---
The shadow of the departing train gradually faded into the distance, leaving Luffy and his crew frustrated. They had come so close, yet Robin had been taken.
Inside the train, Lucci glanced at Robin. "Isn't this what you wanted?" he asked, his voice cold. "Your friends are still alive. Cooperate with us, and we won't trouble them. Resist, and it's their graves you'll visit next."
---
Back at the Blue Station entrance, Nami clenched her fists. "I'm not giving up! We're going after them!"
Chopper added, "We can't stop now!"
Luffy and Zoro also came to their senses. It was too early to give up now. They would never give up without rescuing their companions.
Realizing their resolve, Nami turned to Paulie, who stood nearby. "Lend us a boat!"
Paulie looked at her with concern. "You have no idea what you're up against! Aqua Laguna is nothing like the tsunamis you know! The sea will be vicious, with winds tearing through—it's a death sentence to go now!"
"But Robin risked her life for us!" Nami argued back.
As if to punctuate her words, a massive wave crashed over them, scattering everyone and leaving them drenched. They shivered as the receding wave left broken clocks and soaked clothes in its wake.
Paulie, wiping his face, looked grim. "This Aqua Laguna is stronger than anything I've seen."
Nami's worry shifted momentarily to Robin. "The sea train… will it be okay out there?"
"The train should push through before the full force of the tsunami hits," Paulie assured her. "It can handle some rough waves."
Just then, a voice called out, "Excuse me, Miss Nami!" A stranger approached, holding a letter. "I found this outside. Your friend left it."
"What an idiot!" Nami muttered, recognizing Sanji's handwriting. She opened the letter, her eyebrows twitching as she skimmed over a love note. But the second part caught her attention.
Zoro asked, "What did that guy write?"
"Sanji got on the train! Usopp too—and a guy with slicked-back hair… that must be that Franky!" Nami said.
With renewed determination, Luffy grinned, "Robin and Sanji are ahead, waiting for us. Let's get to Enies Lobby!"
"Usopp's there, too!" Chopper added excitedly.
Luffy, still sore from their last clash, grumbled, "Whatever, it's just Usopp…"
Paulie led Luffy and the crew to a brickmaking warehouse behind the waste treatment plant. Parked there was an unusual train with a shark-shaped engine.
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "Whoa! So cool!"
Iceburg stepped out, tools in hand. "This is 'Rocketman,' a rogue sea train, designed by Tom's Workers. It's got speed but can't carry passengers."
Akira, standing nearby with his comrades, caught Luffy's attention.
"Akira?!" Luffy exclaimed, recognizing him instantly.
Iceburg explained, "Franky's been taken. He's my junior. I couldn't leave him, so I hired Akira and his crew to get him back."
At that moment, Hancock's voice rang out. "Akira! I'm coming with you!"
Akira shook his head. "Not this time. We're going against the World Government. It's too soon for you to openly defy them. If you oppose Enies Lobby, they'll strip you of your Shichibukai status, and Marine forces could target Amazon Lily."
Hancock's fierce gaze softened as she realized the truth. "Alright," she relented, "I'll wait for you here."
Hancock wasn't an idiot and she knew she couldn't go, not yet.
Akira ruffled her hair. "Be patient. I'll be back soon, and remember—I can leave anytime, no one can stop me."
Hancock, touched by his words, nodded quietly, watching as he turned toward the train.
Meanwhile, Luffy turned to Iceburg. "Are you driving this thing?"
Iceburg laughed. "I've got a better driver for you."
An old woman approached from the shadows, carrying a drink. "You need a driver? I'll handle this one!"
"Kokoro!" Iceburg greeted her warmly.
Kokoro grinned. "I never thought I'd drive something like this again, but leave it to me."
"Thank you, Grandma Kokoro," Nami said gratefully.
Kokoro took her place at the helm. "All aboard!" She hit the controls, and with a roar, Rocketman shot forward, hitting the water at top speed.
However, their joy was short-lived as a massive wave loomed ahead—Aqua Laguna's full fury, an immense wall of water towering nearly 80 meters, was surging directly at them.
"What is that?!" Nami gasped.
Iceburg shouted, "It's too big! The train will be crushed! We need to turn back!"
"No! There's no time!" Kokoro gripped the controls, her eyes wide.
At that moment, Akira leaped to the top of the locomotive. The crowd watched, recognizing the young man who had saved Iceburg and others once.
"What is he doing up there?" someone whispered.
Akira stretched his shoulders, a confident smile on his face. "I signed the contract, after all," he muttered, unsheathing his blade. As droplets fell on the blade, they split effortlessly, hinting at the weapon's quality.
"A great sword…" Zoro's eyes narrowed as he observed Akira's blade. The sight of it sent chills through him; he could sense the power radiating from it, as if he himself were being split in two.
With Armament Haki cloaking his blade and Chakra enhancing his stance, Akira raised the sword high. A vortex of wind began swirling around him, and he focused, letting the power build.
Then, with a swift and powerful slice, he roared, "Split wide open!"
...