Luffy's expression shifted from playful to serious in an instant. Rob Lucci blinked, Luffy vanishing from sight before The CP0 Agent even realized what was happening. In a heartbeat, The youngest Emperor was behind him, fist cocked back. Lucci barely had time to brace for the attack before the devastating blow sent him crashing into the ground,unconscious before he even realized the fact.
"Sorry, Piggeon guy," Luffy muttered with a smirk, standing over him for a moment. " But I'm not in the mood to play with you anymore."
Stussy, watching nearby, raised an eyebrow at Luffy's swift victory. She sauntered over, her allure undeniable as she approached the captain of the Straw Hats. Luffy, now back to his carefree self, flashed a grin at her. "Did you enjoy the show?" he teased, eyes sparkling mischievously.
Stussy gave him a sultry smile. "Quite impressive," she said, stepping closer. Before he could respond, she leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips. Luffy's eyes widened slightly, then he grinned even wider. "Heh, I knew I liked you for a reason."
The rest of the Straw Hats stood nearby, laughing at Luffy's typical flirting antics. Stussy, with a smirk, brushed her hair back and straightened up. "Don't let it get to your head, captain. We've got work to do."
Vegapunk appeared from behind them, a look of excitement on his face. "Oh! Enough of this nonsense, come on! There's so much more to show you!" His eyes gleamed with passion, his eccentric personality shining through as he beckoned them to follow. The Straw Hats, now joined by Stussy, followed the scientist deeper into Egghead Island.
As they ventured further, they passed incredible futuristic technology— holographic projections and massive structures powered by seemingly endless energy. Vegapunk excitedly explained every detail, his voice animated with childlike enthusiasm.
"This here is the culmination of centuries of knowledge! A fusion of ancient void century tech and modern advancements!" he exclaimed, pointing to a large machine. "We're on the brink of unlocking the secrets of the past!"
As they neared a towering structure, Luffy's attention was suddenly pulled elsewhere. His observation Haki spiked, sensing something powerful and familiar. From the depths of a massive, dormant robot—a machine unlike anything they had seen—Joy Boy's Haki surged out, tendrils of spiritual energy reaching out as if it recognized Luffy.
The energy flowed into Luffy, warm and comforting, like an old friend. He staggered for a moment, feeling a deep connection that pulsed within his core. The ground beneath the robot trembled, and with a creak and groan, the massive machine began to stir. Its eyes flickered on, glowing with a golden light as it rose to its feet.
"I am EMET," the robot boomed, its voice echoing through the space. "I once fought alongside Joy Boy… and now, I sense his presence within you."
Luffy, his usual grin returning, nodded. "Yeah, I get that a lot. Looks like we're gonna be partners now, huh?"
EMET knelt before Luffy. "It would be my honor to join you."
Franky's eyes gleamed with excitement. "MECHAAA!!" he yelled, practically vibrating with joy. Luffy, Franky, Chopper, and Usopp all broke into excited cheers, crowding around the massive robot as they marveled at its design and potential.
Vegapunk, however, sensed something. His sharp Haki awareness honed over the years, allowed him to feel a disturbance on the horizon. "We're not alone," he murmured, his expression darkening.
Luffy's observation Haki confirmed it. In the distance, he could sense several powerful presences approaching the island rapidly. Kizaru. Saturn. The Marines were coming, and they weren't just bringing the usual forces.
"Looks like it's gonna get interesting," Luffy said, cracking his knuckles.
Without missing a beat, Luffy turned to his crew. "Zoro, Sanji—uh, I mean Sora—EMET, Nami, Franky, you guys head out and deal with them. Take care of things while we handle the evacuation."
Vegapunk nodded in agreement. "We must transfer all of the data and technology onto these devices," he said, pulling out chips and storage devices. "This island won't be safe much longer."
Zoro grinned, drawing his swords. "Finally, some action."
Sora, adjusting her gloves and cracking her neck, flashed a confident smile. "Time to make some noise."
Franky pulled out his latest invention, a towering, destructive mech armed to the teeth with futuristic weaponry. "Behold, the Super Franky-Buster MK-III!" he shouted, striking a dramatic pose. The mech was equipped with colossal rocket launchers, energy blasters, and the ability to transform into a hulking behemoth of destruction.
Nami tapped her staff on the ground, electricity crackling from its tip as she prepared her Weather Egg arsenal. "I'll make sure they don't even see us coming."
The selected team charged off toward the approaching Marine forces, leaving Luffy, Vegapunk, and the rest of the crew to continue their mission. As they raced forward, Zoro, Sanji, and EMET could sense the incoming fleet of Marines led by Kizaru, his light-speed presence unmistakable. Saturn, too, loomed nearby, his aura dark and foreboding.
As they approached the battlefield, Zoro cracked his knuckles, his intense gaze fixated on the horizon. "Time to see where we stand against these guys."
EMET, towering over the rest, clenched his massive fists. "I have waited centuries for this moment."
Meanwhile, aboard the Straw Hats' ship, Luffy's mind was racing. He glanced at his crew, determination etched on his face. "We'll finish packing everything here, and then…" He trailed off for a second, grinning wildly as his Conqueror's Haki flared out. "We're taking down the World Government and Imu next."
The clash between the two forces was inevitable, but the Straw Hats were prepared. With Vegapunk's knowledge, their new ally EMET, and their growing strength, they would soon face the forces of the world government and Marines alike, head-on. First, they would defeat the Marines at Egghead, then continue their adventure to Elbaf and have a great time with the Giants, in order to ultimately, go on to challenge Imu and the celestial dragons.
The age of the Straw Hats had only just begun.