Alubarna, inside the city's massive clock tower.
"Mr. 7, I've got a feeling that the boss has given us a crucial mission! If we pull it off, the rewards will be huge!" Miss Father's Day, a short and rather unattractive woman decorated with frogs, said with glee.
"You're right... you're right, Miss Father's Day! Completing this mission will definitely boost our ranks!" Mr. 7, who was similarly unremarkable in appearance, agreed.
"When this enormous cannonball fires, everyone in the square will go out with a bang! Hahaha…"
"I'm sure that scene will be spectacular, Mr. 7!"
"Oh? How spectacular?" came a faint, curious voice.
"Isn't a sea of flames quite a sight?" Miss Father's Day answered absentmindedly.
(⊙o⊙)...
Miss Father's Day stiffly turned her head and looked at Mr. 7, asking, "Mr. 7, did you just say something?"
"No!"
In an instant, both turned around to find two figures standing behind them.
One of them was strikingly handsome, while the other...
"Mr. 2, how dare you return? Didn't you know the boss considers you a traitor?" Miss Father's Day exclaimed.
With that, both men drew their weapons and grinned menacingly at Mr. 2. "We can deal with a traitor while completing our mission. What kind of reward should the boss give us this time?"
The handsome man was none other than Kai's clone. Kai had been on the Merry, avoiding Luffy and the others, and had only been using his clone for strategic purposes.
Since the original Kai was captured, it's clear his clone had been pretty exhausted.
Kai's main goal was to let Luffy and his crew face challenges themselves, allowing them to grow stronger. Despite their increased strength, they hadn't experienced the harsh training of life-or-death situations.
But the situation was perfect for them to face some real trials.
As for whether Luffy and his crew would die? That's a joke! The "Lucky" factor is no joke!
Yet, Kai hadn't been idle. He'd managed to recruit Mr. 2 to their side after exposing all of Crocodile's villainous deeds, with plenty of encouragement.
Mr. 2 switched allegiances smoothly after Kai's persuasion.
Kai turned to Mr. 2 and said, "I'll leave these two to you!"
"No problem, Kai-chan, I'll take care of them!"
"Don't call me that!" Kai replied, annoyed.
"Alright~ Kai-chan!"
Kai: (╬▔Pan▔)╯!
With that, Mr. 2 approached Mr. 7 with what he believed was a sexy dance move.
Mr. 7 and Miss Father's Day, seeing Mr. 2 get closer, immediately aimed their guns at him and shouted, "Go to hell, Mr. 2!"
Gunshots rang out as bullets flew towards Mr. 2.
Mr. 2 faced the incoming bullets without a hint of panic. He twisted his body skillfully and dodged every shot.
"How... how is that possible?" Mr. 7 and Miss Father's Day gasped in shock, sweat streaming down their faces.
During their stunned moment, Mr. 2 was already upon them and said calmly, "Do you know why I'm Mr. 2 and you're Mr. 7?"
"Boxing Technique!"
With a couple of powerful punches, Mr. 2 sent Mr. 7 and Miss Father's Day crashing to the ground. These two were mere supporting characters, easily outmatched by Mr. 2, even before factoring in his skill.
Looking at the fallen pair, Mr. 2 said coolly, "Because you and I are not in the same league!"
Kai: . . . .
Why hadn't I noticed before how good this guy is at putting on a show?
Kai walked over to the cannon's chamber and examined the shells inside, a smirk on his face.
...
Meanwhile, in the royal capital of Albana.
Two groups faced off: one side with seven members and the other with four.
Of course, the seven were Luffy and his crew.
The desert quicksand trap set by Crocodile the previous day had given them a tough time. However, they managed to escape and rushed straight to Albana, determined to prevent the imminent conflict between the king's army and the rebels.
But as soon as they entered the city gate, they encountered a group blocking their way.
This group consisted of Crocodile's subordinates.
Mr. 1 and his partner Miss Doublefinger, along with Mr. 4 and his partner Miss Merry Christmas!
Mr. 1 looked at Luffy and the others and said calmly, "This road is blocked!"
"Huh?" Zoro raised an eyebrow and then swiftly drew his blade. "A swordsman can't harm me…?"
With a flash of steel, Zoro appeared behind Mr. 1, sheathing his sword.
At the same time, a deep cut appeared on Mr. 1's body, with blood gushing out.
"Mr. 1!" The remaining Baroque Works members shouted in shock.
Mr. 1 was the strongest among them, and yet he had been defeated so effortlessly.
Confused and sweating, Mr. 1, still conscious, knelt down, bewildered.
"How... how could a swordsman hurt me?"
"That's because you didn't meet me!" Zoro replied coolly, adding, "You have the guts to block our path with such weak strength?"
He then turned to Luffy and the others. "Luffy, let's go. We don't have time to waste here!"
Zoro, who had long mastered the ability to cut iron, had become significantly stronger during this period of training.
In the original story, Mr. 1 had given Zoro a tough fight, but now he was no match for him.
Nami spoke up, "Luffy, Sanji! You go to the palace with Vivi and the others first. Usopp, Chopper, and I will handle the remaining three!"
"Okay!" Luffy nodded, and the group headed towards the palace.
After they left, the remaining Baroque Works members were left stunned, some looking at Nami and the others with fear.
Nami looked at them calmly and said, "We're the weakest ones on the ship. We're not like those monsters, so don't worry!"
"Really?" Miss Doublefinger's eyes gleamed as she pointed at the trio.
"Really!"
Nami and her companions exchanged sinister smiles and advanced towards them...
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.