Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As Usopp grappled with the giants outside the second gate, Zoro and the others pressed on into the island. Unfortunately, the commotion had roused all the sleeping troops. The Straw Hats quickly found themselves surrounded by a vast sea of enemies.
In the original story, Luffy had managed to evade about a thousand troops over the course of three episodes, highlighting how overwhelming numbers could indeed turn the tide of battle.
Dealing with these basic forces was simple enough; Sanji's Party Table Kick Course—a rapid, spinning kick done while on his hands—swept through multiple enemies at once. However, he wore an uneasy expression, noting, "We could get bogged down here. Delaying could bring tougher enemies our way."
Zoro, after cutting down a dozen with his One Sword Style: 36-Pound Cannon, scowled at the undiminished ranks of foes. The situation was dire, and he muttered in frustration, "Luffy's usually the wild card, but now even Bai Ye's vanished without a trace."
Just moments earlier, as they first encountered the encircling troops, Bai Ye had paused, whispered something to Chopper, and then vanished in a flash of golden light—teleporting away. Chopper, defending against incoming attacks with his Carved Hoof: Cherry Blossom, relayed, "Bai Ye said he had urgent matters to attend to."
Zoro, though irritated, knew Bai Ye must have had a significant reason to leave. They had to focus on the immediate threat. As they faced the tightening ring of enemies, Zoro clenched his sword between his teeth, preparing to rally the crew: "Get ready, let's—"
His command was cut off by another voice booming over the clamor: "Let me, Franky, handle this bunch and clear the way for you all! SU.PER!"
Zoro couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu as Franky took the lead. He turned, half-amused and half-exasperated, as Franky struck a dramatic pose.
Robin clasped her hands, swiftly subduing a soldier with her ability, then looked around and stated, "We're facing the entire island's garrison here."
Nami, waving her Clima-Tact to unleash a thunderous strike on the enemy ranks, chimed in with a calm demeanor, "Exactly, we should clear a path together first, then split up. It might ease the pressure a bit." Her mastery over her weapon was formidable, yet she knew she was still far from reaching Enel's level of control over lightning.
At this, Franky burst into laughter and proclaimed, "Wow ha ha ha! Looks like it's showtime!" His declaration was followed by an odd shout, "After eating that fruit, I, Franky, have become even more perverted!!" Jets of air then shot from his feet, lifting him off the ground.
As Franky ascended, his body began to show numerous cracks, as if preparing to disassemble himself into various components. The cracks widened, and Franky's body started reconfiguring and upgrading itself right before everyone's eyes.
Indeed, Franky's new abilities stemmed from the Munch-Munch Fruit that Bai Ye had given him after he decided to join the Straw Hats and venture into Enies Lobby. Understanding the fruit's potential, Franky had consumed it eagerly.
Suddenly, Franky began to consume parts of himself, turning into a mechanical can—an astonishing sight that left the Straw Hats in shock. Chopper, in particular, found this overwhelming, reflecting on the limitations of his medical skills.
This self-eating and transformation were reminiscent of Wapol, who had once used this abilities to morph from a rotund figure into a tall, handsome form. Now, Franky was using the same technique to address a critical vulnerability—his back.
When Franky first transformed himself into a cyborg, he replaced nearly his entire body with steel. However, he couldn't modify his back because he couldn't reach it. This vulnerability became a notable point in the original story when a CP9 agent, Nero, discovered it. This led to the memorable scene where Franky, lying on his back, declared his "invincible state," proclaiming that no one could attack his unmodified, vulnerable back.
This time around, after emerging from the can, Franky had evolved into the truly Invincible Franky. He had further adapted by consuming various metals, incorporating them into his body to add an array of weapons and equipment.
Franky had ingeniously designed a transformation system to keep his enhancements a surprise. In his normal state, he appeared just as he always had. But when he switched to battle mode, Franky underwent a dramatic transformation.
This new capability remained a secret, even to the Straw Hats, as they had never seen what Franky had truly become until now.
Just moments later, Franky stunned everyone by completing a dramatic transformation. There stood General Franky, a gigantic steel giant, evoking awe among the Straw Hats and the troops watching.
Chopper and Merry were especially impressed, their eyes wide with admiration as they watched Franky make his grand entrance. "General Franky?!! SO COOL!!!" they exclaimed, echoing the enthusiasm that Usopp and Luffy would surely have shared had they been there.
This new form of Franky was a stark contrast to his earlier, more perverted cyborg appearance. General Franky looked robust and formidable, a true powerhouse of technology.
Hearing the praises from Merry and Chopper, General Franky let out a thunderous laugh and struck his signature pose. "Wow ha ha ha ha! This is my perfect form!!" he boomed.
Sanji, watching the transformation, was baffled. "This guy, how did he become so big?" he wondered aloud, curious about where all the extra parts had been concealed.
Zoro, ever focused on the mission, called out, "Hey, Franky! Now that you've transformed, let's clear a path for us."
Chopper sensed a bit of irritation in Zoro's voice. Was it because he was interrupted earlier? No way, that couldn't be it. Chopper dismissed the thought, certain that Zoro wasn't bothered by such trivial matters.
Unperturbed, General Franky laughed heartily again. "Wow ha ha ha! Then let's start!!" With that declaration, he readied himself for action, signaling another impending change.