NOVEL NEXT Chapter 222: Chapter 222
"Ah~ It really is nice to relax with Luffy around," Hina sighed contentedly, leaning back with her eyes closed. "This is the first time I've enjoyed a sauna on a warship in all these years."
Kujaku grinned, stretching her arm around Kel and pulling her into an embrace. "And to be surrounded by such beautiful ladies? Watching you all sweat… well, it's quite a treat."
The other women rolled their eyes, used to Kujaku's playful remarks. Koala, trapped in Kujaku's hold, made a half-hearted attempt to break free but quickly gave up, settling in to enjoy the warmth.
"It's so hot; I can't stand it anymore," Hancock muttered, tossing her towel aside and lying on the wooden bench, eyes closed in blissful relaxation.
Kujaku's eyes widened, clearly enjoying the view, but then she decided to change the subject. "So, I heard that while we were dealing with Kaido, Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Admiral Akainu launched an attack on Wano. You think by the time Kaido gets back, he'll find his whole base gone?"
"Hmph, that would be perfect," Kalifa huffed, crossing her arms. "After what that monster did to Luffy, it'd be justice if they threw him in Impel Down."
Everyone nodded in agreement, their feelings toward Kaido united in dislike. None of them could forgive him for causing Luffy's injuries.
"But isn't it odd?" Nami spoke up, frowning in thought. "It's been days, and yet, there's no news about this in the papers. You'd think the Marine would be boasting about a victory like this."
Ain's expression darkened as she recalled a conversation she'd overheard. "I actually heard something unsettling. I caught Vice Admiral Garp speaking to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Apparently, the government struck a deal with Kaido. They're forcing the Marine to return some of the captured pirates to him." Her voice trembled with frustration. "Garp was furious. He even yelled at the Fleet Admiral and the Five Elders over the phone."
"No way!" Nami gasped, her eyes wide. "After all this? Luffy's injuries… for nothing?"
The others sat up, equally shocked and angry, trying to understand why the government would make such a decision.
Hancock, already incensed, slammed her fist down on the bench, her face set in a scowl. "Those bastards in the government! The Five Elders! They're wasting Luffy's sacrifices. I swear, I'll kill them if they cross our path!"
"Damn it!" Koala fumed. "The government is getting more corrupt by the day. I didn't trust them before, but this is disgusting. They're just letting these pirates run free!"
Kalifa, who had long since lost her loyalty to the government, let out a cold laugh. "Are we even surprised at this point? When have they ever done anything that wasn't self-serving? At this rate, they're going to be overthrown, either by Luffy or by his father."
Hearing Kalifa's words, Koala's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Right! The Revolutionary Army will overthrow the World Government someday, and we'll finally make a world where people can live in peace."
Hina sighed, nodding in agreement. "Now Hina understands why Luffy might consider joining the Revolutionary Army. This government… it's disappointing."
Though Hina had grown disillusioned with the government, she still felt a strong attachment to the Marine. In her mind, a Marine free from government control, with Luffy as admiral, could restore honor to their ranks.
As Hina shared her thoughts, the other women chimed in, expressing similar sentiments. The conversation turned hopeful, each of them envisioning a future where they could reshape the Marine and free it from corruption.
Just as they were warming to the topic, a strange sound drifted from the next room.
"Shh… I… can't… faster… there!" Luffy's muffled voice, broken up by grunts, made its way through the thin walls.
Ain and Hancock's faces turned crimson, exchanging a wide-eyed glance as they registered the noises coming from the room beside them. Kujaku froze, her face darkening as she took a moment to process what she was hearing.
Suddenly, Kujaku let out a yell, springing to her feet. "That sneaky Olivia! How dare she jump ahead of us? Weren't we supposed to be each other's angels?" With an indignant expression, she charged out of the sauna, determined.
Koala looked around in confusion, still not understanding. Meanwhile, Nami, Kalifa, and Hina had also pieced things together. Without a word, they leapt up, equally incensed, and followed Kujaku out of the sauna, their faces dark with resolve.
Koala, left behind, looked around, puzzled. "Wait… what just happened?"
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