How come...
We've run into another one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!
"Straw Hat!"
Blackbeard Teach, unaware of the fear caused by Donflamingo, laughed loudly and shouted to the Straw Hat Pirates: "Zehahaha... Don't be afraid, we're not here to cause trouble, we just want to know how to get to Sky Island!"
"Hmph, like he'd ever tell you that..."
Donflamingo sneered, thinking this fool was a bit ridiculous.
However...
Blackbeard's inquiry quickly received a response.
"Are you guys going to Sky Island as well?"
Luffy showed no fear, and even had a grin on his face: "Then just follow us and ride the Knock Up Stream, we're about to find it..."
"Idiot!"
Nami looked up angrily at Luffy sitting on the mast and scolded: "How can you just easily tell them that! What if they're bad guys!"
"Huh? Are they bad guys?"
Luffy tilted his head in confusion.
No matter how much Nami objected, Luffy had already told them directly, leaving the Straw Hat Pirates no choice but to let the raft follow them...
However...
The other side's raft clearly seemed unreliable.
To reach Sky Island, the Straw Hat Pirates had especially added wings to their Golden Merry, while a raft might fall when trying to ascend...
Even though Luffy wanted to kindly invite them aboard the Golden Merry to avoid accidents while riding the Knock Up Stream, all the crew unanimously objected, not believing they were genuinely good people...
"They're definitely not good, we absolutely can't let them onboard!"
Nami firmly opposed showing any compassion at this moment.
Even Nico Robin strongly agreed with Nami's opinion and began introducing their members: "The man in the pink coat is Donflamingo..."
Nico Robin recalled her experiences in the Underworld, with an unprecedentedly serious look: "Donflamingo is a commanding presence in the entire Underworld; whether it's human trafficking or arms trade, it all has to go through him..."
"..."
The Straw Hat Pirates shivered in fear.
"People like that..."
Usopp hugged Chopper for warmth, hoping to find some mental comfort from him: "We can't let them onboard, we'll be killed..."
"Too... too scary..."
Chopper's little eyes were brimming with tears in fright.
"Yeah, they're too bad, we definitely can't let them come up."
A somewhat familiar voice sounded in the ears of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Everyone felt the voice was somewhat familiar, but didn't bother to think about who was speaking, instinctively agreeing with it.
"Yeah, yeah..."
"..."
Nami nodded unconsciously, wanting to praise the speaker, but suddenly realized she couldn't recall the person's name.
Following the sound, Nami looked over, her mind going blank, as if her soul was about to leave her body!
A man in a Navy uniform was sitting in a chair on the deck, leisurely leaning back and holding a teacup; a woman with red hair in a Navy uniform stood beside him, pouring tea for him.
Ka-ching!
The Straw Hat Pirates' vice-captain reacted the fastest, with Zoro drawing his three swords, instantly entering combat mode!
Chef Sanji didn't lag behind, quickly landing beside Zoro, watching the two Navy members nervously, fearing they might suddenly attack!
Luffy also jumped down from the mast, looking seriously at Akihara Kagura, as if worried he might be looking for trouble!
"It's you!"
"Akihara Kagura..."
Everyone present recognized his identity!
Whether in Nami's hometown of Cocoyashi Village or in Alabasta, this man had left a significant psychological shadow!
"Don't be afraid."
Akihara Kagura blew the steam off his tea, gesturing for them to calm down: "I'm just hitching a ride to Sky Island with you..."
"When did you get here?"
Zoro sized up the calmly seated Akihara Kagura, asking while secretly judging the strength difference.
"Before you set sail..."
Akihara Kagura wasn't stingy with his answer, speaking softly: "No need to worry, I'm not here to capture you. Your bounties aren't high and you're not much of a threat to the World Government, I don't need to arrest you to climb ranks..."
"Before reaching Sky Island..."
Akihara Kagura raised his eyes, drinking tea leisurely: "It's better not to fight, or this ship might fall apart..."
"..."
Everyone looked at each other.
Nico Robin, not understanding Akihara Kagura's situation, only knew he was Navy, instinctively glancing at Nami beside her, tentatively offering a look, softly raising her palm to suggest she could attack.
Nico Robin, possessing the Flower-Flower Fruit ability, could sprout hands anywhere anytime; resolving the situation might be possible...
"..."
Nami bit her lip, not daring to make a decision.