The rry glided away from the Red Line, its mast hastily repaired by Shirogai and Usopp, carrying the Straw Hat Crew toward Whiskey Town.
They waved back at Laboon — who now wore a hastily drawn Straw Hat Pirates symbol on his head — and at Crocus with heartfelt farewells.
"Hey Laboon! Don't smash into the continent again! We'll bring your friends back! Next ti we et, we'll settle it fair—and Shirogai won't interfere! That's our deal!"
"Laboon! We'll be back, and don't forget my nose!"
"Crocus, take care of yourself—we'll repay you!"
"Heh heh, next ti we et will be after we circle the globe and find the One Piece."
"Hmph, Green Algae Head, doubting our promise?"
"Curly Eyebrows, I'm doubting your strength!"
"Want to test it, lost cause?"
Crocus watched the rry Go disappear and turned to Laboon, his face softening.
"They're good kids, Laboon. Believe in them—they'll co back safe. Shirogai and Luffy's nas will sweep the Grand Line and possibly the New World soon enough."
…
Shirogai smiled as he watched his boisterous companions, then gazed at the horizon, murmuring,
"These two little spies are sharper than I thought."
High above, two creatures followed at a distance, repelled by Shirogai's [Conqueror's Haki]. Through heightened [Observation Haki], he could clearly see an otter in sunglasses riding a bald eagle wearing flight gear — the infamous Baroque Works duo, Mr. 13 and Miss Friday. Known as the "Unlucky Duo," their job was gathering intel and punishing traitors with explosive bombs.
They'd aid at Vivi and Mr. 9 earlier, but Shirogai's glare sent them fleeing. Then, after witnessing him lift Laboon, they were terrified and retreated. Now they followed at a safe distance, continuing their surveillance.
Uninterested, Shirogai led the crew into the cabin to explain Vivi's origins. Poor Mr. 9 lay knocked out on the deck.
---
Inside the cabin, Luffy stared at Vivi, baffled:
"So you're a princess? But you look so normal!"
"Stop staring, Luffy—it's rude!" Nami rebuked, smacking Luffy's head. "And Sanji, stop flirting!"
Sanji waved his dessert with flair:
"My dear Princess Vivi, please enjoy this treat I prepared with love."
Blushing, Vivi accepted the dessert.
"Thank you… I'm sorry for dragging you into this. Infiltrating Baroque Works, I had no choice—it wasn't my plan to hunt Laboon."
Shirogai waved a hand dismissively:
"Stop apologizing, It's annoying."
Vivi sighed:
"But I don't want to put you in danger. Baroque Works' boss, Mr. 0, is extrely dangerous. If I tell you who he is, your lives would be at risk."
Nami gulped.
"A group that plots to overthrow a country must be terrifying."
Shirogai nodded calmly:
"He's formidable all right. But so is Crocodile of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"What?! Mr. 0 is Crocodile?!" Nami's voice dropped to a whisper.
Silence fell over the cabin.
Usopp trembled. Zoro tensed, gripping his sword. Sanji paused mid-drag of his cigarette. Vivi's eyes widened in shock. Only Luffy bead with excitent.
" Crocodile's in charge of Baroque Works? That's amazing!" Luffy said, eyes sparkling.
Nami shrieked:
"He's one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea! How can we possibly fight him?"
Luffy turned to Shirogai:
"Are the Warlords that strong? I've heard of them, but…" He trailed off.
Shirogai responded clearly:
"They are indeed powerful. The Seven Warlords are pirates recognized by the World Governnt — with strength equivalent to nations. They're among the top three powers in the Grand Line."
He leaned forward, voice firm:
"Still, that doesn't make us weak. Our crew is just as strong as a Shichibukai."
The crew reacted in kind:
Zoro crossed his arms and smirked: "Crocodile, huh? I wonder if he has swordsn we can asure up to."
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring: "If the enemy is that strong, we can't be careless. That's what makes an adventure worthwhile."
Luffy glead: "Our first real battle is against a Warlord of the Sea! We're incredible!"
anwhile, fear-filled voices rang out:
Nami collapsed to the floor, tears in her eyes: "I knew joining you guys would be crazy, but I didn't expect our first Grand Line fight to be a Shichibukai. Luffy, drop off—please let go ho!"
Usopp whimpered in the corner: "I—I'm a great sea warrior…" (while visibly shaking)
Vivi made a face of apology, then glared at Shirogai:
"Why would you tell them? If Baroque Works hears that, we're all targets!"
Shirogai smiled gently:
"Don't worry. The surrounding waters are under my Observation Haki — no one can spy on us."
Vivi huffed quietly, turning away:
"He always smiles... not sure I like this pirate."
---
Thank you for the Powerstones.
100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Powerstones = 3 Bonus Chapters.
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