Luffy and his three companions gazed in astonishment. They never expected to find Nico Robin here.
"Robin, how could you..."
However, Robin, who sat perched in a tree, offered a gentle smile.
"Let's go. I'll explain everything."
It turned out that ever since the live broadcast began, Robin had seen her joining the Straw Hat Pirates as her destiny. She had sensed the impending betrayal.
Betrayal...
Since the destruction of Ohara, she had been under the Navy's watchful eye, her life marginally safer under the protection of Crocodile. However, she knew their relationship was one of mutual convenience.
Constantly hiding was not a sustainable strategy. Moreover, the live broadcast had made it clear she couldn't stay there any longer.
The best place to be was where they would eventually meet the Straw Hat Pirates.
Robin was aware of the windmill village as a possible destination, but she knew Luffy wouldn't stay there quietly. He would certainly set sail to find his friends.
Therefore, rather than heading to the likely vacant windmill village, she chose to go to the hometowns of the other Straw Hat Pirates and wait.
She deduced their locations from their home villages.
Luffy's likely first destination was Orange Town, while Usopp was in danger similar to Nami's. Luffy and the others wouldn't be able to rush to Syrup Village immediately.
So, Robin made a non-stop journey and, fortunately, arrived here by noon.
She encountered the Black Cat Pirates, revealing her true intentions without hesitation. She planned to protect the entire village of Syrup and secure the assets of the Kaya family.
Though Usopp fought valiantly to protect Kaya, he was now weak and battered, his face swollen. Despite his fear, he refused to back down.
Seeing Usopp's unwavering resolve, Robin couldn't help but admire him and watched from the shadows before taking action.
Robin's strength spoke for itself. Subduing the Black Cat Pirates, who had bounties of more than 10 million Beli each, was a walk in the park.
Usopp recognized Robin as well, and from that point on, everything unfolded as it should.
Upon hearing this, Luffy and the others remained silent, while Usopp exploded with anger.
"You've been here for a while?"
"And you just watched me get beaten up without intervening!"
To this, Robin smiled and replied, "Well, you were displaying your heroism by protecting Kaya, and I was captivated by your charm."
Usopp fumed, feeling helpless against Robin's wit.
Robin turned her gaze to Luffy, still smiling. "Since I've subdued the Black Cat Pirates, the villagers here feel safer, thanks to Miss Kaya. They're having a celebration in her villa's backyard."
"Let's go, my new friends. Although it's our first meeting..."
"From this day forward, I'll always be with you."
The sky above began displaying the next scene. The battle ranked eighth had begun!
[After Luffy and his crew had resolved their issues with Enel, they made their way to the Water 7...]
[This was the most prominent area for shipbuilding, attracting the attention of marines and pirates from all corners of the world.]
[Meanwhile, one of the Straw Hat Pirates' companions hailed from this place: Franky!]
[However, their initial experiences in Water 7 were far from smooth.]
[The Going Merry had been deemed beyond repair and was nearing the end of its lifespan...]
[This saddened everyone under Luffy's leadership.]
[After all, the Going Merry had been not just their ship but also their comrade. Now, it could no longer accompany them on their adventures.]
[Yet, Straw Hat Pirates were different; despite the heaviness in their hearts and occasional conflicts among themselves, they knew they had to move forward.]
[They had lost a companion but had also gained another: Water 7's, Franky!]
During this time, Franky remained a rogue-like figure. He not only had a large number of younger brothers but also couldn't believe he was becoming one of the crew of pirates that he hated.
"Oh?"
"The Straw Hats have actually arrived in Water 7?"
"I'm really curious about what could convince me to join them..."
Franky was genuinely curious, and he eagerly awaited the unfolding events...
[In Water 7, in addition to the Going Merry and Franky, Luffy's crew encountered another group of individuals.]
[They were... CP9!]
[It appeared that the CP9 members had come to Water 7 on a covert mission to secure the ancient weapon, Pluto's blueprints.]
[Over the past few years, they had taken on various identities, working as shipwrights, tavern owners, or secretaries...]
[To the outside world, they appeared friendly, simple, and passionate, blending in like ordinary citizens.]
[However, when their true nature was unveiled, the facade shattered.]
[The warm, kind people vanished, replaced by a cold, ruthless CP9 focused solely on their mission.]
[Looking at Luffy and his crew, they showed only indifference and even disdain.]
[They apprehended Franky, suspected of having Pluto drawings, and Robin, a survivor from O'Hara, taking them directly to Enies Lobby.]
[Throughout this process, Robin and Franky offered no resistance, allowing CP9 to lead them into a dark abyss.]
[Why?]
[Lucci threatened Robin and Franky that if they refused to cooperate, he would deploy the Buster Call to obliterate the entire Water 7.]
[At that moment, not only the Straw Hats but the entire Water 7 would face complete destruction.]
[Robin, fully aware of the horrors of Buster Call submitted willingly, sacrificing herself for her comrades.]
[And though Franky resisted, he ultimately surrendered in the name of Water 7.]
[Under CP9's escort, they left Water 7, heading for their destination with no escape: Enies Lobby!]
As the images unfolded...
High-ranking figures across the world were taken aback!
Edward Newgate, Red-Haired Shanks, Kaido, Big Mom, Monkey D. Dragon, and countless other formidable individuals.
They were all aware of the power of Pluto, a name that sent shivers down their spines.
Pluto was one of the legendary Three Ancient Weapons, a ship of unparalleled destruction in the history of shipbuilding!
Rumors spoke of its capability to obliterate an entire island with a single shot, a power beyond imagination, a true harbinger of doom.
What no one expected was that the Straw Hat Pirates, who appeared rather ordinary, had such a significant connection.
Were they truly in possession of the Pluto blueprint?
Even if it was just a suspicion, it was enough to capture everyone's attention!
After all, the Pluto was a colossal ancient weapon from the annals of legend.
Witnessing this, Sengoku and Garp couldn't help but sigh.
"Unbelievable. The World Government actually sent CP9's agents to infiltrate Water 7 just to obtain Pluto."
"We might not even have known about it if it weren't for the live broadcast feed!"
Meanwhile, in the Water 7 capital:
Lucci, who had been working on repairing a damaged ship at the dock, came to a halt as he gazed at the images in the sky.
His eyes narrowed slightly as an unusual coldness crept across his face, a side of him rarely seen by those around.
"It appears we've been exposed."
Ever since the live feed confirmed that the eighth battle was taking place on Enies Lobby and the name CP9 had been revealed, Lucci had a sinking feeling.
Could it be that the Straw Hat Pirates had a new target in mind?
And if that were the case, would their hidden plan be brought to light?
It seemed his suspicions had been confirmed.
"In that case, there's no need for secrecy."
"Let the plan unfold."
With Lucci's command, all the CP9 agents hidden in Water 7 abandoned their covert identities and revealed their true selves.
Kaku, Rob Lucci, Kalifa, Fukurou, Jabra, and Blueno...
As they reemerged, each donned the standard CP9 black attire.
Lucci, atop his suit, was cloaked in a fur-lined coat, exuding an air of dominance.
The seven stood together, radiating an imposing presence.
Lucci's eyes, fixed on the Straw Hat Pirates in the sky, gleamed with contempt.
"Let the Straw Hats and their crew bear witness to the might of the elite organization personally cultivated by the World Government!"
"As CP9, we shall make them taste despair as they have never experienced in the first two battles..."
**********
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