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High above, a massive ice ramp, stretching from the towering Red Line, plunged into the vast ocean.
Though cushioned by the warships, the sheer force of their descent as they slid into the sea shattered the vessels.
The joyous songs and laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by the sounds of splintering wood and panicked splashes as people were thrown into the water.
It was like a downpour of humans.
Thankfully, the ice had provided some buffer. Otherwise, they would have been crushed upon impact with the water.
The wrath of nature was often far more perilous than any human threat.
Exhausted from maintaining the ice path, Noir was caught off guard by the sudden plunge into the ocean. A massive wave slammed him into the seabed.
His face emotionless, he covered his mouth. The icy seawater washed away some of the fatigue from overusing his powers, bringing him a sense of clarity.
Looks like we escaped Mary Geoise…
How did Fisher Tiger manage to set Mary Geoise on fire and escape with all those people?
Noir's decision to liberate the slaves had been a spur-of-the-moment act, inspired by Wyper’s words.
Their success was largely due to luck.
If any part of the plan had gone wrong, Noir could have been killed by Aokiji or Kizaru…
Noir held his breath, kicking upwards towards the surface.
Suddenly, a large shadow loomed overhead.
He looked up, his forehead breaking out in a cold sweat.
A horde of burly figures, resembling drowned corpses, were swimming towards him, their arms flailing wildly, bubbles streaming from their mouths.
These men, who saw Noir as their savior, had panicked when they saw him fall into the water.
They believed Noir, with his seemingly endless abilities, must be a Devil Fruit user.
And Devil Fruit users were the most vulnerable in the sea!
Submerged in the water, Noir's face contorted in despair.
There’s no need to be so enthusiastic...
I actually know how to swim…
But seeing their determined expressions, Noir played along, allowing the well-meaning men to pull him to the surface.
Relief washed over their faces. Their Savior was safe!
He had saved them, and they would protect him at all costs!
However, they had once again forgotten something crucial.
Deep beneath the waves, four genuine Devil Fruit users – Wyper, Blueno, Enel, and Lucci – clung to each other, sinking into the depths with expressions of utter despair on their faces.
After a Herculean effort, they finally managed to pull everyone out of the water.
Following Noir’s instructions, they hastily repaired one of the less damaged ships and had the fish-man brothers pull it.
The fish-men were happy to oblige, dragging the warship through the water with the survivors on board.
Behind them, two giant warriors swam effortlessly, their immense strength allowing them to keep pace with the ship.
The battered warship was crammed with people.
Even so, the largest room was reserved for Noir and his crew.
Inside the dilapidated room, Wyper pressed on Enel's stomach as the latter, sprawled on the floor like a beached fish, coughed up water like a sputtering fountain.
Lucci and Blueno, clearly exhausted, leaned against each other, their eyes closed in a light sleep.
Only Noir remained awake, staring intently at the Log Pose, charting their course.
Thriller Bark, being a mobile island, couldn't be found with a regular Log Pose, but it was his territory now.
He could sense the shadows of his zombie creations and determine the direction.
Once they reached Thriller Bark, they could finally rest and recuperate.
However, after such a major incident, the World Government wouldn't let him off easily.
And the battle at Mary Geoise had exposed too many of his cards.
The existence of the "Copy-Copy Fruit," a power he'd fabricated, was now practically confirmed. He'd also revealed his Shadow-Shadow Fruit and Clone-Clone Fruit abilities right in front of the Marines.
Not to mention, he'd copied the powers of two Admirals.
And the kidnapped Celestial Dragons... that was a ticking time bomb…
Noir, dragging his weary body, walked towards a corner of the room.
A mountain of burlap sacks was piled there.
He lifted the flap of one sack, revealing a terrified face staring back at him.
Saint Rosward had never imagined that someone would dare kidnap all the Celestial Dragons at his daughter’s engagement party!
And the man standing before him was the leader of the group responsible for his son’s death!
Rosward was furious and terrified, but he still clung to his delusions of grandeur. "Release me this instant! Do you have any idea what the consequences will be?!"
Noir's face was pale from exhaustion, but his gaze remained sharp. He drew Devil Blade, resting the blade lightly on Rosward's shoulder. "One more word out of you, and I'll remove your head."
Rosward's face contorted, but he still attempted to threaten Noir. "Do you know who you're talking to? We are descendants of Gods! The world will destroy you!"
Noir sighed. He was too tired for this.
He tapped the scabbard of his sword against the cabin wall a few times. A shuffling sound came from outside the door.
"Savior, I apologize for the intrusion. Have you rested well? We are at your service!"
The door creaked open, and a face peeked inside. Noir recognized the old fish-man.
Despite being crammed together on the deck, they had maintained absolute silence, not wanting to disturb their savior’s rest.
The small gesture touched Noir’s heart. His voice softened. "What’s your name, old timer?"
The old fish-man, wearing a tattered fisherman's hat, removed it respectfully. "My name is Puff. I used to work for King Neptune, handling administrative duties on Fish-Man Island."
"But then… I left Fish-Man Island to see the world, and I was captured and made a slave…"
Noir nodded silently. Everyone here had a painful past, and Puff was no exception.
Someone entrusted with duties by King Neptune must have some talent for administration.
He could have Puff help him manage things.
Noir leaned on his sword and walked towards Puff. The old fish-man rushed forward to support him, as if Noir was made of fragile glass.
Noir smiled gently at Puff. "Puff, do you know how to operate a Transponder Snail?"
Puff was momentarily stunned, then quickly replied, "Indeed, I am familiar with such trivial matters."
Noir nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Can you do me a favor?"
Puff nodded eagerly. "Anything, Savior."
"I want to broadcast what's happening here to the nearby islands."
"And make sure the Marines and the World Government see it!"
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