One Piece: New Luffy

The sound of oars cutting through water echoed gently between the tall, colorful buildings. Canals stretched like veins throughout the city, reflecting the blue sky in their crystalline surfaces. It was as if nature itself had bowed to human ingenuity—or, in this case, to the world's greatest shipwrights.

Water 7. A jewel of the Grand Line. A city built not only upon water, but in harmony with it. Pastel-toned towers rose over floating foundations, and gondolas glided through liquid paths as if the sea itself had been tamed. It was impossible not to be charmed by the bustling commerce, vendors shouting their offers from bridges, and the distant sound of craftsmen hammering wood.

But this wasn't just a beautiful city. It was the beating heart of the world's shipbuilding industry. Here, the legendary Galley-La Company reigned supreme, gathering under its banner the best carpenters across the seas.

However, the city offered more than just boats and beauty. Each year, it was struck by the Aqua Laguna, a deadly tide that mercilessly swallowed the lower districts. A cruel reminder that not even the greatest builders could withstand the force of nature.

And as if fate conspired, behind the waters and smiling façades, a silent conspiracy lurked. CP9, an organization shrouded in shadow, would soon make its move here.

At that moment, three very distinct pirate ships approached the southern coast of Water 7. There was the Thousand Sunny, the Going Merry, restored with special technology, and majestically flying through the sky, the dazzling Ark Maxim, gleaming under the sun.

The golden shine of the Ark caught the attention of the outer city's residents, who began gathering along the shore, staring upwards in astonishment.

"Hey, is that thing actually… flying?!"

"That's the Straw Hat flag! But what's a Shichibukai's crew doing here?"

"Look at that shine! Is that ship made of solid gold?!"

The sunlight made the Ark Maxim's hull glow intensely, reflecting like a celestial mirror that burned the eyes of anyone who dared to stare too long. Meanwhile, the Sunny and Merry docked calmly, and the crew jumped ashore.

The Ark also descended in a smooth spiral to the surface, its hull nearly brushing the ground. Bartolomeo, interim vice-captain of the second division, created a solid barrier staircase, allowing his comrades to descend safely.

"These people don't seem afraid of pirates… is it because of the Shichibukai title?" Chopper observed, glancing around.

"Quite the opposite," Robin replied with a subtle smile. "The Shichibukai have legal license to plunder. Technically, they should be more afraid."

Nami crossed her arms, equally intrigued by the townspeople's calm reaction.

Meanwhile, Zoro was already back on the Merry, blunt as always:

"Luffy, I'm staying on guard here. Galdino, you're with me."

"Yes, sir!" Galdino responded, trying to hide his excitement. Internally, he felt like his position in the crew was rising—one step closer to glory, and maybe even a bigger bonus.

"Thanks for the effort," Luffy said, giving him a satisfied nod. Then he turned to the group. "Let's go talk to the mayor about modifying the Ark Maxim. I'll handle it myself. The rest of you, explore freely."

"Time to check out the seafood market!" Sanji exclaimed, hearts in his eyes.

"I… would like to visit the local library," Robin murmured, a hint of excitement in her voice.

But Luffy cut in:

"Robin, you're coming with me."

She hesitated for a second, surprised, but eventually nodded and followed him. Nami, suspicious of the captain's sudden insistence, joined them too.

"Weren't you heading off to blow our money somewhere?" Luffy asked, frowning.

Nami blushed slightly, grabbing his arm:

"Renovating the Sunny is top priority now, okay? Someone has to keep the finances in check!"

Robin smiled tenderly at the sight of the two, then asked:

"Luffy, is there a special reason you asked me to come?"

"Hmm… yeah, there is."

As they walked through the wet streets of Water 7, Luffy finally spoke in a more serious tone:

"A World Government group is on this island. And not just any group. It's CP9."

Robin stopped walking for a second. Nami's eyes widened.

"CP9…?" Nami repeated. "Isn't that just a legend? Everything I know about them came from a few old texts Vivi showed me."

Luffy nodded and explained:

"CP9 is an elite unit of Cipher Pol, the World Government's intelligence agencies. There are several divisions, like CP1, CP2… all the way up to CP8. Each has specific functions—from intelligence gathering to special operations in rebellious territories. But CP9… is different."

He paused and looked at Robin.

"CP9 operates in the shadows. They have the authority to eliminate anyone deemed a threat to the World Government—even civilians. The biggest difference? Just like some of you, they've mastered Rokushiki, the Six Superhuman Combat Styles."

"Is that true?" Nami asked, confused.

Luffy nodded.

"Have I ever lied to you? CP9 members train for years to master Rokushiki..."

"Fufu~ I feel sorry for them. While they spend years training, Nami took a bite of a strange fruit and mastered it instantly."

Nami laughed, but her expression soon shifted.

She looked visibly worried. "And you think they're here, in Water 7?"

"I'm almost sure," Luffy said firmly. "And if it's true… we can't just ignore it. If they lay hands on any of us—or on any innocent person..."

Robin looked at Luffy for a moment, touched by the genuine concern in his voice.

"I understand why you called me. They probably recognize me."

"Exactly," Luffy said. "And if they're after you, I won't let it happen."

(End of Chapter)

"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."