One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

As Nami gazed at the vast expanse before her, awe filled her voice: "This is really quite an astonishing discovery."

The adventure through the ancient city had led the crew from a nondescript residential area to what appeared to be a factory. This seemed to be the hub where all the previously spotted mysterious pipes converged. Each pipe trailed into small rooms scattered throughout the facility.

Inside these rooms, they found robots similar to the one Luffy had encountered injured on the moon's surface. Bai Ye, observing the array of rooms packed densely throughout the factory, noted, "At first glance, there must be nearly a thousand of them. It seems Luffy has indeed stumbled upon something significant."

Luffy, overhearing Bai Ye, boasted with a wide grin, "Hahaha, that's right, isn't it quite an interesting discovery!" His pride in being the first to discover this place embodied the true spirit of adventure.

Sanji, scratching his head, pondered, "So, did the robot from earlier escape from here? But how did they leave before we opened the underground hole? Is there another exit?"

Usopp, adding to the discussion, pointed out, "And the robot we encountered earlier is easily distinguishable from these. It was in a military uniform with a helmet and a flintlock rifle, while these robots are all dressed in identical white robes, soldier helmets, and carry spears—not to mention the small wings."

"That's right!" Usopp continued excitedly, "Didn't Franky want to fix that robot? Maybe if he gets it working, it could tell us more."

Just then, Bai Ye added, "It looks like Franky and the others are on their way back here." As he spoke, the distant rumble of Franky's chariot form became audible, signaling their return.

Usopp whirled around as the familiar rumble of Franky's Chariot Form approached. His eyes lit up with excitement as he waved enthusiastically. "Yes, it's Franky and Chopper on the Chariot! And... wait, there are four robots following them? Franky must've fixed them!"

As the group drew closer, everyone could see not just one, but four distinct robots trailing behind Franky and Chopper. Each robot, while sharing a similar basic structure, sported uniquely different attire that caught everyone's attention.

Bai Ye scrutinized their outfits, recognizing elements that seemed oddly familiar. The first robot mirrored the attire of a soldier from a technologically advanced nation known for its military prowess. The second was clad like a warrior from ancient sagas, ready to charge into battle with a war cry. The third wore the ornate armor of a medieval knight, reminiscent of historical tales from distant kingdoms. The fourth's outfit bore the unmistakable style of Wano Country's samurai, rich with honor and tradition.

Despite their varied appearances, it was evident all four robots originated from the same craftsmanship, suggesting a common backstory tied to the ancient lunar city's history. Franky confirmed this connection when he arrived.

Usopp pointed incredulously at the four robots. "What?!! These guys are from the same place as us?!!"

The Straw Hats shared his astonishment. "They all came from the sea to the moon?!!" they exclaimed in unison.

Franky, striking a pose, nodded. "Aww~ that's right. But I didn't expect to find so many of them here," he said, moving to examine a robot closely. "It seems these robots were made earlier."

Usopp, still grappling with the revelation, said, "Hey, hey, that's not the point. The real question is how did these robots get to the moon? Did they build an ark too?"

As they bombarded Franky with questions, a small voice interrupted from behind. "Balloon."

They turned toward the source of the voice—the soldier-like robot who casually extended his hand, showing them an unblown balloon. "We flew up with balloons."

A stunned silence fell over the factory as everyone processed this unexpected method of space travel.

The exclamations came thick and fast.

Luffy was the first to shout, "Wow! Little Franky spoke!"

Nami rolled her eyes and replied, "I've told you, not all robots are named Franky, you idiot."

Robin tilted her head and mused, "A balloon? How fascinating."

Zoro, scratching his head, pondered aloud, "Hmm... Can you actually fly with a balloon?"

Bai Ye couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions. He remembered how, when he first learned of it from the original story, these little robots had soared into space clinging to a balloon, much to everyone's amazement. He thought to himself, 'That guy Oda really throws Newton's law out the window, doesn't he?'

Fortunately, the crew's capacity for wonder was boundless, and it didn't take long for them to come to terms with the talking robot and the idea that a balloon could carry someone to the moon.

Soon, everyone was huddled around the robots, listening intently as they shared their origins.

On the Grand Line, there is an island called Karakuri, home to the city known as Baldimore, often dubbed "The Land of Geniuses."

These robots were the brainchild of Dr. Tsukimi, a resident of this island. From their creation, they were nurtured and guided by him.

Dr. Tsukimi was a gentle soul who spent his days engrossed in research and his evenings sitting on his doorstep, dumplings in hand, gazing wistfully at the moon. The robots would join him, listening as he shared dumplings and tales of the moon—a place he believed his ancestors hailed from but which he had never seen himself.

This ritual of moon-gazing was Dr. Tsukimi's greatest pleasure.

Listening to the story, Luffy's stomach growled audibly, breaking the silence. "Dumplings... Sanji, I'm getting hungry~"