Chapter 99 - Journey to Reverse Mountain 01!

[Chapter Size: 2835 Words.]

Third Person POV

Somewhere on sea, East Blue.

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...

After the battle of Loguetown, Luffy had to admit that he was exhausted.

"Wait, Luffy, did you say your father? Your father showed up? Who is he?" Nojiko asked curiously, as it was the first time she had heard about Luffy having a father.

"He's Monkey D. Dragon. He's the leader of the revolutionary army and the world's worst criminal," Luffy replied honestly, seeing no reason to hide this information from his group. After all, everyone would soon know.

"Dragon?!"

"What?!"

"Leader of the revolutionary army?!"

"The world's worst criminal?"

"Sharky?"

"I don't know either, Megalo..."

"Woof Woof"

"Hey... What a troublesome human family..."

"That's amazing! I'm sorry?"

"Your father is a big shot, your grandfather is a big shot. What's up with this family?"

Luffy didn't care about the reactions and turned to go to his cabin to rest for a while. He was exhausted like never before. He may not have used his final transformation, but he was certainly as tired as the end of Nami's fight.

His sleep was deep, despite some girls trying to keep him company. He decided to rest alone. It was only after 4 hours at sea that he returned to the group to give orders, as they had already left the East Blue. The group seemed to have overcome the fact that Monkey D. Dragon was his biological father.

He gathered everyone to discuss some plans.

"Let's go to the Grand Line..." Luffy yawned, still not having rested well.

"Luffy, don't we have anything else to do in the East Blue?!" Usopp asked curiously.

"I might have a few more things to do here, but I'll leave that for later. For now, let's venture into the Grand Line," Luffy said, looking at the horizon with determination.

"I can't wait to face opponents from the most powerful waters! I need to get stronger. In the Grand Line, only the strong survive," Zoro asserted as he held his sword at his waist. It was no surprise that he would find true challenges in the Grand Line.

"Let's see what the Grand Line has in store for us," Reiju commented, smoking her cigarette calmly.

"Maybe you'll improve your techniques; they need it," Lami mocked next to her colleague.

"Hm? What did you say? I hope you're not talking about my cooking techniques, as they are superior to yours as a medic!" Reiju spoke arrogantly.

"My medical techniques are far superior to yours as a cook!" Lami growled.

"How can you compare cooking to medicine?!" Bepo shouted, scaring both women.

"Hm?! What did you say?" The women turned to the mink bear, startling him.

"I'M SORRY!" He shouted and ran away.

"Woof! Woof!" Chouchou is jumping excitedly, expressing his joy at leaving the East Blue for the first time.

"You're right, Chouchou," Yamato laughed after hearing the group's dog, as she has a mythical wolf Zoan, the canine language was not strange to her.

"I want to see the unimaginable islands and treasures I've heard about in the Grand Line," Kuina said.

"We need to be prepared for the abrupt changes in climate and sea that this sea holds for us. They say the weather is stormy and treacherous, classified as the worst in the world," Nami spoke thoughtfully.

"You're right. Take this; they're Log Poses from all the islands in the first half of the Grand Line. Here are climate manuals and navigation instructions for the first half of the Grand Line, also known as Paradise," Luffy handed a large chest to Nami the next moment. She was surprised; it contained Log Poses from all the islands in the first half of the Grand Line. Even the three major government structures were inside the boxes. Luffy was sure Nami would have a lot of fun with it. Navigation was an area he wouldn't skimp on for this woman.

"That's it!" Nami quickly opened the box and began to read, opening up a new world for her.

"Thank you!!! Thank you!!" She laughed and kissed Luffy, as that was one of the few things worth more than gold to the navigator.

"The climate of the Grand Line is a challenge, but our true test will be against the enemies we encounter," Hugo remained in a corner, serious and thoughtful.

"I'm excited to see this new world!" Nojiko smiled at Luffy.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Daddy again..." Shirahoshi spoke with a nostalgic expression.

"Sharky!" Megalo affirmed as well.

"Hey... I also hope to see the island of the Fish-Men again."

"The Grand Line is just the tip of the iceberg, and in the New World, we'll face real dangers..." Yamato spoke with a surprisingly serious tone, her gaze fixed on the horizon full of expectation. She was happy to have finally left Wano and visited the East Blue; now she would see the first half of the Grand Line and soon return to that sea.

Nevertheless, Luffy displayed a mysterious and confident smile. "Still, I'm sure we'll find quite interesting things when we cross into this weaker part of the Grand Line. And don't underestimate our enemies; there are powerful people on this side of the sea too..." Luffy warned.

Next to Luffy, Alvida looked at him with admiration. "Let's conquer the Grand Line together, my love. Nothing will stop us," she declared with determination. Her statement drew many strange looks, as they were still getting used to Alvida's bold personality.

"Yes, let's conquer the sea, but first, we need to get stronger. So, let's make the most of the rest of the day and use it as training, everyone!" Luffy announced, now earning some horrified looks, but he was radiant with determination and wouldn't let anyone escape training when they were about to leave the East Blue.

"Don't stare at me like that; many of you have mastered the first technique. Let's move on to the second and strengthen those who haven't learned it yet. We're getting stronger every day! Your bodies are becoming strong enough to learn Haki; this will strengthen the crew for a top-tier crew." Luffy proclaimed, his satisfied smile inspiring confidence in the crew.

Already mastering the Soru technique, Luffy and his first group were in the training area to learn Geppo now, where he guided those who needed more attention in their techniques. Alvida, as a newcomer to the Soru technique, was instructed to undergo the same training as Yamato and Reiju, while Shirahoshi still had some difficulty learning Geppo, something understandable to Luffy.

"Luffy, what about Haki? Shouldn't they learn it along with your techniques?" Yamato appeared next to Luffy, questioning about the next stage of training.

Luffy calmly replied, "As I said before, we will, of course, learn Haki. However, usually, it takes a few years to master, even if you're talented. With the techniques of the six styles, the body develops better to learn Haki. So, I have a plan for us to learn it even before we reach the New World. Don't worry."

Yamato nodded, returning her attention to the training, determined to reach new levels of power alongside Luffy and the crew.

Luffy gathered the group designated to enhance the Geppo technique, composed of himself, Zoro, Kuina, Nami, Lami, Usopp, and Shirahoshi. Next to them, Alvida, Yamato, and Reiju prepared to begin the intensive Soru training after Luffy instructed them.

"Let's start with Geppo. The idea is to gain elevation in the air and maneuver with agility. Remember, this technique will be essential in combat and exploration situations," Luffy instructed, displaying a confident smile.

The group positioned themselves, focused on improving their skills. Luffy asked Reiju to demonstrate the technique she had learned most easily, and she did so gracefully, leaping into the air with lightness before landing smoothly on the ground.

"That's how it's done. Now, each of you, one at a time, will try. Don't worry; the girls took a bit to learn, but they were quick. The important thing is to progress. Let's go!" Luffy encouraged, watching as his comrades began to practice.

Meanwhile, Yamato, Alvida, and Reiju were concentrated on perfecting Soru. Luffy approached them, sharing tips and techniques to improve movement speed, as he had mastered the technique.

"Soru is about swift movement. The secret lies in the synchronization between legs and mind. You can feel the difference when you execute it. Let's try again, one more time," Luffy instructed, demonstrating the pure technique with surprising speed for them.

Yamato, Alvida, and Reiju followed his steps, attempting to replicate the agility and speed of Soru. Luffy watched closely, offering guidance and encouraging their improvements.

Bepo, Chouchou, Nojuko, and Hachi were learning Tekkai this time. With mastery of Tekkai, Hugo and Megalo were learning Shigan.

The training field was filled with energy, with each crew member dedicated to enhancing their skills. The sound of jumps, movements, and quick strikes filled the air, marking the beginning of a crucial stage in the Straw Hats' journey to the Grand Line.

During the two days of sailing towards Reverse Mountain, the Straw Hats' crew devoted themselves intensely to training. Luffy led the sessions, focusing on enhancing Geppo and Soru techniques for one group, while another dedicated themselves to strengthening defensive and offensive skills with Tekkai and Shigan.

Luffy finally increased the potency of his Devil Fruit from 30 times to 40, using 10% of that on his team to enhance their learning, and with the additional 100% bonus from the system, Luffy boosted the group's development rate by 8 times! The brief training period was well-utilized, as 2 days became equivalent to 16 with the increased talent and learning.

Everyone showed remarkable progress in their respective techniques. Shirahoshi finally mastered Geppo; she could now leap into the sky while swaying her tail as if swimming and began training with Soru. The crew's determination was palpable, and Luffy's confidence in his companions' potential only grew. The atmosphere was optimistic as they strengthened themselves for even greater challenges in the Grand Line.

Elsewhere in the same sea, a meeting was being premeditated, as the scene shifted to a certain ship some distance from the Black Pearl. Not far away, a giant shadow slid silently over the waves. The ship was an engineering marvel, with elegant lines and a dark silhouette that cut through the ocean's surface like a sharp blade. Black sails fluttered with a specific flag that would intimidate 99% of the people in this world.

Onboard this mysterious ship, lanterns were dim, casting dancing shadows on polished wood. In a large cabin, a group was gathered with many agents dressed in a type of dark suit, except for a single figure, a World Noble adorned in luxurious clothes with sparkling jewels and an astronaut helmet. His face seemed joyful, and his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

The Tenryuubito, Octavian Delacourt, known for his power, influence, and wealth, kept his gaze fixed on a map spread over a table while all the agents remained silent in front of him. The map marked the course of the route that would lead them to encounter a certain mermaid, a beauty he would make a point to showcase to his friends in Mary Geoise, who, according to reports, was part of the Straw Hat Pirates, a pirate group that this noble treated with disdain behind his cheerful eyes.

"So they're coming in our direction!?" The man with the astronaut helmet maintained the gleam in his eyes.

Next to the map, there was a newspaper from the day reporting on the battle in Loguetown, created by Monkey D. Luffy, Monkey D. Dragon, and Monkey D. Garp, destroying the entire square where Gold D. Roger was executed.

"Everything indicates so, the sublime Magnanimous, Most Excellent and Undoubtedly Your Excellency, Noble and Imposing Tenryuubito, Saint Octavian Delacourt, Whose Nobility Illuminates and Blesses all the seas and Beyond!" exclaimed an agent dressed in black like the others. They were accustomed to speaking so formally with such titles in all situations because the World Noble in front of them made a point of instructing them this way. Each Tenryuubito has their own peculiarities, and this one likes the lengthy name with titles that feed his ego.

"Perfect! I want that mermaid. I can't wait to see Saint Charloss's expression when he witnesses my newest acquisition!" The excitement in Lord Octavian's eyes revealed his anticipation for triumph.

Octavian Delacourt is a World Noble shrouded in arrogance, fervently believing in his supremacy over his peers in the Noble Earth and wanting once again to prove that he can acquire a better slave than his colleagues and rivals.

"Yes, and I humbly bow before the sublime Magnanimous, Most Excellent and Undoubtedly Your Excellency, Noble and Imposing Tenryuubito, Saint Octavian Delacourt, Whose Nobility Illuminates and Blesses all the seas and Beyond! But we must act with caution. These individuals do not seem as malleable as the common pirates of the Grand Line." The agent expressed, aware that all of Luffy's exploits had been meticulously examined.

"I won't call for reinforcements, as you've said; I don't want anyone to be informed. I'll capture the mermaid and surprise everyone in the end!" Octavian proclaimed. His excitement was evident; he imagined surprising everyone with his mermaid and boasting that he obtained it from a group of inferiors in the East Blue.

"As soon as I get the mermaid, I'll head to that insolent kingdom that dared to defy my will. Especially now that they have a new queen, I'll personally go and execute all the nobles of that country for such an affront to my presence!" Octavian continued, ignoring the agent's concerns.

"Sublime Magnanimous, Most Excellent and Undoubtedly Your Excellency, Noble and Imposing Tenryuubito, Saint Octavian Delacourt, Whose Nobility Illuminates and Blesses all the seas and Beyond! The command was clear. We shouldn't act, especially because this is related to an Emperor of the New World..." The agent tried to warn with caution.

"No matter! I am a World Noble, and everyone must obey my orders as if they were divine decrees! No one below my status will dare to challenge my demands!" Lord Octavian snarled, confident that his will would be imposed on everyone.

"After capturing this mermaid, the Sublime Magnanimous, Most Excellent and Undoubtedly Your Excellency, Noble and Imposing Tenryuubito, Saint Octavian Delacourt, Whose Nobility Illuminates and Blesses all the seas and Beyond! Just imagine the fame you'll have among the World Nobles in Mary Geoise; it will be even greater!" suggested one of the other agents, trying to further inflate his lord's ego.

"Oh, yes, I'll be the center of attention. No World Noble will have anything as extraordinary as this mermaid; she rivals the Pirate Empress in terms of appearance!" Octavian replied with a malicious smile.

"But remember, the Sublime Magnanimous, Most Excellent and Undoubtedly Your Excellency, Noble and Imposing Tenryuubito, Saint Octavian Delacourt, Whose Nobility Illuminates and Blesses all the seas and Beyond! We must be careful with the consequences. These pirates can be unpredictable, especially considering their captain. He has already challenged even the hero of the navy, Garp, in Loguetown and killed that king you contacted..." warned the agent, trying to calm Lord Octavian's impulsive tendencies and at least ask for help to deal with this group.

*Bang!* A bang echoed through the environment when Octavian brandished his weapon, firing a shot that reverberated near the agent's face. Although the intention was not to kill, the implicit threat was undeniable. Octavian's once radiant countenance transformed into a dark and cruel expression, his cutting speech echoing with the typical arrogance of a World Noble.

"If you dare utter one more word of challenge, or dare to contradict me, know that the punishment will be instant and relentless. As a World Noble, I hold the power to shape destiny at my will. Do not underestimate what I am capable of." Lord Octavian, now devoid of his previous joviality, exuded an aura of malice that sent shivers down the spines of the present agents. They were well acquainted with the sinister side of this World Noble when he expressed his anger, having witnessed slaves being punished in more brutal ways by those malevolent eyes.

Suddenly, the cabin door swung open with an agent wearing a rather urgent expression.

"The Sublime Magnanimous, Most Excellent and Undoubtedly Your Excellency, Noble and Imposing Tenryuubito, Saint Octavian Delacourt, Whose Nobility Illuminates and Blesses all the seas and Beyond! The Straw Hat Pirates' ship has been spotted on the horizon!" An agent conveyed the news urgently.

Saint Octavian's dark countenance instantly transformed back into a cheerful and excited expression. "Finally! The moment to capture my mermaid has arrived!" He exclaimed with enthusiasm, a trail of mucus running down his nose amid his unbridled joy.

The World Noble, oblivious to what awaited him, could barely conceive the unusual situation he was about to face. His minutes were numbered, but Octavian's unrestrained excitement overshadowed any foresight of the imminent challenges.

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