Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Water 7 is a city uniquely constructed on water, featuring an intricate network of waterways that handle most of the city's transport needs. This setup has led to the development of a unique mode of transportation exclusive to Water 7.
At this time, Luffy, Merry, Bai Ye, Usopp, and Granny Kokoro found themselves in front of a Rental Bull Shop. Perhaps due to the effects of Bai Ye's spirit wine, Granny Kokoro was a bit unsteady on her feet but still managed to explain the local customs and transport options to everyone.
"I'm sorry, Mister, I want to rent a bull," Luffy announced to the shop owner.
The bespectacled man behind the counter responded energetically without looking up, "Welcome, how many of you are there?"
Luffy counted quickly, "Five!"
The man adjusted his glasses, "Ah, then you'll need at least four bulls. We have Yagara Bulls, Rabuka Bulls, and King Bulls here." He continued to prepare the necessary equipment, "For five people, three Yagara Bulls should be enough."
Luffy, misunderstanding, said hopefully, "Uncle, please make sure they're cooked really well."
Usopp, horrified by Luffy's misunderstanding, corrected him with a dismayed expression, "Idiot? Luffy!! He said we are renting them, not eating them!"
Luffy looked genuinely confused, "Ah? Is that so?!"
The shop owner chuckled, realizing the mix-up, "Oh! You are the Straw Hat pirates. Hahaha, no wonder you don't know about our bulls. Let me explain then."
He then proceeded to give a thorough introduction to the different types of bulls and how to ride them. His enthusiasm was palpable as he prepared some of the best bulls in the shop for their journey.
Upon learning that their destination was the Galley-La Company, the friendly shop owner even provided them with a map and carefully pointed out the best route to take.
As they began their journey through the city, Merry, nestled in Bai Ye's arms, commented, "That mister was really nice."
Usopp, who was helping to steady a tipsy Granny Kokoro, burst into laughter, "Hahahaha, it must be because he's heard of the great Sniper King Usopp."
Bai Ye chimed in, reflecting on their interaction with the shop owner, "On one hand, it's because our deeds are widely known, and on the other hand—" He paused thoughtfully before adding, "It's because the people in this city are incredibly open and friendly."
He recalled a notable moment from original story. When Luffy, Usopp, and Nami were riding on a bull, a man actually opened his window and invited Nami to have dinner. Then, he was swiftly dragged back into the house by his wife... It's quite a memorable scene that really shows the lively, open spirit of this city.
While the others discussed these cultural quirks, Luffy was oblivious to the conversation, completely engrossed in the experience of riding the bull. "Hahaha!!" he laughed joyously, thoroughly enjoying the ride through the bustling city.
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On the bustling commercial streets of Water 7, Chopper, in his reindeer form, eyed the masked crowds with curiosity. "That's strange, why do people on the street wear masks, Robin?" he asked.
Robin, walking beside him, explained, "People here should be celebrating a carnival these days. That's probably why they're wearing masks."
"Huh? How did you know that?" Chopper asked, his eyes wide with surprise.
"I heard it from people on the road," Robin answered simply.
"Robin is great!!" Chopper exclaimed, impressed by her knowledge.
"It's my habit," Robin replied calmly. "Because I've needed to watch people's faces all my life since I was a child, I've learned to listen carefully..."
"Robin..." Chopper's voice softened. As someone once viewed as a monster himself, he felt a kinship in that moment.
Just then, Robin pointed ahead and said, "Look, Chopper, there's a bookstore over there."
"Really?" Chopper's ears perked up at the mention of a bookstore. "Let's go in and take a look?"
"Of course, let's go in together," Robin responded, her smile encouraging.
Whoosh—Chopper couldn't contain his excitement and bolted towards the bookstore, while Robin followed with a gentle smile.
As they moved, a tall figure in a black cloak and mask brushed past Robin. When they were closest, the masked man whispered, "Nico Robin, I'm CP9..."
Though the rest of his words were muffled, Robin's expression turned grave upon hearing them. She stopped dead in her tracks, her face clouding with unease.
First, she glanced ahead; Chopper had already disappeared into the bookstore. Then, turning back to the masked man who was now walking away, she mulled over his words.
After a moment, Robin made her decision and followed the masked man discreetly, activating a hidden talisman.
The masked man led Robin on a meandering path, seemingly cautious of her crewmates or perhaps other reasons. After a while, he finally stopped, allowing Robin to catch up, her mind racing with thoughts of what his intentions might be.
At this moment, Robin and the masked man found themselves in a secluded corner of Water 7. They stood on a narrow path, just wide enough for one person, with a small two-story house on Robin's right and the vast sea directly to her left. Robin surmised that they were at the edge of the city, a strategic location that seemed designed to prevent her escape.
The masked man faced Robin and began to speak in a detached tone, "Nico Robin, the sole survivor of the O'Hara incident, you possess the ability to translate and write ancient texts." His words effortlessly unearthed Robin's painful past. "You must be no stranger to the Buster Call."
Hearing her past invoked so bluntly, Robin felt a familiar pang of emotion. Just as she was about to question the masked man's intentions, he continued emotionlessly, "CP9 has obtained the authorization to launch the Buster Call against the Straw Hats."
"Buster Call!" Robin exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm and disbelief.
"Why?" Robin's mind raced. She had survived a Buster Call and knew its devastating consequences all too well. It was a dire military maneuver used by the World Government to execute indiscriminate and destructive attacks. Authorized directly by the Navy Headquarters, it involved mobilizing five Vice-Admirals and ten warships to obliterate everything at the targeted location—regardless of innocence or guilt.
Robin struggled to comprehend how such extreme measures could be justified against her and her companions. Luffy, despite his high bounty of 150 million, could not alone warrant such an extreme response.
The masked man's words cut through her thoughts, "The Buster Call is employed to eliminate any threat to the World Government's rule." His next words carried an even graver implication, "So, by joining the Straw Hat Pirates, you've given the World Government grounds to use the Buster Call against them."