Chapter 51 Mr. 5 the Bomber
"Princess Vivi, you should just obediently come back with us," Mr.5 said coldly, a hint of disdain in his eyes.
"Dream on!" Vivi stubbornly raised her head, her voice full of anger. "I will never let you succeed!"
"Tsk, what a bother," Miss Valentine shook her head lightly, her tone full of mockery. "It seems we'll have to deal with these troublesome people first."
"Troublesome?" Lin Ning's brows furrowed as he listened to their conversation. He slowly walked in front of Vivi, shielding her behind him.
The halberd in his hand vibrated slightly, its sharp edge glinting, and his low voice carried a hint of coldness:
"You've interrupted our training, and you dare to threaten us? I've decided to protect Princess Vivi, so what can you do?"
"Heh heh, interesting," Miss Valentine chuckled softly, her umbrella twirling slightly. "Then I'll be the one to deal with you."
"Lin Ning, be careful!" Vivi warned nervously. "She's a Devil Fruit User with the Plume-Plume Fruit, she can control her own weight, so don't be careless!"
Miss Valentine took a few light steps, her long legs appearing exceptionally rounded and alluring.
She hopped lightly with her umbrella, her body instantly becoming as light as a feather, swiftly rising into the air.
"Die!" Miss Valentine shouted from mid-air, her umbrella spinning lightly, and her body suddenly became heavy.
"Ten thousand kilograms!" She plummeted towards Lin Ning like a meteor, carrying a powerful impact. A sharp whooshing sound even echoed through the air.
Lin Ning stood still, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.
He raised his hand, and just as Miss Valentine was about to smash into his head, he suddenly reached out and grabbed the foot she was kicking towards him.
"How is that possible!" Miss Valentine's eyes widened, her sweet smile instantly vanishing, replaced by disbelieving terror.
"Ten thousand kilograms, and you can catch it with your bare hands?!"
"Too light," Lin Ning sneered, flicking his wrist. He instantly flung Miss Valentine, umbrella and all, far away.
"Ah—!" Miss Valentine's scream gradually faded into the distance, until her voice completely disappeared. No one knew where she had flown.
Lin Ning lightly clapped his hands to dust them off, then looked coldly at Mr.5: "Next up, is you."
The afterglow of the setting sun illuminated the barren mountain, and a suffocating atmosphere permeated the air.
Lin Ning stood in the center of the battlefield, holding his halberd, his gaze sharp.
Behind him, Princess Vivi's face was streaked with tears, her slender shoulders trembling slightly, her eyes filled with unease and fear.
Vivi's blue hair was slightly disheveled, a few strands clinging to her cheeks. She instinctively wiped away her tears with her hand, but more kept coming.
Her once bright eyes were now soaked with tears, her swollen eyelids appearing helpless and tragically beautiful.
She bit her lip tightly, as if suppressing the helplessness and despair within her.
"Lin Ning, you must be careful..." Vivi's voice trembled slightly, but her tone held a hint of pleading.
"He's a Devil Fruit User with the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, his power is terrifying! My companions, even the captain of the guard who watched me grow up, all..." She choked, unable to continue.
Nami, standing nearby, supported her shoulder and gently wiped away Vivi's tears with her soft hand, her voice gentle:
"Don't be afraid. With us here, we will definitely protect you."
Nami's rare gentle expression was tinged with a hint of resolve. Her bright eyes swept over Mr.5, who stood not far away, a flash of coldness in her gaze.
Nami's movements were gentle but filled with a soothing power, gradually calming Vivi down.
"Heh, how touching," Mr.5 stood not far away, hands in his pockets, a cold sneer on his lips.
His short curly hair swayed gently with the mountain breeze, and his deep eyes held mockery and disdain. "But, do tears help?"
He lowered his head and gently picked his nose, flicking out a glittering object.
It landed on the ground, then erupted in a small explosion, making the ground tremble slightly.
"Since you know my power, you should understand that neither crying nor begging will do any good!"
Vivi recoiled a step, clutching Nami's arm tightly, her voice trembling:
"That's how he killed my companions who helped me... with a flick of his finger, he can cause a huge explosion! Ordinary people can't possibly resist..."
Lin Ning's gaze fell on Mr.5, and a crimson light suddenly flashed in his calm eyes.
In his mind, a series of images flashed quickly: innocent ordinary people dying in agony in explosions, simply for a bit of amusement.
"A person who indiscriminately kills the innocent, yet dares to call himself strong?" Lin Ning's voice was unhurried, carrying a hint of mockery.
"Though I, Lin Ning, am not a good person, what I detest most are scumbags who prey on defenseless ordinary people."
He raised his eyelids, his gaze like a knife sweeping towards Mr.5: "And you, you've used your power on ordinary people more than once.
Today, having met me, I fear you won't be keeping this life."
"Hahahahaha!" Mr.5 suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter full of arrogance and disdain. "You, want to kill me?"
His gaze shifted from Lin Ning to Vivi, and he snorted coldly: "What, scared now? Too bad, it's too late!
Since you know the boss's secret, everyone here today must die."
As he spoke, he slowly raised his hand, and with a gentle flick of his finger, a small black sphere of unknown composition spun at his fingertip, emitting a dangerous glow.
He looked at Lin Ning, his tone full of provocation: "However, I must admit you have some skill.
But if you think I'm on the same level as that weak woman you sent flying, then you are greatly mistaken."
"And you've had an internal conflict, haven't you? How can you, exhausted as you are, be my opponent?
As for what you said about using Devil Fruit abilities on ordinary people, isn't that only natural? This world is about survival of the fittest.
The weak should obediently be taken advantage of by the strong. What's wrong with killing a few ordinary people? Which strong person in this world isn't like that?"
Zoro, standing beside Lin Ning, had torn clothes and was covered in wounds.
Yet, a cold sneer played on his lips, and the sword in his hand trembled slightly: "How arrogant, to say such things!"
His voice was low, carrying a hint of disdain, "Who do you think you are? You're just a coward relying on a Devil Fruit ability."
"Oh?" Mr.5's gaze turned to Zoro, the cold sneer on his face deepening. "It seems you truly don't know the meaning of death."
"Enough," Lin Ning raised his halberd and gently brought it down, the blade piercing the ground with a crisp metallic sound.
His gaze was fixed on Mr.5, his voice as cold as ice: "You're right, this world is one of survival of the fittest.
The strong can decide the fate of the weak, but the strong should not indiscriminately kill the innocent, nor should they trample on the dignity of ordinary people."
His tone suddenly turned chilling: "And trash like you, you only deserve to be eliminated."Chapter 52: Halberd Technique, Death of the Emperor
Mr.5's eyes flickered slightly, but he quickly regained his sneer. He lightly flicked his finger: "Very good, I'd like to see what you'll use to clean me up!"
Lin Ning slowly raised his halberd, and his Aura suddenly surged, a powerful field sweeping around him like a hurricane.
Vivi and Nami subconsciously took a few steps back, their breathing catching from his Aura.
Lin Ning said without turning his head, "I'll take care of this disgusting scum."
Mr.5 snorted, flicking his finger, and a booger with a fiery glow flew towards Lin Ning.
A sharp whooshing sound came through the air, and that tiny bomb seemed to contain destructive power.
"Just a trick," Lin Ning sneered, swinging his halberd fiercely. A slash swept out, directly exploding the bomb in mid-air.
"Bang—!"
The explosion erupted in mid-air, but the strong air current was suppressed by Lin Ning's Aura, not creating any ripples.
"Is that all you've got?" Lin Ning's voice was cold. His halberd trembled slightly, its blade covered in a dark Armament Haki.
"In that case, I'll just kill you, a weakling, on the spot. You won't have any objections, will you?"
Mr.5 was stunned for a moment, but then he sneered, glancing at his opponent as if he had heard an extremely ridiculous joke.
He looked at Lin Ning with disdain, a hint of provocation appearing on his expressionless face: "Just you?"
He muttered in a low voice, full of contempt, "Annoying person, just die for me first."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mr.5's body shot out like a spring, a whooshing sound filling the air.
His movements were as fast as lightning, almost instantly rushing in front of Lin Ning, a wild smile on his lips.
Usopp's back was drenched in cold sweat. Watching Mr.5 rapidly approach, he was so nervous he almost wanted to close his eyes:
"This speed... and this guy is covered in bombs! Can Lin Ning block him?"
Nami nervously embraced Vivi's slender waist, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure:
"Don't be afraid, Lin Ning can do it." Her gaze pierced through the crowd, looking at Lin Ning, who was about to receive a fatal blow, a determined expression on her face.
Princess Vivi's face was pale, her hands clenched, her body trembling slightly involuntarily.
But looking at the stern-faced man, her heart was inexplicably filled with trust:
"Lin Ning... he'll be fine, right?" Her voice carried a subtle tremor, yet she forcibly suppressed her fear.
Sanji's face showed a subtle expression. His hands were in his pockets, and a hint of disdain curled at the corner of his mouth: "This guy, who does he think he is? He's just a joke."
Although Zoro was still covered in scars, the Killing Intent in his eyes had not diminished in the slightest.
He slightly parted his lips, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth: "Come on, let's see what kind of tricks this guy can pull."
Lin Ning stood still, expressionless, his gaze even colder.
He took a deep breath, his eyes sharp as knives, as if he had already anticipated Mr.5's next move.
The entire world seemed to freeze at this moment, and the temperature in the air seemed to drop sharply by several degrees.
He didn't rush to counterattack, nor did he try to dodge, but quietly watched Mr.5's rapidly approaching figure.
Every inch of his muscle was quietly accumulating power, every nerve was taut.
A hint of disdain flashed in Mr.5's eyes; he almost felt his victory.
"This situation, I already have victory in my grasp," he thought to himself, raising his hand to strike at Lin Ning, just as he was about to launch his final attack.
Lin Ning suddenly swung his halberd, a low roar emanating from his throat: "Halberd Technique, Emperor's Fall!"
Instantly, Lin Ning's entire Qi burst forth like an erupting volcano, and dense Armament Haki suddenly covered his halberd.
The surging airflow distorted the surrounding air. The intense feeling of power almost made Nami and Vivi, standing in the distance, take a few steps back.
The long shaft of the halberd, guided by Lin Ning's hands, cut through the air, carrying terrifying destructive power as it met the oncoming Mr.5.
The halberd blade streaked through the air, accompanied by a low rumble, as if the entire world trembled.
Lin Ning's halberd and Mr.5's bomb-like body collided almost simultaneously.
At that moment, the surrounding air seemed to be torn apart. "Boom!!!" A deafening roar instantly echoed throughout the entire desolate mountain.
Mr.5's body had no chance to react and was instantly struck squarely by Lin Ning's halberd.
Almost at the same moment, Lin Ning's Armament Haki and terrifying power poured out like a torrent.
The Bomb-Bomb Fruit's ability was completely useless against the halberd covered in Armament Haki.
Lin Ning's single halberd strike created a powerful shockwave that tore through everything in front of him.
The vibrations in the air almost made one's eardrums ache. The ground deeply caved in from the violent tremors, dust flew, and rocks shattered.
The halberd in Lin Ning's hand seemed to resonate with the air, its blade striking Mr.5 with immense force.
Mr.5's body was torn to shreds by this single halberd strike, like thin paper.
The intense airflow instantly pulverized his body, and even the surrounding ground was blasted open into a deep gully.
The entire scene underwent a cataclysmic change, as if the world was ending.
The battlefield was dead silent, with only the wind rustling through broken branches.
Lin Ning stood still, his gaze as cold as death, still holding his halberd.
Vivi, Nami, Usopp, and the others beside him were stunned, completely unable to believe what had just happened.
Mr.5 was dead.
There was no remnant, no trace of a body, as if he had never existed.
Not even dust remained, only a huge gully left on the ground, deep, as if it had swallowed everything.
"How, how is this possible..." Vivi's eyes widened in shock, staring blankly at the completely blasted open clearing.
Her heart was pounding exceptionally fast. She had thought Lin Ning would win, but she never expected Mr.5 to be utterly pulverized by Lin Ning's single blow.
Nami's pupils also suddenly contracted. She looked at Lin Ning in disbelief, her eyes filled with awe: "This, this kind of power..."
Usopp even couldn't help but gulp, muttering, "This is the real monster..."
Lin Ning put away his halberd, his gaze calmly sweeping around, as if everything that had just happened had nothing to do with him.
"This practical combat exercise today not only improved my strength but also allowed me to create a halberd technique. I used him to test it out."
Lin Ning said in a low voice, his tone still indifferent, as if he felt no excitement or pleasure.
"But this scum completely lacked the ability to please me. Weaklings are not worthy of contending with me!"
Behind him, Vivi's eyes were filled with Lin Ning's tall and imposing figure.Chapter 53 Vivi's Determination
The last rays of the setting sun gradually faded, and night slowly descended, leaving only specks of starlight illuminating the desolate mountain.
Lin Ning swung his halberd, glancing at the spot where Mr.5 had once stood, now just a scorched earth and a deep gully.
He pouted, a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone: "How unsatisfying! With such meager strength, they dare call themselves strong? What a joke!"
Luffy raised his hand, excitedly saying: "Then let's fight again!"
"Now?" Zoro leaned lazily against a large rock, a smile playing on his lips, "Can you still fight? Don't be unable to even eat meat later."
"Who says I can't!" Luffy clenched his fists, his eyes burning, but then his stomach let out a loud "grumble."
He froze for a moment, scratched his head, and grinned, showing his white teeth: "Hehe, let's eat meat first!"
Lin Ning looked at Sanji, who was half-lying on the ground, and seeing that he didn't even have the strength to stand up, he couldn't help but shake his head: "Alright, I'll do the barbecue today."
"Really?" Zoro's eyes widened, full of suspicion, "Can you do it?"
Lin Ning ignored him, walked to the ship, and took out the fish he had prepared earlier.
The fish was taken from the giant sea fish that Zoro had cut down; its flesh was plump, exuding a faint fresh aroma.
He neatly placed several large pieces of fish on the huge grill and began to turn them with practiced movements.
Flames licked the fish, and sizzling oil dripped onto the charcoal, emitting wafts of tempting aroma.
Lin Ning's halberd was not idle either; he used it directly as a large spatula to turn the fish.
"Wow, it smells so good!" Luffy squatted in front of the grill, his eyes shining, saliva already pooling on the ground, his mouth almost touching the fish.
"Hey! Luffy, don't get so close, the meat isn't cooked yet!" Lin Ning tapped Luffy's head, a hint of helplessness in his tone.
Zoro leaned against the stone, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, watching Lin Ning and Luffy bicker, a hint of relaxation flashing in his eyes.
He grinned and said: "Lin Ning, your barbecue skills are not inferior to Sanji's."
"Of course!" Lin Ning said proudly as he turned the fish, "Before, on the deserted island, I barbecued every day..."
Just as the group gathered around the grill enjoying the food, Nami pulled Vivi to sit down with her.
Vivi looked at the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere around her, her previously tense mood slightly easing, but her face still carried a hint of worry.
Nami handed her a piece of grilled fish, her voice gentle: "You should eat some too, let's talk after you've filled your stomach."
Vivi took the fish but didn't eat it. Instead, she looked up at everyone and, after a moment of hesitation, asked: "Have you... heard of a country called Alabasta?"
"Alabasta?" Nami frowned slightly, a little confused.
A complex expression appeared on Vivi's face: "It is one of the few countries known as civilized great nations, possessing a long history and fertile land.
In the past, it was always a symbol of peace and prosperity."
"And now?" Nami's brows furrowed even tighter, as if she had a premonition of something.
Vivi's gaze darkened, and her fists slowly clenched: "Now, Alabasta is facing civil unrest."
Vivi's voice had a slight catch, but her eyes were full of determination:
"In recent years, riots have constantly broken out in the country, the conflicts between the people have become increasingly sharp, and the country has fallen into chaos.
I originally thought it was just due to ordinary livelihood issues, but then I heard the name of an organization—Baroque Works."
At this point, Vivi gritted her teeth, her gentle expression replaced by anger, her delicate features appearing even more defined by her fury.
She lowered her head, her voice full of hatred: "I discovered that this organization was secretly instigating the people, provoking conflicts, and plunging the country into endless chaos!"
"So you found a way to infiltrate them?" Zoro grinned, a hint of admiration in his tone, "What a bold princess!"
"Have you found out their purpose?" Sanji, who had finally recovered some strength, asked from the side, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
She paused, a hint of anger and despair in her voice, "To seize Alabasta!"
"Seize a country?" Nami's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief, "Do they have such great power?"
Vivi lowered her head, a hint of bitterness in her voice: "At first, I didn't believe it either.
But later, I found evidence. The mastermind behind this organization not only has such ambition, but he also has such power."
"Who is the mastermind?" Luffy put down the fish in his hand, a hint of seriousness in his eyes.
Vivi's face instantly turned pale, and she waved her hands repeatedly: "You'd better not know! This is my own business, I can't drag you into it!"
"It sounds like we're scared." Zoro grinned, a hint of disdain in his tone, "You dare to infiltrate such an organization, and we would be scared?"
"Don't ask!" Vivi suddenly became agitated, a hint of pleading in her tone, "If you know, your lives will be in danger!"
"Then don't say it." Nami quickly waved her hand to interrupt, a hint of nervousness appearing on her face, "Someone who can seize a country must be an unimaginable trouble."
Before Nami could interrupt, Vivi said, "He is one of the Shichibukai, Crocodile."
"Shichibukai?" Luffy's brow furrowed slightly, as if he hadn't heard clearly, "Who did you say?"
"Crocodile!" Vivi realized she had let it slip and instantly panicked, "You shouldn't know these things..."
"Oh, so it's a Shichibukai!" Luffy's face instantly lit up with an excited smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement, "Sounds really strong!"
"Quite interesting." Zoro grinned, casually tossing the fish in his hand aside, "A Shichibukai? Let's go meet him."
"Wait!" Vivi quickly waved her hands, her voice full of tension, "You have no idea how dangerous he is!
Crocodile's bounty used to be as high as eighty million Berries; he is a legitimate pirate recognized by the World Government, one of the strongest in this world!"
Lin Ning was slightly stunned, then chuckled lightly, a hint of indifference in his tone: "Only eighty million? Doesn't sound that impressive. But..."
His gaze sharpened slightly, and a hint of coldness entered his voice,
"A legitimate pirate? And he can legitimately plunder? The system of this world is truly interesting."
"That's why I said, don't provoke him!" Vivi looked at Lin Ning with an almost pleading look, "I'll deal with him alone, don't get involved!"
"Too late." Luffy laughed heartily, biting into the fish as he stood up, "Since we know, we can't pretend we didn't hear."
"That's right." Zoro stood up, stretched his shoulders, and a bloodthirsty smile appeared on his lips, "It's a good chance to see what level a Shichibukai is at."
"You..." Vivi looked at this group of people, her eyes slightly red, unsure if it was from emotion or despair, "You really don't know how strong he is..."
Lin Ning glanced at Vivi indifferently, his voice calm: "It's alright, it's not a big deal for us."
Vivi was stunned when she heard these words. In that instant, her heart seemed to skip a beat.
Lin Ning's stern face, calm tone, and unshakeable Aura were deeply etched in her mind.
"Lin Ning..." she murmured softly, her heart full of gratitude and admiration, but she quickly suppressed her surging emotions.
The fate of Alabasta did not allow her to indulge in personal feelings.Chapter 54 Mysterious Woman
At four o'clock in the morning of the second day, the sky was not yet fully bright, covered by a thin layer of mist, and the distant sea level faintly glowed with a light blue luster.
The bonfire under the barbecue grill was still burning, and the occasional flickering sparks were particularly striking in the silent night.
Zoro leaned against the rock, opening his eyes, his sharp gaze devoid of any sleepiness.
He stretched, then turned to Sanji beside him: "Get up, it's time to train."
Sanji still clutched a leftover grilled fish bone in his hand; he tossed it into the bonfire, dusted himself off, and a smile played on his lips:
"Of course, I wouldn't fall behind."
Due to their prolonged rigorous training, their bodies had long developed a biological clock, waking them at four every morning to practice the Body Tempering Technique.
Their attitude was extremely serious; Zoro and Sanji were also immersed in the thrill of rapidly improving their strength, finding that diligent training was truly addictive.
The two stood up, their gazes simultaneously sweeping towards Luffy, Usopp, Nami, and Vivi, who were sound asleep not far away.
Zoro grinned, walked over, and gave Luffy a hard kick to his waist.
"Stop sleeping! After all this time, you still haven't gotten used to it?" Zoro's tone carried undisguised disdain.
"Hiss—" Luffy clutched his stomach, rolled over to sit up, rubbed his messy hair, and yawned, "Sorry… it's just that last night's grilled fish was too delicious…"
"Less talk, get up!" Zoro grabbed Luffy and pulled him to his feet, "With your lazy attitude, you still want to get stronger?"
Lin Ning stood by, watching this scene with a faint smile in his eyes.
He didn't say much, but instead walked to the shore first and began his day's training.
After a morning of exercise, the sky was already bright, and everyone had regained their energy, ready to set sail.
The going merry rested by the shore, its sails gently swaying with the wind, making a "rustling" sound.
Zoro and Sanji stood on opposite sides of the deck; Zoro skillfully raised the anchor and secured it to the railing, his movements swift and decisive.
"Ready, get on board," Zoro called out to Lin Ning and Luffy, who were standing on the shore.
Sanji stood on the deck, lit a cigarette, slowly exhaled a smoke ring, and turned to Nami and Vivi: "Where did Young Miss Vivi go?"
Nami was organizing the nautical chart, saying without looking up: "She went to find her duck, Karoo."
Just then, Vivi rushed back, her face full of anxiety: "Strange, it always comes when I whistle, but this time it didn't appear!"
"Is this him?" Zoro casually raised a hand, pointing to a giant yellow duck beside the cabin.
Karoo was leisurely standing on the deck, his plump body looking comical and cute in the sunlight.
"Quack!" Karoo stretched his wings as if greeting them, his black eyes darting around, full of innocence.
Vivi took one look and immediately broke down: "Karoo! You've been on the ship all along!"
Sanji put a hand to his forehead, his tone full of helplessness: "He's been on the ship since early morning…"
Karoo seemed to understand their words, letting out a few cheerful quacks and flapping his wings against the railing.
Zoro folded his arms, looking completely unconcerned: "He's been here all morning, I don't know what you're panicking about."
As everyone boarded, the going merry slowly pulled away from the shore, its sails billowing with the breeze, the hull cutting a graceful arc across the calm sea.
Vivi stood at the stern, watching the gradually receding shore, and said softly, "There's a tributary along the way, we can enter the route earlier."
Luffy stood at the bow, his face full of excitement: "Yay! We're off!"
Zoro slowly walked over to Vivi, a hint of doubt on his face: "Vivi, how many of those Baroque Works assassins will actually pursue us?"
Vivi paused, then lowered her head and said in a low voice:
"I don't know… there are over two thousand members in Baroque Works, and I heard there are several strongholds nearby, just like here."
Nami heard that number and was so shocked she almost dropped the nautical chart in her hand: "Two thousand people?! Are you kidding me?!"
But soon, Nami ran a hand through her hair, revealing a confident smile:
"But it doesn't matter, with Lin Ning and Luffy here, no matter how many people there are, it won't be a problem."
After so many days together, Nami now had great faith in the combat strength of Lin Ning and the others.
Vivi looked at Nami's expression, feeling a sense of relief, but still couldn't help but urge, "No matter what, we should leave quickly."
Just then, Luffy, standing at the bow, suddenly shouted: "Wow! It's getting foggy!"
Nami looked up and saw that a thick fog had already spread across the sea; she sighed slightly: "Yes, it seems like dawn is breaking."
Suddenly, a clear and intellectual female voice came from the deck: "Be careful, don't hit any hidden reefs, okay?"
Nami subconsciously replied: "Don't worry, just watch me…"
Mid-sentence, she suddenly froze, looking around: "Who said that just now?"
Zoro's lips curled into a cold smile; he leaned against the railing, clutching his sword: "Only just noticed? She's been on the ship for a while."
Everyone followed Zoro's gaze and saw a young woman sitting on the railing above the cabin.
She wore a wide-brimmed hat, its brim slightly lowered, obscuring half her face.
Smooth black hair fell over her shoulders, gently swaying with the sea breeze.
A faint smile played on the woman's lips, her rosy mouth slightly pursed, exuding confidence and composure.
She wore purple shorts with an exquisite belt cinched at her waist, accentuating her elegant figure.
Her legs were crossed, casually propped up, her straight and rounded legs appearing exceptionally long and captivating.
Her tanned skin radiated a healthy glow, and her deep blue pupils were as unfathomable as the ocean, revealing a calm and mysterious aura.
She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze lazy and somewhat appraising as she looked at the people on the ship, saying softly, "This ship isn't bad."
Nami narrowed her eyes, her tone carrying a hint of wariness: "Who are you? When did you get on the ship?"
Zoro looked at the woman, his tone somewhat disdainful: "Don't be nervous, she's been on board for a while, you just didn't notice."
Lin Ning stood by, his gaze sweeping over her, a red light flashing in his pupils: "Interesting!"
Lin Ning's Observation Haki had long detected an uninvited guest on the ship.
Absolutely confident in his own strength, Lin Ning didn't make a fuss; he was more curious about the mysterious woman's intentions.
At this moment, Vivi nervously clutched Karoo's wing, her eyes showing a hint of panic as she saw the woman:
"Why are you here? Miss All Sunday!!!"Chapter 55 Nico Robin
As these words left her lips, everyone turned to look at her.
Nami raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her eyes: "Whose partner is she?"
Vivi's face grew even more solemn, her azure eyes filled with deep fear. "She's Mr. 0's boss's partner."
Nami's eyes widened instantly, her fingers clenching: "Mr. 0... Crocodile? She's a Shichibukai's partner?"
Vivi nodded, her expression even more complex, seemingly with a hint of hidden anger.
Just then, Luffy interjected: "Huh? Is she a bad guy?"
Luffy's tone was as innocent as ever, with a touch of curiosity.
Vivi bit her lower lip, anger and fear intertwined on her face: "She's the only one who knows the boss's identity!
I only found out the boss's true identity by following her!"
"Hehe..." A cool, clear laugh came from the ship's railing.
Nico Robin still maintained her elegant posture, one hand propped on her chin, a meaningful smile playing on her lips:
"More precisely, I let you follow me."
The air on the ship instantly grew tense. Lin Ning quietly leaned against the ship's side, his sharp eyes scanning the distant sea, but he remained silent.
Nico Robin had a faint smile on her face, exuding an indescribable elegance, a composure as if everything was under her control.
"What the heck, so she's a good guy after all," Luffy pouted.
Vivi's brows were tightly furrowed, her gaze sharp. She suddenly clenched her fists, a hint of anger in her voice:
"I knew it, you told Crocodile that I already knew his identity, didn't you?"
Nico Robin smiled faintly, her tone still calm: "Correct."
"Looks like she's a bad guy," Luffy spoke up again, his expression full of conflict.
"Then you should say less!" Zoro impatiently glared at him.
Vivi ignored the others, her gaze fixed on Robin, suppressed anger in her voice: "What exactly is your goal?"
Nico Robin gently raised her hand, a hint of playfulness in her eyes: "Goal? I just saw you were so serious, so I kindly offered to help."
Her tone was light, even a bit nonchalant, "To save your country, you're going against Baroque Works.
As a princess, your choice is truly... absurd."
These words were like a match, instantly igniting Vivi's fury.
Her delicate face was now filled with anger, her azure eyes seemingly burning with flames: "Don't underestimate me!"
Her voice was high-pitched, echoing across the deck, carrying an indescribable power.
Zoro snorted softly, his wado ichimonji slowly unsheathing, the blade glinting coldly.
Sanji, standing nearby, a playful smile on his face, leaned slightly forward, ready to attack at any moment.
Usopp drew back his slingshot, a hint of uncertainty in his voice: "Sanji, do you understand the situation?"
"No," Sanji said, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his eyes keenly fixed on Robin, a smile playing on his lips,
"But when I see Princess Vivi in danger, I can't help but step in."
Nico Robin sighed softly, the faint smile on her face gradually fading.
Her gaze swept over everyone, a hint of impatience in her voice: "Please don't point those annoying things at me."
The next instant, she gently raised her hand, and as her palm turned, one arm after another grew from behind everyone.
The arms were as flexible as vines, instantly knocking Nami and Usopp's weapons to the ground.
Nami's expression changed slightly, while Usopp gasped: "What the hell is that!"
However, she immediately noticed something was off. Lin Ning stood still, his expression calm, even a cold smile playing on his lips.
Zoro's sword was not sheathed, but held even tighter.
Sanji had one hand in his pocket, still maintaining his kicking stance.
Luffy, on the other hand, grinned, completely unfazed.
The arms on them couldn't move them an inch.
"This..." Nico Robin's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of unease rising in her heart.
Lin Ning slowly took a step forward, his gaze fixed on her, a red glint flashing in his pupils.
His voice was low and powerful: "Miss All Sunday, or rather, Nico Robin. Compared to your boss, I'm more interested in your past."
These words were like a sharp knife, instantly piercing her heart.
Nico Robin's normally calm face suddenly changed, her pupils contracting sharply.
She stood rooted to the spot, her composure and calmness replaced by an undisguised shock.
"You... how do you know?" Her voice trembled for the first time, a hint of panic in her eyes.
The others on the ship were already used to it. Zoro tilted his head slightly, a cold smile on his lips;
Sanji lit a cigarette, leaning leisurely against the mast; Luffy tilted his head, seemingly unconcerned by any of this.
"Under these eyes of mine," Lin Ning said slowly, his gaze like sharp blades, "you have no secrets."
Nico Robin felt her heart sink, her former confidence and composure instantly crumbling.
She knew that this man in front of her was not as simple as he seemed.
"These people..." she murmured softly, her gaze sweeping between Lin Ning and the others, "they truly are worthy of being a pirate crew with a bounty of two hundred million Berries."
However, she knew in her heart that she was now completely exposed under this man's gaze.
Even though she had seen countless dangerous situations, at this moment, she felt an unprecedented pressure.
"Nico Robin," Lin Ning's voice sounded again, low and calm, "Don't try to hide anything. In front of me, you have no secrets."
Lin Ning stood in the center of the deck, his halberd gently tapping the floor, the cold metallic clang echoing in everyone's ears.
The chilling light in his eyes seemed to freeze the air.
He spoke, his voice low and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.
"Go back and tell your boss," Lin Ning paused, raising his chin slightly, his eyes sharp as knives,
"Tell him to wash his neck and wait. We, the Straw Hat Pirates, will utterly defeat him. He will become our first stepping stone to fame on the Grand Line."
As soon as he finished speaking, Luffy, standing beside him, showed his signature wide grin, gently clenched his fist, and nodded seriously:
"Hehe, I'll be the one to send that Crocodile flying!"
After the initial shock, Nico Robin regained her composure.
Her deep eyes sparkled in the morning light, her red lips parting with a meaningful smile:
"It seems our boss is really in trouble."
Lin Ning's gaze was unwavering, looking coldly at Robin: "Isn't that exactly what you want, Nico Robin?"