have a cup, everyone? I'm a bit thirsty."Satoru said."Yo ho ho, in this snowy environment, a cup of hot tea is the most comfortable thing."Brook said, pulling a teacup and teapot out of his afro, and poured a cup of hot black tea for Satoru."Let's go. Let's get off the ship and wait for Luffyand the others."Satoru said while drinking the black tea.Brook naturally knew this was Clone Bai Yun, but he didn't ask why Satoru had created a clone; Satoruhad his own reasons."After you."Brook was indeed a gentleman, if you excluded his love for looking at panties.The two of them got off the thousand sunny.Before them was a vast expanse of white; apart from that research institute, there didn't seem to be anything else.However, after taking just two steps, Brook stepped on something."Hmm? It's soft? What is this?"A blade flashed from beneath the snow, and Brookimmediately retreated as an arm clutching a sword emerged from the snow.Before Brook could even speak, the rest of the arm's body followed, emerging from the snow.It had no lower body, no head, only an upper... part.It was naturally the upper body of Kin'emon that had appeared last; let's call him Upper Kin'emon.Although he couldn't see, this upper body could still swing a sword by feeling."A monster!!!"Brook screamed in terror.Satoru retorted, neither of you has any room to talk."Protect me! Satoru! What is this thing!!!"Brook, a 2.66-meter guy, hid behind the 1.7-meter Satoru, looking just like an ostrich burying its head, covering only a tiny bit."Undoubtedly, that is an upper body."Satoru stated the obvious."I know it's an upper body!!! But how can it move when it's only an upper body!"Brook replied.At this moment, although Upper Kin'emon couldn't see, he locked onto his target by feeling, held his sword in one hand, and jumped toward Satoru and Brook.Satoru felt as if he were looking at... Geodude?...On the shore of the fire lake of the Ice-and-Fire Lake.Luffy met a leopard demi-human. The leopard demi-human thought Luffy was an accomplice and approached to say hello, only to realize, "Who are you?!"He swung the spiked club in his hand, but Luffykicked the club, snapping it in two, and kicked the leopard-man down as well; it was clear he was sleeping very peacefully.Behind him, another giraffe demi-human appeared, trying to launch a sneak attack, raising a large sword with both hands to hack at Luffy's back.Just as Robin was about to act, she saw Satorucasually raise his hand and lower it without the slightest hesitation. In that interval, a bullet flew out. As the giraffe demi-human swung his sword down, it struck the bullet perfectly. The bullet transmitted a vibration force along the blade. After the strike, the giraffe demi-human acted as if he had been electrocuted, shaking all over as he fell, sleeping just as peacefully.The four of them—Satoru and the others—reached the shore and reunited with Luffy.Luffy looked at the leopard demi-human and the giraffe demi-human lying on the ground, finding it more and more interesting."There are so many types of demi-humans! Really interesting!"Usopp was well-read, at least in books about strange things."The legends only mention horses! This is too strange!!!""Hmm... look, this leopard demi-human has a den den mushi on him, labeled [cc]. They aren't wild demi-humans; they might belong to some organization."Satoru nodded. "That makes sense.""Now we have no choice but to cross the lake. Even if we go back, the thousand sunny is gone, and five comrades have gone missing!"Usopp continued."Nine times out of ten they've been captured. I hope they don't get turned into beehives."Robin always spoke of terrifying things in a calm tone."It shouldn't come to that. With Satoru there, it shouldn't be a big problem."Satoru didn't know how Satoru had been kidnapped, but if Satoru wanted to, he probably wouldn't be the one turned into a beehive by the enemy; he'd turn the enemy into a beehive, being an "old monster" who knew the secrets of those ancient gods."If I had known this would happen, we should have landed on the other side."Zoro said.Satoru smiled. "There is no such thing as 'if only' in this world."Robin also smiled and looked at Satoru. Coming from you, that statement has absolutely no credibility.Luffy also agreed with Satoru, though in a different way."If we had done that, we wouldn't have been able to eat dragon meat, and we wouldn't have met [Ashigara]."Zoro was confused."What is [Ashigara]?""It's the name Luffy gave to that half-body; I'm guessing that's it."Satoru replied on Luffy's behalf.Luffy smiled, showing his teeth, and gave Satoru a thumbs up. "You really get me, Satoru.""Alright, enough with the nonsense.""Let's go. Our objective has changed to saving our comrades. We're heading to the frozen land immediately!!"See? As I said before, although Usopp always wants to back out, when it comes to his comrades, he doesn't hesitate at all...."So, how are we going to cross this lake?""Too bad there aren't any thousand-year-old turtles in the water, Second Brother."Satoru looked at the lake in front of them, then looked at Usopp and asked.Five people from Journey to the West; they just happened to be five people... uh, Pato counts as a "magic treasure."Pato:..."What turtles, what Second Brother, Satoru.""But you're right, crossing the lake is indeed a problem."Usopp replied.Satoru indicated, "I can fly over, but if I have to carry you, I can only take one at a time.""Don't you know how to make clones?"Zoro was actually smart for once.Satoru returned a smile. "If you accept being carried bridal-style, I can take you over."Zoro: "..."Just as Zoro was about to ask if there was any other way, Satoru didn't give him the chance and immediately conjured three clones.Including the Main Body and the clones, there were seven Satorus in total.Excluding Gaia and Seller, and the clone on Brook's side, the Main Body and the three clones here were just enough to carry Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Robin.
Chapter 844: A Good Companion in WinterBy the lake, four Satorus took Luffy and the other three, flying across the lake.The Main Body carried Luffy, while the clones carried the other three.Luffy and Robin didn't mind being carried in a princess carry.Zoro minded, but Satoru insisted.Usopp didn't mind, but Satoru insisted on not carrying him that way. The reason, of course, was that Young Lady Kaya was waiting for Usopp to return, and a princess carry would be too ambiguous; it wouldn't do.But he couldn't win against Zoro, so in the end, they all crossed the lake on their backs.Satoru expressed, "I'm just a pure tool, aren't I...?" The four Satorus had just flown a short distance when a horn sound came from behind them.The Leopard Beastman stood up; he was the one who blew the horn. After blowing it, he shouted loudly."Boss~! The invaders have crossed the river!! Please eliminate them!!"On the opposite bank, more than a dozen figures appeared, one of them quite tall."So many Beastmen, and one is really tall. Is that the 'Boss' then?"Luffy leaned out and said.Satoru replied, "It's not necessarily true that a tall stature means they're the Boss. Of course, it's not impossible either."Usopp then remembered, "If he's the Boss, then the emergency signal was sent to him, right? Then it's unreasonable for him to attack us!!"After all, they came ashore to rescue the Boss's subordinate.But how would the "Boss" know?"Fire cannons and blast them down!!"The Boss gave the command.His subordinates in front of him raised their rocket launchers and fired at the Satorus in the sky.Truly, after so long shooting at seagulls, now they themselves had become "seagulls."But the difference was that a seagull's counterattack at most involved pooping on your head, while Satoru's counterattack was a Tremor Wave!"Air Shatter!"The Main Body Satoru threw a punch, shattering the space where his fist struck, unleashing a large-scale impact Tremor Wave that rushed towards the Boss and his group on the shore.The invisible Tremor Wave arrived; although it was invisible, the slight tremor beneath their feet was tangible, and the scattered snowflakes being shaken away were also tangible.The Boss's eyes widened. He knew this move. "Wha... what?!"But in the next second, he was hit by the Tremor Wave. Regardless of their height, the Boss and his group all fell down like a bowling alley strike. This was still the result of Satoru holding back his strength; otherwise, they wouldn't have just fallen."Ahahaha, you're amazing, Satoru."Luffy praised.Satoru returned a smile, "Just average."Without further ado, while no one was causing trouble, Satoru and his clones unleashed their Air Compression Technique beneath their feet, quickly flying to the other side of the lake... "Yohohoho, what an extraordinary move, it saves me from using my Chill of the Underworld. This weather is already bone-chilling enough."Brook walked up to the fallen group, turned, and looked at Satoru and the others flying over. He was the only one."Brook!""Yohohoho, aren't you all cold?"The Satorus landed and "unloaded," Luffy and the other three stood on the ground again. Luffy greeted Brook, and as soon as Brook spoke, they immediately felt the biting cold wind.Satoru then recalled his clones, but one of them ran out, just like the one next to Brook earlier.And because Satoru had a replicated Mera Mera no Mi, the cold wasn't too bad."Now that you mention it, it really is cold!"Luffy hugged himself tightly.Satoru extended his palm, and a vigorous flame erupted. The four couldn't help but draw closer to it."Although I'm a mobile bathroom heater, walking like this isn't a solution."Satoru said.Usopp nodded, "Satoru makes sense."Luffy asked, "What's a bathroom heater, Satoru?"Satoru replied, "A good companion in winter."He then looked at the fallen Boss and his group in front. Wasn't there a 'zero-cost purchase' there?Everyone understood... "Boss...""Shut up, don't call me, don't get up, just lie there and play dead!""I remember that move, that straw hat.""It's the resurrected Copy cat Satoru who inherited Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit! And Straw Hat Luffy, the 400 million bounty pirate, Fire Fist Ace's brother, who caused chaos at the Marineford Wartwo years ago!""If you don't want to die, shut up!!"But as the Boss was speaking, some shadows covered them as they lay there.Satoru kicked him with his foot, "Stop playing dead, I didn't even use much force in that punch.""..."Still silence.Satoru showed a kind smile, "It seems they're all thoroughly dead. We're so kind-hearted, let's bury them all."Truly, immensely kind-hearted.Upon hearing this, the Boss was the first to get up. Seeing this, his subordinates also followed suit."No, no, no!! We're not dead yet!!"Satoru pretended to be very surprised, "That's wonderful!""Huh?""We need your help.""Us? Help? What kind of help?"Satoru smiled without answering, while Luffy and Zoro emerged from behind him, their eyes glowing red... Inside the laboratory.Xiao Bai led everyone and the children to look for Satoru... no, to escape.Running all the way, Xiao Bai kicked open a door, only to see the room filled with ice and dim light."So that's it, no wonder there's such a strong aura of death."Behind the door was a passage, but the walls, ceiling, and floor of the passage were all frozen with corpses, dressed in prison uniforms, varying in size.The cold wind was already chilling, and seeing these, their inner fear intensified, making them even colder."What is this!!!"Nami and Chopper hugged each other in fear.The children also showed fear on their faces."What kind of evil taste does the owner of this place have!"Franky said.Although he liked the title 'pervert,' it wasn't this kind of pervert."What a terrifying and dazzling sight, is this a morgue?"Kin'emon, held in Sanji's hand, said. He was just a head, terrifying and dazzling, no less so than these corpses."They're all corpses, they won't move and bite you, what's there to be scared of!"Xiao Bai originally wanted to say... comfort, well, it was comfort, but after hearing his words, the children became even more scared."Wahhh!! So scary!!""Mama, I want Mama!!"Xiao Bai hated children crying the most; it was annoying!"Alright, all of you shut up!"As these words left his mouth, Xiao Bai released energy beneath his feet. Grass grew on the ice, covering the ground. Vines also spread across the walls and ceiling, and flowers bloomed, completely obscuring the corpses inside."Is this enough?!""How troublesome!"Xiao Bai walked straight in.The children's fear also turned into admiration for the beautiful flowers."Eh! So pretty! So amazing!! Is it magic?!"Nami smiled. Although Xiao Bai always acted unfriendly, saying 'don't come near me!', everything he did was for the children. He was truly contradictory."Alright, everyone, quickly follow that big brother! We're getting out of here!""Yes, children, hurry!"Chopper picked up where Nami left off, urging the children to hurry.But Kin'emon didn't want to leave."I do not wish to leave! You all go!""I have not seen my son among the escaping children, so there must be other rooms. I shall stay!"Sanji was furious, "So how are you going to move? If I leave you here, wouldn't that be abandoning you to die?! This feeling is really annoying!?"Kind-hearted pirates, that's why they have so many troubles."But I am here to rescue my son!!"Kin'emon shouted back.Sanji knew he was being stubborn, "What a stubborn guy. If you need help, just be straightforward and say, 'Please help me find my body!' Where exactly is your body?!"From the moment he brought Kin'emon out, Sanjicouldn't just abandon him; otherwise, his chivalry wouldn't allow it.
Chapter 845: Why Run?Facing Kin'emon's stubbornness, Sanji cut right through it, pointing out that he was just a head now—how was he supposed to move, by rolling? And yet, he was still acting tough.But it wasn't without reason; being a rigid samurai was one part of it, and Kin'emon truly hated pirates to the bone."I shall never accept the favor of a pirate!! I would rather die than beg for help!!"If Satoru didn't know about Kaido, he would have definitely ignored this. He would have thought, 'You've got some nerve,' and before leaving, he would have tossed that head into the toilet!Sanji was so angry he lifted him up, ready to smash him, "You bastard, you're just a head now and you still don't know your place!!"Franky knew Sanji was acting on impulse and stopped him, "Forget it. Even if you smash this defenseless head now, will it really make you feel better?""The moment you brought it out of that room, you already lost! Sanji!"Franky was only speaking the absolute truth.Kin'emon stuck his tongue out in a taunting manner, "Blehh."Sanji was furious but helpless, "Argh!! This is so frustrating!""I must have been out of my mind to be held hostage by his stubbornness. I'm such an idiot!! I really don't want to help him anymore!!"Kin'emon looked smug, knowing for certain that Sanji's conscience wouldn't allow him to leave him behind."Come now, it wouldn't matter if you struck me, but if you happen to be willing to carry this armless and legless man a little further, that would be acceptable, wouldn't it?"Asking someone to hit you—what a request... Sanjisatisfied him, very much so."Damn it! Once you get your body back, we'll settle this properly!!"Kin'emon's samurai mindset hadn't expected Sanjito be so ruthless toward a head that couldn't fight back. He convinced himself, "Very well, I shall be slightly more cautious with my words."...The main entrance of the laboratory.Old acquaintances of the Straw Hat Pirates were meeting with other old acquaintances.On this side of the door was Law, Trafalgar Law, now one of the Shichibukai.And facing him was the man who wanted to enter the laboratory, the now-promoted Vice Admiral of the Marine G5 branch, Smoker. Since he was there, Tashigi was naturally present as well.Smoker produced the intercepted conversation, suspecting that Luffy and the others were inside the laboratory, and demanded to enter to search.Law refused, stating that this was now his villa and there were no members of the Straw Hat Piratesinside. If members of the Straw Hat Pirates were to come, he would personally cut off their heads and send them to Smoker, but entering was out of the question.But the very next second after those words left his mouth, Satoru kicked the door open with a boom and walked out.Law felt awkward; he had just said there was no one there, and then someone walked out.Smoker was silent, feeling a mix of joy and concern—joy that he had found them, but concern because they wouldn't be easy to catch."It's quite lively here."Satoru said calmly. Regardless of whether it was Smoker or Law, even if an Admiral or one of the Four Emperors were standing there, he wouldn't care.However, he found Law somewhat familiar."You... you're that guy from the Sabaody Archipelago... that Gaara!"Gaara was a joke Satoru had made when he first met Law at the Sabaody Archipelago, though unfortunately, no one understood his joke.Law: "...""Finally, we reached the exit!""Why did Satoru stop?"Nami and the others came out afterward. They were puzzled to see Satoru stop, but when they saw the group of Marines opposite them, they were no longer puzzled."Marines!!""It's that smoking guy!"The Marines were surprised too, but they were surprised by the children of varying sizes."Children? Why are there so many children?!""And some of them are so big!!"Chopper caught a glimpse of Law nearby, "It's you! You're that guy from the Sabaody Archipelago?!""Did you lock these children up? What are you doing? You pervert! I won't give the children back to you!"Law was mistaken for a pervert, but he didn't explain."I was wondering who it was. Smoker?""And the cute girl who's always with him."Tashigi asked, "What's going on? Why are there so many children here?""They were all found inside the building~"Sanji gave a useless answer and even got a bit lovestruck, but he remained rational enough to realize that the situation was difficult. The pirates had the numbers, there was a Supernova pirate there, and the children were present, so they couldn't fight!!"Hurry up!! Kids, run inside, there should be a back door!"Fortunately, the children were obedient and went wherever they were told."Wait!"Satoru was confused. Why run?! Was there anything to be afraid of here?!But Tashigi wouldn't just watch them run away."Attention everyone, capture the Straw Hat!""Roger that, let's follow the Colonel beauty!!"Smoker knew how dangerous Law was and immediately shouted, "Wait!!"But Law had already made his move!"A fine mess those guys have brought me!""ROOM!"A large, hemispherical membrane dome appeared, covering everyone.Two years had passed, and the range of Law's ROOM was much larger than it had been at the Sabaody Archipelago."Tact!"As Law gestured with his hand, the entire warship on the water flew up and flipped upside down.Inside the ROOM, Law could freely swap the positions of objects, including people and himself.So, to be precise, it wasn't that the ship flew into the sky, but that the riverbed beneath the ship and the sky above the ground had swapped places.Consequently, the land and water flew into the sky, and gravel and water kept crashing down.Seeing this, Satoru praised him, "Interesting ability."The Marine Soldiers stared with wide eyes in shock."Waaaah!! The warship is floating in the air!!""Along with the riverbed...""What is going on here!!"By stopping the Marines, Law wasn't helping Sanjiand the others—or rather, with Luffy absent, he couldn't let them just run their mouths."And I can't let them run away either!"He thrust his sword straight out.Satoru instantly flashed to his side, never forgetting his own instructions to protect the others.
Chapter 846: No Killing IntentLaw's mission was to prevent Smoker and the Marines from entering the research facility.However, since Satoru and Sanji happened to come out and run into them, Smoker had a legitimate reason to enter the research facility.Sanji didn't care what they did; his priority was to get the children to a safe place.Tashigi wanted to pursue, and Law made his move, but he wasn't helping Sanji's group. Rather, with Luffy not present, he couldn't let them speak carelessly.Therefore, Law also attacked the four fleeing members of Sanji's group.Satoru instantly flashed next to Law, his index and middle fingers pressed together, aiming for Law's neck.Law was surprised by Satoru's speed, but he still thrust his sword straight out. Sanji's group was hit, and pink hearts popped out of their chests, then scattered and flew into other people's bodies.Although Satoru was fast, he stopped his movement just a tiny bit before touching Law's neck.Law was very surprised. He didn't know if he could have dodged that attack if he had tried... "Why did you stop?"Law asked.Satoru chuckled with a hint of playfulness, "What, do you want to die so badly?""That sword strike just now had no killing intent.""What did you do? What are you trying to do?"Law pondered his words, then said, "I have no intention of going against Straw Hat Captain. On the contrary.""Are they fighting?!""It's good if they fight. Pirates fighting pirates! How great would it be for us to wait on the sidelines and pick up the spoils.""Shh! Don't let them hear us! They seem to have stopped fighting and are talking about something!"Smoker's group naturally wanted to see pirates fighting each other like dogs, allowing them to benefit.But unfortunately, Satoru was convinced by Law.After learning that Law and Satoru truly didn't know each other before the Sabaody Archipelago, Satoruwithdrew his finger and then rushed in the direction Nami's group had left... Law: "..."Smoker and the Marines: "..."Satoru left, and now only Law and Smoker's group of Marines remained at the research facility's main gate.Law was still recalling Satoru's move, wondering what the probability was of him dodging it. The more he thought about it, the more he felt a chill of fear; the probability was very small.The scene fell silent.But Smoker now thoroughly knew the Straw Hat Pirates' whereabouts, and why there were signs of human activity in a restricted area that the Marines had sealed off. What exactly was going on inside the research facility? This was something Smoker, as a Marine, had to investigate.From the moment he started chasing Luffy in Loguetown all the way to the New World, he knew his stubborn temper.However, Smoker also knew that Law was no simple character, and with his Shichibukai status, he was thinking about what to do: fight? Or run?But the ship had already flown into the sky, so how could he run? Swim back? It wasn't impossible, but he'd most likely turn into an ice pop, and Smokercouldn't swim.The Soldiers also advised Smoker to leave first, as Law's abilities were too strange. But then they realized, "Right! Without a ship, we can't return to base!!""The Shichibukai are directly under the World Government. If you attack us, you're violating the agreement, Trafalgar! We will report this to Marineford!! Your title will be revoked!!"The Marine Soldiers tried to pressure Law with the World Government.But Law looked unconcerned. Afraid of secrets being revealed? It's simple: only dead men keep secrets forever!"No need to worry..."Law held his sword vertically, one hand on the hilt, the other on the blade, drawing out a section of the edge."Scan!"This was a perception skill. Pinpricks of starlight appeared on the Marine communicators, indicating the locations of their den den mushi.After perceiving all the den den mushi, Law used his ability to move them all behind him. A dozen den den mushi were thrown to the ground; they indicated they hadn't provoked anyone."I won't let you report anything you've seen on this island to Marineford and the World Government."Law said confidently. The next second, Smoker had already charged forward, smoke swirling around him... There's no need to elaborate on the battle between Law, Smoker, and Tashigi.The result was Tashigi being cut in half. In Law's BOOM space, being cut in half doesn't kill you; people inside are like Buggy, they can be cut however you want and not die. Of course, this is only if Law is the one cutting, and even if the BOOM space disappears, the cut person won't die; they just need to put their body back together. Kin'emon is an example.But Tashigi, as a swordswoman, was cut in half and still alive, expressing that she'd rather die. Law, in a very straightforward manner, told her that the weak don't even get to choose how they die.He made the girl cry.Smoker and Law exchanged a few blows. There was no instant kill; Smoker was a Vice Admiral after all, but in the end, Law still took out his heart—a real heart—and he still didn't die.And the heart came with its own square ice block casing... The scene shifts to Satoru and the others.The six of them were sitting, but they could move because they had obtained a beast-humanoid leader as a mount, riding on his crocodile back.Satoru knew this crocodile beast-humanoid was Brownbeard. Initially, after Whitebeard's death, he went to occupy Whitebeard's territory, and Satoruthought he had a grudge against Whitebeard and that his name suggested he was a master, but he turned out to be just cannon fodder.Now, after Luffy smashed him and he had two bumps on his head, he willingly became a means of transport.Although he grumbled that it was too humiliating and that Luffy's group were essentially bandits, his steps didn't falter."There's a lot of commotion ahead. Is that Sanji's group?"Luffy said, standing on Brownbeard's shoulder.That was the commotion from Law and Smoker's battle. Of course, the biggest commotion was the warship flying into the sky."Perhaps, but not necessarily. The appearance of the beast-humanoids means there are other people on the island. It might not be Sanji's group fighting."Satoru stated his "guess."Of the four on the crocodile's back, Zoro was napping, always finding an opportunity to do so.Usopp found Brook strange, "Brook, aren't you just a skeleton? Do you still get cold?"Brook replied, "The atmosphere is just right, isn't it? Blending in."Satoru immediately felt "wronged." He didn't want to wear clothes worn by beast-humanoids, but he had a replicated Mera Mera no Mi, so he wasn't afraid of the cold. "Doesn't that make me seem out of place? It's my fault...""Ah, I didn't mean it that way, Satoru."Brook immediately explained.Satoru suppressed his laughter and continued in a Lin Daiyu-like tone, "Ultimately, I was superfluous. If I had known you all would wear them, I should have worn them too."Robin knew Satoru was pretending. Seeing Brook's bewildered look, she changed the subject."Speaking of which, with this weather here, if Nami's group is still dressed the way they were when they were kidnapped, that would be truly pitiful... I hope their hands and feet don't freeze off!"Robin had never spoken such terrifying things in such a calm tone. At this point, Usopp would definitely respond to her."Don't talk nonsense!!"Brownbeard, with his four legs, didn't run fast, but not slowly either, and soon reached the main entrance of the research facility.Luffy, on his shoulder, spotted Law with his keen eyes."Oh~ You're Trafalgar Law!!"During this Marineford War, Law didn't intervene to save Luffy because it wasn't his turn. But Luffy still remembered him from the battle at the Sabaody Archipelago auction house, and Satoru felt that the Straw Hat Pirates and Law had many future connections, so he had mentioned him a few times in front of Luffy.
Chapter 847: What Does That Mean?!"Isn't that a warship?!""Does this mean the Marines are here?!""Look closely! That warship is broken in half!!"Aboard Brownbeard's "Express," Luffy, Satoru, Zoro, Usopp, Robin, and Brook—the six of them—arrived not far from the main entrance of the Punk HazardSurvivor Research Facility.Usopp, sharp-eyed, spotted the entire broken warship.Luffy spotted Law.Law also spotted Luffy. "Straw Hat Captain..."This was a good opportunity to talk, but with Brownbeard present, a secret conversation was impossible... "I remember you, you're... Trafalgar Law!""Huh? Where's that talking Kuma?"Luffy and Satoru stood in front of Law, while the others remained on Brownbeard's back behind them.Luffy tried to recall Law's full name, but couldn't.The others didn't speak, as they weren't familiar with him; Satoru merely watched Law with a smile.He is "Gaara."For some reason, Law always felt exposed under Satoru's gaze, making him very uncomfortable. Perhaps the discomfort started with that "Gaara" comment.Furthermore, he had just experienced Xiao Bai's strength. Anyone with eyes could see that Xiao Bai was very... concerned about Satoru?Moreover, during the Sabaody Archipelago incident and the first half of the Marineford War, Satoruappeared in his White Hair Dragon Horn form, as if he had merged with Xiao Bai. This was one thing Law didn't understand.He didn't know the relationship between Satoru and Xiao Bai, but anyone who could command Xiao Bai to do things must be extraordinary!And he managed to fool the entire world and resurrect himself!How the hell is that simple?!All in all, Law couldn't see through Satoru; he always felt there was a layer of mist surrounding him.A mist called mystery.Even though his strength could definitely rank first among the twelve Supernovas of this generation, he chose to join the Straw Hat Captain's crew... "I am very surprised to see you here, Straw Hat Captain."Law replied.He was pretending. He knew they were here ever since the thousand sunny was caught by the island's surveillance.Currently, he is publicly Caesar's partner.In the original timeline, Law saved Luffy two years ago, also hoping to form an alliance later on.It must be said that he knows how to choose.But given the current developments, Law never had a chance to intervene during the Marineford War. He didn't understand why Luffy was still acting so... friendly toward him now."Hahaha, meeting is... destiny, the destiny Satorutalks about. Satoru often mentions you."Luffy replied with a laugh.Law suddenly froze. Coupled with Satoru's current smile, it was utterly bizarre!!What does that mean? What do you mean he often mentions me? What did I do? Why me?!Ignoring Brownbeard's quiet, yet clearly audible, cries for help, Law sank into thought.Why would Satoru often mention him?!Had he offended him at some point?!Zoro and the others, meanwhile, had their attention drawn to the fallen Marines. Suddenly, a figure rose up among the collapsed Marines: it was Tashigi.Seeing that many more pirates had appeared here and that Smoker was lying on the ground, she immediately rushed over."Impossible...""Mr. Smoker!!""Colonel Cutie! Wait up!!"Although the G-5 Marines are known as the Thug Marines, they would never desert. Even if they feared Law, they followed closely behind Tashigi."Wow! Marines!""Huh? Could it be..."Only now did Luffy notice the Marines. Although he possessed Observation Haki, he couldn't change his scatterbrained personality, and the person lying on the ground looked very familiar... Tashigi reached the prone Smoker and saw a perfectly square hole in his chest.She thought Smoker was dead."Luffy! Be careful! There are Marines!!"Usopp shouted the warning.But after Luffy clearly saw Tashigi's face, he waved hello—a pirate greeting a Marine... "It really is you, Smoker Guy! Long time no see!!"Tashigi ignored Luffy. Rage surged in her heart, and she drew her sword, charging toward Law."How dare you!!""Hey, hey, stop it. This kind of tedious scene...""I hate the most!"As Law spoke, he thrust his blade straight out. It was the same move he used to attack Sanji and the others: red hearts popped out of Tashigi and Smoker, swapped places, and then returned to their respective bodies.This was the first time Zoro had seen such swordsmanship—it carried no killing intent and no blade aura."What did he just do?!""Tashigi Cu~tie~""Damn it!! To bully someone twice in a row!!""That's the pirate Straw Hat Luffy and Copy cat Satoru! The Copy cat Satoru who came back from the dead!!""Shoot!!"The Marine Soldiers raised the rifles in their hands.It was simple: just dodge them all.But that was the style of the Straw Hat Pirates—they chose to retreat."Luffy, the situation is bad, let's retreat first!"Usopp shouted.They were preparing to retreat, but Satoru spoke up and asked."Have you seen our comrades?"Luffy was also concerned about this question.Law still maintained his indifferent expression."Go around to the back of the Research Facility. What you are looking for is there... We will meet again later."Satoru returned the smile. "Then I look forward to our next meeting."Law's eyes widened. "You..."But Satoru ignored him and returned to Brownbeard's back with Luffy.The Marines' bullets had already been unleashed, but they all flew up into the sky before reaching Law.Law's expression was... complicated. He stepped back inside the Research Facility.The Marines also put away their weapons and checked on Smoker and Tashigi's condition... "Alright, Luffy, let's quickly get away from the Marines."Usopp said.Luffy, however, was still worried about the Marines. "Are Smoker Guy and the others okay?""Did Trafalgar Law hit them?""Just now, Trafalgar Law told us to go around to...""The back of the Research Facility."Satoru helped complete Luffy's sentence."Right, the back of the Research Facility!""Can we trust him? It won't be a trap, will it?"Usopp guessed."It's fine, listen to him. Nami and the others are probably over there.""Also, Luffy, Smoker Guy is a Marine. As a pirate, you don't need to worry about him so much."Luffy replied with a smile."I just feel like it's the destiny Satoru mentioned. It would be a shame if he died."Satoru smiled helplessly. "Well, you don't need to feel bad then. He's not dead yet."
Chapter 848: Very Redundant but InterestingBehind the research institute, in the mountains.Sanji and the others, along with the children, had fled here.As they ran, Sanji's shout came from the four who had reacted.But looking closely, it was Nami who was speaking."Bone-chilling cold!! To hell with it!! To hell with the samurai and the brats too!!""All in all, is there a camera?!!""We must take photos before we change back!!"Inside Nami's body was Sanji's personality; this was the effect of Law's direct stab.Named: Chaotic SpaceThe 'personality' was that pink heart, connected to the original body by a line.Separating the target's 'personality' allows for random arrangement of 'personality' and body, resulting in a personality exchange. Only an Ope-Ope no Mi user can restore targets to their original state after a mind exchange, meaning only Law can reverse it.Satoru: "Is that so?"..."Take a picture of your head!! And stop getting nosebleeds all over someone else's body!""Never mind that! Nami, when you're using my body, can you please not button up the clothes?!!"As a girl, Nami naturally didn't want a boy controlling her body.As a pervert, Franky absolutely couldn't accept having his clothes buttoned up!!!"Are you guys alright? Just hold on a little longer. Are human bodies that afraid of the cold?!"Chopper had been constantly worried about the children, but he was currently inside Sanji's body.The children couldn't accept Sanji, who had just been so rude, suddenly becoming so gentle."Curly Brow big brother suddenly became so gentle, it's so cheesy~"In summary, the current situation was:Sanji was inside Nami's body.Nami was inside Franky's body.Franky was inside Chopper's body.Chopper was inside Sanji's body.Little Bai flew down from the sky and caught up with them.He wanted to ask why they were running.But he was too lazy to speak, so he just silently joined the group.The children knew Little Bai's power, and his return made them happy.But the freezing cold was still a reality."I can't go on, big brothers and sisters, I can't walk anymore, my feet hurt so much!"The children were running barefoot in the snow.Little Bai frowned, a visible frown, but in his hands, he wanted to conjure flames to warm them.But Kin'emon spoke first, "Since things have come to this, please listen to what I have to say."He was also a Devil Fruit Ability user.He told everyone to pick a leaf and place it on their heads. With a blink from Kin'emon, the leaves transformed into cotton clothes.This was Kin'emon's Clothes-Clothes Fruit Ability, a Paramecia-type.Satoru's assessment was that it was very redundant but interesting.And, thinking from another perspective, Kamen Riders and Armor Heroes are also clothes; if only... Everyone was grateful to Kin'emon for giving them clothes, especially the children, who called him Uncle Head.But Nami and the others discovered the problem."If you knew this trick, why didn't you use it from the start?!"After being seen through, Kin'emon mumbled back with a bit of a lack of confidence."It's just that doing so would cover up the rare sight of the chest-binding cloth, which would be a pity..."Everyone, especially Sanji, couldn't help but give Kin'emon another beating... While Kin'emon was using his Devil Fruit Ability to create clothes and being beaten, Satoru and Luffy, riding on Brownbeard, arrived."Found you~~ Are you guys alright~~"Luffy shouted happily.Usopp also followed, shouting, "Is everyone alright~~"Satoru resisted shouting, "If you're alright, eat some plums," finding it a bit silly. It would be fine in front of everyone, but there were outsiders present.And the moment Little Bai saw Satoru, his cold expression was replaced by a smile. He wanted to run over immediately, but then thought he should maintain some composure. What was his status? How could he lose face like that!"It's Luffy, Satoru, Zoro, Usopp, Robin~""Great, you found us!"Chopper was happily dancing, but he was currently inside Sanji's body."What's wrong? Why is that idiotic cook so excited? Has his brain been frozen?"Satoru replied with a smile, "Perhaps he's just too happy to see you."Zoro glanced at him, a smirk on his lips, "Happy for me to go cut him?"Satoru just smiled without speaking.Luffy smiled, waiting for Brownbeard to approach, but then he saw Franky raising his large iron fist and smashing it towards Nami.This startled Luffy, "Hey! What are you doing, Franky!! Stop it!!"But why would Franky hit Nami?That's because Sanji (in Nami's body) was pulling open his clothes and looking down at the peaks, while Nami (in Franky's body) saw herself being taken advantage of and angrily threw a punch, hitting herself... After the Straw Hat Piratesregrouped, they found a place to shelter from the wind and snow.In the ruins of the research institute, Punk Hazardpreviously had many research institutes, but after the accident, only the one where Caesar was located remained.Everyone was chatting animatedly.Satoru was warming himself by the fire, making it warmer, and he was about to explain what everyone was doing."Lower body, return to position!"Kin'emon's head and lower body reunited.Luffy, having lost his 'toy,' looked down in dejection."Ashimaro... my hind leg..."Sanji (in Nami's body) lay on the ground with a large bump on his head.Nami (in Franky's body) was crying about her fragile body.Chopper (in Sanji's body) wanted to treat Sanji (in Nami's body)'s injuries, but Nami (in Franky's body) stopped him because of his Sanji-like appearance."..."Satoru himself was almost getting confused."I'll help you all switch back."Satoru's words were like those of a savior. Namiimmediately shook off the children who liked Transformers and looked at Satoru with hope."That's right! Satoru, your ability can change us back!!"Satoru returned a smile, "Actually, I think this is quite fun, but I can't stand a girl-like, fidgety Franky."Franky: "Super totally agree!! I'm a man!!""And a thuggish-looking Chopper."Robin: "I strongly agree.""As for such an enthusiastic and kind Sanji, what do you think, Zoro?"Satoru suddenly held the microphone to Zoro's mouth.Zoro: "..."Zoro couldn't find anything to say, because scolding Sanji now would be scolding Chopper, and he was a die-hard Chopper Dad."Only Sanji is truly happy.""He's happy!""Enough of that, quickly help us change back!"Satoru nodded, about to act, when Luffy emerged from his dejection and shouted."Satoru, wait!!"
Chapter 849: That Scene Was Too Beautiful"Satoru, wait!!"At the ruins of the research facility on Punk HazardIsland, the Straw Hat Pirates were taking a temporary rest.Sanji, Nami, Chopper, and Franky had their bodies swapped by Law's Shambles.Although it was interesting, it was a bit chaotic, and mixed with some personal feelings, Satoru planned to switch them back. There was no ability Satorucouldn't replicate, as long as he had seen it.But just as Satoru was about to act, Luffy stopped him... "Hmm, what's wrong, Luffy?"Satoru asked.Nami was also anxious and confused."Yeah, what's wrong, Luffy? What's there to wait for?"Luffy walked seriously in front of Nami and the others, and then... "Hahahahaha!!""Franky, you look so strange, no, you're Nami! Anyway, it's so funny, hahahaha!!""...""..."Luffy laughed so hard he lay down on the snow. He said to wait so seriously just to mock them.Satoru was infected by him and almost laughed. It could only be said that it was indeed you, Luffy.Nami was so angry that flames shot from her eyes. She raised Franky's iron fist and punched Luffy.Nami's internal Haoshoku worked no matter which body she was in, as long as it was Nami.Luffy, like Sanji, was satisfied after getting a big bump on his head from the punch.No one stopped her.Satoru stopped talking nonsense and used his replicated Ope-Ope no Mi ability. He wasn't afraid of wasting it; Law was on the island, so if he used it this time, he would have plenty of time to replicate it again."Alright, you're ready."Satoru didn't use a sword to stab like Law. Instead, he curled the five fingers of his right hand into a claw and pulled back, and the red heart personalities of the four people, including Nami, were pulled out from their chests. Then, according to Satoru's thoughts, they were swapped... "Why! Why!!"Sanji pounded the snow. After being knocked out and waking up, his beautiful dream disappeared, and he returned to his own body, but he wouldn't accept it."I hate you!! Satoru!!"Sanji looked up and said.Satoru smiled back indifferently, "But I really like you, Sanji."This answer left Sanji at a loss, and at the same time, he felt a cold gaze.No need for Sanji, Nami was very happy to have her body back."My own body is more comfortable, it has warmth! And weight! (referring to the weight of her chest)""Thank you, Satoru! You're so reliable."Satoru shook his head slightly, "No need to thank me, Miss Nami, it would be better if you gave me hundreds of thousands of Berries.""...""Our bodies are back to normal, so let's talk about serious matters!"Nami immediately changed the subject.Satoru wasn't surprised; in fact, it would have been a surprise if she had given him the money.Speaking of serious matters, Nami and their group had finished their story: they were captured, escaped, saved the children, and met Law.So now it was Satoru and their group's turn to speak.It was impossible for Luffy and Zoro to tell the story; one couldn't sort out logic, and the other was too reserved.Robin and Satoru could sort out logic and should be able to express themselves well, but they were both lazy.So, it could only be Usopp. Recalling previous experiences, this seemed to always be Usopp's job, and there would usually be a blackboard. The current conditions didn't allow for it, but Usopp had a plant that could grow a canvas."Alright, starting from the beginning.""The samurai we heard about on the Den Den Mushi was this person."Usopp pointed to Kin'emon. Even with only his head and lower body, Kin'emon proudly held his head high, but it looked strange yet comical.Without much ado, he briefly explained.Kin'emon was the samurai who was doing the cutting, and the distress signal everyone received was sent by a subordinate of the crocodile-like beastman referred to as the 'Boss'.The whole thing was simply Kin'emon cutting the beastman, the beastman calling for help, and the help reaching the Straw Hat Pirates."That's right!""However, I was cutting down those who stood in my way in order to rescue my missing son.""In fact, as you all saw, there were indeed many children imprisoned inside that building!! Momonosuke must also be trapped within!"Kin'emon said Momonosuke's name for the first time, but no one paid attention except for Satoru. He knew that Momonosuke should be in the garbage dump under the research facility right now. Should he go look for him...? The children also confirmed Kin'emon's words, saying that not all of them were there, and the new children didn't even know their names."But the question is, what happened after the signal was sent?"Zoro hit the crucial point: why was the samurai who was doing the cutting himself cut into his current state?"It was that fellow just now!! I heard people call him a Shichibukai!!"Luffy was quite surprised by this news, "Eh?! Trafalgar Law became a Shichibukai?! Isn't he also looking for the great treasure?"Satoru thought back carefully, hmm, Law hadn't said he was looking for the great treasure."Hmm, it happened within the last two years."Robin confirmed the news. If Robin said it, Luffycompletely trusted it.Kin'emon gritted his teeth, "I was instantly cut into three sections. My head was placed inside the building, my body was abandoned in the wilderness, and my legs almost became food for wild beasts.""Because I could sense movements around me, I fled in all directions, but unexpectedly, I seemed to stick to something..."Usopp answered his confusion, "That was on the dragon's head!"Luffy recalled, indeed, Kin'emon's lower body had said at the time, "Come to think of it, he did say something like 'damn Shichibukai'!"Satoru nodded, "Indeed, and then he tried to run again and I knocked him back."Franky discovered a strange point, "Hey, wait, the lower body? How can it talk?"Zoro realized, "Hmm, now that you mention it!"Kin'emon, however, puffed out his big butt proudly, declaring like a true man, "Ah, that was actually gas!""This is my special technique!""So it was gas!! How disgusting!!""Ah! Good thing we weren't indoors then, or it would have stunk to high heaven!!"Usopp complained.Luffy was eager to learn this special technique but was stopped by Satoru and Usopp.Satoru couldn't even imagine Luffy, as one of the Four Emperors in the future, talking to other Four Emperors with his butt sticking out.If Luffy learned it, he would definitely do it.Unimaginable, that scene was too beautiful.Robin, meanwhile, looked at Satoru. Satoru was so far from Kin'emon's lower body at the time, he must have known this. Could he even see that? Those eyes? Robin was completely interested in Satorunow, not in a romantic way, but Robin regarded Satoru as a... mysterious, researchable ancient artifact.
Chapter 850: Asking for a BeatingAll members of the Straw Hat Pirates gathered at the ruins of the research facility on Punk HazardIsland.They sorted out the entire sequence of events, including why Kin'emon's lower half could talk.The only things they still didn't know were: Who was in charge of this island? Why were Nami and the others captured? And why was Law here?While Satoru and Usopp were stopping Luffy from trying to learn the trick of talking with his butt...Kin'emon recalled that when he was in the confinement room, and Nami and the others were brought in, it was Xiaobai who woke up first; the moment the guards' footsteps faded, Xiaobai opened his eyes.Kin'emon tried desperately to talk to Xiaobai and ask for help, but Xiaobai completely ignored him.Kin'emon didn't give up, but just as he was about to continue speaking, a pain shot straight to the crown of his head. He could feel his lower half—his legs—clamped tightly together, making the world feel grey.Then he passed out. When he woke up, he saw that Nami and the others were also awake.He was just about to ask Luffy and the others, who had brought his lower half back, what had happened, and who was so despicable as to attack someone's private parts! Shameless scum!But before he could speak, he was distracted by Brook talking about seeing a person with only a body, no head or feet.It was probably for the best that he didn't say it out loud, or Satoru might have let him experience another painful blow... Everyone had gathered, and Satoru had switched back the bodies that had been swapped.So, leaving right now was impossible.Luffy wouldn't agree.Plus, there were so many children.Satoru watched the shadow of Kin'emon's legs running off after hearing news of his upper body—since he currently had no back... Satoru didn't stop him, as this was necessary to advance the plot."So next, we need to figure out a few questions:Who is in charge of this island?Why were Nami and the others captured?Why were these children captured?Law said we would meet again, but when will that be?"Satoru spoke up to draw everyone's attention and posed the questions. Coincidentally, he knew the answers to all of them, but just as he was about to tell everyone, Brownbeard, who was tied to a broken pillar, started speaking."That's right, I'm Brownbeard! What do you say, brats? My name rings a bell, doesn't it!"The children, looking innocent and naive, replied, "Never heard of you.""What did you say, you cheeky brats!""What's wrong? He wasn't saying anything just now..."Everyone looked at Brownbeard, and Zorowondered why he suddenly started talking."Because you're all going to die soon! Just like Copy cat Satoru said, we'll meet again soon, meaning Law will be here to save me quickly! Wurorororo!""What I hate most is your generation of pirates, but Law is an exception."Satoru couldn't understand why they were still being looked down upon, considering the Straw Hat Pirates had participated in the Marineford War.Of course, that wasn't to say Law was weak, but Law couldn't take down the entire Straw Hat Pirates by himself, even if Satoru didn't intervene—after all, no one said Xiaobai wouldn't make a move.Luffy didn't understand the term "this generation," so Brownbeard explained that it referred to the twelve Supernovas, known as the Worst Generation—troublesome youths born during the transition of two eras, bearing the destiny of war and chaos!Brownbeard had encountered one of the Supernovas, Straw Man Hawkins, and his crew was wiped out, which is why he came to Punk Hazardand lost both his legs.Next, Brownbeard explained the story of Punk Hazard to everyone.Simply put, four years ago, this was a vibrant island, but due to Vegapunk's experiments, two of the three islands were destroyed, and the island was filled with large amounts of poison gas. The Marine and scientists fled, but the criminals used for the experiments remained on the island, paralyzed from the waist down due to inhaling too much gas.Three years ago, a person Brownbeard called the Master arrived on the island. Not only did he purify the poison gas on the island, but he also equipped the prisoners with technological balloons so they could move around.He was practically a savior to these people."Oh, Master! Master!!"Franky and Chopper, those two emotional and naive guys, were immediately moved by the Master in the story."Shut up! Don't be moved by him!"Satoru, surprisingly different from usual, spoke with a serious tone.He knew the Master Brownbeard was talking about was Caesar. savior, my foot—Caesar was the true culprit behind the poison gas explosion, and he was the one who framed Vegapunk.Everyone was surprised, including Xiaobai. Why was Xiao Xiaobai so angry?"What's wrong, Satoru? That Master really seems like a good person.""Yeah, he sounds like a Super Man."Chopper and Franky asked, puzzled.Brownbeard also stared at Satoru, waiting to hear what he would say about his Master.Satoru could only sigh at Brownbeard's tragedy—being sold out and still helping the seller count the money. Although Brownbeard hadn't lost his legs due to the poison gas, Caesar was merely using him and his subordinates for human experiments.Satoru was not in a hurry to explain. "Let Brownbeard finish first."Although everyone was confused, including Brownbeard, he proceeded to finish the story of how the island developed to its current state.Brownbeard arrived here two years ago, and a few months ago, Law—whom he called savior Number Two—also came here and used his ability to replace the legs of those who had lost them with animal legs.In other words, Law was the creator of these half-beasts."Those were the legs of living animals! We thought we'd never walk again in our lives, and we were truly crying tears of joy!""Hahaha, Trafalgar Law really is a good guy! No wonder you, Satoru, mention him so often."Luffy said, laughing.Xiaobai maintained a polite smile. *Often?* It was only four times! Only!!!Satoru looked at everyone, signaling, "Do you have any more questions? If not, I'll explain what I said earlier."Everyone shook their heads, except for Usopp, who raised one more question. "What about that dragon?"Brownbeard answered readily, "That dragon was created by Vegapunk to guard the island. It can adapt to any environment. I heard the Celestial Dragons really liked it and even gave it a name. Just avoid it if you see it; it's extremely fierce."Zoro replied normally, "Got it."Usopp silently grumbled in his heart, *You already ate it...* "Then I have no more questions."Usopp said, looking at Satoru.Satoru nodded."Then let's return to the questions I asked earlier.""Actually, I know all the answers."Satoru said this, but everyone looked unsurprised, thinking, *Is there anything you don't know?!*"Who is in charge of this island? You already know the answer: naturally, it's the Master Brownbeardmentioned. His name is Caesar, a scientist who was researching on the island with Vegapunk four years ago."Brownbeard interjected, "You actually know! That's right, the Master is called Caesar! Four years ago, he was constantly trying to stop Vegapunk from conducting that damned experiment! How kind-hearted he is!!"Satoru frowned slightly, displeased with Brownbeard's interruption, and ignored him."Why were Nami and the others captured? They were asking for trouble, they deserve a beating.""What the hell are you saying?! I forbid you to insult the Master!!"Brownbeard immediately swore.Before Satoru could react, Xiaobai spoke first, glaring at Brownbeard and directing killing intent at him. "Interrupt again, and you'll never speak again."Brownbeard felt as if the Grim Reaper's scythe was resting on his neck. No matter how much he admired the Master, he dared not speak.With that, Satoru continued."Why were these children captured? He is conducting Human Gigantification Experiments."No one interrupted, but Chopper glanced at the children and then whispered, "Human Gigantification...""As for the last question, Law said we would meet again. In my opinion, Law and Caesar are different. I have my guesses about what Law wants to say, but let's wait for him to explain it himself.""He should arrive soon. We can wait here for a bit."Satoru's four questions were answered very clearly, except for the last one concerning Law, which he kept vague. The second question, in particular, was clear and concise.But Chopper still didn't understand. "Satoru, I still don't know why you won't let us be moved by the Master—that scientist named Caesar? He really is a good person, doing so much for the criminals and Brownbeard's crew."
He really is a good person. He did so much for those criminals and for Brownbeard and the others."Anyone unaware of the circumstances would certainly think that based on Chopper's assessment of Caesar. If Satoru put himself in their shoes, he would also think Caesar was a good person if he didn't know the truth.But Satoru knew the circumstances."Because the culprit behind the experimental explosion four years ago on the island wasn't Vegapunk, but Caesar himself."...Satoru revealed the truth about the research explosion incident from back then.Brownbeard, who respected Caesar so much he almost looked like him and treated him as a deity, naturally couldn't stand to hear it."Nonsense!!""What are you saying?! How could Master be the real culprit!! You're slandering him!!""I won't allow you to slander Master, you damned Copy cat Satoru!! If you have the guts, untie me and I'll fight you!!"Brownbeard cursed loudly. Just as Xiao Bai was about to intervene, Satoru stopped him.He's still our transportation, and he's pitifully foolish, so there's no need."It's fine, I'll handle it, Xiao Bai."Xiao Bai retracted his killing intent. "Alright, call me if you need me.""I'm only telling my comrades. Believe it or not, that's up to you.""Does everyone believe me?"Luffy grinned. "Hehe, of course we do."Nami nodded."Although you sometimes like to joke around, Satoru, you wouldn't joke about this. Besides, that Caesar captured so many children; anyone can see he's not a good person."Compared to outsiders, the others naturally trusted Satoru unconditionally."Oh, everyone's trust truly warms my heart."Satoru replied, receiving a look from everyone except Luffy and Chopper that clearly said, "Stop pretending."Satoru looked back at Brownbeard. "Instead of immediately denying whether what I said is true or false, why don't you go ask Caesar yourself?""You will have a chance to see him again."Brownbeard refused to listen and tried to curse again, but a glare from Xiao Bai made him swallow his words... "What, that samurai ran outside?!"Now that they knew the problem, the next step was figuring out how to deal with it.It was only then that Sanji realized Kin'emon was missing, learning from Brook that he had run outside.Holding himself to the principles of a knight.Sanji felt it was his responsibility since he had brought Kin'emon out when he was just a head; meddling required seeing things through to the end, and if anything happened to Kin'emon, it would be his fault.Finally, Sanji, Brook, Zoro, and Xiao Bai formed a group of four and went out to search for Kin'emon.Zoro initially didn't want to go, but after Satorumentioned that, "Kin'emon, as a samurai from Wano Country, should possess some special sword techniques," Zoro was quickly persuaded.Xiao Bai also didn't want to go, but after Satoruwhispered something in his ear, he agreed to join them.This was a very unusual group: one green, one yellow, one dragon, one skeleton... As for the rest of the crew, Luffy originally planned to go down the mountain to explore, but Satoru told him to wait.Satoru's request to wait actually served a purpose.Chopper, meanwhile, began performing blood tests on the children.The moment the results came out, the children started experiencing withdrawal symptoms.Each of them knelt on the ground, clutching their heads in agony.Chopper already had a conclusion and immediately asked."Is there anything you want right now? What do you usually do at this time?"The children answered haltingly."The candy that makes a sizzling sound and smokes... it's tasty and fun...""After eating that, we feel so happy, so maybe that could make us feel better..."Chopper was furious, and a rarely seen look of anger appeared on his face."Your name is Brownbeard, right! You know what's going on, don't you?! These children aren't sick at all!!"Brownbeard was still foolishly convinced that Caesar was a good person, making the capture of children sound so noble."What nonsense are you spouting? I'm only responsible for patrolling outside; I don't know what happens inside the research facility, but those brats are all suffering from severe illnesses!!""Master took pity on them and specially brought them to the island to treat their illnesses with his pharmaceutical technology! What a loving scientist!!""See for yourself! This is the proof! The brats who left the research facility and couldn't receive today's treatment are all having an episode!!""That's completely wrong!!""Chopper, calm down. Ignore him and tell us the results of your blood test."Satoru soothed him.Chopper was slightly better, but his face was still etched with fury. "[NHC 10] was detected in the children's bodies. Although it's only a trace amount, it's a [Stimulant]!!!""Stimulant? Doesn't that sound like a good thing?"Brownbeard replied with a foolish look on his face.Chopper resisted the urge to throw the test tube in his hand at Brownbeard's head."Only specific doctors in specific countries around the world are allowed to possess it. Doctor Kureha used it before, so I know.""Its original purpose is indeed to treat illnesses, and the dosage used would absolutely never reach toxic levels!""These children have been constantly ingesting it every day, leading to chronic poisoning! To escape the pain, they crave the next dose of the medicine!""Why treat these children this way?""Is it to prevent them from escaping the research facility?!!!"
Chapter 852: Instantly Killing the Snowman BrothersEveryone from the Straw Hat Pirates gathered at the research facility ruins on Punk Hazard.After learning the island's story, including who was currently in charge, the next step was simply to wait—wait for Law, as Satoru had instructed, to appear.However, in the process, to fulfill their responsibilities, Sanji went out to search for Kin'emon, who had run off. He teamed up with Zoro, Brook, and Xiao Bai. Honestly, this team could easily overturn Caesar's main base.The rest of them continued to wait behind the ruins for Law.During this time, Chopper tested the children's blood and coincidentally discovered they were addicted to a stimulant called [NHC10]. Caesarhad laced the candy with this drug to slowly addict the children and control them.While Brownbeard was foolishly defending his master, Caesar, Chopper revealed the truth in one sentence."You added [NHC10] to the candy and made the children eat it every day, all so they wouldn't escape the research facility?!""...Adding to what Satoru said about Human Gigantification! Your master just used the lie of illness to kidnap these children and conduct human experiments on them!!""How worried must their parents be!! They are still so young!!"Chopper, as a doctor, could not tolerate such a thing, but even if he weren't a doctor, he still couldn't stand it."You..."Brownbeard tried to say something else, but Satoruglared him into silence. He was typically large and cowardly."Chopper, more and more children are collapsing. What should we do? Should we go back to that house and get the candy?"Seeing the children collapsing one by one, Luffyturned and asked the question.Chopper firmly replied, "No! We absolutely cannot let the children eat that candy again!!""Didn't the big brother say he would help us... I want that candy!!"The collapsed children got back up, their eyes rolled back and bloodshot. They became manic and incredibly strong—this was a side effect of gigantification."Luffy, watch out!!"Seeing a child throw a punch at Luffy, Chopperimmediately warned him.Fortunately, Luffy wasn't afraid of blunt force trauma from a fist lacking Armament Haki. But regardless of fear, he didn't necessarily need to be hit. Satoruintervened and blocked the child's punch for Luffy.Satoru's bracelet transformed into an iron chain and whipped out, tying up the fist of the child swinging at Luffy. With a hard tug, the child's punch missed.But more children fell into a frenzy, and Chopperpanicked."What should we do! What should we do!!""Don't panic, Chopper. Panicking won't solve anything.""Usopp, make the children sleep first.""I was just about to!""Sleep Star!!"Usopp fired a seed. The seed exploded among the children, creating hypnotic spores. Under the strange influence, the children collapsed one by one and fell asleep... The children falling asleep was only a temporary solution; the drug in their bodies was the root problem.Chopper wanted to send the children back to their parents, but if they remained in this state, it might lead to a tragedy.The root of the problem lay with Caesar.At Chopper's request, Luffy agreed without hesitation to take the children home. If the problem was Caesar, then they would go straight to him!But Satoru stopped him again. "Luffy, wait a little longer.""Huh?! We still have to wait?"Luffy replied. Even so, his steps halted, and bored, he squatted down to draw circles in the snow.Satoru tossed Luffy a tree branch so he could "draw" better."Hmm, you probably don't know Law's title, do you? He is the'Surgeon of Death.' He is also a doctor, and he might have a solution for these children's issues."Luffy was surprised. "Trafalgar Law is a doctor? I couldn't tell.'Surgeon of Death,' that's a long title! Alright, we'll wait a little longer then."...On the road leading to the back of the research facility.The squad searching for the samurai walked along the path. Brook and Xiao Bai kept Sanji and Zoroseparated, knowing that if the two got close, there would be no peace."Yohohoho! Walking through a snowy landscape is quite a romantic affair. Don't look so glum, you three."Brook tried hard to lighten the mood.Sanji replied."What's romantic about being with three big guys like you? Let's quickly find that samurai and return to Miss Nami's side~~"Zoro glanced at him. "That's only because you had to stick your nose into other people's business!"Sanji immediately glared back. "Got a problem with that!!"Xiao Bai rolled his eyes. "Here we go again."But the next second, Xiao Bai instantly became alert. "Something's here!!"A cannonball landed in front of the four, but instead of exploding, it hissed and emitted purple smoke.There were surveillance cameras on the island outside the ruins. After Caesar spotted the group of four, he ordered the "Snowman Brothers," Rock and Scotch, to launch a sneak attack.These two were 25-year-old Beastmen from "Snow Country." Although covered in fur, they were still extremely sensitive to cold. They were tall, almost like giants, and used massive sniper rifles as weapons. Their footprints were large and their voices deep. They could use the snowy environment to appear silently and kill opponents, earning them the nickname "Snow Mountain Killer.""Damn it, it's poison!!"Sanji noticed something was wrong and immediately covered his mouth and nose, but, just like on the ship, he was a step too late and collapsed completely.Poison gas enveloped the four. The Snowman Brothers were confident they had won and took out a den den mushi to call someone to collect the bodies.However, in an instant, a gale swept through. The poison gas was dispersed, and the falling snow was blown away.That was the commotion caused by Xiao Bai's outburst. "The first time, I just didn't want to fight. Did you really think something like this could take me down?""Damn it! Rock!""I know! Scotch!!""Fire!"The two raised their sniper rifles and fired. Calling their sniper rifles cannons wouldn't be an exaggeration.Two massive bullets flew toward them, but a Wind Wall isolated and blocked them."What!"While the two brothers were astonished, Xiao Bai had already arrived between them, level with their necks. Xiao Bai simply reached out and grabbed them. The massive brothers immediately lost their footing and were slammed onto the ground. The moment they touched down, they instantly froze, turning both into ice sculptures.Xiao Bai returned from the air to Zoro and the others, looking at the three who had collapsed, but then he spoke, "Come out."Law walked out from behind a mountain peak and immediately stated,"I mean no harm."Xiao Bai looked up at him and stared for three seconds.Law, having witnessed Xiao Bai's strength, remained highly vigilant.But Xiao Bai didn't attack. "Little Xiao Bai and the others are waiting for you at the ruins.""Little Xiao... Bai?"Law was confused by the name but guessed it must refer to... Satoru?Without saying anything further, Law nodded. "I understand." He then turned and left, heading toward the research facility ruins.