Following Dalton's gaze, everyone saw a grotesque figure in the distance. A man with dark purple hair, a massive mouth, and a cylindrical tin plate strapped to his chin appeared before them.
He was voraciously consuming the surrounding houses, munching on their debris.
After devouring a whole block, he let out a belch and proclaimed, "Ah, baked houses taste the best!"
He then stood atop a giant hippopotamus, bellowing, "Everything in this country is mine to command! You all will bow to my rule, hahahaha…"
Dalton could no longer contain his rage and charged at Wapol, transforming into a bison in mid-charge.
"Huh? Is Dalton a Devil Fruit user too?" Sanji asked, astonished.
Dalton reached Wapol and roared, "Wapol!"
"Huh? Who's calling me?"
Wapol turned with curiosity, only to be met with Dalton's fierce blade.
"Rend!"
The sound of tearing flesh was accompanied by Wapol's agonized screams, making his subordinates blanch in terror. They cried out, "Lord Wapol!"
A man with an afro glared at Dalton, fuming, "Dalton, what are you doing? How dare you attack Lord Wapol!"
"I'm defending this country!" Dalton declared with determination.
"Damn you!" Chess, another of Wapol's subordinates, shot Dalton an angry look before shouting, "Doctor 20!"
A group of doctors in uniforms quickly appeared and began tending to Wapol's wounds with practiced efficiency.
Moments later, Wapol sat up as if he had mastered Luffy's sit-ups.
"Ugh, I thought I was a goner!"
Once he recovered, Wapol glared at Dalton with fury, "Dalton, how dare you! Have you forgotten you were my subordinate?"
"That was before!" Dalton replied calmly.
"Before you abandoned the kingdom out of fear of pirates!"
"And what of abandoning the kingdom? Are your lives worth more than mine? You should be proud to have sacrificed your lives to give me a chance to escape!"
Dalton's anger flared at Wapol's words.
"Wapol! How can you speak as a king like that? I always thought you would change, given your father's kindness to me, but it seems... that's no longer possible!"
Dalton brandished his weapon and declared, "I'll drive you out of this country!"
"Ha! You think you can take us all on by yourself?" Wapol sneered.
"If he's not enough, what about us?" Luffy and Sanji had joined Dalton, facing Wapol with calm resolve.
"Huh?" Wapol's eyes narrowed with malice. "Who are you, boy?"
Since Kai had used the Somersault Cloud to bring Luffy and the others to Drum Island, they had avoided any encounters with Wapol until now.
"Ugly monster, I'm Luffy. I'm the one who's going to beat you! Your presence here makes me very unhappy!"
"A king should never be like you!"
m9( `д ́ )!!!!
"Are you looking for death, kid? Calling me ugly?" Wapol's rage intensified. "Who are you to judge me as king? Since you dare provoke me, all three of you will die here today!"
Dalton looked at Luffy and Sanji with mixed feelings and said, "You don't need to get involved!"
"Now you're a target for Wapol too, and he won't let you go…"
"Mr. Dalton, you believed in us against all odds. We're grateful, and we won't turn our backs now that you're in trouble!"
"And... just because of this ugly monster, I could defeat him with just a kick!" Sanji declared nonchalantly, puffing on his cigarette.
However, as he spoke, Kai and the others behind him exchanged glances, bemused.
Sanji seemed to fight with his feet more often than not, right?
But Wapol was incensed. Hearing Sanji's boast, he roared to his men, "Kill them all! I want these boys to know what happens when you cross me!"
"Understood!"
The soldiers, armed with guns, marched out, aiming their weapons at Luffy and his friends.
"Watch out!" Dalton yelled, moving swiftly to shield Luffy and the others from the incoming bullets.
But Luffy was faster. In an instant, he appeared in front of the bullets, blocking them with his body.
"Straw Hat!" Dalton gasped in shock, unable to comprehend why Luffy would use his body as a shield.
Σ(ŎдŎ|||)ノノ!
Before Dalton could process it, he saw the bullets bounce off Luffy's body and shoot back at their original direction.
Kai watched Luffy with interest. The speed Luffy had just displayed was almost on par with Shave.
Interesting!
It seems the training has been paying off!
Kai waved his hand, and a table and a few stools appeared. He sat down, brewed some Earl Grey tea from Mr. 3's collection, and invited Vivi and the others, "Come on, let's have some tea!"
Usopp sighed contentedly after sipping his tea. "Drinking tea in winter is so relaxing! But is it really okay for us to just watch the fight?"
"What's the matter? Luffy and the crew can handle these guys easily! We're just here to watch," Kai replied casually.
At that moment, Chopper rushed out from beside Kai, swallowing a small yellow ball and transforming into a powerful figure. He joined Luffy and the others, declaring, "I'm here to help too!"
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.