Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Woo! Woo! Woo! The steam horns of the sea train echoed loudly as CP9's second sea train departed from Water 7, heading towards Enies Lobby. In the first carriage, several CP9 agents settled into their seats.
Rob Lucci, donned in a luxurious cloak over his usual sharp suit, spoke up, "How's the situation on Kaku's side?" His pigeon, perched on his shoulder, sported a matching mini cloak and appeared quite self-important.
Kalifa responded from across him, "Everything is proceeding as planned, and we're on our way to Enies Lobby. However, Franky is still not disclosing anything about the Pluton's design." Her outfit was noticeably different—a sleek black ensemble that accentuated her sexy figure.
Lucci nodded, unfazed. "That's irrelevant at the moment. Our primary goal is to deliver him to Enies Lobby. The specialists there will handle the rest."
Blueno chimed in, "Exactly. While our operations concerning the Straw Hats didn't pan out as expected, the World Government's interest ensures they'll be dealt with eventually. Our five years undercover have led to this moment."
Lucci cautioned, "Stay vigilant. The mission isn't over until we've safely reached Enies Lobby. Keep an eye on the surroundings to prevent any surprises."
With those final words, Lucci gazed out the window. The sea train had just passed the island gate of Water 7, marking their departure from the island where they had lived undercover for half a decade.
Lucci quietly picked up a glass of red wine, sipping it without any sentimental attachment. "Unfortunately, I don't have any nostalgia for this place," he murmured to himself.
Meanwhile, back at Water 7, Iceburg stood at the edge of Galley-La Company, watching the sea train speed away.
Granny Kokoro, with a drink in hand, broke the silence, "Are you worried about Franky, Iceburg Boy?"
Iceburg responded, unsure, "Is this really okay, Granny Kokoro? Not only did we not stop them, we helped them get to Enies Lobby. You know that's one of the World Government's most fortified locations, an island that has never been breached."
Despite his words, Iceburg's face didn't show much worry.
Kokoro laughed heartily, "It's a bold move indeed. But doesn't it show their deep commitment to their ship? That's a quality you shipwrights value most, isn't it? And as for reaching Enies Lobby, I believe they'll pull it off."
She took another sip of her drink, a fine spirit provided by Bai Ye, and continued watching the distant sea train. "After all, the carriage you and Franky built together holds up as well as anything Master Tom ever made."
The sea train carrying the CP9 agents was segmented into four carriages. The first hosted CP9 members Lucci, Kalifa, and Blueno. The second was occupied by a CP7 agent known for his ramen boxing skills, Jerry. In the third carriage, naval forces led by Captain T-Bone, known as the Ship-Cutter, were stationed. The final section carried several intelligence personnel from the World Government, the most populous yet least formidable group aboard.
Lucci, after giving the order to survey their surroundings, expected his subordinates to follow through diligently. Unfortunately, the intelligence personnel in the fourth carriage, accustomed to their usual power and lack of challenge, didn't take the directive seriously. They believed firmly that no trouble could arise on a World Government train en route to Enies Lobby, and only gave a cursory glance outside, completely missing the additional carriage that had attached itself to the train.
This extra carriage was bustling with activity—it was full of the Straw Hats. Inside, Nami sat puzzled, looking at Bai Ye, "I still don't get it. Going to Enies Lobby is risky enough, why are we preparing a huge feast?" She gestured towards Luffy, who was hungrily devouring meat, and Sanji, who was barbecuing with ease.
Bai Ye explained with a calm that left Nami momentarily speechless, "With Luffy's personality, if there isn't good food to distract him, he might blow our cover before we even get there. He'd be too restless."
Nami, still trying to wrap her head around their strategy, pressed on, "But our goal is to sneak into Enies Lobby and steal information quietly, right?" Bai Ye nodded in agreement, prompting Nami to continue, "Then why are we all going? Shouldn't we keep the group as small as possible for something like this?"
Nami was usually content to follow Bai Ye's well-thought-out plans without question. However, with the scale of their current mission, her sharp mind couldn't help but seek clarity on the strategy, especially with so many of them crammed into the stealth operation.
Facing Nami's question, Bai Ye responded without hesitation, "That would be ideal, but the reality is more complicated." He continued, "Enies Lobby isn't just any location; it's one of the World Government's three major strongholds, on par with Marineford and Impel Down. While it might not house top-level military forces like an admiral, it's still heavily guarded and fortified."
Bai Ye further explained, "Sneaking in undetected is virtually impossible, especially with Luffy around. Can you really imagine him not drawing attention?" He paused, letting the gravity of their challenge sink in before adding, "Moreover, once our mission there is complete, we'll need to make a quick escape. We won't have the luxury of returning to Water 7 to regroup."
In the original story, after Luffy caused a major uproar at Enies Lobby, something quite puzzling happened—the crew ended up stuck in Water 7 for an unusually long time. How long?
They were there long enough to see their new bounties. This detail always seemed unreasonable to Bai Ye when he watched the anime. It's also why he insisted on having everyone come along this time.
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