Ultimate Fruit

Chapter 85: Prelude to Z

By the time Lucas returned, he noticed the atmosphere seemed to be weird.

He looked around for a moment before shrugging. It was probably nothing.

The next day.

Lucas yawned as he got out of his room. Both Nami and Robin were still sleeping in.

Nami managed to convince Luna to sleep with Nojiko last night so it was pretty wild. Lucas made sure to surround the walls with a thick layer of water to make sure they weren’t heard.

As Lucas stepped out of the room, the room next door also opened.

Zoro noticed him and the two looked at each other for a moment.

Soon after, Zoro coughed and quickly left.

Seeing him flee, Lucas sighed. It seems he had lost the bet…

Just as he was about to leave as well, another door opened in the hallway. The person that got out was Bellemere.

Bellemere also saw Lucas and gave him a glare before walking away.

Lucas blinked for a moment then looked at the door.

Huh? I thought this was Makino’s room?

Sure enough, Makino got out soon after. She even stuck her neck out and looked left and right sneakily.

Suddenly, she noticed Lucas staring at him.

“L-Lucas! G-g-good morning!”

“...Good morning…”

Makino couldn’t stand it anymore and quickly left as well, leaving Lucas still confused in the hallway.

What? What just happened?

Then, another room opened.

“Ahh! Last night was great~!”

Luffy laughed while leaving. Behind him, Hancock also followed him out.

The two noticed Lucas and greeted him.

“Oh! Lucas! Morning!”

“Good morning.”

“...Morning…”

After that Luffy didn’t mind him anymore and left while talking with Hancock who seemed to be blooming with smiles.

“???”

This time, Lucas was truly shocked to the core.

Huh? Not only Zoro...even Makino...and also Luffy!?

Lucas didn’t dare believe that stupid captain would actually…

He stood there while hesitating. After a while, he can’t suppress his curiosity anymore and quickly sneaked into Luffy's room to have a look.

The result?

Lucas stared at the columns of stacked...plates.

Right.

There’s a lot of plates stacked inside his room.

Lucas sighed deeply. It seems Hancock spent the night feeding Luffy with food. That was all.

Lucas shook his head and no longer delayed himself. He left and met up with everyone.

After some time, everyone woke up and Kohza gathered everyone to discuss what had happened in the last 2 years.

They were supposed to talk about this yesterday but it suddenly became a festive event so they could only wait till the next day.

“Let me start with the situation of the marines after that event 2 years ago.”

During the war, the Marines had lost Akainu, an Admiral. Afterward, Sengoku had retired as Fleet Admiral and was replaced by Aokiji.

Kizaru had disappeared soon after. While the rest of the world doesn’t know where he is, Kohza knew.

“Lucas, you need to be careful with Kizaru...or rather, Borsalino. He seemed to have deep hatred with you and went to look for Vegapunk to enhance his ability and body…”

“Ah? So he’s now a cyborg?”

“Uccisore-00 (UC-00). While the Pacifistas are only meant to be mass-produced and oppose common pirates. The Uccisore...are killers that are only a bit weaker than Marine Admirals!”

Lucas frowned when he heard that. Obviously, this wasn’t in the original and he had no idea that his actions had created a huge effect like this.

While he also gets stronger, his enemies also seem to find a way to become stronger as well. Well, it seems Luffy and the rest also became even stronger than the original.

Lucas still doesn’t know if this is a good thing or not, but there was nothing he can do now. Whatever Pacifista or Uccisore, he’ll crush them to bits if they dared to get in his way!

Kohza continued.

“However, as far as I know, only one model has been created at the moment which is the current Borsalino. It may take a few more years for Vegapunk to mass-produce this model. In any case, with Borsalino leaving, his title as Admiral was also stripped off. This created a huge hole in the ranks of the Marines in which they had no Admirals at all!”

Still, it seems that the Marines found their replacements soon.

Fujitora, Ryokugyuu, Momousagi.

With the rise of these three admirals, the situation in the marines had begun to stabilize.

Other than that, it seems that a former Admiral, Zephyr, along with his Neo Marines, is making some noise and seemingly planning something. Kohza had advised them to be careful and not get caught up in it.

“Then there is the matter of the Shichibukai system being demolished. Thanks to the efforts of Princess Vivi and King Cobra of Alabasta as well as a few more kingdoms, the Shichibukai system was removed.”

“Vivi?”

Kohza smiled.

“Don’t worry. As soon as I heard that you were alive, I had already notified Princess Vivi so she can be relieved. She asked me to tell you that she’ll come to find you one day so you better be ready to face the consequences.”

“...”

Seeing Lucas sweat, Nami laughed at his predicament and didn’t help comfort him at all.

Hmph! Who told you to make so many women fall for you!?

Lucas coughed in embarrassment before motioning Kohza to continue.

“Then? What happened?”

“Well, the Shichibukais obviously split up soon after. You all know where the Pirate Empress ended up. As for the others…”

It seems Moria had disappeared soon after, but Kohza knew that not only did he disappear, he was actually killed by Doflamingo.

As for Doflamingo himself, he had gone underground and there was no news of him for a long time. Of course, Kohza still knows where he is and what he has been up to.

Lucas looked at Kohza and saw him in a new light.

It seems there is nothing that this guy can’t find out. The card devil fruit really suited him. Lucas didn’t expect he could utilize its power by this much.

“What has he been up to?”

“He’s been creating various chemical weapons with the help of Caesar Clown and selling them to the highest bidder in the underworld. Currently, he’s been working on a chemical weapon called SMILE. I noticed the direction where you all are heading. After a day, you should reach Punk Hazard. This is where Caesar is currently developing this weapon.”

In the original, Punk Hazard was the island where Akainu and Aokiji fought for the spot of Fleet Admiral. Due to their battle, the island was split into a land of fire and ice.

Now, it seems that after Ace had learned Awakening, he went and found Aokiji to battle him. The arena was similarly on that island as well. Still, he wasn’t a match for Aokiji just yet. If Marco hadn’t intervened, Ace would’ve died there too.

Though there were differences from the original, the island was still split into an island of fire and ice. Only, the ice area is much larger than the fire area.

Lucas smiled bitterly at that.

On one hand, he felt relieved that there were still events that he knew which had happened. On the other hand, he was worried if this would be good or not.

Nevertheless, he would still face it head-on.

Going back to the topic of the Shichibukais, Mihawk is still on his island and at the moment, the Marines can’t spare any strong soldiers to capture him, only leaving a few to monitor his movements.

They weren’t stupid, Mihawk’s title as the Strongest Swordsman meant that his strength was no joke. The way they see it, as long as this guy stays in his island and doesn’t cause any trouble, then they can ignore him for the meantime.

As for Kuma, he was sent to Mariejois and became a slave to a World Noble.

“Those are the only relevant news for the time being. Is there anything else you wish to know?”

As he asked that, Luffy stepped forward with a serious look in his face.

Everyone was surprised to see their captain become serious so their faces were also solemn.

“In the New World...is there a Kingdome of Meat!?”

“...”

Everyone crashed to the floor.

Forget it, nothing is serious to this captain.

Kohza sighed and answered nonetheless.

“No.”

“Gah-!”

“But Boin Archipelago is probably the closest thing. Everything is edible in that island.”

“WHAT!?”

Luffy, who was depressed a minute ago, was not rejuvenated!

“Where is it!?”

“...It’s in the first half. That was where Usopp spent 2 years along with Jabra.”

Jabra, who was standing at the side, finally responded.

“Heh, you won’t believe it. That guy actually became so fat because he kept eating everything. In the end, I had to keep increasing the training to put him into shape!”

“Nooo! I’m so jealous! Why was I sent to the island of women instead of there!?”

Hearing that, a vein popped in Sanji’s forehead.

“GADDAMIT! DON’T YOU KNOW HOW LUCKY YOU ARE, YOU BASTARD!?”

“BUT I WANT MEAT! I WANT FOOD!”

“AND I WANT WOMEN!”

“...”

Everyone just stared at the two who were fighting and Usopp being caught in the middle of their fight.

After a while, they all decided to ignore them and continue.

Lucas asked Kohza.

“Kaido...what do you know about him?”

“Hm? Why do you want to know about him?”

“He and I still have unfinished business.”

Kohza frowned as he didn't remember any intel about Kaido and Lucas having a feud. Still, he didn’t question anymore and answered him instead.

“From what I know, Kaido is on an island called Wano. It’s an isolated nation that is also not a part of the World Government. It was the land of the samurais.”

Hearing the part about samurais, Zoro’s and Kuina’s eyes gleamed while Koushiro, who was listening in, seemed to be in deep thought.

“Do you have ears inside Wano as well?”

“Yes.”

Kohza nodded with confidence. There are only a few places where he cannot see or hear. And Wano isn’t one of them!

Lucas thought for a moment and gritted his teeth before finally asking.

“Oden Kozuki...as well as Toki...do you know about them?”

Kohza frowned. At the side, Koushiro’s calm breathing suddenly quickened. While there were no changes in his expression, deep down, he was shocked to hear those names appear from Lucas’ mouth!

“Are they from Wano? Because I haven’t heard those names pop up in any important places in Wano.”

“...I see.”

Lucas’ expression was grave.

Very well...Kaido...this time, either you die or I die!

Nami and the others saw his grave expression and knew that he was mad.

Kohza thought for a moment after seeing Lucas’ expression then spoke up.

“I’ll immediately send some people to investigate everything about these two people. Lucas, rest assured, and wait for my news.”

“...Alright.”

Though Lucas nodded, inside, he knew that it was useless.

After all, if Kaido is still alive, and the fact that these two names were never mentioned in Wano again...meant that they had indeed died!

Still, Lucas was hopeful.

If what happened was the same as in the original, then that means Momonosuke was also sent to the future with Toki’s ability.

He has to find him and protect him! No matter what!

Lucas still doesn’t know if Hiyori is also safe. He hasn’t gotten far in the original yet before he was sent to this world.

Naturally, he was anxious to make sure Hiyori was also safe, but for now, he needs to save Momonosuke who he knew where he is.

Since Punk Hazard is still here...and Caesar Clown is there, then Momonosuke should also be there, right?

Afterward, Lucas and the others stayed for a few more hours before finally leaving.

During this time, Koushiro had dragged Zoro somewhere. He’s probably gonna get beaten for sleeping with Kuina but his life shouldn’t be in danger.

Lucas just shrugged and carried Luna to walk around the island and play with her.

When they were about to leave, Zoro returned with various bruises in his face.

Kuina laughed at him for a while but still helped treat his bruises.

As they left, they gained a new member. Kuina had joined the crew!

Lucas was about to board when Bellemere grabbed Lucas and gave him another glare.

“You better take care of my daughter and granddaughter, you bastard.”

“Ha...haha...I will. Please don’t worry mother-in-law.”

“What did you call me!?”

“...Ahem, sister-in-law…”

Lucas’ face went red in embarrassment. How is he supposed to call his wife’s mother as sister…

After finally being freed by Bellemere, Nojiko boarded the ship and made it float downwards.

Soon, they reached the water and it was time for Nojiko to say goodbye as well.

She hugged Nami and Luna then looked at Lucas.

After hesitating for a bit, she bit her lip and gave Lucas a quick hug before floating away.

Nami stared at Lucas.

“It’s not enough you have me, you even went for my sister.”

“I…”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses!”

Nami snorted and took Luna to go inside.

Lucas sweated.

What situation is this!? How come I don’t remember raising any flags!?

In the end, Lucas sighed and just left it up to fate.

While the crew separated and did their own thing, all of a sudden the skies turned dark. Then...Marine Warships appeared to surround them!

“This-!?”

“Marines!?”

“How did they appear all of a sudden!?”

Everyone ran to the deck to take a look.

Luna saw there were a lot of ships and her big eyes glittered.

“Waa! So many!”

Beside her, Lucas looked at the ships with a weird expression.

This scene was a bit familiar to him. This wasn’t in the original manga...but it was in a filler episode in the anime.

Then, he remembered what Kohza said about Zephyr and knew that the movie arc would also be happening.

Lucas sighed.

“Calm down, this is just a mirage.”

“Hm? Ah, you’re right! My Observation Haki doesn’t pick up anything from the ships!”

Luffy exclaimed.

As if to prove his point, he sent a giant punch to one of the warships in front. As soon as his hand made contact, the warship dissipated and the other warships also disappeared soon.

Nami looked at the dark sky and her face paled.

“Franky! Steer the wheel! We need to quickly get out of these waters!”

“Roger!”

Franky quickly ran to the wheel and held it, ready for anything that would happen.

Suddenly, a huge shadow loomed above them.

Everyone looked up and saw huge...droplets of water!

“What is that!?”

“Rain!? So huge!”

Lucas waved his hand and made sure none of the huge drops of water hit their ship.

But this wasn’t over. Suddenly, the huge drops of water turned to ice!

Zoro and Kuina both drew their swords and sliced through the huge ice chunks, cutting it into pieces!

The waves rocked the ship as the huge drops of rain and hail splashed on it.

“What the hell is this weather!?”

Usopp shouted in fright!

“These are the waters of Mobedumule!”

“Mode-what!?”

“Mobedumule! Or, as they are called, the Temperamental Waters! Weather phenomena unlike anything anyone has ever seen or heard come one after another, as if by the ocean’s whim!”

While Nami was explaining, a huge avalanche came from the sky.

Robin crossed her hands and created two huge hands to catch the snow coming from above and preventing it from crashing on the ship.

Then, heavy rain appeared.

“This time it’s rain!”

“But it can’t be normal rain…”

Suddenly, the whole ship seemed to tilt and everyone’s faces went pale.

“The sea is parting!?”

Lucas waved his hand again and made sure to keep their ship still horizontal while Franky activated Coup de Burst to leave the sea.

Thinking that everything was over, huge pillars of lightning started to strike the ocean!

So much bizarre weather that happened and kept rocking the ship back and forth, eventually, Luna became dizzy from the rocking and shouted.

“STOP!”

Suddenly...the ocean stilled.

The clouds quickly cleared away as if it were fleeing.

Then...nothing.

Right, it was now calm all of a sudden.

Everyone looked at Luna and couldn’t help but wonder.

Was it a coincidence? Or…

Seeing Luna grab her head from being dizzy, Lucas smiled and patted her head.

“There, there. Everything is ok now. Thanks for stopping the weather, Luna.”

“Uuu, bad weather! Making me so dizzy…”

Lucas thought he heard some whimpering in the sky but that’s probably his imagination.

How can a weather whimper like a sad dog…?

Lucas was about to say something but noticed something with his Observation Haki.

It seems they have a stowaway.

Lucas locked onto that person and surrounded her with water quickly, not giving her any time to react.

He controlled the water ball to float in front of him and showed it to Luna.

“Look, Luna, I found a doll!”

“Eh? Waa! So pretty! Why is she so small?”

The others looked over as well and indeed saw a small person inside the water ball.

Nami looked at Lucas weirdly and said.

“...Lucas, you can pick up other women...but why did you pick up someone so small? No matter what...you will kill her if you stick it…”

“...”