Chapter 41: Miracle!
Yes, the Going Merry!
This pirate ship that had been declared beyond repair by professionals from the City of Seven Waters was now charging through the waves.
She had fearlessly braved the Aqua Laguna capable of destroying everything, miraculously arriving at Enies Lobby just to rescue her long-time companions from hell!!
"Merry!!"
Usopp was crying uncontrollably, completely unable to describe his feelings at this moment.
The Merry that Franky himself had sent drifting into the sea had now come to Enies Lobby to save them—how could he not be moved?
As the ship drew closer, the other members of the Straw Hat Pirates trembled with excitement. They were really seeing the Merry!
"This... this can't be possible?!"
Franky stared in disbelief, hardly able to trust his own eyes.
He had personally inspected this ship and knew its condition all too well—the keel was damaged beyond repair, let alone seaworthiness.
Yet now, not only had this ship crossed the Aqua Laguna, but it had arrived here completely unharmed?
What an incredible miracle this was?!
"The Going Merry..."
Blueno, who was being controlled by Meiser, watched the approaching Merry with equal astonishment.
Nami had told him about this ship being condemned to death during one of their private conversations.
But now, this ship had actually... this was nothing short of a miracle!
"A miracle..." Sanji murmured.
To be honest, their current situation was truly desperate.
Even if Meiser managed to seize a Marine warship, how fast could a waterlogged vessel possibly move?
This time, they were facing a Marine Admiral—someone with the terrifying power to freeze the ocean!
Against such an opponent, could they really escape in a flooded warship?
But now, their beloved Going Merry had come... appearing in this hopeless situation!!
How... how could anyone not be moved to tears?
"Merry!"
Nami's eyes brimmed with tears, momentarily at a loss for words to express her emotions.
This was truly a ray of hope in their darkest hour!
(Everyone, let's return to the sea of adventure together!)
"MERRY!!!"
"To be honest, in all my years, this is the first time I've witnessed such a miracle..." Kokoro muttered.
She even set aside her bottle of alcohol, staring intently at the pirate ship.
Legends spoke of how, if a crew loved their ship dearly, a mythical being might be born—the Ship Spirit!
A ship blessed with a Ship Spirit could accomplish the impossible. She wondered if this ship was exactly as she imagined...
At this moment, Kokoro felt an urge to board and see for herself.
If she could meet the legendary Ship Spirit, she'd have quite the story to share with Tom when her time came.
"Regardless, this greatly improves our chances of escape," Franky said, regaining his composure. "I can use Coup de Burst to propel this pirate ship—we'll cover an enormous distance in one go."
Though unsure if they could escape from the Marine Admiral's grasp, they had to at least try.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go find Luffy and the others," Usopp said. "We need to bring them back first."
"Right."
Without wasting words, Blueno immediately activated his ability and transported everyone to Luffy's battlefield.
By now, Luffy's battle against Rob Lucci had reached its climax!
"Straw Hat Boy, do you really think you can defeat me?!" Rob Lucci roared. "Your fate is sealed—your crewmates will all die!"
"I won't let that happen!"
"Survive this first, then talk!"
With that, Lucci used Shave to appear right in front of Luffy, grabbing him with his tail while raising both hands and shouting, "Six King Gun: Maximum!"
"BOOM!!"
A terrifying impact struck Luffy, dealing what should have been a fatal blow!
"Luffy!"
Usopp, seeing this, immediately tried to rush forward, but Blueno didn't open the door.
"Hey, Bullhead, open it already!"
"This is Luffy's fight," Blueno said. "The path of the strong must be walked alone... Do you think Luffy would approve of you interfering?"
Usopp fell silent. He knew Luffy would never allow it.
'Luffy, hang in there!'
As if hearing Usopp's prayer, Luffy forcibly stopped himself from collapsing and stood back up!
Witnessing this, Rob Lucci's eyes widened in disbelief. At that moment, the man's voice echoed in his mind.
("I won't fall again until I've beaten you!")
"You—"
"Gomu Gomu no... Jet Gatling!!"
"ARGH!!"
"Iron Body!"
"BOOM BOOM BOOM!!"
Countless fists pummeled Rob Lucci, sending him flying through the wall with a mouthful of blood.
Thus, Cipher Pol 9's strongest fighter—Rob Lucci—was defeated!
"Luffy!!"
Everyone cheered at the sight. Their captain had finally overcome his enemy.
Without hesitation, Blueno opened an Air Door and rushed out, scooping up the barely standing Luffy before retreating inside.
The Marine Admiral was coming—every second counted.
"But Luffy—"
"No time, move now!" Blueno cut off Zoro. "He's coming!"
Their faces paled. Even without explanation, they knew who he meant.
Marine Admiral—Aokiji!
"But Meiser hasn't returned yet," Nami said. "We can't abandon a crewmate!"
"Right, Bullhead, at least—"
"Meiser is already with Nico Robin. Hurry!" Blueno activated his ability again, racing toward the Going Merry.
"With Robin...?"
A question mark popped up over Sanji's head, clearly confused.
"He's right, we need to go," Nico Robin said, following Blueno without looking back.
Though puzzled, Sanji obediently followed the crew back to the ship.
"What the hell is going on?" Sanji asked.
"Trust me, Meiser is here."
As she spoke, Nico Robin glanced back at the long bridge behind them, where numerous Marines were already watching their location, clearly having noticed the pirate ship that had suddenly appeared.
Though she didn't understand Meiser's purpose in doing this, she was willing to trust him.
"If that's the case... then let's go!"
"Everyone, brace for impact!" Franky ran to the rear, raising both hands as he shouted: "This might cause some damage, but we can't worry about that now!"
"Coup de Burst!"
"BOOM!!"
The tremendous force acted upon the pirate ship, sending the Going Merry flying through the air. The sight left the Marines on the bridge utterly dumbfounded.
"The ship... the ship just flew away?!"