That's right, Chopper is by the port!
Starting from Drum Island, he naturally arrived here before Luffy and the others.
To ensure Luffy could find him, Chopper decided to practice medicine directly in the port, treating passers-by for simple injuries.
After all, CP9 had been causing trouble in Water 7. Many people, including innocent bystanders, were injured on the way to find Franky.
"Chopper!"
Upon landing, Luffy and the others quickly greeted Chopper. When Chopper saw them, he instantly burst into tears and ran towards them.
From Chopper's account, Luffy and the others learned about the current situation in Water 7.
Chopper had just arrived less than an hour ago. In that short time, he not only healed countless passers-by but also gathered a lot of information.
Since CP9 was exposed, they abandoned all pretense, arresting everyone from the shipbuilding company, including Franky's senior brother, Iceburg.
French, who had been hiding in the shadows, was exposed when Lucci threatened Iceburg and his brothers. Franky went out in response, but his current whereabouts were unknown.
The CP9 members were likely still at the shipbuilding company, waiting for Luffy and the others to arrive.
Hearing Chopper's words, Nami and the others fell into deep thought.
"Chopper, you shouldn't be treating people in the port."
"Huh?"
Chopper was stunned. Nami explained, "Now that CP9 controls the entire Water 7 is within their reach and your presence is known to the whole world. You might be exposed as soon as you appear."
"If my guess is correct, whether they're hiding nearby or on their way here, we need to be cautious."
"We don't have much time to act, Chopper. I'm prepared to set up traps along the way!" Usopp added.
Chopper was completely caught off guard. He hadn't considered this problem.
Luckily, he had only been there for less than an hour. If he had arrived earlier, he might have been captured alive.
However, Luffy wasn't concerned. He clenched his fists and said, "Even if they discover us right away, I'll send them flying!"
"They came to us, and we'll find them first..."
However, that's just a glimpse into the future. Today, Luffy is embarking on his journey to the sea, even if rewards come one after another.
He may be a novice pirate, but CP9's previous failure was largely due to underestimating the enemy. This time, they've learned from their mistakes, and dealing with them will be more challenging.
The concern of Sengoku lies in whether the World Government can control CP9 when they cause harm to civilians on a large scale. Acting covertly would be fine under normal circumstances, but the entire world is now focused on Water 7.
If civilians are harmed there, it won't just affect the World Government but the entire Marine's reputation.
"Damn, we can't get a visual of Water 7 at all!"
"Now we can only rely on the Marine stationed there to use the Den Den Mushi to keep us informed."
Garp looked nervous. "Luffy, he might already be in Water 7. I hope he can handle them like in the picture!"
Sengoku: "..."
You're also a Marine officer; focus on your duties and stop worrying about your grandson!
Revolutionaries!
Sabo and other Revolutionary Army cadres were aware of Luffy's journey to Water 7. Several expressed their concerns.
"Can Luffy and his crew really take on CP9?"
"After all, he's the Chief's son. If something happens, the Chief will be devastated."
"He's impulsive. Even with rewards, he should avoid direct conflict for now and gain experience first."
"But not caring about his partners wouldn't be like Luffy..."
"Should we send our people to check? I recall we have a few cadres hidden near Water 7. They might be able to assist Luffy and his crew."
Just as Sabo was discussing with the commanders of the five major armies, a sudden voice interrupted.
"No need. I'm confident Luffy will succeed!"
All eyes turned to the speaker—Dragon!
He was still draped in a dark green cloak, carrying Enel, the Thunder Fruit user, like a defeated chicken boy.
Witnessing this, others were astonished...
The god of Skypiea, Enel, was defeated by their own leader after consuming the Thunder Fruit, and brought to the headquarters!
"Chief, are you sure we shouldn't help Luffy?"
Sabo asked anxiously.
Dragon slowly shook his head. "No need. He's my son, and I trust him."
"Just have our people there observe from the shadows and report any news back promptly..."
Whitebeard Pirates!
"Luffy..."
Ace's gaze shifted towards Water 7, his expression somewhat stunned.
Now that the live broadcast screen was no longer available, he was completely unaware of Luffy's current situation.
All he knew was that when Luffy had last spoken, Luffy had been preparing to head to Water 7.
As an older brother, Ace couldn't help but feel worried.
However, the distance between their location and Water 7 was too vast, making it impossible for them to intervene. All they could do was silently hope for Luffy's success.
"Ace, don't worry."
The white-bearded man at the helm spoke, attempting to reassure him.
"I've reached out to an old friend over there who will update us on the Straw Hat's battle against CP9."
"As his older brother, do you not believe that your younger brother will emerge victorious in this conflict?"
"After all, he has already defeated CP9 once..."
Observing the slight smile on Whitebeard's face, Ace couldn't help but smile in return.
"Of course, I believe in Luffy..."
Among the Red-Haired Pirates...
"Captain, should we head over and see for ourselves?"
"After all, we're relatively close to Water 7 and could arrive within a day."
Beckman inquired.
However, Shanks shook his head slowly, "Their battle will be resolved in a day, and by the time we arrive, it might be concluded."
"I have faith that Luffy will emerge victorious; there's no doubt about it!"
"So, let's patiently wait here for good news, hahaha..."
Shanks' hearty laughter resonated, spreading joy among the crew members.
Indeed, Luffy had defeated Lucci once before; what cause for concern remained?
Moreover, the Straw Hat Pirates had reaped the rewards from numerous questions, with many crew members significantly enhancing their strength.
Surely, they could handle CP9 with ease.
It was just regrettable that they couldn't witness such a magnificent battle.
Numerous forces were keeping a watchful eye on Luffy and Lucci's confrontation.
Although they couldn't witness every detail, one thing was certain...
They all relied on their connections, eagerly awaiting updates via the Den Den Mushi regarding the course of the battle.
Despite Luffy's prior victory, he was still not universally favored.
After all, CP9's defeat was attributed to underestimation.
A small faction staunchly believed in Luffy, confident in his inevitable triumph...
In Water 7, just as Nami had anticipated!
In a matter of minutes, Luffy and his companions hadn't even left the street when CP9 emerged at the end of the road.
Dressed in black suits and exuding a dangerous aura, the likes of Lucci, Kalifa, Kaku, Blueno, Kumadori, and Fukuro stood there.
Their appearance caused the few pedestrians on the street to scatter in fear.
Within moments, the road was deserted, leaving only Luffy's group and CP9.
"No need for pleasantries, Straw Hat Kid!"
"You may have defeated me once, even if that event lies in the future and has yet to transpire!"
"But it remains a stain on my record. Today, I will defeat you honorably, leaving no room for excuses. I want you to grasp the gap between us!"
"Let's begin..."
Lucci declared with a stern expression, addressing Luffy.
Immediately, he activated his Devil Fruit ability.
In an instant, his size increased rapidly, transforming him into a formidable leopard chief.
Luffy tightened his fists, knuckles audibly cracking.
"Oh! Your sentiments align perfectly with mine!"
"In the future, I'll defeat you once, and now..."
"I can still knock you down!"
The atmosphere grew tense. A grand battle was about to commence...
**********
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