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The Strongest Frost Loli (157)
🕑 Added 2024-11-14 17:00:05 +0000 UTCChapter 157 - The Town of the Beginning and the End
Loguetown.
Also known as the “Town of the Beginning and the End,” it was famous as the town where Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, was born and executed.
The execution platform where Roger met his end still stood, a morbid tourist attraction for many pirates. It was from this very place that the Great Pirate Era had begun. Every pirate who set sail, dreaming of the elusive One Piece, likely paid their respects to the man who defined an era, the legendary Pirate King.
Luffy was no exception. Although…
“Criminal!!! The pirate, Monkey D. Luffy, is hereby sentenced to a flashy execution for the crime of getting on my nerves!!!”
…he currently found himself on the verge of being executed on that very platform.
***
The trouble had started shortly after their arrival in Loguetown.
The Straw Hats had dispersed to gather supplies and, at Luffy's insistence, to see the execution platform. Nami went to acquire new clothes, Sanji sought provisions, Usopp searched for potential weapons, and Zoro hoped to replace the swords broken by Mihawk. Luffy, meanwhile, wandered aimlessly through the unfamiliar streets, searching for the execution platform. He found it in the town square, and, after a brief encounter with a certain beautiful pirate – Alvida – and a distraction involving Buggy the Clown, he now found himself bound hand and foot, about to be executed.
“This is the first time I’ve seen an execution.”
“You’re the one being executed!!!”
“What?! No way!!!”
“You’re the one who’s ‘no way’!!!”
Luffy, held down by Buggy, had been remarkably calm, oblivious to the gravity of the situation. His realization that he was the one about to be executed was met with indignant surprise. Buggy, exasperated by Luffy's lack of awareness, snapped back.
“Do you even understand what it means to die here?”
“Nope. And I’m not planning to die here!”
“Is that so? This is where the Pirate King died. This is the last view Gol D. Roger ever saw…”
Buggy’s gaze drifted from Luffy to the square below. He had once been down there, looking up at this very platform. The birthplace of the Great Pirate Era. The epicenter of a new age. Buggy understood the significance of dying here. He wasn't using this execution platform on a whim.
“I don’t like you…”
“I don’t like you either.”
“Shut up and listen! …But I do acknowledge your strength.”
Luffy was the man Shanks had entrusted with his straw hat, the man who, much to Buggy’s chagrin, had defeated him. Disliking someone and acknowledging their strength were two different things. Shanks had done the same, and Luffy, Buggy suspected, was destined for greatness. That’s what it meant to receive Shanks’ straw hat. That’s why he would kill him here, in the very place where the Pirate King met his end.
“Let’s see if fate decides to let you live or die. Let's make a flashy gamble!”
If something happened to save Luffy, so be it. If Luffy’s head rolled, so be it. Buggy drew his sword, pointing it at Luffy, whose hands and neck were still bound. Dark clouds gathered overhead. A storm was coming – was it merely a change in weather, or an omen of the turbulent times ahead? Buggy gazed at the sky, lost in thought.
Twenty-two years had passed since the Pirate King’s death. And the last time the world had shifted this dramatically was about twenty years before that, so Buggy had heard. These were tumultuous times. Anything could happen. No, this was the perfect place for something to happen.
“Since we have an audience… any last words, Rubber Man?”
“…”
Luffy, a sullen expression on his face, looked down at the square. Instead of a plea for mercy, he uttered words no one expected.
“I’m going to be King of the Pirates!!!”
Of all places, he chose to say that here. In the very place where the Pirate King died. The crowd below erupted in laughter. He clearly didn’t understand the weight of his words in this town.
“That’s all I have to say.”
Buggy stood up, raising his sword. Just then, two figures dashed into the square. Zoro and Sanji. They had realized Luffy was in danger and had come to rescue him. But Alvida, unwilling to let them interfere, sent her men to intercept them, intent on witnessing the moment Luffy’s head flew through the air under the ominous sky.
“You’re too late! Your captain’s finished!”
He swung his sword down – and in that instant…
“Zoro. Sanji. Nami. Usopp – sorry, I’m dead.”
…Luffy smiled.
It happened in a flash. A bolt of lightning struck the execution platform, engulfing it in flames. Though unharmed by the lightning itself, thanks to his rubber body, Luffy, positioned directly beneath the strike, suffered minor burns. Considering the circumstances, however, he was incredibly lucky to be alive. A hush fell over the rain-soaked town.
“Hahaha! I’m still alive! I’m so lucky!”
Amidst the stunned silence, Luffy, readjusting his straw hat, laughed. There was something almost terrifying about his laughter, his survival in such impossible circumstances.
“Do you believe in God?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Let’s get out of here. There’s more trouble brewing.”
Relieved by Luffy’s miraculous escape, both Zoro and Sanji couldn't shake the feeling that something supernatural had intervened. There had been signs of a storm, yes, but who could have predicted a lightning strike saving Luffy at the last moment? It was almost too lucky to be true. Marines were entering the square. The three of them quickly retreated towards the harbor.
Shortly after, Buggy stirred, groaning as he sat up.
“Damn it!!! That flashy rubber bastard!!!”
“Captain Buggy, you’re alive?!”
“Would you prefer I was dead?!”
Though charred and singed from the lightning strike, Buggy was, miraculously, alive. He ordered his crew, who were currently engaged with the Marines, to retreat.
“Aren’t we going after Straw Hat?!”
“Are you stupid?! There are Headquarters Marines here! We’ll get caught in the crossfire!”
Besides, he had already sent Mohji and Richie after Luffy's ship. If they had done their job, Luffy and his crew wouldn’t be able to leave the island. But Buggy had a feeling it was a wasted effort. This situation felt… familiar. He remembered, from his apprentice days, how their captain seemed to be protected by fate, surviving every hardship imaginable. He saw that same aura of invincibility around the Straw Hat boy. When their captain was like this, he was unstoppable, even against a fleet that covered the entire sea. This little incident wouldn't stop him.
“Retreat! Now!!!”
He had caused too much commotion this time. He could handle the Marines, but if Twilight got involved, things would get messy. Beyond the difference in power, Buggy had a particular aversion to the Witch. If she learned about his involvement before he could leave, she might spare him, but there were no guarantees. Despite their past association, he couldn't shake his unease around her.
As Buggy and Alvida attempted to escape the square, a plume of smoke engulfed them.
“W-what is this smoke?!”
“Don’t tell me… it’s Smoker!”
The entire crew was enveloped by the smoke and swiftly apprehended. The smoke, spreading rapidly, captured everyone without exception. Smoker, a Marine Captain known as the “White Hunter,” exhaled a puff of smoke from his cigar, his gaze fixed on his next target.
“Now for Straw Hat! Prepare the Billower Bike! We’re heading to the west harbor!”
***
The man arrived with the storm. Clad in a dark robe, he strode through the rain-lashed streets of Loguetown, heading towards the town square from the west harbor. The roar of the wind and rain couldn't drown out the sounds of chaos. The clash of Marines and pirates. A fugitive himself, he ducked into an alleyway, observing the commotion.
A young man in a straw hat was fighting a Marine. The Marine’s body transformed into smoke, rendering the Straw Hat boy’s attacks useless. As the Marine, having easily subdued the boy, reached for the jitte strapped to his back, the robed figure stepped out of the shadows, grabbing his arm. Smoker, the Marine Captain, stared at the man in disbelief.
“You… the government wants your head.”
“The world awaits our answer. I can’t give you my head just yet.”
“What?! Who are you?! What?!”
Glancing at Luffy, who was struggling beneath Smoker, the robed man flicked his wrist. A sudden gust of wind swept through the town square towards the west harbor, sending both Luffy and Smoker flying. Luffy, disoriented, found himself separated from Smoker, who, realizing the robed man was a greater threat, shifted his attention away from the Straw Hat boy.
Zoro and Sanji, having caught up, grabbed Luffy and ran towards the harbor.
“Hurry, Luffy! It’s a huge storm! We’ll be trapped on this island if we don’t leave now!”
“Fufufu… Go! If that’s your way, then go! Pirates… not bad.”
The robed man smiled as he watched Luffy and his crew retreat. Smoker glared at him.
“Why are you helping him?! Dragon!!!”
“Why would I stop a man’s journey?”
He wanted to pursue Luffy and his crew, but the robed man – Dragon – blocked his path. Smoker, transforming his body into smoke, lunged at Dragon.
“White Blow!!!”
His smoke-enhanced fist shot towards Dragon – but was easily dodged. The Marines who tried to flank Dragon were stopped by a single, chilling glare. Realizing a direct attack was futile, Smoker enveloped Dragon in a cloud of smoke – but Dragon, unfazed, stepped through the smoke, his kick connecting squarely with Smoker’s body. Smoker crashed through the wall of a nearby building.
“Captain?!”
“Captain Smoker, a Logia user, was hit?!”
Even Smoker, considered invincible in Loguetown, was no match for Dragon. The sight demoralized Smoker’s subordinates, giving Luffy and his crew the time they needed to escape.
“…It’s about time.”
“Damn it…!”
Smoker, emerging from the rubble, cursed under his breath. He leaned against the wall, his body aching, his gaze fixed on Dragon. Despite the difference in their strength, he wouldn't let this world-class criminal escape. Seeing his unwavering determination, Dragon chuckled, but realizing he had little time to spare, turned to leave.
“Wait, Dragon!!!”
“If you pursue us, we’ll meet again.”
He had seen Luffy. His objective was accomplished. He ran through the town, heading for a different harbor, and jumped onto a departing ship. A pirate ship, but it would do.
The pirates on board, startled by his sudden appearance, pointed their weapons at him.
“Who are you?”
“Are you the captain of this ship?”
“Nope. I’m a guest. The captain’s that charred fella over there.”
Alvida pointed her iron club towards a figure receiving treatment for burns, likely caused by the lightning strike. He sat on a chair while the ship’s doctor tended to his wounds. Dragon’s eyes narrowed. There was something familiar about that… red, round nose.
“What the hell are you staring at?!”
Buggy glared at Dragon, assuming he was being challenged, when one of his subordinates gasped.
“C-Captain Buggy!! That’s Dragon!!”
“Dragon?! What’s so dragon-like about that flashy idiot?!”
“N-no! Dragon… Dragon the Revolutionary!!”
Buggy’s eyes widened. He looked at his subordinate, then back at Dragon. The name sounded familiar. A world-famous criminal. It would be strange if he didn’t know the name. A bead of sweat trickled down Buggy’s forehead.
“Buggy. A name I haven’t heard in a while… and that round, red nose…”
“Who are you calling round-nosed?!”
He threw a nearby bottle of disinfectant at Dragon, which bounced harmlessly off his head. Dragon, unfazed, lowered his hood, revealing his face. Buggy stared at him in shock, his face turning pale.
“You… you were on Kanata’s ship…?!”
“A long time ago. We’re not on the same ship anymore.”
“I-I see… So, what are you doing here?”
“There was someone I wanted to see… My objective is complete. I need to leave this area. Could you give me a ride?”
Buggy stroked his chin, considering Dragon’s request. Dragon was a world-class criminal, wanted by the World Government. Traveling with him would put Buggy in the crosshairs of Marine Admirals. But Buggy was more concerned about incurring Kanata’s wrath by refusing Dragon’s request.
(An Admiral’s attention is less scary than Kanata’s displeasure. Besides, having him around might be good for my safety.)
After some deliberation, Buggy agreed.
“…Fine.”
“Captain?!”
“Put your weapons down, you idiots! He’s a guest!”
His crew, still bewildered by the sudden intrusion, lowered their weapons at Buggy’s command. The tension in the air dissipated, replaced by confusion. Buggy stood up. He had been lucky to escape the sudden gust of wind, but Luffy had already left. He didn't know Dragon's destination, or how far he needed to take him, so he asked.
“We’re entering the Grand Line. What about you?”
“It doesn’t matter. I have business in the Grand Line as well.”
“Then I’ll take you part of the way. But understand, this ship shares your fate. I expect you to fight if we’re in danger.”
“That’s not a problem. Thank you.”
A temporary alliance was acceptable. Dragon shook Buggy’s hand, and they began their brief journey together.
“And, could I borrow a Den Den Mushi?”
“Sure. Hey, take him to the communication room!”
Dragon followed Buggy’s subordinate to the room where the Den Den Mushi was kept. The subordinate left without a word, seemingly unconcerned about eavesdropping, leaving Dragon alone. He dialed a number. After a few rings, a cheerful voice answered.
“Hello, this is Lami!”
“It’s me.”
“Dragon! What is it?”
“Is Law there?”
“Big Brother? Yes, he is. I’ll get him.”
After a brief pause, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
“It’s me. What do you need?”
“I’ve been away for a while, but are your plans still on track?”
“Yes. Sabo and Koala left as scheduled, and we’re about to depart as well. We’re operating as pirates, is that alright?”
“Yes. It’s easier to move around as pirates than as revolutionaries.”
The Marines would deploy significant forces against the Revolutionary Army, hoping to gather information, but against pirates, they would only send forces proportionate to the bounty. Infiltrating a country to gather intelligence was also easier as pirates. He wouldn't have risked using a Den Den Mushi before, fearing eavesdropping, but now, with the widespread use of radios, the risk was significantly lower. Any intercepted communication would be mixed with radio chatter, making it difficult to decipher. He didn't know if Kanata had planned it that way, but it had certainly made communication – and their operations – easier.
“I’ll be back soon. I’m leaving things to you, Law.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll report back soon.”
Many were joining the Revolutionary Army, thanks to Kanata’s influence, and Sabo and Koala had also been given Devil Fruits as parting gifts. The Revolutionary Army’s strength had grown considerably in the past few years. He owed Kanata a debt, but he wouldn't express his gratitude with words. He would show her with results.
Luffy had set sail to achieve his dream of becoming King of the Pirates. He couldn't afford to fall behind.
