"Enies Lobby?"
"And CP9?"
At this moment, as the sky showed its image, nobles and commoners around the world were left bewildered.
Not because of shock, but due to a lingering sense of doubt.
Enies Lobby, they knew, was the Navy's trial ground.
But what is CP9?
However, those in the know, such as the Marine headquarters, the Yonko, and the Revolutionary Army, were struck with astonishment.
These two places held significant importance...
Enies Lobby is a place of judgment directly under the World Government, acting in accordance with the World Government's will!
Once anyone is escorted to Enies Lobby, they are deemed a prisoner!
This tradition has remained unchanged for the past 800 years.
All those found guilty are led to the massive, cold iron gate in the rear, symbolizing the absolute justice of the World Government!
It is because of this great importance that Enies Lobby is a vital area for the World Government.
It not only connects to the World Government's core but also houses a substantial military presence!
The Marine stationed there numbers in the tens of thousands, a truly formidable force!
And yet, the Straw Hat kid dared to venture there?
To challenge them?
Unbelievable...
At this moment, the Marine headquarters erupted with commotion.
Even Garp, renowned for his calm demeanor, had his mouth twitching, and his eyes widened.
The perplexed expression on the face of the Fleet Admiral went unnoticed as he glanced at Garp and sighed.
"Your grandson... What a daredevil!"
As for CP9, there's no need for further explanation.
They are an organization of operatives directly under the World Government's banner, personally trained.
Engaged in various clandestine activities, all of which are aimed at world criminal organizations that seriously threaten the World Government's authority!
Such as... the Revolutionary Army!
Raised as orphans.
As operatives nurtured by the World Government, they were adopted from all corners of the globe and subjected to rigorous training surpassing the limits of ordinary individuals, resulting in their extraordinary strength.
To the World Government, they are loyal subordinates and sharp swords!
But for those outside...
They are the silent assassins, the most merciless enforcers!
Others may not comprehend, but for high-ranking Marine officers like the Three Admirals and Garp, they are more than familiar.
Even if they haven't encountered them, they've heard their names countless times...
For this group of individuals, be it the Three Admirals or Garp, they can only be described in one word...
Formidable!
"How did they end up at Enies Lobby?"
"How did they come into conflict with CP9!?"
Garp's stare was filled with incredulity.
This is the World Government's organization, and his grandson typically mingles with pirates.
Even if he turns a blind eye, it's limited to mischief, not taking on the World Government itself.
How did he get entangled with the World Government's operatives?
If this matter attracts the World Government's attention, it will lead to trouble!
Although... Garp cares little for it.
But in this role, he must maintain a facade.
After all, he's still a Marine officer...
Facing Garp's queries, Sengoku was even more flabbergasted, and his thoughts grew more complicated.
Dammit...
Why is it that your grandson and you're actually asking me the reverse questions?
"Garp, your grandson's in a tight spot..."
"Let's not even consider the repercussions of him going to Enies Lobby and opposing CP9."
"As far as I know, there's someone within this generation of CP9 who's a real headache and is hailed as the most flawless operative cultivated by CP9 in eight hundred years!"
"From the very beginning, they displayed incredible talent, a ruthless disposition, and a heart of ice!"
"They're also known as... the World Government's Strongest Assassin!"
Garp was taken aback when he heard this, then asked with a hint of uncertainty, "You mean..."
Sengoku nodded, "That's right, the one who ate the Leopard-Leopard Fruit, Model: Cheetah... Lucci!"
In the uncharted seas...
At this time, on a small boat, a cloaked dragon sat at its helm, steadily heading toward the Revolutionary Army's location.
Beside him, there lay an unconscious man.
It was Enel...
As he gazed at the sky, Dragon's expression grew increasingly solemn.
As the leader of the Revolutionary Army, he understood well the significance of CP9.
Particularly, the one who possessed the Cheetah-Cheetah Fruit, Model: Leopard... Their strength was truly remarkable!
Compared to the Enel before him...
In a certain sense, far more menacing!
"Luffy, you rascal."
Dragon chuckled and sighed, realizing that his son had a knack for getting into predicaments. Dealing with enemies truly required a different kind of wit.
First the Thriller Bark incident, and then the situation on the Sky Island...
And now, it's an encounter with the World Government's secret operatives.
Simply unstoppable...
However, this time, Dragon refrained from intervening to help Luffy out of trouble.
He knew CP9's strength wasn't to be taken lightly, but compared to dealing with Enel, the threat was considerably less significant.
After all, individuals like Enel, if it weren't for Luffy's specific abilities, the outcome would be predictably one-sided.
This time, Luffy... had to stand on his own two feet.
To grow strong, one must face adversity and conquer formidable foes.
Dragon believed that his son... would emerge victorious in this battle, and moreover...
How cool is it to challenge Enies Lobby, a place that represents the face of the World Government?
In Syrup Village...
"CP9?"
"What's that?"
At this time, Luffy and his companions had just landed on the shore. As soon as they looked up, they spotted the picture in the sky.
"CP9. I'm not sure."
"But isn't Enies Lobby the World Government's trial ground?"
"Where are we actually heading?"
Nami questioned with an incredulous expression.
However, upon hearing this, Luffy became excited.
"Oh!"
"The World Government's judgment place should be interesting, right?"
Nami suddenly had a vein popping on her forehead. "Have you grasped the situation? That's a highly important location for the World Government!"
"If we go there, we'll provoke the World Government, and you know how serious the consequences can be."
"Moreover, CP9, just hearing their name, I sense they're not a simple organization..."
But Luffy paid no attention to Nami.
And Zoro, standing nearby, appeared indifferent, as if he cared little for these matters.
The two of them left Nami feeling utterly exasperated.
"Why did I ever board this ship? It feels like we're straying farther and farther from our original path of not offending the world..."
Shortly after, Luffy directly grabbed Nami and ran off.
"Let's go; Usopp is still waiting for us!"
After some time, the three of them reached the village of Syrup.
However, as soon as they entered, whether it was Luffy, Zoro, or Nami, their expressions changed slightly.
There was a clear reason for this, namely, the village was eerily deserted; there wasn't a soul in sight.
Even on the streets, near the houses, on tree trunks, and even the ground, they saw signs of a battle as if a fierce conflict had occurred not long ago.
"This... this..."
Nami's face gradually turned pale with fear.
Zoro and Luffy's expressions grew somber and grave.
All three of them knew that there was an enemy in Usopp's hometown known as the Black Cat Pirates.
Since they had seen the picture, it was safe to assume that the pirates must have seen it too.
Moreover, the ship's captain was posing as a butler for a wealthy family in this village. Could it be that they had already taken the initiative and harmed the villagers?
Nami dared not think further, and instinctively covered her mouth.
Had they arrived a step too late?
"Zoro, Nami, let's go inside and investigate!"
"Alright!"
Zoro and Luffy walked straight into the village.
However, when they reached Kaya's house, they were left in awe.
Four people were hanging on a large tree trunk in front of the door at this moment...
Chouchou, with her slender figure and sharp cat claws, Merry with her colorful eyes, and two pirates, one portly and one skinny...
Weren't these four individuals members of the Black Cat Pirates who first attacked Usopp?
At this moment, all four of them hung unconscious on the tree, their faces swollen and battered, evidently subjected to a severe thrashing not long ago.
They looked utterly miserable and pitiful!
"What's going on here?"
Nami was bewildered.
Zoro and Luffy were equally puzzled.
However, at that moment, a voice emanated from not far away...
"I expected it would take you at least three days to get here, but now..."
"Sooner than I thought."
Luffy and the others turned towards the voice and were instantly stunned...
Because the person before them was none other than Nico Robin!
And behind her, a trembling long-nosed figure.
At that moment, Luffy, Zoro, and Nami were overwhelmed with excitement.
"Robin?"
"Usopp!"
**********
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