Out at sea, when someone charges at your ship without a word, that's a clear sign of hostility!
"I'm Eric, under the command of Admiral Nelson Roy of the 8th Naval Branch. You've got a wanted criminal aboard your ship—the Straw Hat crew. If you don't want trouble, hand over the fugitive!" Eric glanced cautiously at Moonlight before pointing at Abis, who was hiding behind Nami.
"Naval forces?"
"The 8th Branch?"
"Admiral Nelson Roy?"
"A fugitive?"
The crew was stunned for a moment before they all turned their eyes toward Abis. As pirates, they themselves were wanted by the Navy, but it was clear Eric wasn't talking about them. The only possible suspect on board was Abis.
A little girl like her? A wanted criminal? What could she have done to warrant an admiral sending someone after her?
It was important to note that admirals held a rank above captains, each overseeing fifty ships and commanding thousands of men. Back in Loguetown, Smoker had sent an emergency request for reinforcements, and even then, the Navy barely managed to round up enough ships to surround the island. Yet Nelson controlled such a fleet on his own.
An admiral like that ordering the capture of a little girl meant Abis wasn't ordinary.
"That's right, Straw Hats. You might be strong, but in front of Admiral Nelson, you're nothing but insects. If you get in his way, you'd better be prepared to face the consequences!" Eric sneered.
"Luffy, do you remember how those Navy ships surrounded us back then? This guy—he's ten times more dangerous!" Usopp trembled in fear. He couldn't believe that this small girl had stirred up such a dangerous enemy. It was beyond comprehension!
"This is a big deal, Luffy!" Nami added, her voice shaking as she glanced at Abis in shock.
"Hmm?" Zoro and Sanji didn't say a word, but the idea of going up against someone of that rank made even them uneasy.
Moonlight's eyes narrowed, though he remained silent, seemingly agreeing. Facing an admiral was no joke.
"So what's it going to be, Straw Hats? It looks like you're headed for the Grand Line. If you want to make it there in one piece, hand over the fugitive. I'll pretend I never saw you. Otherwise, don't blame me for what happens next!" Eric threatened, his tone cold and menacing.
It was clear he wasn't offering them a choice.
"So what?" Luffy suddenly grinned, looking unbothered.
"Hmm?" Eric's eyes flashed with interest. Was Luffy really going to refuse?
"I'm heading to the Grand Line, and I don't need anyone's permission to get there. I'll go through anyone who tries to stop me, whether it's an admiral or anyone else. Abis is my friend, and I'm going to take her home. If anyone tries to stand in my way, I'll knock them down!" Luffy said, his voice unwavering. "No one messes with my friends!"
Abis was deeply moved by Luffy's words. She had expected the crew to hand her over, fearing an admiral's wrath, but this strange captain, whose arms could stretch like rubber, had declared he would protect her.
"Friends…?" Abis's eyes welled with tears as she repeated the word.
"So, it seems the Straw Hats have decided to oppose us!" Eric's gaze darkened as he confirmed Luffy's resolve.
"Are you deaf, or just stupid? Didn't you hear our captain?" Zoro scoffed, unimpressed.
"I don't care if he's an admiral or not. Bring it on! No way I'm letting anyone take such a pretty lady!" Sanji added, lighting a cigarette and giving Abis a charming bow.
"That's right! We might be up against an admiral, but if you're threatening our friends, we'll fight to the end!" Usopp chimed in, standing his ground despite the fear gnawing at him. The moment Luffy made up his mind, there was no turning back.
"Good… Good… Good!" Eric said, nodding as he repeated the word three times. He shot one last look at the crew before turning his boat around and sailing away. He hadn't expected the Straw Hats to protect Abis, even after hearing Nelson's name. And after seeing the strength of Moonlight's swordsmanship, Eric knew he couldn't defeat them alone. Outnumbered and outmatched, he had no choice but to leave.
"Everyone… thank you! Thank you so much!" Abis bowed gratefully after Eric was gone, her eyes brimming with emotion.
"There's no need for thanks. We're friends now, aren't we? No need to be so formal," Luffy replied, smiling brightly.
"I just don't like being threatened," Zoro muttered. "We're pirates. If we were afraid of the Navy, we wouldn't be here."
"Exactly. We're headed to the Grand Line, and we'll go proudly. No way we'd back down just because of some threats. That'd be an insult to our resolve!" Sanji nodded.
"Alright, tell us where you live," Nami said, turning to Abis.
"I live on a small island called Warship Island. It's to the east!" Abis pointed eastward, still beaming with gratitude.
"Eastward, huh? Got it! Everyone, let's go!" Luffy ordered with a grin.
Usopp adjusted the sails, steering the Going Merry towards Warship Island.
Meanwhile, back at the naval base, Eric returned to report to Admiral Nelson.
"The Straw Hat crew, huh? That upstart pirate group? Hmph. There are still pirates out there stupid enough to challenge me. Eric, I'll give you ten ships and twenty cannons. Bring Abis back to me, or our deal is off!" Nelson's eyes flashed coldly. These pirates dared defy him?
No one crossed Admiral Nelson and lived to tell the tale.
"You can count on me. I didn't expect them to have so many strong fighters, but with a fleet like this, the Straw Hats are nothing. I'll bring Abis back!" Eric promised, his expression darkening. He and Nelson had made a deal, and he intended to see it through to the end.