Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Ace gazed at Luffy with a smile filled with high expectations, playfully teasing him, "Next time, do not cry this much, hahahaha!" Luffy, instead of getting annoyed by Ace's laughter, nodded earnestly in agreement. "Um!" he affirmed with determination.
Luffy's gaze shifted from the large white cocoon to the gloves that Bai Ye had given him. Clenching his fists, he looked up at Ace, his eyes resolute and unwavering. "Absolutely, absolutely will not let others get hurt again because of me!" he declared. "I want to be the strongest and also protect whatever I want!!"
Ace responded with a thumbs-up gesture, acknowledging Luffy's resolve. It was time for Ace to leave, as he was still on the trail of a traitor who had killed a member of his crew. Before departing, he handed a special item to Luffy. "This is a Vivre Card. It's completely waterproof and fireproof, though it can be torn. The torn pieces will point to and move towards each other no matter where they are in the world, allowing one to always be able to tell which direction the other person is in."
After explaining the significance and function of the Vivre Card, Ace gave his piece to Luffy as a parting gift and a means to stay connected. With that, he bid farewell to everyone and left, continuing his own journey with the assurance that his brother Luffy was on a steadfast path, surrounded by loyal friends and crew.
-----
In the Navy Headquarters, in Sengoku's office, a thunderous roar of anger echoed. Sengoku, the one responsible for the outburst, had just ended a phone call with Smoker. The news he received about the recent events involving the Straw Hat Pirates had left him extremely frustrated and displeased.
THUMP! In a fit of fury, Sengoku slammed his open fist onto the table. "Bastard Garp!!" he bellowed, as he stormed towards Garp, who was asleep in his office. The intensity of Sengoku's anger was enough to startle Garp awake. "Huh? Sengoku, are you crazy?" Garp exclaimed, taken aback by his colleague's sudden outburst.
Sengoku's voice, loud and filled with fury, reverberated throughout Marineford. "Your grandson did a good job!! Very good..." he shouted, and then, in an unprecedented move, he jumped on Garp. Garp, caught off guard, could only exclaim, "Big Buddha!!"
That day, the news that the Fleet Admiral of the Navy had physically assaulted the naval hero Garp became the subject of much discussion among the navy soldiers and even some higher-ups. It was a rare and shocking incident that would be talked about for some time.
Also on that day, Smoker received an order from the Admiral of the Navy. He was instructed to take Stainless, who was now incapacitated, to a secret location. Smoker initially resisted, expressing his desire to continue pursuing the Straw Hat Pirates. However, his objections were met with a harsh reprimand from Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
After scolding him, Sengoku explained that the Straw Hats must have already left Alabasta. He reasoned that no one would stay in the same place after having crippled a Vice Admiral. Smoker, left with no choice but to comply, had to abandon his pursuit of the Straw Hats and focus on the new orders regarding Stainless.
-----
In the palace of Alabasta, Luffy was feeling content after enjoying his first meal since arriving in the kingdom. "Ah, I'm so full!" he exclaimed with a satisfied pat on his stomach. His attention then turned to the big cocoon that had been beside him since its transformation. Luffy, ever concerned about his friends, turned to Chopper with a sympathetic expression. "Bai Ye can't eat, will he be hungry?" he asked. "Chopper, can you make Bai Ye eat?"
Chopper, visibly exasperated by Luffy's suggestion, replied with a hint of frustration, "Luffy, no, we cannot do anything to him right now." Luffy, still not quite understanding, wondered, "Eh? Maybe some meat??" Chopper firmly responded, "We can't!! Forget about it."
It was Nami who eventually steered the conversation back on track. "Okay, everyone, let's talk about the next action," she said, gathering everyone's attention. "No one knows the current situation of Bai Ye, and I don't know if there will be a big change in the future. So the most important thing now is to resolve the matter in Alabasta as soon as possible, and then return to the Drum Island to find Doctor Kureha for help."
Luffy and the others had no intention of leaving Alabasta just yet. They planned to find someone to help them with Bai Ye's situation after solving the current issues in Alabasta. According to Chopper's assessment, although the reason for Bai Ye's transformation into a cocoon was unclear, his condition appeared stable. Moreover, the crew had promised Vivi to help with her country's troubles. After their long journey together, they had come to regard Vivi as a friend and were committed to fulfilling their promise. What had been promised would naturally be done.
The Straw Hat crew, while discussing their next steps, couldn't help but feel that Crocodile was to blame for Bai Ye's current predicament. They reasoned that if it weren't for Crocodile's actions, their journey might not have led them through Alabasta. Furthermore, Crocodile's scheming, which incited rebellion in the kingdom, was likely the reason why such a high-ranking navy officer was sent after them. In their eyes, it all traced back to Crocodile.
During this time, Nami took the lead in clearly analyzing the situation for everyone. As she spoke, her thoughts inadvertently drifted to Bai Ye. She remembered how, in times of crisis, Bai Ye would always step forward to take charge. He would quickly and efficiently explain the situation and organize the next course of action. His confidence and calmness had been a stabilizing force, guiding them through each challenge.
Only now did Nami truly realize how much Bai Ye had contributed to their team. She wasn't the only one who felt this way; even Chopper, who had recently joined the crew, sensed a significant loss. They had all become accustomed to Bai Ye's presence and leadership.
This realization brought to light another important issue: without Bai Ye, who would be able to keep Luffy in check? Bai Ye's absence left a noticeable void.
In the midst of the group's silence, Luffy, with a lowered straw hat, stood up. He looked around at everyone and declared, "Then, let's follow Bai Ye's plan." Vivi, along with the others, couldn't believe what they were hearing. They were accustomed to Luffy's impulsive nature, expecting him to shout something like "I want to punch Crocodile" and charge out. However, Luffy's response was unexpectedly thoughtful.
Seeing the surprised expressions on everyone's faces, Luffy grinned and explained, "After a long journey, we have come to this point because of Bai Ye's plans." He patted the cocoon beside him, as if to reassure Bai Ye himself. "Bai Ye is asleep now, but his plan cannot be left behind. After all, he's our crew mate, isn't he?"
Luffy's words and the confidence in his smile left everyone momentarily speechless. Zoro's mouth curled into a smirk, his hand resting on his three swords. "Luffy, never thought I'd hear that from you" he said. "I fought with that female navy before, but I failed to defeat her in time, so let's correct it with a new fight."
Sanji lit a cigarette and took a deep breath, commenting, "Finally you talk like a captain, Luffy." Nami, Usopp, and Chopper looked at Luffy admiringly. "Give the order, Captain," Usopp urged.
"I don't know why, but now Luffy is so cool!" Chopper added.
Vivi, inspired by the crew's determination, stood up and declared, "I assure you as the Princess of Alabasta, we will fully cooperate with you to complete the plan."
Luffy, encouraged by everyone's support, clapped his hands together confidently. "GOOD!!! But first of all, what is the plan?" he asked.
Zoro: "..."
Sanji: "..."
Everyone: "..."
At Luffy's question, a moment of awkward silence fell over Zoro, Sanji, Nami, and the others, as they realized the plan's details were still a mystery to their captain. Their expressions said it all – a mix of bemusement and resignation at Luffy's typical, uninformed enthusiasm.
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