Chapter 866: That Is Exactly What I Meant!As a user of the Gas-Gas Fruit, Caesar could drain the oxygen within a certain range around him; Luffyhad been caught off guard by this move.And just as he used the same move against Satoruin the ruins of the research facility, Satoru casually produced an oxygen tank, leaving Caesar shocked, before punching the guy until he rolled his eyes and collapsed to the ground....Caesar lay on the ground and asked, very confused."Where did you get that oxygen tank?!"Before Satoru could open his mouth, a commotion came from ahead."Candy!! We want candy!!""Master!!!"The explosion Caesar had just caused woke up the children and Brownbeard.Caesar immediately waved the candy in his hand, "Here! Children, the candy is here!!"As for Brownbeard, he didn't pay any attention to him; who was that guy anyway?Seeing the candy, the children became even more agitated, even breaking their chains!! They lunged towards this side like zombies."Candy!!""We want candy!!"Nami was about to stop them, but Satoru shouted for her to move aside."Move aside, Nami!!"Usopp immediately pulled Nami away.Satoru raised his hand, his index and little fingers raised. His middle and ring fingers pressed against his thumb, and between the three combined fingers, he fired a beam, "Slow-Slow Beam!"A purple, gradually expanding circular beam hit the children, and they immediately slowed down, as if in slow motion.Each clone can permanently use one of the copied abilities from the bracelet, but the duration is only 15 minutes, or 30 minutes at night, and it can only be effective once a day.The Main Body has naturally evolved as well.The Main Body can now maintain a copied ability for a full day regardless of whether it is day or night, but only for one day; after one day, it will expire. Furthermore, when switching to other self-copied abilities besides the six copied by the bracelet, the previous one will be overwritten and cannot be used again without copying it once more. There is no scenario where multiple self-copied abilities can be used simultaneously....Usopp and Nami saw the children slow down, and they knew, "That's the Butt-Chin guy's ability!!"(At this moment, on a certain sea, Foxy suddenly fell to his knees on the deck, head bowed in depression.)Taking advantage of the moment Satoru was firing the beam, Caesar turned into gas, dispersed, and floated into the air.He knew Satoru was a tough nut to crack; as a scientist, his IQ was quite decent.If you can't win, then run!!"Don't get cocky!!""You will die!!""You have already entered the range of death!!"Caesar spouted threats and then fled in a panic; no matter how much Brownbeard called him Master, he didn't even look back."Master!!!""So noisy!!""He doesn't care about you at all; are you blind and can't see that?"Satoru bluntly exposed the truth. Brownbeard was a grown man, not some little girl, but even if he were a little girl, Satoru would still expose the truth directly to make him face reality."Impossible... impossible..."Brownbeard seemed to have suffered a blow, bowing his head and muttering.The effect of the Slow-Slow Fruit only lasted 30 seconds; the children's movements returned to normal and they began to go berserk again.Satoru hit them with another beam, then continued to use hypnosis to put them to sleep."Phew... thanks to our efforts, it was a close call, Satoru."Usopp said.Nami was more concerned about what to do next."What do we do now? Will Caesar come over? Did Luffy and the others fail?!"Satoru nodded, "That Caesar has that underhanded oxygen-draining move, so it's possible.""Let's go over and check, and take these children with us."Immediately, Satoru picked up the bag of candy that Caesar hadn't had time to take with him."Nami, don't take offense at what I'm about to say.""If they keep acting this berserk, it will only be a hindrance. If necessary, letting them eat the candy to calm down is not a bad method. After all, they've already eaten so much, one more time won't make a difference."Nami couldn't believe what she was hearing."Satoru! How can you think like that?!""What do you mean 'one more time won't make a difference'?!""How do you know that after this next time, they won't be completely beyond saving?"Usopp felt the atmosphere was a bit off."No, Nami, that's not what Satoru meant...""Satoru, you...""That is exactly what I meant!""I'm saying this just to be responsible for you! Responsible for my comrades!! If they go berserk and try to hit you, I will strike back even if they are children! It's not their intention, that's true! But it's unavoidable! We've already been kind enough by helping them and saving them; we can't even fight back if we get hit?! That's not kindness, that's stupidity!!""You can't carry this kind of foolish kindness around all the time. With Luffy's personality, he would always agree with your approach.""But I don't agree. Of course, I'm not saying it's wrong, but when this matter concerns you and the rest of us! You need to know how to choose!"Nami couldn't think of any words to refute Satoru, "Bastard! Satoru, you bastard!!"Regarding this, Satoru ignored Nami and walked up to Brownbeard."You, you're responsible for taking us to the research facility. Haven't you seen the true face of your so-called master just now? Then go and ask him personally!"Brownbeard indeed had that intention, but he stated, "Why should I take you?"Satoru's eyes instantly turned fierce, and his bracelet turned into a pistol, "You need to understand, it's not a matter of why you should take us, but that you must take us."Brownbeard looked at Satoru's eyes and swallowed hard.There's a saying: those who understand the times are wise.In the end, Brownbeard carried Satoru, Nami, and Usopp to the research facility.Nami and Usopp sat at the front, Satoru sat at the back, and Nami kept her face turned away so she couldn't even see Satoru out of the corner of her eye.Satoru, with his back to both of them, turned his bracelet into a fishing rod, dangling the bag of candy to lure the berserk children into following them.With the children in hot pursuit, Brownbeard's four legs were running so fast they were almost smoking....Inside the research facility, in Caesar's lab.Vergo and Monet were there at this moment.And in the room, there was also a wire mesh cage inside an elevator.Luffy and the others were locked inside.Vergo described them as a "luxury lineup."And it certainly was.Supernovas Luffy, who had been spectacular all the way here.The Child of the Devil Robin, who the World Government and the Marine had always been keeping an eye on.Law, who was both a Supernova and a Shichibukai.Marine Vice Admiral, Smoker.And two others who were a bit less prominent compared to the rest, Franky and Tashigi.Franky also had the status of being the owner of the Pluton blueprints, although the blueprints had already been burned by him.But Tashigi... it seemed like there really wasn't anything notable to mention...
Chapter 867: We'll Do Whatever You SayInside Caesar's laboratory at the Research Facility.Regarding being locked in a cage, Robin said it reminded her of things that happened in the past.Luffy smiled as he recalled the memory."That's right, that's right. Before, the Smokey Guy and I were also caught by you guys and locked up together in Alabasta."Smoker told Luffy to shut up. He was more concerned about Vergo's betrayal.Both he and Tashigi now understood.Caesar's child abduction incident had been changed into a maritime accident. It turned out that all of this was done by Vergo, the Base Commander of G5 Base.Although Smoker was the Vice Admiral of G5, Vergo had been the Base Commander of G5 Base before Smoker arrived. G5 Base was also known as the Thug Base, and the Marines within it were notorious for their inaction—fudging assignments, false reporting, and so on.Therefore, what Vergo did was consistent with the style of G5 Base, but this was different. Vergo's inaction wasn't due to ignorance; he knowingly aided the villainy. Thus, Smoker stated that the Marine had completely lost face this time, and he felt ashamed for never detecting Vergo's abnormality.Law, however, explained to Smoker that it wasn't strange that he hadn't noticed.Vergo was placed in the Marine by the Joker, and it took him 15 years to rise from an unknown nobody to the Base Commander of G5 Base."The Joker" is the designation used in the Underworld.Following Luffy's question, Law revealed that the Joker's true identity was Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Shichibukai!Luffy said, "Ah, I heard Satoru mention that name. He's that Flamingo!"Everyone: "..."..."Hey, hey!! I'm Caesar!!"Flying through the air, Caesar held the den den mushi in one hand and the receiver in the other.Monet's reply came through the receiver."Understood, Master. Have you rescued the children yet?""No!! The situation has changed!! That damned Copy cat Satoru!!""Forget those children! There's nothing we can do about it!!""Is the Slime's feed ready?!""I'm going to let that damned Copy cat Satoru know just how formidable I am!!"Caesar was furious that Satoru had stopped him from taking the children."Yes, it has been prepared according to your instructions, Master. It is ready at any time."Monet's reply came through the receiver.Caesar finally felt a little better. "Good! Now we just have to wait for the Slime to get into position!""I'll contact the various organizations right away!!"Unfortunately, what Caesar didn't know was that the Slime might not be able to get into position... Ice Lake - Shore of the Ice Lake.With Zoro, Sanji, Brook, and Kin'emon gone, only Satoru and Xiao Bai remained.As the saying goes, Satoru was everywhere; of the four locations, the only one he wasn't in was the cage.Satoru didn't speak, and Xiao Bai remained quiet. Being able to stay by Satoru's side, watching the snow and the lake, was enough.But of course, Satoru remained here not just to watch the snow and the lake with Xiao Bai."Let's first figure out how to deal with this fellow.""After we've dealt with him, we can discuss the serious matters."Satoru spoke.Even without him saying anything, Xiao Bai found this Giant Slime quite an eyesore."So, Xiao Xiao Bai, how do you plan to deal with it?"Satoru didn't answer. Instead, he smiled and countered, "What do you think?"Xiao Bai's answer was simple: "Kill it."Satoru had originally thought the same. This Giant Slime was cultivated by Caesar; it was an aggregate of the toxins that spread across the island after the experimental explosion four years ago. All the poison on the island was gone because it had been compressed inside this thing.Satoru also knew that Caesar intended to use it to test his mass-destruction weapon—Death Country.To put it simply, it's a biochemical weapon.However, as a "poison" weapon, after being poisoned, the victim is merely trapped inside a... shell. If the shell is broken within a certain time frame, there are no lasting effects.Can that even be called "lethal"?Even Caesar was unaware of this fact, which is why he was so confident, directly inviting "illegal brokers" from various places who held influence in the Underworld to watch the experiment."I was originally thinking the same thing.""But that previous statement of yours made me change my mind. You said every creature has a reason for existing.""More importantly, if we kill it now, its corpse will still poison the island.""Let's freeze it. Whether it lives or dies after being thawed one day will depend on its own fate."Xiao Bai nodded, "We'll do whatever you say."Immediately, without Satoru needing to say anything, Xiao Bai flew up and transformed into a Giant White Dragon, opening its mouth to exhale. It was the Breath of Ice, which it released onto the Slime. The Slime, along with the Ice Lake, slowly froze, turning into a massive ice sculpture.Falling from the air, Xiao Bai returned to human form."Is this acceptable, Xiao Xiao Bai?""Perfectly acceptable.""In that case, let's talk about the serious matters. Where did we leave off last time?""Ah, right!""The Five Gods War and the Vessel of the Gods."..."Next, the poisonous gas weapon I am about to display..."Inside Caesar's lab at the Research Facility, Vergohad the den den mushi on speakerphone, so Luffyand the others in the cage heard Caesar's plan to release the poison.Soon after, Caesar returned to the laboratory.He started showing off in front of Law, using the fact that Vergo was holding Law's heart.But as the Video den den mushi began playing the footage, he shifted his attention to the experiment.The first scene shown in the footage was a giant candy.Following the screen, Caesar introduced the scene to the Illegal Brokers watching the footage.First, he talked about the Slime, then revealed its true form.It was the H2S Gas Bomb, the bomb from the experimental explosion four years ago.The problem with the last explosion was that although it severely injured many people, they were still able to persist and escape the Research Facility. Aside from the criminals remaining on the island who lost sensation in their legs after inhaling too much toxin, none of the other scientists suffered any lasting side effects after leaving the island following the explosion.Therefore, this candy was for the Slime to eat, and it would add a certain effect to the toxins inside the Slime.According to Caesar himself, "It will become the perfect 'Killing Weapon'!! Also known as 'Death Country'!!!"Caesar estimated the time, believing the Slime must be close to the designated location."Let us anticipate this together!! Shulorororo!"Too bad, the Slime won't be coming... Along the Slime's originally planned route.At the terminus where the giant candy was placed, there were two subordinates whom Caesar had tricked into deploying the feed."That's strange. According to the Master, the Slimeshould be here soon. Why haven't we even seen a shadow?"One of them said.The other replied after thinking."Maybe the Slime is just too big and walks slowly. The Master wouldn't make a mistake. Let's wait a bit longer."The two waited again and indeed saw figures approaching, only... the number and size weren't right, were they?
Chapter 868: Exchange for Your Most Precious ThingAccording to the plan, two of Caesar's subordinates wearing hazmat suits placed giant candy bait on the snowy road, waiting for the Slime to arrive.But when the time came, there was still no sign of the Slime.If nothing unexpected happened, they would have to wait a very, very long time, just like waiting for Godot.After a while, there was movement ahead; something was coming, but the number and size didn't match the Slime at all."There is movement ahead!""Shurororororo! Has it finally arrived?"Caesar couldn't stop smiling.But his subordinate's words immediately wiped the smile off his face."No!""Master! It's not! It's not the Slime! It's the samurai and three of Straw Hat's companions!"Luffy smiled, "It should be Sanji, Zoro, and Brook. Satoru, they went to find the samurai."Robin knew something was wrong, but she didn't speak up. The number of people was off; Caesar's subordinate reported four people, but if you count the four who left plus the samurai, it should have been five.Luffy was smiling, but Caesar's smile froze instantly."The four of them?!""Is the Slime behind them then?!"Caesar grabbed the receiver and shouted.The subordinate was a bit scared, but didn't dare to lie, especially since the visual den den mushi was still broadcasting."No... no!""It's only the four of them!""What?!"Caesar's voice seemed like it would shatter the roof of the research facility."How is that possible?!""Use another visual den den mushi to look over there! I'll see for myself!"Caesar didn't believe it. How could a perfectly fine Slime not come? Even if its Slime form moved slowly! But Caesar knew the Slime had eaten the Salamander devil fruit, and he was the one who fed it to him! A salamander with four legs had to be faster than a crawling Slime!"Okay! Master, I'll do as you say right away!"The subordinate immediately followed Caesar's orders and aimed a new visual den den mushiahead. Caesar indeed saw Sanji and the other three running towards them, but there was truly no sign of the Slime.Caesar was stunned. It really wasn't there!He shouted in his heart.Where is my Slime? Where did such a huge Slimego?!"What is that thing in front? Is it a ball?!""Not at all. Looking at its shape, it resembles a candy a child would eat.""Look, there are people in the bottom right corner!""It's those guys in hazmat suits!"The four of them said one after another, and then, before Caesar's very eyes, his subordinates were taken out by the four of them in a single move."Yohohoho, everyone, there is a visual den den mushi here, and it seems to still be broadcasting."Brook picked up the den den mushi. Inside Caesar's research lab, and for the illegal brokers in various places, what they saw turned into his skeleton face."You scared me!""What is this thing? A skeleton?""Is this the weapon of mass destruction Caesar was talking about?!""That's bullshit! This is the Soul King of the Straw Hat Pirates! Isn't it obvious? Caesar's plan has been ruined!""What a waste of time!""Caesar! Do you hear me?! Can you actually do your job or what?!"The illegal brokers from various places picked up their receivers and shouted towards Caesar.Caesar's den den mushi was a multi-line unit. Several voices rang out simultaneously, but they all basically meant the same thing: Are you wasting our time?! Can you actually do it?!Caesar needed to make money and prove himself, so he naturally had to calm them down first. Only if they bought his weapons and those weapons were put to use would his status as a great scientist become famous!But when he picked up the receiver, before he could speak, with a bang, the door to the research lab was smashed open.Brownbeard was left seeing stars from the impact.That's right, who else could it be but Satoru and the others?"Satoru!""Copy cat Satoru!"Luffy and Caesar had completely different tones.The moment the door was smashed, Satoru took immediate action, handing the candy to Usopp to hold.He used his two hands to shoot Slow-Slow Beams at the children and Vergo respectively, then swung his fishing rod with his right hand and flicked his finger with his left.The fishing rod wrapped around Law's heart on the table, and the flick of his finger sent a small shockwave that hit the switch for the grid cage door on the wall.The cage door slowly rose, and Law's heart ended up in Satoru's hand."The back door is there! Brownbeard, take the children and leave."After seeing his subordinates who had all died from Caesar's experiments in the gas room earlier, Brownbeard understood Caesar's true colors. Even though he wanted to tear Caesar apart right now, he still did as Satoru said.It was simple; Satoru had indicated that Brownbeard couldn't beat Caesar, but Luffy could.Brownbeard obediently ran towards the back door, and instead of opening it, he just crashed right through it.During the time Brownbeard was running towards the back door, Satoru didn't stay behind; he planned to leave with them."Luffy, I'll leave the rest to you, okay?""Law, to get your heart back, you have to exchange it for your most precious thing.""Franky, after you get out, drive the thousand sunnyto the sea behind the research facility. We'll meet there."Luffy grinned.Franky wanted to put his arms together, but his hands were handcuffed. "No problem! Leave it to me!"Law kept a straight face, as he had ever since that experience in his childhood."My most precious thing..."In reality, Satoru was just joking, but Law had never met someone as... as neurotic as Satoru."What do we do next! Satoru?!"Usopp asked."Satoru replied, "Go find Chopper!"Then, with a bang, the back door was smashed open by Brownbeard.It turned out that Chopper, who had just arrived at the back door to peek, was sent flying by Brownbeard. He didn't have Observation Haki, and he was in his small, normal form."...If I didn't see wrong, that figure that flew out was Chopper..."Usopp said."Splat", Chopper landed on the ground like a scoop of ice cream."...""Chopper!!"Satoru immediately scooped Chopper up onto Brownbeard's back.At the same time, the 30-second slowing effect ended.Vergo rushed towards the back door without hesitation; he wanted to get Law's heart back.The children also wanted to follow the candy....Only Caesar, Monet, and the people in the cages were left in the room.The cage door had already been opened. Luffy was about to throw a punch at Caesar, but realized he was still cuffed with seastone handcuffs."Ah! I forgot about the seastone handcuffs!!"Luffy said, and then they saw Law stand up and shatter the handcuffs on his wrists.He used his ability to manipulate the key and unlocked everyone's handcuffs."Wow! You're amazing, Law! You actually managed to break free from seastone handcuffs."Luffy praised him, and Caesar was dumbfounded. Breaking free from seastone handcuffs, that was impossible!!It was indeed impossible."Just in case, I swapped some of the seastone handcuffs for regular handcuffs. My luck was just good."After saying that, Law also helped swap Smokerand Tashigi's personalities back, then continued."Although there were deviations, we are still following the plan. I'm going to do my part, and you, Luffy-ya, are responsible for capturing Caesar."Luffy punched his palm, "No problem."Law nodded, then immediately used his ability to teleport away.
Chapter 869: This Isn't Right!!Inside Caesar's laboratory.Caesar thought that this should have been the outbreak of the Land of the Dead, and now that he had released everyone from the cage, the result should have been his victory!But while the thought was beautiful, reality was different.First, Slime didn't appear, and the Land of the Dead didn't erupt.Slime didn't appear, but Copy cat Satoru did. He first stole Law's heart and then opened the cage door.Law went to handle his own business, and Frankyfollowed Satoru's instructions to pilot the going merry.Looking at Straw Hat Luffy and his female companion, and Marine Smoker and his female subordinate.Caesar exclaimed, "This isn't right!! Why is this happening!! The script wasn't supposed to go like this!!!"..."I definitely won't let you get away this time!! Cae~sar~"Luffy flashed forward and smashed a fist into Caesar's abdomen. The punch he took from Satoruhadn't healed yet, and now he was hit again.Caesar immediately coughed up blood and retreated rapidly, but it was fine; in the Pirate World, coughing up blood is just a minor injury."Vice Admiral!"Luffy had charged forward, while Tashigi was asking Smoker what his opinion was.Smoker had no intention of teaming up with Luffy to deal with one person."Let's go. I'll go after Vergo. You lead the Soldiers in to handle things here."Smoker gave the order, and Tashigi naturally accepted it. The two left the laboratory.So, only two pairs of men and women remained in the research facility.Luffy and Robin.Caesar and Monet.After hitting Caesar with a punch, Luffy continued the pursuit.He lunged forward, "Gotcha!"But Caesar flew up and dodged; his body was irregular gas."Who would let you catch them!""Burning System - Gas Incineration!"Caesar used the gas from his lower body to surround Luffy, then separated it from his Main Body, and threw the match in his hand into the gas, causing the flames to instantly become fierce.But after all that, a turtle could have run a lap. Luffydodged with a simple flip.Taking advantage of this gap, Caesar asked."straw hat, why exactly are you targeting me?!""Because Satoru said you weren't a good person!""And Law said that something fun would happen if I captured you!"Caesar understood. Setting aside Satoru saying he wasn't a good person, Law's words proved, "So you've already formed an alliance! That means I'm the gift you're giving Law, huh? You can't trust that guy! He's definitely going to betray you, don't believe him!!"Just as Usopp said, once Luffy decides on something, no amount of verbal argument is useful."Who I listen to is my own decision!"Caesar was furious. "It seems you haven't suffered enough yet!""Non-Oxygen World!!"Caesar clasped his hands together, drawing out the oxygen.Luffy felt the suffocating sensation again. After throwing an unsuccessful punch, he backed up with several backflips. During the fifth backflip, he could suddenly breathe."Puh ha!!""Huff huff... So that's the range?"Luffy said. The range over which Caesar controlled the oxygen extraction was about five to just under six meters, spreading out from him."Shurororo, that's right. The area that causes suffocation has a certain range!""But do you have the ability to maintain this distance?"Caesar replied with a laugh, seemingly confident that Luffy couldn't touch him from that distance. Then Luffy punched him in the head."Gomu Gomu no JET Pistol!"His entire body turning into gas, Caesar floated from the ground to Luffy's side, still nursing a nosebleed. The Non-Oxygen zone moved with him, causing Luffy to suffocate, allowing Caesar to grab Luffy's neck."Shurororo! As soon as I get close to you, you start suffocating. It must be painful!""Look! The oxygen is right here!""Blue Flame Sword!!"Caesar pulled a sword hilt from his pocket. The flames and compressed oxygen transformed into a sword blade of green flame."Come on! Let's burn you in two!"Caesar released Luffy, then slashed down with the sword!Of course, he didn't hit. Luffy flashed behind Caesar, raised his head to breathe the air, then charged behind Caesar, hardening his arm with Armament Haki."Gomu Gomu no JET Gatling!!""Ice and Snow Fortress!""Two-Flower Bloom: Grasp!"The three techniques were used simultaneously.Luffy's punch was blocked by the snow fortress, inside of which was Caesar, clutching his head."A shield?"This was created by Monet, a Snow-Snow Fruit Ability user. Although Robin attacked, she couldn't stop Monet from using her Ability; she only used her blooming arms to force Monet's head upward.Although being choked by the blooming arms, Monet wasn't worried at all. "As expected, your reputation is well-deserved. A pirate of a lower caliber couldn't break this shield.""Also, Miss, you really don't know how to cherish and protect a beauty. You choke me the moment you arrive."Immediately, Monet turned into snow, causing the two arms to disappear.Robin, lacking Armament Haki, could not choke the elementalized Monet."So you're an Ability user too!"Robin didn't speak, but Luffy did."Master, please go first. Since you have doubts, go personally confirm Slime's situation."Monet didn't reply to Luffy, but instead stood in front of Caesar and spoke.Caesar was smug. "Farewell, straw hat! Shurororo!"Caesar flew away immediately."Don't think you can run!"Of course, Luffy intended to pursue.Monet, naturally, didn't want him to pursue.Robin, naturally, wanted Luffy to pursue."Thirty-Flower Bloom: Hanging!"Monet tried to block Luffy in mid-air, but under Robin's Ability, 30 arms sprouted on Monet's body, grabbing her neck, arms, and feet, bending her body backward to break her spine.But Monet's entire body broke apart."Luffy! Hurry and go! I'll stop her!"Luffy threw a punch that passed by Robin's neck, hitting the Monet behind her who was trying to sneak attack. The Monet that had been bent and broken earlier was just a snow clone; this one was the Main Body.Hit by Luffy's punch and slammed into the wall, Monet angrily bared her fangs.But Luffy ignored her and trusted Robin. "Alright, I'll leave her to you! Robin!!"He then turned and went to pursue Caesar.Monet tried to block him, only to see Robin use her Ability behind her."Sixty-Flower Bloom: Tree!"Countless arms on the ground formed a giant hand that stretched out flat beneath Monet, then struck upward in a palm-strike posture.It was a large-scale attack; even elementalization couldn't evade it. Monet could only use her two talons to block it."Miss Bird Person, please stay here."Robin said with a smile.Monet's eyes turned fierce."Then I'll deal with you first!!!"Next up was a fight between the two women.
Chapter 870: Jump-Scare KillOriginally, according to Caesar's plan, he would release the Slime gas, then send the people in the cages—along with the cages—out to "enjoy themselves." It was a guaranteed win.But in reality, the Slime gas didn't erupt, the people in the cages had their doors opened by Satoru, and Law unlocked the cuffs and let them out.Then Caesar and Luffy clashed. Just as Caesar was about to be pummeled by Luffy's Gatling gun punches, Caesar's secretary, Monet, intervened to protect him.Caesar managed to escape, and Luffy went after him.And since Caesar had a female secretary, Luffy also had a female companion, the brilliant historian, Robin.The two women began to fight.And deep beneath the laboratory where Monet and Robin were fighting lay a massive garbage dump....Inside the underground garbage dump.At this moment, Momonosuke, having eaten Vegapunk's artificial dragon devil fruit, had turned into a small dragon and fallen in here. Luffy hadn't come this time, but someone was bound to show up.Momonosuke was currently dozing off.Suddenly, a rustling sound came from ahead.This startled Momonosuke so much that he immediately opened his eyes. "What is that!! Show yourself!!"It was underground, the light was dim, with only a tiny bit of brightness; the darkness combined with the rustling created quite an atmosphere.As Momonosuke wished, the rustling thing in the darkness slowly approached until Momonosukecould clearly see its figure.He didn't know what it was at first, but once he saw it, he nearly peed himself.The figure was wearing an oversized lab coat, seemingly with no other clothes underneath, exposing his lower legs. The buttons of the lab coat were done up, but it was tattered and stained with blood.Most importantly, it was crawling continuously in a twisted, quadrupedal manner, with long, pitch-black hair disheveled, obscuring its face.This scene was terrifying enough. Momonosuke was trembling with fear, but he managed to endure it and gathered his courage to ask."Stop!""What... what are you?!"It was as if Momonosuke's words were being obeyed; the figure stopped. But before Momonosukecould breathe a sigh of relief, he heard the sound of bones clicking.The figure flipped over, still on all fours, but now facing upward toward the sky. The hair slid from the sides of its head and hung down to the ground, with its head tilted back toward the sky.Momonosuke still couldn't see the person's face.But then, he saw it clearly.The person's head snapped backward violently, as if it had broken, completely facing Momonosukeupside down.Pale skin, thick dark circles under the eyes, bleeding eyes and lips, wearing an eerie smile.This face struck at the heart of the child within Momonosuke. Momonosuke widened his eyes, and before he could scream, he saw this person moving on all fours in that posture, approaching rapidly with a sharp, piercing laughter.Because he was in his dragon form, and a small dragon at that, Momonosuke had his head lowered, and he was hit directly by a jump-scare.He didn't scream; he simply frothed at the mouth and passed out."Oops, that might have been a bit too much. But, this should make for a very profound memory."Standing up, who else could this ghost-impersonator be but Satoru?Looking at the unconscious Momonosuke, Satorunodded to himself. "It seems I still have a talent for acting.""This time, I'll have to keep your lecherous heart suppressed once and for all."..."Damn it! Open the door!""Give Tashigi back to us!!""Oh, and Vice Admiral Smoker too!!"Zoro's four-person squad arrived at the main entrance of the laboratory.At this moment, the Soldiers under Smoker and Tashigi were still pounding on the gate, trying to get in to save their leaders.But no matter if they used swords, guns, or cannons, they couldn't open the door.Sanji puffed on his cigarette. "What are they doing?"Zoro grabbed his sword hilt. "Are you blind? It's obvious they're trying to destroy the door to get in."Sanji didn't like hearing that. "Who are you calling blind! Mosshead!!"Zoro glanced at him. "What, are you not only blind but deaf too?"Sanji was so angry that his cigarette nearly fell out. How did this guy get so good at roasting people? Did he learn it secretly from Satoru?"Ha!! My temper is flaring up!!""Gentlemen, finding my son is of the utmost importance. Now is not the time for bickering. Isn't it just a door? Even a million people couldn't stop my advance! Let's just cut it down!!"After saying that, Kin'emon immediately drew his sword.And since Zoro had already grabbed his sword hilt, surely he had to swing a blade?"Get out of the way if you don't want to die!"Zoro shouted, and then he and Kin'emon struck simultaneously.The blade light flashed past some of the Marines, scaring them half to death.And with two strikes, they directly carved a triangular hole into the laboratory door."The door is open!""Forget about those pirates for now, finding Tashigiis the priority!!"With the Marines in the lead, seeing an entrance, they hesitated for a second—actually, they also knew they couldn't beat the four behind them, so they rushed into the laboratory first.Zoro and the others also stepped forward, ready to enter.A small winged dragon followed them inside after Zoro and the others had entered...."Caesar!""Are you playing us for fools?!""Is this your experiment with weapons of mass destruction?""Are you inviting us to watch an experiment or a joke?"With Monet's help, Caesar had managed to shake off Luffy for a distance; after all, he was flying and was very familiar with the laboratory.The den den mushi screen on the feed side had been destroyed by Zoro and the others, and the illegal brokers in various places could no longer see the movement here.They could only curse Caesar through the den den mushi.Caesar, of course, was unwilling to fail like this. He wanted to go see why the Slime hadn't come?! In any case, as long as the Slime was still around, the Slime gas would still be there!!"Everyone, please rest assured!""I will definitely show you all the Slime gas today!!""I am going to personally go see what the situation is with the Slime right now, please stay calm!!"Hearing that Caesar was going personally, the various illegal brokers gave him some face and waited a while longer. They talked tough, but no one dared to touch him. Who didn't know that this guy was protected by Doflamingo? Doflamingo was considered a titan in the Underworld. Although the few people watching were also titans, they didn't want to start a war with Doflamingo, mainly because he had Kaido above him.After speaking, Caesar disconnected the den den mushi's speaker mode, put it in his pocket, and entered an operation room, where many people in hazmat suits were gathered.After a session of brainwashing and splashing dirty water on Vegapunk, these people shouted again, calling him savior and master, promising to protect their master well.Caesar wore a kindly smile, but the moment he turned around, he became wretched. Internally, he cursed these idiots while his hands operated the console in front of him. He muttered to himself, "Those damn bastards! They ruined all my plans!!""Luckily, I still have some raw poisonous gas left inside the laboratory that hasn't been put into the Slime's body. I'll release the gas right now! And then seal the laboratory!! I'll poison you all to death!!"Caesar was just such a crazy guy. He only cared about himself, not even sparing his secretary, Monet.As he pressed the button, the doors to several sealed observation rooms opened automatically, and the interior began to spray that raw poisonous gas, which was what Caesar had originally used to experiment with the Slime gas."Good, now I just need to set a timer to seal the laboratory!!""Done!!"And after Caesar set the time, Luffy finally found his way over using Observation Haki."Found you! Caesar!!"
Chapter 871: We Cannot Let the Children Keep Thinking Like ThisLet's summarize the current situation in various parts of Punk Hazard.First, at the frozen lake on the shore, the furthest point from the research facility, Satoru (clone) and Xiao Bai are chatting.The group of four—Zoro, Sanji, Brook, and Kin'emon—has just entered the research facility.Satoru, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper are "playing games" with the children on Brownbeard's back.In the laboratory, Robin and Monet are fighting.In the basement of the laboratory, Satoru (clone) disguised himself as a ghost to scare Momonosukeunconscious, and is now waiting for him to wake up.That leaves Caesar and Luffy.Caesar has fled to the control room. He intends to go outside to check on the Slime, and in a crazed act, he releases the primordial poison gas within the facility, setting a timer to seal the facility once he is out. He completely disregards his own subordinates, poisoning them all.He isn't worried that he will have nowhere to hide once the Slime erupts and becomes the Land of Death, as this primordial poison gas has no effect on his gas-based body.After he brainwashes his subordinates, releases the gas, and sets the timer, Luffy finally catches up, albeit a bit late...."Found you, Caesar!!"Luffy shouts.Caesar is taken aback."Oh my god!! Why are you like a plaster that won't come off, you guy!!"Luffy doesn't answer him, instead charging straight ahead."Stop him! Stop him!!"Caesar immediately commands his subordinates.They have all been brainwashed—or rather, they were already brainwashed—and obey Caesar's every word. They immediately begin to block and attack Luffy, but these small fries are no match for him.Caesar isn't just watching, though. He presses a button on the control console, and the windows in the room slowly open. Caesar immediately floats out.Seeing the window starting to close, Luffy stretches his arms, turning himself into a slingshot to launch through. He successfully makes it out of the facility but plunges headfirst into the snow. Looking up, he sees Caesar floating ahead, his figure still visible."Don't run!! Caesar!!"Luffy gets up to pursue him.Caesar is so scared he nearly falls from the sky and immediately speeds up. "Oh my god!! What did I ever do to you!! Straw Hat!!"...At the main entrance of the research facility, the group of four—Zoro, Sanji, Brook, and Kin'emon—enters, along with numerous Marines and a small wyvern.Just as they are about to act on their plan, Tashigihappens to rush over."Tashigi-chan~""I'm so glad you're okay!"Sanji blends in with the group."That's right, so glad!!""Who are you? What are you trying to do to our Tashigi-chan?! Get lost, pirate! Get lost, pirate!!"Sanji has hearts in his eyes for Tashigi, but for these rough Marine Soldiers, he wears a look of disdain."Huh?!"This is a tone implying, "Are you even worthy of talking to me?"Combined with Sanji's expression, it is quite intimidating.Tashigi ignores him; after all, Sanji is indeed a pirate. But when she tries to speak, she doesn't know how to begin.In the hearts of these G5 Soldiers, Vergo is the perfect superior, like a father figure. But now, she has to tell them that Vergo is actually a pirate mole, and has been for 15 years.Tashigi doesn't know how to explain this to the Soldiers...Alright, that's it! It's decided!!I'll leave this difficult problem to Vice AdmiralSmoker."Vice Admiral Smoker is inside the facility dealing with... the criminal. I'm following his orders to lead you all. Now, follow me to find the Vice Admiral!""Right! We'll listen to Tashigi-chan!!""Right! We'll do as Tashigi-chan says~~"Sanji blends in again.Zoro clicks his tongue. "Disgraceful."But they do walk together, not because of cooperation, but because it is truly the only path...."So, what do we do now?! We can't just keep running around the facility with the children, right?"Nami can't help but ask.Satoru doesn't answer, instead asking Chopper."Chopper, did you get the prescription for the giant drug?""I got it, but the formula is very complex. I can't come up with an antidote in such a short time."Chopper is dejected, looking at the children's condition, feeling very disappointed in himself."This isn't your fault, don't blame yourself, Chopper.""There will always be a way.""Satoru, don't tell me you!!"Nami says immediately, thinking Satoru is about to feed the children candy.Satoru doesn't do that; instead, he explains the logic to Chopper. Chopper listens and, surprisingly, doesn't resist the idea too much."This... is also a way...""Chopper?!" Nami shouts in disbelief.Chopper looks pained, an inner pain. "Satoru is right. If it's just a small dose, one more won't make much difference...""It's all my fault... If only my medical skills were better!!"Satoru knows he can't let the children keep thinking like this."I said, this isn't your fault. Don't take it all on yourself, Chopper."Usopp also chimes in, "Yeah, Chopper, how can you think that way?!"And since Chopper has said as much, Nami has to compromise with Satoru's approach.But Satoru doesn't actually do it. He states, "From start to finish, I only made a suggestion. And I said it was for 'when there is no other choice,' but now is not that time.""I have already had Franky sail the going merry to the waters behind the research facility.""We will go out through the back door and meet up with Franky. I will control the children, and we can figure something out then.""I believe in you, Chopper."Satoru pats Chopper on the shoulder.Chopper meets Satoru's gaze. "Yeah! I'll do my best!"Then let's do as Satoru says!Unfortunately, things never go as planned.Brownbeard suddenly stops, scaring Satoru into immediately using his Slow-Slow Beam on the children."What's wrong! Why did you stop?"Satoru asks.Brownbeard's expression is terrified. "I smell a familiar scent!! It's the poison gas on the island!!"Brownbeard points ahead. The four people on his back stand up, and looking from his shoulders, they can indeed see thin mist in the passage ahead.Usopp's ears twitch. "There's a hissing sound."Satoru thinks for a few seconds and immediately guesses, "Damn it! That crazy guy!"Having said that, Satoru jumps off Brownbeard's back and rushes into the poison gas.Terrifying Nami, Usopp, and Chopper into screaming."Satoru?!!!"
Chapter 872: I Was Called"Satoru?!!!"The surviving research facility on Punk Hazard is divided into five areas.The main entrance is Area A, in front of which is the largest Area B. Diagonally in front of Area B, to the left and right, are Area C and Area D, respectively. Area C is larger, and Area D is smaller.And directly in front of Area B is the smallest and most secret SAD area, referred to as Area R, which is where Caesar's SAD machine device for manufacturing artificial Devil Fruit raw materials is located.Satoru and his group, with the children, were running through Area C, originally intending to go to Area R, exit through the back door to rendezvous with Franky, and then figure out how to solve the children's berserk problem.But just then, Brownbeard was the first to discover that Caesar had released poison gas in the observation sealed room.Satoru also guessed it was that insane Caesar. Without hesitation, he immediately jumped off Brownbeard's back and rushed into the poison gas, which led to Nami and the other two's shouts mentioned above.Naturally, Satoru didn't go in to breathe the poison gas; he wasn't an air purifier. Instead, he quickly went to close the door of the sealed room... After closing the door, Satoru came back out.Chopper quickly asked, "Are you alright, Satoru?!""I'm fine. These poison gases aren't very powerful. The real casualties four years ago were caused by the explosion. Even living on the gas-filled island for a year, those prisoners only lost their legs.""Brownbeard, when you first came to the island, you didn't immediately show symptoms of poisoning, did you?"Hearing Satoru say that, Brownbeard recalled, "Now that you mention it, I remember. I was severely injured back then, and it was only a week later that I started feeling dizzy and muddled.""That's good, it proves the problem isn't serious.""Candy...""Slow-Slow Beam!"The children had just recovered, then fell into a slow state again.One word: controlled.Back on Brownbeard's Crocodile back, Satoru said,"The plan has changed. We have to close all these doors first. Even if the toxins aren't potent, we can't just leave them unchecked."Nami and the others naturally supported Satoru. Although Brownbeard was afraid of these toxins, he had no choice... "Damn it! I'm going to cut it down!!"In Research Facility Area B, Zoro, Sanji, Brook, Kin'emon, and the G5 Marines led by Tashigi were running.The previous sentence was said by Brook, referring to the small two-winged dragon that had secretly followed them in. It seemed very hungry and attacked the group, flying in front of Brook before leaving with a look of disdain.Brook felt greatly insulted!!He and Kin'emon chased after it, intending to cut down the little dragon.The four of them ran faster than the Marines.And when they had separated from the Marines for a distance, Vergo emerged from the door behind them. He was pursuing Law, but Law had tricked him with his Devil Fruit Ability and ran here. He had been searching for Law's figure and then encountered Tashigi and the G5 Marine Soldiers he was responsible for.But for no reason, he vented his anger from being tricked by Law on the Soldiers.As mentioned before, Vergo was like a father figure to the G5 Soldiers.Now that they were struck down by his Finger Pistol, they only wanted to believe that the Vergobefore them was an imposter.Tashigi drew her sword to stop him and was about to reveal the truth when Vergo's fingertip shot out, aiming directly for Tashigi's throat. He intended to silence her.At that critical moment, Sanji arrived, kicking Vergo's right cheek, making his gums and nose bleed.Sanji, who was ahead, was now running back.He stated, "I was called.""There's the sound of a lady crying here!!""Isn't that the straw hat Pirate Black Leg Sanji? Why is he helping us?! Never mind, cover him!!"The Soldiers were also reasonable people.Sanji and Vergo stared at each other.Sanji instantly unleashed his Air Compression Technique with his leg, "Flank Kick!!"Vergo was kicked so hard that his feet scraped the ground as he slid backward, his upper body embedded in the wall. But then, as if unharmed, he pulled himself out.Feeling that hardness, Sanji understood, "So that's it. It seems you used a technique like Iron Body.""Don't block my way! This is my family's business, it has nothing to do with you!!"Vergo actively attacked, also with a kick.Sanji listened to his words and declared, "You are my Captain's... most hated person!!"This was his answer as to why he was getting involved.Sanji raised his leg to block with his calf, but unexpectedly, after taking Vergo's kick, his calf bone cracked.Actually, Vergo hadn't used any Iron Body just now; it was simply his own body's toughness, as he had trained Armament Haki to the point where his entire upper body could be hardened.Sanji endured the pain to push Vergo's foot away, and the two twisted their waists to deliver another kick.Just then, a broadcast came from within the research facility."This is the D Building announcement!""Emergency announcement to all of the Third Research Facility!""Trafalgar Law has currently infiltrated the SAD Manufacturing Room!""Repeating again..."Vergo, who had been calm, could no longer remain so. He understood Law's true objective."He saw the straw hat's fighting spirit and teamed up with him, and joining the Shichibukai was just to get into that room, Law!!""That brat is writing the most dangerous script in his mind!!""He intends to turn the entire New World upside down!!""What nonsense are you babbling about!!"Sanji kicked, but Vergo's figure flashed and disappeared."…"...Regarding Sanji suddenly running back, Zorocouldn't hear the sound of a lady crying, but he could feel it."An unknown presence is coming from behind..."Watching Kin'emon and Brook fighting the small dragon in the sky, Zoro glimpsed the entrance to Area D, which was Caesar's research lab.Without hesitation, Zoro stepped forward... Inside the room, it was already a scene of "snowflakes fluttering, north wind whistling" with snow falling everywhere.Robin and Monet were still fighting.Robin's shoulder had a hole pierced through it by a sharp weapon, and she was currently at a disadvantage.Although she had grown over two years, it was still very difficult to deal with a Logia-type Devil Fruit Ability user without Armament Haki.After all, not everyone's Logia-type is like Crocodile's, where a little water can make them vulnerable.At this moment, Monet in the room also heard the broadcast."So that was Law's goal.""Then I can't play with you anymore, miss.""If that thing is destroyed, Clown will make me disappear from the world entirely."With that, Monet merged into the snow. Robinheightened her vigilance, unsure from which direction she would emerge.Monet chose from behind, opening her mouth, a mouthful of sharp teeth about to bite Robin's neck.But a murderous intent instantly swept over, and death encroached, causing Monet to retreat far away.Through the door behind Robin, Zoro walked in with a calm expression."The weather in this place is really peculiar; it keeps snowing in the room."
The weather in this place is truly peculiar; it keeps snowing inside the room."Research Lab Building D - Inside Caesar's laboratory.Zoro's arrival caused the situation, which was nearing its end, to shift once again."Robin?"Zoro looked at Robin's back and noticed the bloody hole in her shoulder."Are you alright?"Robin shook her head. "Just a flesh wound."A flesh wound, even after being run through.Since Robin said so, Zoro nodded; it was her own body, so she could decide for herself.Truly a dense guy through and through."Who is this?"Zoro asked.Robin replied, her arms still crossed."She is Caesar's secretary, but it seems she isn't directly under Caesar's command; she was placed by the Shichibukai Doflamingo to be by Caesar's side.""She is a Logia-type user.""As for what kind of ability, you should have seen it already.""Snow?""Logia-type?""Then leave her to me, is that alright?"He gripped his sword hilt. Even though he was a dense guy, Zoro respected others' dignity, regardless of gender.Robin smiled in return and uncrossed her arms. "Then I leave it to you.""I'm really being underestimated."Monet dove into the snow. Suddenly, snow appeared beneath Robin, trapping her. Monetemerged from the snow behind Robin, her body turned to snow, and she opened her mouth to bite down with sharp fangs once again.A loud 'clang' rang out.Monet bit down on Zoro's sword, nearly shattering her teeth.Robin seized the opportunity. "Tres Fleurs: Palm Strike!!"Four sprouted arms smashed Monet's snowy body, and Robin managed to free herself from the confinement.Robin knew that if she stayed, she would only be a concern for Zoro, so she prepared to leave from the back—the same place Satoru and the others had left. She wanted to see if there was anything she could help with regarding the children. After telling Zoro, Robin left immediately.But Monet still chose to pursue Robin instead of facing Zoro.With an opponent like this, and with him present while Robin was still injured, Zoro would probably want to bash his head against a block of tofu and die of shame.A 'clang' rang out.It was the sound of a blade clashing with the ice pick Monet was holding in her claw. This was what had caused the injury on Robin's shoulder."Are you looking down on me?"Zoro asked, regarding Monet's refusal to fight.Monet, of course, wouldn't admit that she had been scared into retreating by his presence before Zorohad even appeared.But it looked like she had no choice but to fight now!"Snow Wall: Feather Blades!!"Her wings became sharp and hard. Monet swept a wing across, and Zoro blocked vertically with his two swords.After a few more exchanges, Monet realized that Zoro was only blocking her attacks and not counterattacking."You've been blocking my attacks this whole time; why won't you swing your sword at me?"Zoro didn't answer.Monet stuck out her tongue and licked her lips, a look of confidence appearing on her face. "Honestly, I thought I couldn't beat you... but now, it seems that might not be the case..."Suddenly, a large group of Marines rushed out of the main door of the laboratory."Report!! Still no sign of the children?!""What should we do! Please advise!!""Then continue searching below!""Charge!!"It was Sanji who shouted "Charge," having completely blended in with them.Zoro retorted, "Why are you the one giving orders, you brat!!""Buddy, we didn't find the kids, but we did find the pirate hunter, Zoro."The Marines were actually reporting to Sanji as if he were their leader.The real leader, Tashigi: "...""Oh~ That guy is an arrogant jerk! Listen up, men!""Pull down your lips and make a face at him."A vein throbbed on the back of Zoro's head."These idiots should just slip and fall to their deaths.""Robin said the kids were taken that way by Satoruand Nami. You're in the way, get lost!"Sanji gave a thumbs up. "Didn't expect an idiot to provide good intel.""Alright! Charge through that door! Men!!"Saying that, Sanji suddenly fell backward, having forcibly pulled himself back."I was going to move forward, but who knew there was a beauty behind me!!"The Marines echoed: "Ooh! She really is cute!!"Tashigi: "..."Zoro turned into a shark-face in anger. "Are you guys ever going to stop being annoying? Get out of here, all of you!!"Well said!But no one listened."But looking closely, she doesn't seem human! Is she a harpy?!""Aww, who cares if she's a person, a bird, or a harpy? As long as she's pretty, that's all that matters.""She is pretty sexy, actually."Monet was so flattered she covered her mouth halfway with her wing.Zoro remarked, "Why are you so easily flattered!"Monet was shy one second, but the next, she slid across the snow to attack."Taking the children?""So, anyone with designs on the children! I will never forgive them!!""This woman is a Logia-type!!"A Soldier had his shoulder bitten through.The others fired bullets, but the bullets passed right through her.Just as Monet continued her attack, someone slashed her wing with a sword.It wasn't Zoro, but Tashigi."Colonel babe!!"Tashigi gripped her sword handle with both hands. "The children are what's important.""You guys go find the children and the Vice Admiral!""What about you, Colonel babe?""I'm staying! I'm needed here!!"Zoro: "..."...The battle in the laboratory continued.It just shifted from Robin vs. Monet to Zoro vs. Monet.Oh, and Tashigi.And the story of the giant trash dump beneath the laboratory wasn't over either."Ugh..."Waking up from unconsciousness, Momonosukewas a bit confused. "How did I pass out?"Then, a slow, lingering voice replied, "Yeah, how did you pass out~~"Momonosuke widened his eyes and looked up. A person was standing there, wearing an oversized, tattered, blood-stained lab coat, hunched over, with hair completely disheveled, covering their face. Their figure swayed back and forth like a blade of grass in the wind.In an instant, all his memories flooded back, and that face became the clearest of all."Ah!!!""Ghost!! You're a ghost from hell!!"Momonosuke scrambled backward in terror until he hit the wall and had nowhere else to go.Satoru held back a laugh. "That's right, I am a ghost.""You don't have to worry, I won't kill you.""I have a story; do you want to hear it?"Momonosuke was terrified out of his wits. "No!! I don't want to!! I don't want to hear it!! Father!! Mother!! Where are you!!"Satoru suddenly lifted his head, revealing one eye and a mouth. The eye was bloodshot, and the mouth wore an eerie smile."Are you sure you don't want to hear it?""You don't have to listen, either.""Re...really?""Really. You just have to let me gouge out your eyes, and then you don't have to listen.""I'll listen!! I'll listen!! I'll listen!!""Good. Listen closely: My name is Kayako
Chapter 874: He is Everywhere HereCurrently, the situations in various locations have changed somewhat, but none have concluded.At the shore of the Ice Lake in the Ice-Fire Lake, Satoru (clone) was still chatting with Xiao Bai.Luffy was chasing Caesar, heading towards the Ice-Fire Lake, but one was flying and the other was running.The group of four—Satoru, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper—discovered Caesar releasing primitive poison gas. Their objective shifted from reuniting with Franky to rushing back and closing the observation room door, as they needed to go to Sector R to exit through the back door and meet up with Franky.Zoro's group of four and the Marines led by Tashigientered the research facility and then split into three paths.Kin'emon and Brook dealt with the small, two-winged dragon. Although small, it was an evolved version of the larger one, with harder skin and stronger biting force.Zoro fought Monet in Robin's place, while Robinwent to find Satoru and his group to see if they needed help. They would likely meet, as Satoru's group was also rushing back.Sanji had saved the Marines from Vergo, or more accurately, saved Tashigi.So now he was commanding the Marines.He passed by Zoro and Monet's laboratory battlefield, then followed Robin's footsteps to search for the children.Tashigi stayed behind, feeling she was needed there.Zoro expressed... oh, Zoro expressed nothing.There were also two more concealed routes.One was Law in the SAD manufacturing room in Sector R, where Smoker and Vergo were both rushing to.The other was probably the most hidden one: the giant junkyard beneath the research facility.Momonosuke woke up from his faint. Satoru was naturally still there and said he wanted to tell him a story.He was scared to death; what story could he listen to?Satoru said it was fine if he didn't want to listen; he'd just gouge out his eyes.Momonosuke immediately declared, without the slightest hesitation, that he would listen! He would listen right away! He would definitely listen!Since that was the case, Satoru began "her" story... "Alright, listen carefully. My name is Kayako."Kayako?Momonosuke wondered in his heart, this name seemed to be in the style of his homeland."I came from Wano Country.""Wano Country!!"Hearing that name, Momonosuke couldn't sit still."You are from Wano Country!!""I am too!!"Satoru nodded indifferently, "I can tell from the way you speak.""Indeed, I am...""Are what?"Satoru pressed, knowing Momonosuke wanted to say he was the Shogun's son."But... a samurai!""That's right!! I am a samurai!!"Momonosuke still didn't reveal his identity.Satoru pretended not to know and played along with him, "A samurai?""You, a little brat, a samurai?"Momonosuke didn't like hearing that."Samurai are not judged by age!""As long as I uphold the Way of the Samurai! Then I am a samurai!!""What right do you, a woman, have to speak of me?! A woman facing a samurai should act like a demure lady, maintain composure, and retreat three paces!"Hearing this, Satoru immediately grabbed Momonosuke's two whiskers, stepped on his face, pressed her foot down, and pulled his whiskers up."What, am I giving you too much leeway?""Retreat three paces, and no right?""Say that again?!""Say you're sorry!"What else could Momonosuke do? He complied, though his words were mumbled with his face being stepped on."S-s-sorry..."Satoru released her hand and withdrew her foot."That's better.""What a shrew... a shrew..."Momonosuke muttered softly, but then suddenly realized he was in his dragon form, so why could this Kayako see that he was a child!?"Wait! In my current form, how did you see that I'm a child?"Momonosuke knew to ask directly if he didn't understand.Satoru's lips curled slightly, "Because I'm a ghost, I can see a person's true nature."Because they could talk and touch, aside from the strange attire, Momonosuke had already taken Satoru for a human.Only when he heard this answer did he realize that although she said she was telling a story, this Kayako never said she was human!!"You, you, you...""I, I, I... am a ghost!!"Satoru pushed her hair aside, giving Momonosukeanother visual shock."Ahhh!!!""Shut up!""Ahhh!!!""If you don't shut up, I'll pull out your tongue.""Ah-mmph..."Momonosuke voluntarily bit his mouth shut, making sure not to scream. He truly believed this Kayakowould pull out his tongue.Satoru nodded. Obedience was good."You interrupted me just now; my story has only just begun.""That was 100 years ago. 100 years ago, Wano Country was in a state of isolation, and coupled with its special geographical location, few outsiders visited, but ships would still arrive by chance.""That day, I found an outsider on the shore, a man. He took me away from Wano Country, and we came here. Along the way, we were so happy, so loving, but once we arrived here, it turned out he just wanted to sell me to these people for experiments!!""When I found out, I tried to escape. He shattered my bones, my blood flowed everywhere, my bone pierced my own skin, and my hatred broke through the sky.""My corpse was thrown here, becoming a Jibakurei, meaning I couldn't leave this place.""But luckily, one day he accidentally fell in here.""Guess what?"As Satoru spoke, she showed her shattered, boneless body, accompanied by a resentful, terrifying voice. Momonosuke shivered all over."W-what happened?"Satoru moved her face closer to Momonosuke, but didn't push her hair aside."He is everywhere here.""On the ground, on the walls, everywhere!! I smashed him to smithereens, even more than he smashed me!! Then I smeared him all over this underground junkyard! He's just like the trash in here!! No!! He doesn't even deserve to be trash!!""Ah!! Ah!!"Satoru's words were, of course, nonsense, but they scared Momonosuke so much that he couldn't stand still. Yet he couldn't fly, so he wriggled frantically, because who knew what part of that 'big brother' he was stepping on!!!"Mother..."The helpless Momonosuke had started calling for his mother.Was he going to die here?"Waaahhh!!"With a wail, Momonosuke burst into tears!Satoru looked at him, feeling a little soft-hearted... just kidding!!!"It's okay, you can cry. This time I won't pull out your tongue or gouge out your eyes. I'll just tear off your two ears.""Waa-mmph..."Momonosuke, being a child, knew that a wise man submits to circumstances."Why are you crying?"Satoru asked.Momonosuke replied, trembling with confusion, "Aren't you going to kill... kill me? Like you killed that... that person..."
Chapter 875: But I Am a Reasonable Ghost"Aren't you going to kill... kill me? Just like you killed that... that person...?"Momonosuke asked, trembling.Satoru patted his dragon head. "When did I say I was going to kill you?""I've always been very amiable, haven't I?"Momonosuke: "...""You... you're right..."..."Although I am a ghost, I am a reasonable ghost.""I only kill those with lustful hearts, those who take advantage of women, and those who disrespect women.""Are you a person with a lustful heart?"A soul-stirring question from Satoru. His hand hadn't been withdrawn, and Momonosuke always felt that this hand would smash his skull in the next second.Momonosuke was drenched in sweat. How else could he answer? Admit it and then be splattered all over the floor?"I... I... am not..."Satoru withdrew his hand. "You said it.""I hope you're not lying to me.""Otherwise, even if you go to the ends of the earth, I will find you~""After killing that person, my obsession was gone, so I could have left, but I just didn't want to.""You'd best remember what you said."Momonosuke nodded repeatedly. "I will definitely remember.""I am a samurai!!""A samurai never goes back on his word!!"Satoru inwardly scoffed, 'You say it so nicely, but what you've done is nothing like a samurai!''Taking advantage, others fighting for their lives for you, and you're thinking of surrendering?''I remember the samurai spirit is to commit seppuku rather than surrender, isn't it?'Hopefully, you can change this time.But it's fine. Even if you don't change, Satoru, as a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, can't beat you up, but Kayako can beat you to her heart's content!!..."As someone from Wano Country.""I know that samurai are respected people in the country.""Since you call yourself a samurai, you must uphold the Way of the Samurai."Satoru instructed Momonosuke, strengthening the credibility of his identity as "Kayako, a resident of Wano Country."Momonosuke was indeed a child. Hearing Satoru's understanding of samurai, he completely believed Satoru's "Kayako" identity, although he hadn't doubted it, or rather, dared not doubt it."Alright.""Since that's the case, you may leave."Satoru said.Momonosuke was puzzled."Leave?""How do I leave?""I've observed this place; it's surrounded by walls with no exit, except for those pipes above. Breaking the ceiling should also allow me to get out.""But all of that requires flying up.""I can't fly.""Can't fly?""You, a dragon, can't fly?"Satoru retorted.Momonosuke declared, "I didn't want to turn into a dragon either!! This is the first time I've turned into a dragon today!!"Satoru nodded. "Alright, since that's the case, I can fly, so I'll take you up."Hearing this, Momonosuke, finally able to leave this dreadful place, immediately expressed his gratitude. "I'm truly grateful!!"Satoru smiled, grabbing him. "It's a small matter."He stepped into the air and flew.Seeing this, Momonosuke completely believed Satoru was a ghost, though he hadn't doubted it anyway, given his intelligence.Flying higher and higher, almost reaching the top, Momonosuke was already looking forward to it. Even if he had to climb through garbage pipes, as long as he could leave, it was fine.But who knew that when they reached the very top, Satoru didn't approach the pipes but stayed motionless in the middle.Momonosuke was puzzled. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Satoru release his grip with a strange smile.The feeling of freefall instantly hit him, and Momonosuke was stunned.Satoru declared, "There's nothing you can't do; you just lack confidence. Believe in yourself that you can fly!!""Try it quickly!!"Okay!Trying it means dying trying!!With a bang, Momonosuke fell back onto the garbage pile... Momonosuke's 8-year-old life felt betrayed... Satoru slowly descended from the air.Momonosuke's expression of both hatred and not daring to curse was truly amusing.Satoru extended his hand. "Alright, it seems you really can't fly, and learning it probably isn't that easy.""Learn it outside.""I, Kayako, won't make things difficult for you anymore."Momonosuke glanced at Satoru, believing him once again.Just like before, at the highest point, Satoru let go.Momonosuke's eyes widened in disbelief.Satoru said, "I, Kayako, won't make things difficult for you anymore," not "Satoru won't make things difficult for you."This was the advantage of having two names.Momonosuke still flapped in the air but continued to fall.This time, Satoru didn't just watch but gave Momonosuke a little encouragement."If you can't fly this time, you'll stay here with me forever!"This "encouragement" seemed to possess immense power, instantly surging into Momonosuke's body.After a few tumbles, Momonosuke successfully flew up, desperately soaring upwards.Satoru nodded. This guy actually had talent; he just didn't practice and only worried unnecessarily.But now that he had learned it himself, it was still acceptable.Raising his hand, Satoru punched through the ceiling... In the research lab.Zoro and Tashigi versus Monet.But Zoro naturally disdained fighting one opponent with Tashigi.If it were a Shichibukai or a Four Emperorsopponent, then fine, but Monet was not.Zoro told Tashigi to leave with Sanji and the others.But Tashigi wouldn't go. Even when Zoro said she was in the way, she wouldn't leave, letting Zorothink whatever he wanted."So, it's my freedom to take care of you first, you female Marine?!"Zoro drew his sword.But Tashigi confidently stated, "You can't do it.""You can't swing your sword at me, nor at that woman."This was why Tashigi felt she absolutely had to stay.Just like in Loguetown, Zoro hadn't swung his sword at Tashigi.But Zoro declared, "Don't jump to conclusions about me!!"Monet looked smug. "I thought so too. Indeed..."Tashigi glared at Zoro, pouting. "You assume women are weak and act perfunctorily in battle!""For someone who refuses to kill, while you won't lose, you also can't win!!""That's why I've decided to stay here!""If my subordinates were chased by this Logia-typeability user, the consequences would be unimaginable."Zoro felt underestimated. "Is this guy looking down on me?"Tashigi didn't hesitate. "Yes."But since Tashigi was so persistent, and Zorowouldn't team up with her against Monet, Zorosimply went to the wall and leaned against it."Suit yourself.""You think I can't win, but you'd better be able to, otherwise you have no right to criticize others."
Chapter 876: The [Despair] Originating From the Unstoppable Feeling in the HeartThe battle inside the Research Institute C Area Laboratory.With Tashigi staying behind, she became the one fighting Monet.She believed Zoro could not win because he thought women were weak and would not draw his sword against them. Therefore, she stayed to stop Monet, preventing her from pursuing her subordinates.That was the reason, but whether that was the only reason remains unknown.Zoro granted her wish. If you want to fight, go ahead and fight. He simply sat down against the wall."You think I can't win. You had better succeed yourself, or you have no right to criticize others."Looking at the young woman before him, her face was so similar to the one he knew in his childhood.But Zoro knew it wasn't her; they were two different people. Although their personalities were similar, if Kuina were alive today, her swordsmanship wouldn't be this poor.Tashigi:...Just as I expected. Although Tashigi also mastered Armament Haki, a Logia-type Devil Fruit user's Elementalization makes their body irregular.Taking Monet as an example, she was currently in a snow-form state in front of Tashigi, but only her upper body was solid; her lower body was purely snow. Therefore, even if Tashigi's sword was covered in Armament Haki, cutting Monet's lower body would only cut snow, doing zero damage to Monet.Monet bit Tashigi's shoulder. Tashigi didn't use this chance to escape; instead, she hugged Monettightly.She knew that if she let go of Monet, her shoulder would be directly torn off by Monet.Seeing this, Monet declared, "Even if you don't let go, I can still bite you to pieces!"But just as Monet exerted force and Tashigi cried out in pain,a blade swept across Monet's face, leaving a bloody mark.The pain and shock caused Monet to release her mouth.Tashigi collapsed onto the snow, her legs weak, clutching the wound on her shoulder.Monet wiped the injury on her face with her wing. She was confused. Didn't they say this man wouldn't strike a woman?Yet that strike just now... carried absolute killing intent!!Zoro lost one eye during the two years, and a distinct vertical scar was visible on it. Only Zoro, the attacker, and any onlookers knew who inflicted it.And now, his one-eyed appearance, coupled with the faintly visible veins on his forehead and a slight smile, made him look... extremely dangerous!"You truly underestimated me, Snow Woman.""When you realized you couldn't beat me, you should have hurried up and run away.""Because I don't draw my sword against just anyone, but...""Have you ever encountered or heard of a 'ferocious beast' that promises it will absolutely never bite?!""I certainly haven't!"Drawing the sword.Charging.Zoro approached, but even though Monet could clearly see him and knew exactly what was happening, she couldn't move an inch.The aura of death held her back, telling her that no matter where she fled, she couldn't avoid this strike!!Monet felt as if the Grim Reaper had reached out and gripped her tightly, preventing her from moving even slightly. In her despair, the blade arrived before her, then vanished just as quickly."One Sword Style: Great Dragon Shock!!"Zoro stood gripping his sword with both hands, positioned behind Monet in a bent-over, downward-slashing posture.And Monet, behind him, the Monet who had been struck by the blade, was now perfectly and symmetrically split in two. Even with her face divided, the shock and terror were visible on it.At the same time, the ground cracked open in front of Monet. With a bang, a hole burst open, and Momonosuke, in his dragon form, flew out of it, witnessing up close the sight of Monet being completely sliced open.Another visual trauma. "Oh my God!!!"Before he could finish his "God," Satoru grabbed his dragon tail, swung him around three times in a full circle, and threw him toward Zoro, who had just sheathed his sword, passing right through the gap where Monet had been split.Seeing a small dragon flying toward him, Zorocasually swatted it away."What is that thing?"Momonosuke, having been swatted, tumbled onto the snow, seeing stars.Zoro then noticed Satoru, who was strangely dressed. Although his hair was loose, Zororecognized him instantly as Satoru."Bai..."Zoro was about to speak, but Satoru raised a finger to his lips."Shh.""..."Satoru took off his lab coat, throwing it down the hole beside his feet. He was only wearing his shorts, naked from the waist up.Zoro was perplexed, and Tashigi on the side was also confused.Then they watched as Satoru waved his hand and instantly melted into a puddle of water on the ground, blending into the snow, as if he had never been there.Zoro and Tashigi were speechless."..."Zoro knew this Satoru was just a clone.Tashigi also understood that Satoru's abilities were bizarre; after all, the report submitted to headquarters during the Alabasta incident"Satoruis everywhere"had been written by her... With Satoru's interlude over,Tashigi finally remembered her shock that Zoro had actually cut her. So, he could cut women."Are... are you messing with me?!"But then Monet spoke again. Although she had been symmetrically split, she wasn't dead. There were only two possibilities.One, Zoro didn't use Armament Haki.Two, Monet reacted quickly before Zoro's strike landed and solidified half of her body, meaning being cut wouldn't matter. But clearly, she didn't possess that level of skill."Huh!! You're still alive!""Could it be! He didn't use Haki!"Tashigi looked at Zoro and exclaimed in shock.Monet was furious and tried to merge her split body halves, which shouldn't be difficult for a Logia-typeuser. However, not only did they fail to merge, but she stumbled and fell, surprising even Monetherself.Tashigi, however, saw through the reason.Monet was angry, an anger that surpassed her fear.But her body remained terrified.The fact was, if Zoro had used Haki in that strike, Monet would have undoubtedly died. This was an indisputable reality.This was what was called an overwhelming victory, except Monet was the one being overwhelmed. It was like the despair of a rabbit facing a lionno matter what she did, she couldn't win. It stemmed from the [Despair] she couldn't suppress in her heart.Imagine a fight between two people, one holding a pistol and the other holding a water squirt gun. Monet's current psychological state was identical to the person holding the water squirt gun.Monet had already lost. Even if she didn't admit it, and even if she was furious, she had lost."I'm going to... kill you!!"Monet stumbled toward Zoro, still split. She placed the solid half of her body completely on one side, stepped down with the other, and slowly regenerated the solid side to become whole.Zoro watched Monet return to her complete form and saw her bared fangs, yet he showed no intention of drawing his sword. He only saw the pitiful struggle of a confused person unwilling to accept reality.Just as Monet was about to bite down,Tashigi intervened, slicing across Monet's abdomen."Cutting Seasonal Rain!"Monet collapsed completely, merely having fainted.Tashigi sheathed her sword and declared, "You've lost."She looked at Zoro, then added, "You lost to him!"