Chapter 109: Only He Will Tell You: It's Stable!
The dark clouds in the night sky gradually receded, as if pushed aside by an invisible hand, revealing a crescent moon hanging high in the black canopy.
In a vast European-style mansion, the silence was broken by scattered shouts. Torches, lit here and there, illuminated the mansion's entrance.
"What happened!?"
"No idea!"
"I also ran out when I heard the noise!"
Shipwrights ran out one after another, gathering at the mansion entrance, some wearing vests and shorts, others even completely shirtless.
Without exception, all were armed with knives, hammers, large saws, and other tools, looking up nervously at the wall where a hole had been blasted open.
"That's Mr. Iceburg's study!"
Paulie, a cigar clenched between his teeth, his expression grave, shouted, "Mr. Iceburg might be in trouble! Grab your tools, everyone follow me!"
The cool moonlight shone through the shattered wall into the study. The commotion from below also reached the ears of Reiner and the others inside.
"So, those were World Government people just now?"
Iceburg rubbed his forehead, frowning. "These guys have always been relentlessly malicious. I knew sooner or later they'd make a move on me."
"You knew all along, and you still stayed here waiting to die?" Robin asked, arms crossed, puzzled.
"This city needs me."
Iceburg leaned back in his chair and stated coolly, "Besides, being targeted by the World Government, where could I possibly run? You understand this point better than I do."
"That's true... It's about time. I should be leaving."
Robin's expression turned sorrowful. She looked at Reiner, silent for a moment, then chose to lay her cards on the table.
"CP9's operation this time... Aokiji is also watching from behind. They've even given CP9 the authority to initiate a Buster Call."
"Additionally, it's said that the Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp, is also in nearby waters. I won't go back to say goodbye to everyone. Reiner, you find a way to get everyone off this island quickly."
"Garp, huh."
Reiner was somewhat surprised to hear this name. He spread his hands. "How could I possibly get everyone to leave? Luffy would definitely be the first to disagree."
A Buster Call plus Aokiji is indeed troublesome... but with Garp around...
Everyone else would think this is a lineup that means certain death if encountered! Only Reiner will tell you: It's stable! This situation is totally stable!
Others fight CP9.
Reiner solos the Buster Call.
Aokiji vs. Garp.
Everything arranged perfectly!!
"However, I really should head back for a bit."
Reiner used Frieren's Observation Haki to sense the surroundings and discovered several individuals with decent strength had vanished from here into thin air.
Probably CP9 members with other objectives, left using the Door-Door Fruit ability. Iceburg should be safe for now.
After summoning the hawk, he looked towards Robin. "I'll take the news about the Going Merry back first. I've been away for most of the day; no idea how everyone on the ship is doing. Are you sure you don't want to come with me, Robin?"
"My unannounced departure has probably worried everyone a lot. But..."
Robin shook her head. "Regrettably, my journey with everyone ends here."
Hearing this, Reiner knew Robin had actually already opened her heart to them. Otherwise, she wouldn't do something like trading her own life for their safety.
The hurdle she couldn't overcome was in her own heart; the destruction of her hometown, the shadow of the Buster Call, were still deeply buried within her.
Some emotional knots are hard to untie with words; a thousand words are less effective than a single action.
This is fine too. A change of scenery for the next battle. Otherwise, if a fight broke out here, he might not be able to deal with a Buster Call bombardment.
The Going Merry's situation finally has a glimmer of hope. If it got blown up now, he'd be angry enough to go full beast mode.
"Don't be regretful just yet."
Reiner smiled faintly. "Don't underestimate us. Keep a positive mindset. Wait for us to come pick you up and take you home."
"You certainly aren't anxious at all."
Robin put on her cloak and walked to the wall. "Absolutely do not do anything foolish. Luffy and the others are prone to rash actions. You're different. I'm counting on you for everyone."
With that, Robin leaped down from the wall. A transparent green square suddenly appeared in mid-air, opening like a door.
Blueno's bull horns peeked out from it. He stared warily at Reiner until Robin entered, then the Air Door instantly vanished.
"Wonder if these guys' experience points are enough..."
Reiner rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Zoro and Sanji were both vaguely on the verge of awakening Haki. It would be best if they could break through in this battle.
If not, then he'd take them to 'farm' a Buster Call later. Five Vice Admirals proficient in Haki putting pressure on them... should be enough to force out their Haki.
"Wonder which five Vice Admirals it will be then."
Reining in his thoughts, Reiner looked back at Iceburg. "The ship matter should be fine now, right?"
"No good. Can't do it."
"Huh?!"
"Just kidding with you," Iceburg said coolly, arms crossed.
"Are you fucking trying to die!?" Reiner's face darkened.
This X-thing... still holding a grudge because I joked about killing the Franky Family.
"Don't look down on people."
Iceburg took a sip of black tea. "The title of 'Genius Shipwright'... I've never lost it since I started in this profession."
"Right now, it's just a preliminary concept. You head back first. I'll research it and design the plan in the next couple of days. It's been a long time since I designed a new ship; suddenly feel invigorated."
"You certainly are confident," Reiner glanced at Iceburg.
Pity. He wants to turn all of Water 7 into a ship; he definitely won't leave here. Otherwise, I really could go back and conspire with Luffy to recruit him.
"Want to come back with me and take a look at the ship?"
Reiner asked, jumping onto the hawk's back and looking back. "Might make it easier for you to design things."
"No need for that."
Iceburg slowly rummaged through his bookshelf. "Although your ship's model is a bit retro, I still have it cataloged here. I'll contact you when the design is ready."
"Mm. Leaving it to you then. See you later. Be careful."
Reiner revealed CP9's identity to him, then bid farewell amidst Iceburg's astonished gaze and left.
The hawk flapped its wings and took off, flying straight towards the Going Merry. Before leaving, Reiner secretly left the Blue and Red Ogres behind.
Iceburg is crucial right now. If anything happens to him, skinning CP9 alive wouldn't be going too far.
Bang-Bang-Bang!
Urgent knocks sounded on the door. Just after Reiner left, Paulie arrived at Iceburg's study with a group of shipwrights.
"Mr. Iceburg, are you okay!?"
"If you're in there, please answer!"
"Stop knocking, Paulie! I'm fine!"
Iceburg shouted, directly calling them in. The moment he saw Paulie, he immediately asked, "Kalifa and Kaku, Lucci... have you seen them?"
"Hm? Haven't seen them. Probably resting."
Paulie replied simply, simultaneously fuming, "That damn pigeon bastard! Such a huge commotion here, and he actually has the nerve to be sleeping soundly!"
Rockyard Bay. The Going Merry rested quietly by the shore, bathed in moonlight, waves lapping rhythmically.
The lights in the second-floor cabin were bright. Since installing the Lamp Dials purchased in Skypiea, they had retired their old oil lamps.
Only a few were kept as spares, gathering dust in a corner of the first-floor storeroom.
Usopp had made easily detachable lamp stands. On good weather days, they would take the Lamp Dials to the ship's rooftop terrace to store light; each full charge basically lasted a week.
At this moment, in the living room, Sanji was just finishing dinner preparations. The group gathered around the dining table, looking at the feast yet all appearing dejected.
"Alright, everyone, let's eat."
Sanji brought out the last dish and urged the others, "Starving yourselves like this won't make the situation any better. Fill your stomachs first, then we'll talk."
Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp sat at the table, each with their head resting on the surface, looking gloomy.
"Don't want to eat."
"No appetite."
"Waaah~~"
The matter of the Going Merry had already left them deeply troubled, and now Robin had suddenly disappeared. The entire crew was in a state of extreme dejection.
"Where on earth did Robin go?"
Chopper's eyes welled with tears. "And Reiner... he still hasn't come back. Could something have happened to him?"
"You don't need to worry about Four Eyes."
Zoro directly grabbed a bottle of booze from the fridge. "It's not like he's Luffy. If he got into trouble, our situation here would definitely be even worse."
"The most pressing issues right now are Robin and the Going Merry."
Usopp lay with his head on the table. "Robin just vanished this evening... and Reiner said he was going to find a better way, but there's been no news since."
"Yeah! If it really doesn't work out, we might have to change ships here," Luffy sighed, his face long.
"Hey! What are you saying!?"
Usopp, beside him, suddenly sat bolt upright. "Even if Reiner doesn't find a better way, the Going Merry can still be repaired, can't it!?"
The others also looked puzzled, their gazes shifting towards Luffy.
"Luffy, why did you suddenly think of changing ships?"
"You bastard! Don't tell me you're looking down on the Merry because she's too broken!"
Usopp grabbed Luffy's face discontentedly. "You're definitely just thinking about how great a new ship would be! Bastard! I won't let you be so willful this time!"
"I'm not!"
Luffy pushed Usopp's hand away. "The Merry is our nakama! How could I look down on her!?"
Up to this point, the others still thought the two were just fooling around.
After all, they often bickered like this over trivial matters.
"Good that you know! I thought your brain had short-circuited!"
Usopp turned his head away. "Since that's the case, don't say such ungrateful things anymore!"
"No. I'm not kidding."
Luffy wore a rare, serious expression. "Didn't that shipwright say it during the day? Even if the Merry is repaired, she won't be able to sail much further."
"Hey, you bastard..."
Usopp looked utterly stunned. "You can't be serious."
"Yes. I'm serious."
"Are you kidding me!?"
Rage welled up in Usopp's heart. He directly grabbed Luffy by the collar. "You bastard! Take back what you said!"
"What do you mean, 'the Merry can't go much further'!? Even so, we shouldn't abandon her! That's what being nakama means, isn't it!?"
"Usopp, calm down first!"
Luffy grabbed Usopp's hands. "The Merry is our nakama, of course! Didn't Reiner go to find a way? We might not have to change ships at all!"
"Then what if he can't find a way!?" Usopp slammed his head hard against Luffy's forehead, his eyes bloodshot.
"Deep down, you're still thinking of changing ships, aren't you!? Why!? Just because the Merry is damaged, you're going to abandon her!?"
"Because that's not the Merry's duty!!"
Luffy's eyes widened as he grabbed Usopp's collar in return. "Do we really have to sail the ship until she sinks to the bottom of the sea!? To fall apart piece by piece during our voyage!? That's definitely not what the Merry would want!!"
"Hey! What do you two think you're doing!?"
Seeing the two getting worked up, Sanji immediately rushed forward and pulled them apart, yelling, "Both of you calm down! If you have something to say, say it properly!"
Zoro stood up, frowning deeply. Chopper was so scared he immediately hid behind Nami.
The two arguers turned their backs to each other, each sitting cross-legged in a corner. No one spoke. Usopp, head lowered, was lost in thought. Silence filled the cabin...
"Sob... Nami..."
Chopper's eyes brimmed with tears as he sobbed continuously. "I'm so scared... Can you quickly call Reiner back, please?"
"It's okay, Chopper."
Nami crouched down, patting his hat comfortingly. "Relax. Everyone's just in a bit of a bad mood. Everything will be alright."
Though she said that, she couldn't hide the worry on her own face.
Things were more than just 'a bit bad'. This ship had never experienced such an atmosphere before. Everything was a mess, utterly awful.
"I can't be like you, Luffy," Usopp's voice came out low from the corner. He stood up and looked towards Luffy.
"Telling a nakama who's falling behind that it's okay for them to stay, then striding forward confidently... that kind of thing..."
"I just can't do it! What 'brave warrior of the sea'!? I'm just a weak coward!"
Those words felt like excuses he used to hide his inner cowardice. This wasn't just about the ship anymore.
Usopp clenched his fists, unable to stop them from trembling.
"My strength... I completely can't keep up with you guys anymore. Nami is the navigator, Chopper is the doctor, even Sanji, as a chef, is strong as a monster."
"Only I seem useless. As a sniper, my strength ranks at the very bottom on this ship."
"One day... I'll become a burden to you all. When that time comes... will I also be like the Merry...?"
"Shut up, bastard!"
Luffy roared angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting!? This isn't the same thing at all!"
"It is the same thing!!"
Usopp yelled back at him, "You're all strong as monsters! How could you possibly understand how I feel!? None of you look down on me, and that makes me feel even worse, as if I'm being pitied!"
"Am I supposed to just shamelessly stay on this ship, pretending nothing is wrong!? Even if you really did look down on me, you'd all be too polite to say it out of consideration for my feelings, right!?"
"Rather than make everyone feel awkward later! It's better if—!"
"Hey! Usopp!"
Everyone stared at Usopp in shock. Sanji and Zoro even more directly cut him off; some words, once spoken, are very hard to take back.
"Don't just blurt things out when you're emotional! Calm down first and then talk!"
"I am calm."
Usopp raised his hand, wiped away his tears, and looked around with resolute eyes. "I've decided... I'm quitting this pir—"
BANG!!
Before he could finish, Luffy's fist smashed into Usopp's face, sending him flying into a corner, kicking up a thick cloud of smoke.
"I told you to shut up!!"
Luffy's eyes were bloodshot, nearly splitting with rage. "What are you trying to say, bastard!? What strong, what weak!? What 'everyone will look down on you'!? Nakama isn't like that!"
"I'm just an idiot who only knows how to fight! That's why I need you guys! I can't cook, so Sanji does it! I don't understand navigation, so Nami does it! I don't know medicine, so Chopper does it!"
"You too! If you can't fight, leave the fighting to your nakama! Isn't that why we all came together!?"
"Everyone does what they're best at and leaves what they're not good at to others! Trust them! Isn't that what being nakama means!?"
Luffy roared himself hoarse, looking towards Usopp panting in the smoke cloud. As his words fell, the living quarters once again sank into silence.
After a long time...
Sanji lit a cigarette and strolled towards the corner. "Without everyone else, I'm just a cook who can fight, that's all."
"Ai~ What a headache."
Zoro rested one hand on his forehead, the other on his sword hilt. "Looks like I still need to intensify my training. Don't slack off starting tomorrow, Usopp."
Sanji and Zoro's words finally drew a hoarse response from the quiet corner.
"Luffy... everyone..."
The dust gradually settled, revealing Usopp lying there, arm covering his face, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry... I'm really sorry... I should have trusted everyone more... Waaah~~"
"Eww~~ Such ugly crying."
A familiar voice came from outside the door. "I was listening outside for ages. It was heart-wrenching."
(End of this chapter)
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