The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Considering the "Vehicle Alliance" deal between Blackbeard and the World Government, and the World Government's recent unusual silence and covert actions...

Kuzan's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Hehe..." He let out a soft, ambiguous laugh, closed his eyes again, and leaned his head back against the cargo box.

"That place... is going to be quite 'lively' soon."

After saying this, he fell silent again, as if the conversation had never happened.

Blackbeard glanced at Kuzan, who had closed his eyes to rest again, and a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes for a moment.

Since Kuzan had guessed it and was cold towards him, he did not object, and even subtly expressed his willingness to participate.

This is enough.

Suppressing his displeasure, Blackbeard turned his attention back to Luffy's bounty poster in his hand, the Nika form appearing particularly dazzling in the dim light.

"Hahaha..."

"The more lively it is, the better... The more lively it is, the more opportunities there are, right?!"

Chapter 646 The Green-Haired Uncle, This Road Is Blocked!

Egherd (Egghead Island).

The betrayal of "York" by desire, secretly cooperating with the World Government's orders, quietly shut down the island's photon defense system, which was essential for protecting against external enemies.

Almost at the same time that the laser barrier disappeared, on the coastline of the artificial forest belt at the edge of the island...

Countless thick vines and giant flowers surged out, took root, and spread wildly, quickly forming a "green corridor" that led directly into the island.

Donning his divine rider attire, Wild Shepherd, stepping onto the plant staircase created by his own abilities, and with a carefree smile, successfully landed in Egerhard.

On the other side, at the core of the island, in the research layer.

Inside the enormous circular observation window, Vegapunk was intently watching multiple floating light screens.

One of the screens clearly displayed the battle scene in the lower area.

Luffy, with his white hair steaming, appears in all sorts of unbelievable poses.

He toyed with Rob Lucci, who had entered his awakened human-beast form, and finally blasted him away with a single blow.

Vegapunk paid no attention to the battle; his gaze remained fixed on Luffy's white form, which exuded an aura of liberation and joy.

At the same time, he murmured to himself, his voice trembling slightly: "From...a free form, assimilating the surrounding environment..."

Laughter-filled drumbeats... there's no mistake!

This is… the legendary warrior recorded in historical documents, the one who brought liberation and joy to the world—'Nika, the Sun God'!

.........

Later, above the artificial clouds, there is a relatively open platform.

Having defeated Lucci and his crew and temporarily eliminated the threat of close combat, Luffy reunited with Chopper and Jinbe, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.

After capturing Luffy, Vegapunk quickly arrived and met with Luffy and his crew.

There were no pleasantries during the conversation; Vegapunk's straightforward nature led him to get straight to the point, speaking at an extremely fast pace.

The content mainly covers matters related to artificial Devil Fruits and Ancient Titans...

And they always say that Luffy is the destined one and the warrior of liberation!

"Whether it's the Celestial Dragons and their World Government trying to erase history, cover up the truth, and maintain their corrupt privileges..."

Vegapunk paused, his tone becoming even more somber.

"It's still that same Admiral Gern, who now seems to be raising the banner of rebellion and using radical methods!"

He controls too much military power, and his rapid expansion and assertive style after independence also make me uneasy!

I can't understand his thirst for technology and his way of using it, nor can I fully agree with it!

In this world, it seems there is no force that can truly make wisdom serve 'peace' and 'liberation'!

Vegapunk pointed to the island below, "My lifelong dream is to use science to truly eliminate hunger and poverty and create a world where everyone can laugh!"

But here, in the shadow of the world government, my research will only be distorted into weapons and shackles!

He suddenly turned to Luffy, his head almost touching Luffy's, his voice pleading.

"Straw Hat Luffy! Take me away from here! Take me onto your ship!"

Only with free-spirited individuals like you... like 'Nika' around, can my knowledge and dreams perhaps have a chance to realize their true value!

Faced with Vegapunk's incomprehensible rant, Luffy picked at his ear, his face showing his usual impatience with complicated topics.

He has virtually no interest in artificial Devil Fruits, ancient giants, or the grudges and entanglements between the World Government and the Navy.

He just blinked, then suddenly reached out and curiously poked Vegapunk's head.

"You... seem quite amusing!" Luffy grinned, his smile pure and simple.

"Take you away? Sure! It looks pretty interesting anyway!"

Without deep ideological agreement or complex weighing of interests, it was simply because it was "interesting" and "fun".

Luffy readily agreed to the world's number one scientist's request to "join his crew".

.......

At the same time that Luffy met with Vegapunk, on Egghead Island, in the lower research area.

All the CP0 agents who retreated to this location are hiding here!

Until Kaku, who was taking care of Lucci, whispered something.

"We've arrived in the wilderness..."

Upon hearing that reinforcements had arrived—and that one of them was a general-level officer—Lucci, who had only slightly recovered thanks to his Zoan-type ability, quickly stood up.

"Our orders are... to coordinate with the Divine Riders' operation, starting from the outer perimeter, to gradually clear and control all areas of Eighard."

The primary objective remains Vegapunk and his database; if necessary… eliminate all destabilizing factors, including the Straw Hat crew.

"But, the Straw Hat Boy I am now... cannot face it proactively." Lucci's expression darkened slightly at this point, but he quickly recovered.

"Kaku, Stussy, with York's cooperation, you two go and figure out a way to use Vegapunk's authority to drive the Seraphim!"

"Aramaki should be catching up with the Straw Hat crew by now. I'm going to destroy their ships!"

"receive!!"

Lucci CP0 began to break down into smaller units, using 'Desire' York to gain familiarity with parts of the internal passageways.

A cautious infiltration offensive began from the lower layers and edges of the island.

........

At the same time, Luffy, who was arranging for his crew and Vegapunk's clones "York" and "Shakya" to take Vegapunk's main body and prepare to leave, suddenly stopped!

The relaxed smile on his face vanished instantly, his eyes turned serious, and he suddenly turned his head to look in a certain direction.

"Domineering... full of aggression, they are the enemy!"

"Luffy." Jinbe was the first to notice something was wrong and called out to Luffy.

"It's nothing," Luffy replied, then turned his gaze back to that direction and laughed, "A formidable guy has arrived."

"This guy is something else..."

"Yes, that's right. You guys go first!" Luffy shouted to his crew, his tone leaving no room for argument. "According to plan, to the ship!"

"I'll go say hello to him!"

Before he could finish speaking, Luffy suddenly sprang into action, his body instantly transforming into a streak of light crackling with dark red Conqueror's Haki.

It shot off at a speed too fast for the naked eye to detect, heading straight towards the direction of the Wilderness Landing!

The ground beneath their feet cracked inch by inch due to the reaction force!

Almost as soon as Huang Mu set foot in the island's interior, comfortably soaking in the island's rich "nutrients" (life force) and preparing to unleash his full potential...

"boom!!!"

A dark red "lightning bolt" shot straight towards us!

No, that wasn't lightning, it was a foot wrapped in black and red lightning!

Luffy's figure appeared directly in front of Aramaki as if by teleportation.

One kick! A solid, unadorned kick landed on the point where Aramaki's hastily raised arm, covered in Armament Haki, crossed as he tried to block!

"Bang!!!!!!"

The violent shockwave spread out in a ring, tearing the newly grown giant plants in the vicinity to shreds.

A huge crater was trampled into the ground, and cracks spread for tens of meters!

The carefree smile on Huang Mu's face froze instantly, replaced by a solemn expression.

The ground beneath my feet sank deeply, and a tingling, numb sensation spread through my arms.

Pure force abruptly halted the forward momentum, even causing it to slide back half a step!

Amidst the swirling steam, Luffy landed lightly to the side, twisting his neck.

"Hey! You green-haired uncle, this road is blocked!"

Chapter 647 Wild Shepherd: It's Conqueror's Haki wrapped around him, damn it!

Looking at Luffy, who had just kicked him to a stop and was now standing there grinning, Aramaki's displeasure was almost palpable.

He raised his hand and ruffled his slightly messy dark green curly hair, his gaze behind his sunglasses becoming inscrutable.

He spat out the cigarette he was holding with a "pui" sound.

"Hey, Straw Hat Boy," Aramaki's voice carried a hint of annoyance at being offended.

"Even if you've just ascended to that so-called 'Four Emperors' position, don't get too cocky!"

"Being so arrogant will lead to big trouble."

After saying that, Aramaki stretched his arm, which was a little numb from blocking Luffy's heavy attack.

"Although my current status is a bit special, having joined the 'Knights of God'..."

"But no matter what, I'm a genuine... former Marine Admiral! You bastard!!!"

He emphasized the words "former general," as if this title was still absolute proof of his power and status.

"Admiral?" Luffy stood on the ruins, and upon hearing this word, a cold smile, which he made no attempt to hide, curled up at the corner of his mouth.

There was no contempt in his smile; it was more like a calm declaration after bridging a huge gap in his growth.

"Sorry, old man with the green hair." Luffy twisted his wrist, and his fighting spirit began to rise.

"I am now countless times stronger than I was two years ago!"

"What do you mean?"

"It means..." Luffy's eyes sharpened.

"The general... is nothing special!"

The moment he finished speaking, Luffy didn't enter the most physically demanding Gear Fifth. Instead, he took a deep breath, his skin suddenly turned red, and he exhaled scorching steam!

Fourth Gear - Snake Man Mode!

His figure became more lean and streamlined, like a serpent poised to strike.

Without any warning, the right arm suddenly stretched backward and compressed to its limit!

"Rubber, rubber..."

Instead of striking out in a straight line, the arm began to deflect and change direction at an extremely high frequency that was difficult for the naked eye to detect along an extremely short punch trajectory!

The air was torn apart, leaving countless afterimages and shrieks!

"Jet Serpent Cannon!!"

The trajectory of the punch was unpredictable and its final landing point was impossible to predict. With the powerful penetrating force of the fourth gear, it instantly enveloped all of Huang Mu's dodging space!