Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As Luffy charged off to pursue Crocodile, the remaining four members of the Straw Hat crew prepared to face their own adversaries. They were confronted by the last senior agents of Baroque Works, whose expressions had turned sour with recent events.
Zoro's attention was particularly drawn to Mr. 1, a formidable opponent mentioned by Bai Ye. "Hey, you are the person who Bai Ye told me about," Zoro said with an excited grin. "The guy who can turn parts of himself into sharp steel blades." Mr. 1, known for his Dice-Dice Fruit abilities, was a senior agent of Baroque Works with an impressive bounty of 75 million Bellys. Zoro sensed a strong, sword-like aura emanating from him, recognizing him as a worthy opponent.
Mr. 1, expressionless as ever, acknowledged the Straw Hats. "Straw Hat Pirates, I know who you are. Although I don't know why you want to sabotage Crocodile's plan, it doesn't matter." As he spoke, his body began to transform, his fingers morphing into ten lethal blades. "I want blood right now. Do you want to die? Roronoa Zoro!!" Once an assassin with a bounty of 75 million Bellys, Mr. 1 found it aggravating to be seen as a mere stepping stone by a newcomer like Zoro.
In a swift movement, Mr. 1 leaped into the air, his fingers slicing through the atmosphere, even causing sparks to fly. He descended rapidly, launching a fierce attack towards Zoro, intending to rend him apart. Clang! Zoro's three swords met Mr. 1's blades in time, blocking the initial assault.
Feeling the resistance against his swords, Zoro slowly lifted his head, a grin forming on his face as he clutched his Wado Ichimonji in his mouth. "Want to kill me? Go ahead and try!!" he challenged. With his typical fearlessness, Zoro prepared to counterattack, announcing his signature move, "Three Swords Style - Blade Wolf Stream!" The battle between the two swordsmen, each formidable in their own right, was about to unfold, promising to be a clash of skill and power.
-----
Sanji, coolly lighting his cigarette, stood facing Mr. 4, assessing his opponent. "So, my opponent can only be you?" he mused, taking in the sight of Mr. 1 locked in combat with Zoro, then shifting his gaze to Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas. He addressed Miss Merry Christmas with a declaration of his principles, "As a gentleman who believes in chivalry, I can't fight with a lady." This left him with Mr. 4 as his adversary. "So, I have to fight with you, big man," Sanji declared, setting his sights on Mr. 4.
However, before Sanji could make a move, he realized that Mr. 4, who was as large and formidable as a bear, had vanished from his spot. In the very next moment, Sanji found himself narrowly evading a massive baseball bat swinging at his head. BANG! The bat, wielded by Mr. 4 with his supernatural strength, was a four-ton weapon capable of delivering blows of immense power. The force of the swing created a large hole in the ground.
Mr. 4, believing he had successfully hit Sanji, remarked with a sense of finality, "Already dead? Good." He assumed that his powerful strike had effectively taken out Sanji. But to his surprise, Sanji's voice came from behind him, "Who do you say is dead?" Sanji had skillfully dodged the attack and positioned himself behind Mr. 4.
In an instant, Sanji flipped onto his hands and launched a powerful kick with his right foot, showcasing one of his signature moves.
Black Leg Style - Leg Meat!!!
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On the other side of the battlefield, Nami faced off against Miss Doublefinger, who stated a tactical approach common in battle. "When the battle begins, the first thing is to give priority to the weakest people," she said, implying that Nami was the weakest among the Straw Hat crew.
Nami, however, responded with a touch of humor and confidence. Pointing at herself, she retorted, "What? Obviously, in terms of appearance and figure, I am the best."
Miss Doublefinger wasted no time and launched her attack. Suddenly, numerous spikes emerged from the ground right under Nami's foot. Nami, with her quick reflexes, managed to dodge just in time, but the spikes ended up piercing her cloak.
Annoyed yet undeterred, Nami remarked, "Really!" She then exerted a little force and tore off the damaged cloak, revealing her figure with a sense of pride. Addressing her opponent, Nami quipped, "Don't you know to tell me about your abilities before the fight?".
Holding her weather stick, Nami faced Miss Doublefinger with a smile in her eyes, ready for the confrontation.
-----
Meanwhile, Miss Merry Christmas, having undergone her transformation, took a moment to showcase her abilities to Usopp. "I am a Devil Fruit user who ate the Mole-Mole Fruit," she declared. Demonstrating her powers, her fingernails and nose elongated, resembling those of a mole.
Usopp, after observing her for a moment, couldn't help but comment, "You... you are obviously a penguin!!"
Miss Merry Christmas, however, was not amused. "Bastard!! I told you, it's the Mole!!" she retorted, visibly irritated by Usopp's jest. Her anger was evident, and she was ready to leverage her mole-like abilities to the fullest.
Being in the desert, a terrain perfect for an individual with mole-like digging capabilities, Miss Merry Christmas quickly vanished into a hole beneath her. Soon after, several holes appeared around Usopp, creating a sense of uncertainty and danger.
Usopp, unsure of which hole Miss Merry Christmas would emerge from, heard her taunting voice: "Guess, you stupid long nose, how I'm going to kill you?" The situation was precarious, and Usopp found himself in a challenging predicament.
With this, the battle between the Straw Hat Pirates and Baroque Works was officially underway.
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On Luffy's end of the story, a small but significant detour occurred. Midway through his pursuit of Crocodile, Luffy's hunger got the better of him, and he decided to stop at a restaurant for a meal. "Ah! I'm full!" he exclaimed, patting his stomach contentedly after finishing his food. Turning to the restaurant owner, he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Boss!"
As Luffy prepared to leave and resume his mission, the restaurant owner hesitated, then called out to him, "Wait a minute, kid in the straw hat." Luffy, puzzled, turned around and responded with a curious "Huh?" The owner's voice trembled as he asked, "Are you going to defeat Crocodile?" Luffy nodded earnestly and affirmed, "That's right, I'm going to beat Crocodile up. For Vivi, and also because of... Bai Ye's plan!"
To Luffy's surprise, the restaurant owner suddenly knelt before him, causing Luffy to react in confusion and concern. "Ah! Boss, what's wrong with you! Is it because I ate all your meat?" he asked, his thoughts typically unconventional.
The owner, visibly emotional, presented a group photo. In it, a younger version of himself stood next to a girl with an innocent smile – his daughter. He explained with a choked voice, "My daughter, she used to admire Crocodile the most. She thought that a pirate protecting us must be a good person. A year ago, she went to Crocodile for help to stop the rebellion but... she disappeared!" His pain was evident as he struggled to continue, pounding the ground in anguish.
"My daughter always believed that there were pirates in this world who protect people," he said, tears in his eyes. The owner then pleaded with Luffy, bowing deeply, "Please, defeat that bastard Crocodile and save this country! Monkey D Luffy!!"
Luffy, who had reached the door, paused and grasped his straw hat. The owner feared that Luffy would leave without acknowledging his plea, but Luffy turned, raised his arms, and declared loudly, "That is, of course!!"
In the doorway, illuminated by the blazing sun, Luffy's silhouette stood out sharply. His iconic straw hat cast a distinct shadow, symbolizing the beacon of hope and unwavering resolve he represented for Alabasta's citizens.
With renewed purpose, Luffy dashed off once more, chasing after Crocodile with determination and a sense of urgency, his figure swiftly moving across the landscape in pursuit.