Chapter 88: A Grand Battle, Invading the Golden Lion's Territory

"Bru Bru Bru Bru!"

"This is Sengoku, what's the matter?" In the Marine Headquarters at Marineford, Admiral Sengoku rubbed his head in frustration before picking up the Den Den Mushi and speaking.

"Admiral Sengoku, the Smile Pirates, led by Natsu, have nearly all set sail. In addition to the main ship, the Smile, two massive warships are also accompanying them. Their destination is unknown, and we are continuing to track them…" A Navy spy, who had infiltrated Smile Island, reported carefully from the shadows, glancing at the direction of the Smile ship.

"All of them are setting sail?!" Sengoku's face changed. After learning about the Smile Pirates, the Navy had realized how terrifying their strength was. Though some members hadn't shown their full abilities, it was enough to keep Natsu on high alert.

"Yes!" the spy replied.

"Understood. Keep tracking, but don't let them notice you!" Sengoku fell silent for a moment before giving his instructions.

"Roger that, Admiral Sengoku." The spy ended the call and, after ensuring no one was around, cautiously walked out of the dark alley.

Unnoticed by the spy, Eirin, who had developed the power of the Transparent Fruit, was hiding in the corner, observing. Eirin now used his abilities almost everywhere, except in front of Natsu and the others. He had become almost invisible to the Navy's attention due to his subtlety.

"Heh, just as Natsu said, there are many spies from the Navy and the World Government on this island. Even that bastard Doflamingo has sent people," Eirin thought to himself. His mission this time was to board the ship in plain sight but then use his Transparent Fruit to leave the ship and find out about the spies on the island. He planned to neutralize them if necessary.

With a clearer sense of direction, the Smile ship surged forward at terrifying speed across the sea. Like a streak of lightning, it quickly left behind only a tiny silhouette, outpacing any Navy or World Government members trying to follow.

Before long, Natsu and the crew aboard the Smile ship arrived at a remote sea area. Looking up, a massive shadow enveloped the ship as an island floated leisurely in the sky above them.

"We finally found you! Hahahaha!" Natsu laughed loudly, his bright eyes reflecting the countless Berries—after all, the bounty of this legendary figure was incredibly high.

"Ascend! Smile ship, rise to the sky!" Natsu gently activated the controls, and two long wings extended from the sides of the Smile ship. With a burst of lightning energy, the ship soared into the sky, skillfully avoiding rocks as it headed toward a small sky island above.

What they saw from the sky was a lush green forest with towering trees blocking the sun. Strange creatures chirped and called out, and several small islands formed an aerial territory.

"This is where Golden Lion is hiding? He certainly knows how to enjoy life," Natsu commented sarcastically as he looked at the beautiful scenery on the island.

Golden Lion Shiki had apparently used the same cruel methods to cultivate terrifying beasts, releasing them into the East Blue to seek revenge or honor the late Pirate King. What a laughable idea, Natsu thought.

"Let's go, disembark. We've reached our destination!" Natsu jumped off the Smile ship first. The impact of his super-fast landing caused the ground to crater and smoke to rise.

"Boss, something's approaching!" The little nose of the bear-like creature, Kumo, twitched as it stared ahead. A strong beastly scent filled the air.

"Swish!"

A cold gleam flashed, and a green figure appeared, charging towards them, wielding sharp claws that slashed out, creating waves of deadly air.

In front of Natsu and the others stood a creature hundreds of times larger than a normal praying mantis, its mouth snapping and claws swinging. Its fierce gaze locked onto the group.

"It's huge! Boss, I don't think we can fit it all in one pot!" Kumo licked its tongue excitedly, staring at the unfamiliar mantis species.

As the slashes came, Kumo stepped forward, its body enveloped in black and white energy that formed a small protective shield, blocking all the strikes without breaking.

"Taiji: Collapse Fist!"

Kumo wasted no time, its massive bear body soaring above the mantis. A gigantic punch landed directly on the mantis's head, splattering green brains everywhere. The once mighty creature collapsed, defeated.

"Pfft, weakling, and its intelligence is too low," Kumo mocked as it looked at the fallen mantis, expecting something more challenging.

After handling the small nuisance, Natsu and the crew moved on. They had only taken a few steps when a commotion erupted in the distance. More beasts fought for dominance, each vying to be the last victor.

"Roar~"

Ten minutes later, the battle was over. A long-armed bear emerged as the victor. It turned its head and glared at Kumo, emitting a threatening growl. Its wild instincts told it that these humans were too strong to be easily conquered.

"Hey, long-armed bear, join my crew. If you perform well, I'll make you a little squad leader," Kumo called out as it walked forward, speaking in a language known only to bears. Unfortunately, the bear, raised in isolation, had no concept of communication, and only understood the law of the jungle—survival of the fittest.

The long-armed bear raised its massive paws, attempting to crush Kumo into the ground, but it was too naive.

"Adah!"

kumo's figure vanished as it dodged the attack using its Kenbunshoku Haki. It even took the time to explain to Natsu why the bear was so strong.

"This bear is not bad. Kumu wants it!"

With Armament Haki imbued on its fists, Kumo launched a flurry of rapid strikes, each hit landing on the bear's head, one after another. The terrifying force made the long-armed bear dazed and confused. It couldn't understand why this opponent was so strong.

After half an hour of beating, Kumo finally subdued the bear, which now followed the crew reluctantly, its face blank and dragging the necessary tools.

After another hour of walking, they reached a magnificent palace. The long-armed bear growled, looking fearful. It didn't want to go any further.

"Looks like we were right. Golden Lion is in there. Enel, go greet this legendary pirate!" Natsu ordered.

"Yehahahaha! Got it, captain!" Enel was thrilled to be at the forefront. Lightning crackled as he flew toward the palace above.

To be continued…

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