anwhile, in the northwestern region of Aether's territory lies Bright Moon Island. Sailing fifty nautical miles north from here leads directly into Kaido's domain. Over the past month, this island has suffered heavily due to the rising tension between forces. The Beasts Pirates have already invaded twice. Although they were quickly repelled by the forces of the Aether Pirates, the damage left behind plunged the island's people into hardship.
After those attacks, most of the island's population of over ten thousand either fled inland or hid in the mountains, fearing Kaido's threat. Only a handful of elderly residents remained behind, stubbornly guarding their hos.
Among them, the leading elder was the town's mayor, known as the King. In his youth, he had signed a protection agreent with Whitebeard, vowing to stand with the town through life and death, no matter the circumstances.
At the now quiet and nearly abandoned pier, a large group of pirates was busy loading supplies such as at, vegetables, fresh water, and timber. Nearby, a few elderly rchants watched with wide smiles. Despite the war, they had managed to sell their remaining goods at triple the usual price, earning a considerable profit.
An irritated voice broke the scene as a red nosed man stood nearby.
"What are you laughing at, you old geezers? If I didn't actually need these supplies, I would not buy anything from you greedy rchants."
Clown Buggy grumbled angrily. If this were not within Roger's territory, he would not have tolerated such losses. He would have shown these rchants exactly what pirates were capable of.
The old rchants said nothing, but their smug expressions only made Buggy more annoyed. At that mont, Mr. 3 walked over and spoke with concern.
"Buggy, we should leave as soon as possible. I just heard that the clashes with the Beasts Pirates have intensified these past few days. If things go wrong, we might run into them."
"Relax, Galdino, I am not afraid of Kaido's underlings. Aside from Kaido himself, no one else in the Beasts Pirates concerns . Still, it is getting late, so let's set sail."
Buggy forced a confident expression as he spoke. His words eased the lingering unease among his crew. To them, their captain was a fearless leader, and under his command, even cowards could act brave.
"As expected of Captain Buggy, a legendary pirate. Only Kaido is worthy of being your opponent."
"Captain Buggy is destined to stand at the top of the seas."
Hearing their praise, Buggy burst into laughter, hands on his hips.
"Wahahaha! Stay modest, boys!"
Suddenly, a pirate rushed over, gasping for breath.
"Bu... Buggy, Captain, this is bad..."
Thwack!
Before he could finish, Buggy leaped forward and punched him.
"What do you an 'bad'? This great Captain Buggy is doing perfectly fine!"
"No, that is not what I ant, Captain. It is the enemy. Enemy ships have appeared and blocked the two ships we were preparing to sail!"
"What? Enemies? The Beasts Pirates are here already? Everyone, retreat inland!"
The mont Buggy heard the word enemy, he imdiately assud the worst. Knowing his own strength, he understood he stood no chance against Kaido's forces.
As he turned to run, Mr. 3 quickly grabbed him. With the crew watching, they could not afford to look completely helpless.
Mr. 3 steadied himself and questioned the scout seriously.
"Be clear. Who is it? Is it the Beasts Pirates?"
"No... not them. It is..."
Hearing that it was not Kaido's crew, both Buggy and Mr. 3 visibly relaxed. However, that relief vanished instantly when the scout finished his sentence.
"It is Admiral Akainu's warship!"
Buggy and Mr. 3 froze completely, as if turned to stone.
"A... Akainu? Run! Everyone run!"
Buggy imdiately dropped all pretense and shouted in panic.
Just then, a mature and pleasant female voice cut through the chaos, freezing everyone in place.
They turned and saw Akainu already standing nearby. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and her sharp gaze locked onto Buggy like a predator watching its prey.
"Forr Roger Pirates mber, Star Clown Buggy. I did not expect to find such prey while entering Roger's territory today."
Buggy trembled at her presence, while Mr. 3 collapsed onto the ground.
"It is that woman Akainu. Run... run. But I have to admit, her current appearance is quite stylish."
"Are you insane, Buggy? How can you say that... though... she actually does look quite beautiful."
Their conversation made the veins on Akainu's forehead bulge. Even after nearly a month, she still reacted strongly to remarks about her current form.
"Great Eruption!"
Magma surged forward, engulfing the wooden pier in flas and turning it into a blazing inferno.
"It is on fire! Put it out!"
"Forget the fire, deal with the Marines!"
The Buggy Pirates finally reacted. Mohji, acting as first mate, prepared to organize a response. However, the mont they realized their opponent was Akainu, the officers led by Alvida scattered in terror, even taking the two pirate ships and fleeing.
Their distant voices echoed over the sea.
"Captain Buggy, do not worry! We will bring reinforcents to save you!"
Monts later, Buggy lay pinned beneath a high heeled shoe. Akainu held the unconscious Mr. 3 in one hand, looking down at Buggy like a ruler passing judgnt.
"Clown Buggy, I did not expect you to be this weak. It seems you are heading back to Impel Down. Or perhaps execution would be more appropriate this ti. Or maybe you can be used to lure Roger into another Marineford War."
She leaned slightly forward, her posture poised and dangerous. Capturing even a forr mber of the Pirate King's crew would raise her standing.
Buggy, covered in burns, still refused to yield.
"Tch! Kill if you want! I will not betray my captain. Captain Roger will achieve his goal, and when that happens, you Marines will regret it!"
At the ntion of Roger's goal, Akainu pressed her foot down harder, causing Buggy to cry out. A flicker of curiosity appeared in her eyes.
"Buggy, tell Roger's plan, and I will let you go. I will not expose you as an informant. Do you really want to suffer for soone you have not seen in over twenty years?"
Her voice carried a tempting edge, trying to break his will.
In truth, Buggy had no idea what Roger's plan was. He had only said it to sound defiant.
Suddenly, a male voice interrupted the tense atmosphere.
"Hey, Princess Akainu, could you let Buggy go for a mont? I would also like to know what my plan is."
Both of them turned toward the voice.
Aether stood calmly on the pier, a small and oddly shaped boat floating quietly behind him.
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