40 O.P.J Chapter 40: Do Whatever You Like
- Gulululu..... -
The sound of gurgling water echoed in Mr.3's ears as he was rescued by the Navy after nearly drowning. He was handcuffed and taken aboard the ship, along with his partner in crime, Miss Goldenweek.
The young girl was still half asleep, and was startled to find herself suddenly plunged into the ocean. After choking on a few mouthfuls of salty seawater, she was finally saved by the Navy.
But all of Miss Goldenweek's pigments had been washed away by the seawater. Now, she looked no different from an ordinary ten-year-old girl.
As for Mr.3, who possessed supernatural powers, he had lost all of his fighting abilities and was now lying on the deck of Saitama's warship, spitting out water like a whale. It was a pitiful sight to behold.
"Indeed, it's them."
Robin glanced at them briefly, then turned her gaze to Saitama. "Although we already knew that you were strong, it seems that this surprise is even bigger than expected...You are truly extraordinary, Rear Admiral."
Saitama didn't even turn his head, crouching down in front of the two captives and examining them closely. "It's precisely because I'm so strong that I feel troubled some times..."
"Oh?" Robin raised an eyebrow. "You're so powerful that there's still something that troubles you?"
"Yes..." Saitama paused for a moment, his expression growing slightly awkward as he turned back to face her. "For example...hair."
Robin was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled. "Heh...you have quite a sense of humor, Saitama-san."
"No, actually, I'm quite bored..." Saitama shook his head in boredom, as he gazed at Miss Goldenweek crouching in front of him. He couldn't help but notice the paint set hanging from her waist and inquired, "Excuse me, Miss...What was that name again?" he turned towards Robin, seeking assistance.
"It's Goldenweek! Miss Goldenweek!" Robin replied with a chuckle.
Saitama's face turned grave as he addressed the young girl, "Honestly, you guys must start using real names. So little lady, what's your actual name?"
"It's Marianne," she replied softly.
Saitama's face lit up, "What a lovely name! You should use it, Marianne. So you're the one who can manipulate people's emotions with colors?"
Marianne nodded. "Yes, that's me."
Tashigi leaned in and whispered to Saitama, "You know, you two have very similar expressions..."
Saitama turned towards Tashigi, his eyes widening in amusement, "Wait, are you suggesting that I look like a little girl?" he exclaimed with a grin.
The little girl stood there stoically, her face a mask of indifference that belied the fire that burned within her. "I detest this occupation," Miss Golden Week intoned flatly when Tashigi queried her. "All I have ever wanted was to be an artist, but I am bound by the shackles of necessity, unable to relinquish my duties. Consequently, my lips have long forgotten how to curve into a smile. All I crave is to complete my tasks and bask in the pleasures of rest and the delectable sweetness of buns."
Tashigi's heart ached for the child who had been forced to grow up too fast in a cruel world. "It's a harsh reality for children to work at such a tender age," she murmured. Saitama folding his muscular arms and said. "Perhaps, Marianne, you could use a different color to kindle a new emotion within me. Is there a hue that could inspire me to pursue my goals with passion and diligence?"
Miss Golden Week tilted her head, her tangled palette making her look like a sorceress in her element. "Orange is the color of fervor, the spark that ignites the flames of determination within. Alas, my entire stock of paints was swept away by the unforgiving sea, and I must venture to the nearest town to restock my supplies."
"Oh? Are you saying these are just ordinary paints that can be bought anywhere?" Tashigi exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. "It's incredible that something so ordinary can affect people's emotions in such a profound way. This world truly is full of wonders."
Miss Goldenweek simply nodded. "It's an innate ability of mine," she said, casting a quick glance around the group. "By the way, have you managed to capture a sea otter and a bald eagle?"
"The Unluckies? Are they with you too?" Robin arched an eyebrow inquisitively.
"Yes, they are here to help us," Marianne confirmed. "But if we fail to capture them, our boss will hear about it and we'll be in serious trouble. And if that happens, Mr. 1 and Mr. 2 will likely come after you next. They are skilled assassins, so you must be careful."
Tashigi let out a sigh. "This is becoming more complicated by the minute," she muttered. "How are we supposed to deal with all these people?"
Saitama stood tall, his voice ringing with confidence. "Don't worry, I can handle them all on my own."
"There are no more rooms or Sea Stone handcuffs on this warship to hold them," Tashigi lamented. "Although we have already informed the headquarters of the situation, the support troops may not arrive in Alabasta for several more days."
Mr. 3, lying on the deck pretending to be dead, quietly opened his eyes.
"These guys...
How confident are they, to plan on arranging a prison without even considering how strong the assassins might be?
But then again...
That bald guy is incredibly powerful.
Even the boss might not be his match..."
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Robin's voice broke the silence as she addressed Mr.3. "I can see you're awake now, Mr.3." Her words were delivered with a tone of amusement. "Devil fruit abilities don't make a person weaker. Even if they're submerged in water, they can't stay unconscious for long."
As she spoke, the marines' eyes shifted towards Mr.3, who could no longer play dead and sat up on the deck.
"Miss All Sunday!..." Mr.3 said, his voice trembling as he adjusted his glasses. "I thought you were the boss's spy, but it seems I was wrong. Why are you on this marine ship?"
Robin took a sip of her coffee, her demeanor relaxed and unconcerned. "Why?!... Because I was captured," she replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"Don't lie to me!" Mr.3 yelled, brandishing his handcuffed wrist in defiance. "We're both prisoners, but the way they treat us is worlds apart!"
However, his bravado was short-lived, as the seastone sapped his strength, and he fell to the ground gasping for air. "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die..."
"Now that you're awake, there's no need for further rescue," Tashigi said, turning to the surrounding Marines with a commanding presence.
Without hesitation, the Marines swiftly apprehended Mr. 3 and took him away to a cell.
As Mr. 3 was led away, Miss Goldenweek stood up and extended her small hand towards Tashigi.
Tashigi was taken aback by the unexpected gesture. "You too?" she said, puzzled.
Miss Goldenweek's unwavering gaze held no trace of fear. "I am also one of his comrades, and while I may not have committed a direct crime, I did assist Mr. 3. Therefore, please arrest me as well."
Tashigi hesitated, struggling to reconcile the young girl's innocence with the harsh reality of their situation. "But you're just a child..." she said softly.
The little girl shook her head with conviction. "Age is no excuse for wrongdoing. If I have transgressed the law, then I must face the consequences, regardless of my youth."
Feeling a sense of unease, Tashigi turned to Saitama for support. His keen senses picked up her unspoken plea for guidance.
"True, crime is crime, and age should not be a mitigating factor," Saitama said, his voice low and resolute. "But!... let me ask you, did you choose to participate in these illegal activities of your own free will?"
The girl shook her head, her eyes filled with shame. "No, I did not."
"Then this is your punishment." He said, nodding gravely. With a quick flick of his finger, he lightly tapped her forehead. "Go and do what you truly desire. But remember, if I ever catch you in a criminal organization again, I will not be merciful."
Marianne hesitated for a moment before a radiant smile broke out across her face. "Thank you," she said, a newfound determination in her voice. "I will do my best to make amends for my mistakes."
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