Chapter 124 – Journey To The Drum Kingdom.

Chapter 124 – Journey To The Drum Kingdom.

[Chapter Size: 2389 Words.]

Third Person POV

Somewhere Sea, First Half of Grandline.

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While the Black Pearl sailed from Little Garden towards the Drum Kingdom, tension hung in the air. In a room beneath a casino located in the Kingdom of Alabasta, specifically in Rain Base, a few days before the current events, a charged atmosphere permeated.

A man dressed in a suit and holding a cigar, identified as Crocodile, was visibly tense. In the room, he confronted a subordinate, seeking information about the whereabouts of the team sent on what seemed to be a simple mission.

"Any news from them?" Crocodile questioned with a furrowed brow, his tone revealing frustration.

"No, Mr. Crocodile. So far, we haven't received any news from them," the subordinate replied.

"How can this be happening? The entire team vanished? Whisky Peak doesn't respond to our calls, and the fleet with over 600 men also disappeared?!" Crocodile expressed his anger, believing that Luffy's bounty was justified for the supposed murder of a king and marines as the pirate attacked bases in that weak sea or his connection to the world's most wanted man.

Faced with the situation, Mr. 1, another subordinate of Crocodile, suggested immediate action: "What should we do? Should I go there to check?"

Crocodile refused, revealing that the plan was almost ready for execution and ordered an investigation into Whisky Peak. "Send a team. I want to know exactly what happened there and the fate of our agents," Crocodile instructed.

After Mr. 1 left, Crocodile, now alone, expressed his deeper concern. "I don't care about the others, but Nico Robin is a crucial piece in my plan! I need to know what happened and capture her again," he spoke in a somber tone, directing his attention to a drawer. There, he pulled out a specific communication device.

Upon activating the den den mushi, a series of characteristic clicks and crackles filled the air.

*PERO PERO PERO KATCHA!*

"Hello, I've reconsidered, and I believe I'll need the help of the vice admiral in Alabasta," said Crocodile and hung up the den den mushi.

"I need to accelerate my plan, but I have to be careful with the vice admiral here... But that doesn't matter. I'll have my chance to get Miss All Sunday and become king once we get rid of these little pirates!" Crocodile concluded his thoughts while observing one of his aquariums, glimpsing the future he eagerly sought to conquer and the weapon he would finally have in his hands.

'So I'll get my revenge on you, Whitebeard...!' He thought about his revenge.

In the Grand Line, the Black Pearl cut through the waters, sailing for two days after leaving Little Garden towards the Eternal Log of the Drum Kingdom. They were already entering icy waters with snow falling constantly, prompting them to replace their traditional clothes with warmer ones to be more comfortable, except for Luffy, as he could easily warm his body.

In the training room, Reiju expressed her frustration. "Still no results..."

Luffy, alongside his companions, responded optimistically. "That's how it goes, as I've said, it takes years to master this ability. But I'm sure you guys are starting to develop. I'm in the same progress." Luffy was determined to train his companions, using machines that launched attacks while they had their eyes closed. The goal was to sharpen their senses to develop Observation Haki and try to manifest Armament Haki at the same time.

Internally, Luffy acknowledged the difficulty of the process. "This is really hard. I've started to feel a small trace of my internal energy now. The path is really long." He understood that learning Haki was not an easy task but believed that they would soon see the first results.

Reflecting on the nature of this internal energy, Luffy murmured to himself. "Internal energy, willpower, life force, or spiritual strength, it's something very complex, so many names for something inside you..."

Luffy's concentration was interrupted by an enthusiastic voice. "Hahahahaha! I'm getting stronger, aren't I, Broggy?" The giants were engaged in intense training in the designated area with their size reduced to 10% of their actual size.

"It's true, Dorry, I feel myself getting stronger!" The training covered the Six Styles, but initially, Luffy was focused on preparing his crew's bodies with a series of physical exercises, just as he did with everyone in his crew. Vivi and Robin, although not showing visible results yet, were equally committed to strengthening their bodies.

Once again, Luffy's train of thought was interrupted by red lights.

*Alert* *Alert* *Alert* *Alert*

Just as Luffy was about to instruct everyone, coming out of the Haki training, a siren echoed in the room, indicating the approach of another ship or a nearby enemy while everyone was inside this room, activating the security system of the Black Pearl.

"A ship attacking us?" exclaimed Kuina, removing her blindfold.

"Who are you?" asked one of the doctors, representing the general sentiment of the prison.

"I'm Monkey D. Luffy, a pirate captain. Your king is dead now. You'll come with us to the Drum Kingdom again." Luffy spoke, and Lami began opening the bars with her power.

"Wapol is dead?! Well, that's a surprise, thank you... But why are you doing this?" The same doctor asked.

"Don't bother about my intentions; you'll know later. For now, just stay quiet and don't cause any trouble." Luffy shrugged.

With not much to do, as the doctors realized they were captives of a new pirate group, they obeyed and went to the Black Pearl, in an isolated room. Luffy didn't want to waste time with them interacting with the crew while they trained.

Before they returned to the Black Pearl, Luffy, with a determined look, expressed his satisfaction with Chouchou and Nojiko. "You guys were amazing. We're stronger than ever. But remember, there's always room for growth," Luffy told them. "Wooof!" Chouchou barked in his normal form, while Nojiko nodded with a small smile.

After that, Luffy disintegrated the dead bodies and returned to the ship with the Glorious Blink in his hands. Now, he already had four extra boats: his speedboat that Lami used in the East Blue, the royal ship from Goa, another one he took after killing the Tenryuubito, and now this strange ship.

"I'll ask my engineer to replicate the technology. It seems useful..." Luffy muttered to himself, planning to make the most of the acquired resources. The Black Pearl resumed sailing after dealing with Wapol and his crew. The crew continued their journey, dedicating themselves to enhancing their skills in the coming hours. Luffy led the training, focusing on expanding Haki mastery, while specific members worked to master the skills initiated in Little Garden.

The training unfolded on the deck of the Black Pearl, where, in addition to the team's usual Haki training and body strengthening with the Six Styles, the sound of blows, controlled explosions, and Chouchou's roars filled the air. They honed their Devil Fruits, ensuring greater control over their powers to avoid damage to the pirate crew's ship.

After days of intense preparation, the Black Pearl approached the waters of the Drum Kingdom. A sense of anxiety and excitement permeated the ship, as everyone knew that a new island awaited them, full of challenges and opportunities.

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