A blinding white light expanded outward, eventually dissipating into the sky. The pale slash cut through the surrounding Sea Kings effortlessly, as if clearing autumn leaves with a single gust of wind. Even the clouds above dispersed in radial patterns, leaving behind a scene that could only be described as awe-inspiring.
"Wow! What a magnificent technique!" Kaizen-sama exclaimed, clapping his hands in admiration.
Buggy, meanwhile, stood dumbfounded. His jaw hung open, but no words came out.
"A small farewell gift," Fujitora-san murmured, his deep and steady voice carrying as he slowly sheathed his blade.
"This is fake! It has to be a dream! If it's a dream, please wake me up—I don't want to stay in this nightmare!" Buggy wailed, clutching his head in disbelief.
"Buggy-taichō, this is far from a dream! If anything, you're more awake now than ever," Kaizen-sama remarked, leaning against the edge of the ship with a sly grin on his face.
"Oi, you damn blind swordsman! You're that powerful, and yet you still chose to become my subordinate? Are you mocking me as the captain?!" Buggy yelled, grabbing Fujitora-san's collar.
"I deeply apologize," Fujitora-san replied with a soft, remorseful tone, bowing his head slightly.
"Tch, fine! I'll let it slide this time. But if you ever keep something like this from me again, I'll kick you off the crew and sever all ties!" Buggy declared, puffing out his chest like a small but fierce dog.
"Buggy-taichō, instead of focusing on that, shouldn't we figure out how to navigate out of the Calm Belt?" Kaizen-sama said with a calm, almost playful demeanor, as if he were discussing something trivial.
"Huh? Calm Belt?" Buggy blinked, then his face contorted as realization struck.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!" A blood-curdling scream tore through the silent sky.
Moments later, the three of them sat cross-legged on the deck, brainstorming solutions.
"Aha! I've got it! When Captain Roger took us through the Calm Belt, he used Sea Kings as propulsion!" Buggy exclaimed, raising his index finger triumphantly.
"But didn't we just deal with the Sea Kings? It's unlikely any others will show up soon," Fujitora-san replied in his usual composed tone.
"Damn it! This is all your fault, you blind idiot! You trapped us here!" Buggy shouted, shaking his fist in mock anger.
"I have an idea," Kaizen-sama said casually, gazing at the tranquil sea.
Both Buggy and Fujitora-san turned to look at him. Kaizen-sama smirked under their gaze and continued, "If we can't rely on external forces, we'll create our own power to push the ship forward."
"Create our own power? Are you saying we should jump into the sea and push the ship ourselves? That's absurd!" Buggy protested, steam practically puffing from his ears.
"Of course not. Watch this," Kaizen-sama replied confidently. He walked to the stern, clenched his fist, and threw a powerful punch forward. The air itself seemed to ripple, and the force generated propelled the ship slightly forward.
"The ship is moving!" Buggy yelled in astonishment, jumping to his feet.
"This method is rather whimsical, but I suppose I'll contribute as well," Fujitora-san said, unsheathing his blade once more.
"Master, are you joining in?" Kaizen-sama asked with a teasing smile, waving his fists like a boxer preparing for a match.
"Let's take turns. When you grow tired, I'll take over," Fujitora-san replied, preparing himself.
Kaizen-sama grinned mischievously and said, "Master, there's no need. I won't tire, so you won't even get the chance!"
Together, the two worked in harmony—Kaizen-sama punching with incredible force and Fujitora-san unleashing controlled slashes, propelling the ship through the Calm Belt.
"HAHAHAHA! You two are incredible! You're truly worthy of being subordinates to the great Captain Buggy! Keep it up!" Buggy cheered, raising his fists in victory. However, as he turned away, a sly grin crept onto his face.
"Hehehe… These two are completely unaware of how strong they are. If I can control them well, it won't be long before I become the wealthiest man on the seas!" Buggy thought, snickering quietly.
On the calm, endless ocean, their pirate ship crawled forward—an odd sight in the vast expanse. The three of them, undaunted by danger, pressed on with determination.
Suddenly, the clouds above began to churn ominously.
"This sky… it feels oddly familiar," Kaizen-sama murmured, his gaze fixed upward.
"It's like the clouds we saw during that waterspout," Fujitora-san added thoughtfully.
As the ship groaned and tilted violently, the sound of creaking wood filled the air. The three pirates exchanged worried looks.
"Trouble seems to never end," Kaizen-sama muttered with a faint grin.