Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As Bai Ye and Luffy observed, they saw a variety of creatures busily working around the machinery. There were upright-walking crocodiles, tigers, and unusually large mice, among others, one of which bore a slight resemblance to a human. Intriguingly, many of these creatures had what appeared to be electric meters embedded in their bodies.
Just then, the colossal machine let out a thunderous roar. Under the watchful eyes of Luffy and Nami, who had just arrived, the machine lifted a huge cylindrical structure high into the air, revealing a drill-like mechanism at its base. Suddenly, a powerful blast of air shot from the top of the machine, and the cylinder slammed down onto the moon's surface with a resounding crash.
The impact produced the loud explosion they had heard earlier. Bai Ye, recalling original story, "It looks like they've found the location of the ruins?"
Hearing this, Luffy's resolve hardened. "No way we're backing down from this. Let's go!" he declared, jumping down from the sword, his anger growing.
Stretching his arm out, Luffy's fist rocketed forward in a Gomu Gomu no Pistol, sending the humanoid creature sprawling through the air.
Nami frowned, disapproving of the sudden violence. "Luffy, why the rush to attack? Couldn't we have tried talking to them first?"
Sanji chimed in, somewhat in defense of Luffy's impulsiveness, "Honestly, judging by their looks, I'm not sure communication was ever an option."
It was clear to everyone that these strange beings were not from any place familiar to them.
Luffy's impulsive charge stirred up immediate trouble. The odd creatures, previously absorbed in their tasks, couldn't ignore the disturbance. Alarmed, they grabbed their weapons, bellowing in a strange language, and charged at the newcomers.
Their group was large, nearly a hundred strong, and they approached with fierce determination. Luffy, undeterred, adjusted his straw hat and charged forward, but not before yelling back to Nami, "They're after our treasure!"
Usopp, observing the scene, remarked skeptically, "Um, it's not like the treasure was ours to begin with."
Nami, wielding her Clima-Tact, transformed into a bolt of lightning and dived into the fray, shouting back, "No way we're letting them have it!"
Sanji immediately followed, protective as ever, "Miss Nami~ I'm coming to assist!"
Zoro, rolling his eyes at Sanji's antics, grinned, "Looks like it's time for some action," and drew his sword to join the battle.
Meanwhile, Usopp, Robin, and Merry stayed back in their vehicle, showing no interest in joining the chaos.
Bai Ye observed the unfolding melee with a wry smile. Recalling how Enel had easily handled similar foes, and how the Straw Hats had subsequently dealt with Enel, he felt confident in their ability to handle the situation. Opting to conserve his energy after the tiring flight, he decided to sit this one out and enjoy the spectacle from a distance.
During this encounter, Bai Ye noticed something curious. These peculiar, anthropomorphic animals weren't like Chopper, who had transformed through the Human-Human Fruit. Instead, they resembled another kind of being entirely, similar to the animal tribes living on Zou.
While not members of the Mink Tribe known in the One Piece world, these creatures shared some similarities. Minks, for example, possess physical traits like fur, tails, and humanoid structures, and they utilize an ability called Electro to generate and use electricity in combat and daily tasks.
The creatures battling Luffy had a similar vibe. They weren't Zoan Devil Fruit users, who transform into animals or hybrid forms at will; instead, these beings seemed naturally integrated with animalistic features. Intriguingly, many wielded gun-like weapons that crackled with electric currents, echoing the Mink Tribe's Electro abilities.
Watching this, Bai Ye couldn't suppress a grin—unaware his expression mirrored Luffy's infectious enthusiasm. Witnessing such extraordinary scenes and diverse beings underscored the thrill of adventure. Exploring the One Piece world, encountering its myriad characters and phenomena, truly epitomized the spirit of adventure.
Bai Ye chuckled lightly, finding the entire situation quite amusing. "Hehe, it's really interesting. I didn't expect to run into space pirates here."
Meanwhile, Robin was engrossed in her own discovery. Unlike Bai Ye, she found the situation intriguing for a different reason. She could understand some phrases that the strange creatures were shouting during their battle with Luffy and the crew. To her surprise, these words were from an ancient text!
Leaning back, legs crossed, Robin's face lit up with the thrill of her find. "I seem to have stumbled upon something quite remarkable," she mused, her voice filled with excitement. "History is indeed the most fascinating subject!"
It quickly became clear that even space pirates were no match for the future Pirate King. Luffy and his crew swiftly ended the skirmish. Out of a group of nearly a hundred, only one was left conscious—the very first one Luffy had struck.
This elderly-looking creature was now surrounded by the pirates, trembling possibly from fear, and blurted out something incomprehensible: "@#%**!"
The unfamiliar words caused brows to furrow around him. Luffy, scratching his head, was the first to complain, "What! I don't understand a thing!"
Old man: "%%@@?"
As the crew looked around unsure of what to do next, Robin suddenly spoke in a strange language that seemed to resonate with the old man's utterances. Her words, though foreign to the rest, sounded similar to the creature's speech.
Seeing a spark of recognition in the old man's eyes, he responded eagerly, "%￥#?"
Robin replied with the same cadence, "￥%...!"
Old man: "**￥...?*"
Robin, maintaining the flow of this cryptic dialogue, concluded, "*...%￥!"