Chapter 377: We Are Partners After All

"Phew, finally shook them off." Guo Yao wiped the sweat from her forehead, a weary smile appearing on her face.

"Yes, thanks to everyone this time." Li An looked gratefully at the members of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Luffy grinned: "No need to thank us, we are partners!"

Zoro looked at Li An, nodding slightly: "Your command ability is not bad. Next time we encounter danger, I will trust you a bit more."

Nami rolled her eyes at Li An: "Hmph, I hope you won't bring us such big trouble next time."

Li An smiled awkwardly: "Don't worry, I will try my best."

The night sky was like ink, thick and unbreakable; waves rhythmically lashed against the ship's side, emitting a dull sound, as if it were the heartbeat of the sea. The Straw Hat Pirates' ship moved slowly across the boundless sea, its sails billowing with the sea breeze like a giant bird spreading its wings to fly. Moonlight spilled onto the deck, casting a layer of silver gauze over everything, quiet and beautiful.

Li An leaned against the ship's side, holding a cup of steaming coffee in his hands, his gaze fixed on the distance, yet his thoughts drifted to Guo Yao beside him. Guo Yao wore a white dress, looking like a fairy descending to the mortal world under the moonlight; she walked lightly to Li An's side, reached out to take his arm, and a happy smile overflowed on her face.

"Li An, what interesting things do you think we will encounter on this voyage...?" Guo Yao's voice was as clear as silver bells, breaking the silence of the night.

Li An turned his head, looking at Guo Yao's innocent face; the corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a gentle smile: "No matter what we encounter, having you by my side is enough." Saying this, he gently pinched Guo Yao's nose, his eyes full of doting affection.

Guo Yao's cheeks turned slightly red; she gently slapped Li An's hand away and chided: "You only know how to coax me." The two looked at each other and smiled, their laughter echoing in the night sky, filled with sweetness.

However, just at this warm moment, danger was quietly approaching. Hu Zi Titch's subordinates, a group of ghostly pirates, climbed onto the ship silently like ghosts. They wore black night-clothing, their faces covered with black masks, revealing only pairs of eyes flashing with cold light. Leading them was a tall man holding a sharp dagger in his hand, the blade flashing with cold light under the moonlight.

They crept stealthily towards Li An and Guo Yao, every step taken cautiously, afraid of making even the slightest sound. The sea breeze suddenly intensified, making the sails rustle loudly, masking their light footsteps.

When they were only a few steps away from Li An and Guo Yao, Li An suddenly sensed something amiss. His eyes instantly became sharp, like an alert leopard; he instinctively shielded Guo Yao behind him while shouting loudly: "Careful! Enemies!"

Almost at the same instant, Hu Zi Titch's subordinates surged forward like a tide. The leading man waved his dagger, stabbing towards Li An; Li An quickly sidestepped to dodge, the dagger grazing the hem of his clothes.

"Guo Yao, hide behind me!" Li An shouted loudly, while drawing a long sword from his waist; the blade flashed with cold light as he faced off against the enemies.

Fear appeared on Guo Yao's face, but she still forced herself to remain calm, tightly gripping the hem of Li An's clothes and hiding behind him.

"Who are you? Why attack us?" Li An's voice was icy cold, as if from the freezing wind of hell.