Got At this moment, Zeff remained silent, but Usopp was the first to speak.
As soon as he heard the name "CP-X," a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Although the East Blue is the weakest sea, its news isn't completely cut off. In fact, because it's the weakest and the most peaceful, commerce thrives here more than in any of the other seas. With trade caravans and the World Economy Newspaper circulating, the information network is actually quite good.
Usopp isn't as clueless as Luffy—his IQ is online. Plus, he has a pirate father, so he pays more attention to news about the sea. Naturally, he had heard of CP-X before.
"Luffy, be careful!
CP-X is similar to the Marines.
They're both capable of hunting pirates.
But it's rumored that they're even stronger than the Marines.
Even the Pirate King, Roger, was defeated by them!
You know the Seven Warlords of the Sea, right? There's even a legend that they answer to CP-X!"
Usopp quickly warned.
Luffy was momentarily stunned. Of course, he knew who the Pirate King, Roger, was—if he didn't, what kind of pirate would he be?
But the Seven Warlords of the Sea? He had never heard of them and had no real understanding of the larger situation on the sea.
Still, he caught two key points:
First, the Pirate King, Roger, was defeated by CP-X.
Second, like the Marines, these CP-X people were also his enemies!
Lucci followed the voice and glanced at Usopp, who was hiding among the crowd. Raising an eyebrow slightly, he said, "You're quite knowledgeable. Are you his companion? That means... you're also a pirate?"
Usopp tensed up at Lucci's words and stammered nervously, "I... I'm not! I'm just a guest here for a meal!"
"Really?" Lucci didn't seem particularly concerned about Usopp's response.
But Luffy, on the other hand, was baffled. "Usopp, what are you saying? Aren't we crewmates?"
"You idiot, read the room a little!" Usopp exclaimed in frustration.
Lucci still didn't care about this trivial exchange. Instead, he turned his gaze to Luffy and said, "You're the 'Straw Hat Luffy,' with a bounty of 30 million Berries, right?"
"That's me!" Luffy confidently adjusted his straw hat.
"Good." Lucci nodded calmly before continuing, "Now, I have some personal doubts. There are a few things I want to ask you."
Luffy stood upright and nodded. "Go ahead."
"Your grandfather is Vice Admiral Garp, the hero of the Marines. Your father is also a high-ranking official of the World Government, the Minister of Civil Affairs, Monkey D. Dragon. So why did you choose to be a pirate?"
The moment Lucci spoke, everyone with some level of knowledge was stunned. Even Usopp turned to Luffy with an expression of "You've been hiding this from us?"
Vice Admiral Garp is your grandfather?!
The most wanted criminal in the world, the leader of the Revolutionary Army now a high-ranking official in the World Government, Dragon, is your father?!
You have that kind of background, and you still chose to be a pirate?! Are you insane?!
Usopp always thought of himself as a "Second Generation Pirate," so it was only natural for him to become a pirate. But Luffy? There was absolutely no reason for it!
Even Zeff was dumbfounded. Damn, this kid has such a big background? No wonder he caught CP-X's attention. But seriously, with a background like that, why become a pirate? Whether it's as a Marine or a government official, wouldn't that be a way better career choice?
Luffy, however, remained completely unfazed. Instead, he looked puzzled and asked, "What does wanting to be a pirate have to do with my grandpa or my dad?"
Lucci was momentarily taken aback by Luffy's response, then—rarely—he let out a laugh.
"Hahahaha, interesting! Now I understand why His Highness occasionally pays attention to you. You really are an interesting guy."
"That's right, your father and grandfather aren't pirates, so their choices have nothing to do with you." Lucci said with a chuckle.
"You get it!" Luffy replied with a smug look.
After laughing, Lucci shook his head and said, "Even if your logic is sound, a pirate is still a pirate. You have a bounty of 30 million Berries, which means you're a wanted criminal. Whether I was given an order or not, I can't just ignore you. So, I hope you surrender willingly and come with me."
Luffy scratched his head. "And go where?"
Lucci was momentarily speechless before answering, "To a Marine base, of course.
Although your crimes aren't severe, you'll still be detained for a while. But given your connections, as long as you haven't done anything too serious, you'll probably be released soon. Maybe you could even join the Marines or something."
"No way!" Luffy refused without hesitation. He then declared, "I'm going to be the Pirate King! That's my promise to Shanks!"
Lucci wasn't surprised at all. This was just a routine question out of respect for Vice Admiral Garp.
"I see. That means this conversation won't end peacefully." Lucci shrugged. He then took two steps to the left and casually placed his hat on the coat rack.
Luffy frowned slightly, clenched his fists, and asked, "So, you wanna fight?"
"Fine by me. Let's see what the grandson of Vice Admiral Garp and the son of Dragon is capable of." Lucci cracked his neck and spoke casually.
The moment his words fell, Luffy had already thrown a punch! With the power of the Gomu Gomu no Mi, his fist extended instantly!
However,whether it was an illusion or not just as Lucci turned his head to crack his neck, he naturally dodged the blow.
And in the next second, he completely vanished from Luffy's sight!
"So fast!!!" Sanji, who was watching, muttered in shock. From his vantage point, he couldn't even see how Lucci moved behind Luffy!
"That's the Rokushiki (Six Powers) technique—Soru (Shave)!" Zeff, who had sharp foresight, immediately recognized the move.
"Tempest Kick!" Lucci whispered.
A muffled sound followed.
With a single sweeping kick, Lucci sent Luffy flying. The tables and chairs in his path shattered as he crashed into the wall.
Yet, thanks to his rubber body, Luffy didn't feel any pain. He immediately raised his head—only to see Lucci standing right in front of him!
Clenching his fists, he prepared to counterattack.
But Lucci was faster.
In a flash, Lucci grabbed Luffy's head and BAM! slammed it hard against the wooden wall!
Before Luffy could react, Lucci grabbed his head again and dragged him across the wall, carving a long gash into it before slamming him down near the doorframe!
Dazed but unharmed, Luffy wobbled to his feet. Lucci looked at him curiously and muttered, "So that's the power of the Gomu Gomu no Mi… impressive durability."
Luffy took the opportunity to attack again, but Lucci easily dodged. Then, with just a flick of his Haki-infused finger, he sent Luffy flying once more!
(To be continued.)
***
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