Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Enies Lobby, Impel Down, and Marineford represent the World Government's authority. In the original story, Luffy caused significant chaos at Enies Lobby, leading Usopp to shoot down the flag above the Tower of Justice and inadvertently triggering a Buster Call that devastated Enies Lobby. This event marked the first time the Straw Hats directly confronted the World Government. Their second direct challenge occurred at Sabaody Archipelago, where Luffy struck a Celestial Dragon.
Remarkably, despite these severe incidents, Luffy and his crew managed to escape significant repercussions. They even acquired the new Thousand Sunny while recuperating in Water 7—a scenario that seems almost unrealistic. At that time, Aokiji and Garp worked behind the scenes to mitigate the fallout.
Now, the situation for the Straw Hats has evolved. Before their assault on Enies Lobby, they've already become a significant irritant to the World Government. A return to Water 7 in the same brazen manner as before could potentially draw the attention of the World Government's top forces.
Hence, Bai Ye's decision to involve the entire crew in the mission made strategic sense. Before they left Water 7, Bai Ye used the time to meticulously plan and secure all necessary materials and equipment for upgrading the Golden Merry. These were procured from the Galley-La Company and stored safely away in his interior space.
Bai Ye had chosen Upper Yard as the new location for upgrading the Golden Merry. Regarding the shipwright, Bai Ye humorously considered turning Franky into a virtual shipbuilding machine by having him consume the Tun Tun Fruit, thereby maximizing efficiency.
Although Bai Ye could have used the rainbow mist to go solo to Enies Lobby and summon the crew when needed, but he dismissed this idea.
If you're curious about the reason, Bai Ye believes that being alone makes him look stupid.
After hearing Bai Ye's explanation, Nami nodded, her expression mixed with resignation and understanding: "Is that so?"
Nami was far from being a fearful person. Having consumed the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, she had grown into a formidable member of the Straw Hats. The power of the thunder fruit had greatly advanced her journey towards awakening haki, enhancing her strength significantly. Bai Ye had discovered that Nami's long struggle to awaken haki might have been influenced by her unique perspective and knowledge, a revelation that intrigued him greatly.
Pleased with her newfound abilities, Nami dedicated herself to more intense training. Her question about the operation reflected a deep-seated unease rather than a lack of courage; after all, the notion of the World Government as the ultimate authority was deeply ingrained in many. Bai Ye understood this fear.
He had decided to mobilize the entire crew for this mission to expose them to more battles, aiming to sharpen their skills and resolve. Even Sanji, who may be considered the least formidable among the crew's top fighters, is more than capable of holding his own in the intense battles expected at Enies Lobby.
However, while the crew's strength is impressive, they have not yet fully met Bai Ye's expectations. Nonetheless, he appreciates the growth they've achieved so far and the past regrets from the original timeline that they have overcome together. Yet, he was aware that a much greater challenge loomed on the horizon—the impending battle involving Ace. To alter the outcome of that fateful encounter, the Straw Hats needed to bolster their combat skills and experience significantly.
Thus, the venture into Enies Lobby was not just necessary but crucial.
Bai Ye noticed Nami's conflicted expression and gestured towards Usopp on the other side of the train. "If you're really worried, perhaps you could take a leaf out of Usopp's book."
Nami glanced over and saw Usopp, who was not only wearing a cape this time but also donned a mask. Usopp, or rather, Sogeking, declared in a voice deeper than usual, "Usopp has briefed me about you. Let me, Sogeking from the island of snipers, join your fight."
Luffy, munching on meat, cheered, "It's amazing!!" Meanwhile, Merry and Chopper gave Luffy incredulous looks, as if they couldn't believe he couldn't recognize Usopp.
Bai Ye chuckled at the scene, then turned to Nami, suggesting, "Usopp uses his Sogeking persona as a way to comfort himself psychologically for the action ahead. Maybe trying something similar could work for you?"
Nami eyed Usopp, who was clearly recognizable despite his disguise, and replied skeptically, "That's not really going to work, is it?"
"Of course not," Bai Ye admitted with a grin. "World Government intelligence agents aren't easily fooled."
Nami frowned, "Then why suggest it?"
Bai Ye explained, "It's about psychological suggestion; it might help alleviate some of your stress."
"Go to hell, Bai Ye!"
-----
On the train, amidst the rhythmic clatter of wheels, Franky glanced at Robin who sat quietly reading. Breaking the silence, he remarked, "Yo! You seem pretty calm, Robin."
"The next step involves stepping right into the World Government's lair. Aren't you even a bit nervous?" Franky trailed off, unsure how to continue. He hadn't meant to stir up painful memories; his question was more about his own mixed emotions.
Franky's past was shadowed by the memory of his mentor, Tom, who was taken to Enies Lobby and executed. That place was a dark cloud in his mind, a site of personal nightmares, compounded by his deep-seated resentment towards the World Government. In his rage, he had even lashed out at Iceburg once, furious that his friend continued to build ships, seemingly in service to those very forces that destroyed their lives.
Now, facing the same enemy, the metal-clad man felt the old wounds throb afresh. He assumed Robin, with her equally harsh past, would share his turmoil.
Robin closed her book with a soft thud and turned to Franky. "If you had asked me this before, maybe I would have shared your fears," she began, her voice calm. "If I were being taken to Enies Lobby by CP9 right now, I'd probably feel desolate and terrified."
"But that's not the case anymore," she continued, her gaze steady and reassuring. "Now, I have friends I can trust with my life. Whatever comes next, I won't be shaken or hurt like before. I'm not alone anymore."
"And now, Franky, you're not alone either."
Outside, the night deepened; clouds veiled the moon, but the stars threw light enough to glimpse the roiling sea. Aqua Laguna was stirring earlier than expected, the waves building high.
Yet inside the train, the atmosphere with the Straw Hats was unchanged—comfortable, almost defiantly cheerful, as if their camaraderie was a shield against the world.
Franky, looking out at the turbulent sea then back at his new friends, couldn't help but smile. "This is really—"
"Quite SU.PER!!"