Chapter 471 - 310

Chapter 311: Reunion of Brothers!Dressrosa's underground port.Located thirty meters beneath the city's foundation, the port was filled with over twenty strangely designed ships.At this moment, at Berth No. 3 on the west side of the port."Sabo! Can't you be a little quieter!"Koala stood atop a rusted container, hands on her hips, her short golden hair like a flickering flame in the dim light.She was wearing the standard deep green uniform of the Revolutionary Army today, her jacket open to reveal a white short-sleeved shirt beneath, with two short blades hanging at her waist.Although she was complaining, there wasn't much real anger on her delicate face, mostly just helplessness.At her feet, on the concrete floor of the berth, seventeen or eighteen people lay scattered about.They wore uniform black outfits with the Donquixote Family's flamingo emblem embroidered on their chests, but were currently sprawled on the ground in various twisted positions.Sabo stood in the middle of the pile of bodies.He wore a spotless white suit, his short golden hair combed meticulously, and the burn scar on his left eye was particularly striking in the dim light."Was it loud?"Sabo looked up and gave a gentle smile, a smile that formed a bizarre contrast with the bloody scene at his feet."I thought I was being quite restrained. At least I didn't tear down the whole port.""Restrained?"Koala jumped down from the container, her military boots splashing into a puddle and kicking up dark red droplets."When you swung that pipe just now, that guy's head burst like a watermelon! Blood almost splattered all over me!"She pointed to a few dark red stains on her uniform jacket, her pretty eyebrows furrowing:"This is the new uniform I just got! I've only worn it for three days!"Sabo blinked, looked at the pipe in his hand, then at the bloodstains on Koala's jacket, and said sincerely:"Sorry! Next time I'll watch the angle and try not to let the blood splash on you.""Is that the point!"Koala facepalmed."The point is you're too impulsive! Our purpose for infiltrating is to scout the location of the Artificial Devil Fruit factory, not to go on a killing spree! You weren't like this before!""Before?"Sabo tilted his head."What was I like before?""Calm! Rational! Planning before acting!"Koala counted on her fingers."Back at the Baltigo headquarters, when Mr. Dragon sent you to scout the Marine G-5 Branch, you spent three days learning the patrol shifts, firepower deployment, and communication frequencies, then brought back a complete defense map without alerting anyone!"She paused and pointed at the bodies on the ground:"Look at you now! We've only been inside for ten minutes! And you've already wiped out a Donquixote Family patrol!""What if this draws in more enemies? How are we supposed to continue our scouting mission?"Sabo listened quietly.Only after Koala finished did he speak slowly:"You're right, I would have done that in the past.""But that was then! Three months ago, after the Marineford War... some things changed."Koala opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately stayed silent.She knew what Sabo was talking about.Three months ago, at Marineford.Whitebeard died in battle, Ace was rescued, and Luffy became world-famous. That was also the day Sabo regained his memories and reunited with his two younger brothers.Since then, Sabo had indeed changed, becoming...'sharper.'Before, he was like a famous blade kept in its scabbard—elegant, restrained, only unsheathed at the necessary moment.Now, it was as if the blade was already half-drawn, its edge faintly visible, ready to cut through any obstacle in its path at any time."It's been over three months since we last met."There was a softness in Sabo's voice that Koalahad never heard before."I wonder how that kid is doing? Is he eating well? Has he caused any more trouble? Has he..."He paused, his smile deepening:"Has he missed me?!"Koala looked at him for a long time.Then she gave a massive eye-roll."What a total idiot."She turned her back to Sabo, her voice full of feigned disgust."All day long it's Luffy this, Luffy that... why don't you just go live with your brother! Don't come back to the Revolutionary Army!"Sabo didn't respond.He just shouldered his pipe, walked to Koala's side, and looked into the depths of the port with her."But you're right! I was impulsive just now. Maybe it's because... being so close to Luffy, I can't quite hold back.""Can't hold back your desire to see your brother?"Koala glanced at him sideways."Yeah."Sabo admitted frankly,"I really want to."Koala sighed.She pulled a small black den den mushi from the tactical pouch at her waist and pressed a few buttons. The den den mushi's eyes lit up with a faint red glow, emitting a rhythmic 'beep-beep' sound."Fine, stop being so mushy. Now, deal with the trouble in front of us immediately."She pointed deeper into the port. There, over a dozen Donquixote Family members who had heard the commotion were rushing out from the shadows.They held flintlocks, machetes, and iron chains, their faces fierce—clearly drawn by the sounds of the earlier fight."The scouting mission is temporarily on hold."Koala jumped back onto the top of the container and sat down gracefully, her legs swinging lightly in the air."Clean up these small fry first. Be quick about it, I want to get back for lunch."Sabo watched the charging enemies, the corners of his mouth curling upward."Roger that."Shouldering his pipe, he walked toward the dozen or so enemies at an unhurried pace. His white suit was like a moving streak of light in the dim environment, completely out of place in the dark, filthy surroundings."Hey! You kid!"The burly man in the lead raised his flintlock,"Was it you just now—"Before he could finish his sentence.The end of the pipe precisely struck the man's Adam's apple.*Crack.*The sound of the throat bone shattering was drowned out by the mechanical roar deep in the port. The man's eyes widened, his hands clutched his throat, and he collapsed to the ground, making a 'hissing' sound as he gasped for air.Sabo didn't stop, and wherever he passed, enemies fell like stalks of wheat.His movements were fluid, without the slightest wasted effort; every strike was precise, simple, and lethal.Koala sat atop the container, resting her chin on her hand, watching with interest.Just then—From deeper in the port, further away, came the sound of dense footsteps—at least a hundred people!"Enemy attack—!!""Intruders—!!""Berth No. 3! All hands assemble—!!"Noisy shouts flooded in from all directions.Koala frowned."This is troublesome! It seems the commotion just now still drew in a large force."Sabo stopped walking.He looked around; at least a hundred and fifty Donquixote Family members were closing in from three directions."Should we retreat?"Koala asked, her hand already on the short blade at her waist.Sabo shook his head.He switched the pipe to his left hand and slowly raised his right, pressing it against the brim of his hat."No need, let's finish this quickly."The moment the words left his mouth—An invisible aura erupted violently from within Sabo's body!*BOOM!!!!!!!!!!*Black and red lightning exploded from all around Sabo!Substantial Conqueror's Haki swept through the entire underground port like a tsunami! The black and red lightning raged like thousands of wild dragons, instantly swallowing everything within a hundred-meter radius!The enemies in the front row had their eyes roll back as they foamed at the mouth, all collapsing in unison!Three seconds later, the lightning receded.Inside the port, besides Sabo and Koala, not a single person remained standing.All one hundred and fifty enemies were unconscious.The gas lamps flickered wildly in the aftershocks of the Haoshoku, their covers making strained 'cracking' noises.Sabo slowly lowered his hand and let out a breath."It's settled."Koala jumped down from the container, her military boots splashing in the puddles. She walked to Sabo's side and looked up at him, her orange short hair like a burning flame in the dim light."Using Conqueror's Haki in a place like this? What a waste!""It's efficient."Sabo smiled,"And..."He paused and turned to look at the entrance on the other side of the port.There, at some point, a figure had appeared."And, I couldn't wait any longer."Koala followed his gaze.Then, her body froze.At the port entrance, a figure wearing a straw hatwas standing there.He wore a red shirt and black shorts, a jacket draped casually over his shoulders, and a familiar, brilliant, almost silly smile on his face."Sabo."Luffy spoke; his voice wasn't loud, yet it clearly carried across the entire port.Sabo smiled.A heartfelt, unreserved smile."Luffy."He said softly.Luffy's legs exerted force, the ground exploding with a blast of air as his body shot forward like a cannonball!Sabo opened his arms, his white suit snapping in the air!The hundred-meter distance was crossed in an instant.Luffy threw himself into Sabo's arms, his hands tightly gripping Sabo's waist, his head buried in Sabo's chest.Sabo also hugged Luffy tightly, his right hand pressing the back of Luffy's head, his left hand patting his back."It's been a long time."Sabo said, his voice slightly choked up."Yeah!"Luffy's voice was muffled against Sabo's chest,"It's been a long time!"The two just held each other like that, in the middle of the port filled with unconscious enemies, under the dim gas light.Like two children.Like family separated for years.Like... brothers.Koala stood to the side, watching quietly.She didn't interrupt.She just pulled a pack of tissues from her tactical pouch, took one out, and wiped the corner of her eye."Two big idiots."...The two brothers hugged for a full minute.Only then did Luffy let go, step back, and look up at Sabo. Under the straw hat, those eyes were sparkling, as if they held stars."Sabo, why are you here? And Koala!"He turned and waved at Koala:"Koala! Long time no see!"Koala crossed her arms and huffed:"Long time no see my foot! Didn't we just see each other at headquarters three months ago?""That was a long time ago!"Luffy said righteously,"Three months is very long!"Sabo laughed and ruffled Luffy's hair... just like when they were kids."We're here in Dressrosa for scouting! The Revolutionary Army received intelligence that Doflamingo's Artificial Devil Fruit factory might be hidden underground on this island. So Koala and I infiltrated to confirm the location."He paused and looked at Luffy:"What about you? Why are you here...""Oh, that."Luffy scratched his head.He briefly explained the matter of meeting Rebecca.Sabo listened quietly.When he heard that Rebecca was going to participate in the Gladiator Tournament to use the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit for revenge, his brow furrowed slightly."That girl... does she know how many people are currently fighting over the Tremor-Tremor Fruit?""She knows."Luffy nodded,"I told her, but she's still going. She said it's her only chance."Sabo fell silent."Oh, right."Luffy suddenly remembered something, his eyes lighting up,"Sabo, you should participate in the Gladiator Tournament too!"Sabo was taken aback."Participate in the Gladiator Tournament? Why?""To snatch the Tremor-Tremor Fruit!"Luffy said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world,"You don't have a Devil Fruit right now, do you? Perfect! The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is really powerful! If you eat it, you'll definitely become stronger!"Sabo blinked."Luffy, the Tremor-Tremor Fruit is a hot potato right now. Big Mom's people, Kaido's people, and countless pirates and Underworld figures are all eyeing it. If I go for it, it's like putting myself in the eye of the storm.""So what?"Luffy tilted his head,"You're strong! Stronger than all those guys!"He spoke with such certainty, as if stating a plain and obvious fact.A warm current surged through Sabo's heart.This was Luffy! Always unconditionally believing in his brothers, always feeling that his brothers were the strongest."And!"Luffy continued, counting the reasons on his fingers,"Look, of the three of us brothers... I have the Rubber-Rubber Fruit, Ace has the Mera Mera no Mi, and only you don't have one! It's so out of place! We have to match!"Sabo's mouth twitched slightly.Match... meaning they all have Devil Fruits?He looked at Sabo seriously:"Besides, I'm sure Ace would agree! He'd definitely want you to become stronger too!"Sabo fell silent.He looked at Luffy... looked into his brother's sincere, pure eyes.Then he turned to look at Koala.Koala shrugged:"Don't look at me. This is between you brothers. However..."She paused, a sly smile curling her lips:"If you really want to go, I can help you sign up. The second-in-command of the Revolutionary Armyparticipating in the Dressrosa Gladiator Tournament... that news would definitely be explosive."Sabo didn't respond.He closed his eyes and thought.What Luffy said actually made sense.The power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit was indeed formidable.If he could obtain it, it would be a huge help to the Revolutionary Army's cause. Moreover, the current situation in Dressrosa was chaotic, with various factions mixed together—it was the perfect time to fish in troubled waters.But the risk was also immense.Once he entered the competition, he would be exposed to the entire world. The Marines, the World Government, and the other Four Emperors' forces would all notice him. This could bring unnecessary trouble to the Revolutionary Army.Sabo opened his eyes and looked at Luffy."Fine... I'll go!"Luffy's eyes lit up: "Really?""Yeah."Sabo nodded,"But on one condition.""What condition?""If I get the Tremor-Tremor Fruit and decide to eat it—"Sabo paused and said seriously,"You have to promise me that no matter what happens, you'll live on well. Don't do anything stupid, don't push yourself too hard, and don't sacrifice yourself for others."Luffy was stunned for a moment.Then he nodded vigorously:"I promise!"Sabo breathed a sigh of relief.Suddenly, Luffy scratched his head and said a bit shyly:"Um... when Sabo participates in the competition, if you see a pink-haired girl named Rebecca... could you maybe protect her a little?"Sabo raised an eyebrow: "A pink-haired girl? The one you just mentioned?""Yeah."Luffy nodded,"She's weak, but she's trying really hard. I don't want to see her die there."Sabo looked at his brother, his gaze tender."Alright! I promise you."Luffy grinned, his smile as bright as sunlight."Thanks, Sabo!"Sabo ruffled his hair."Silly little brother."...