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"Luffy!!!"
After everything had settled, the Straw Hats immediately rushed toward the center of the battlefield to greet their companions.
Under the curious eyes of Dorry and Brogy, they carefully laid down the unconscious Luffy.
Red flicked his hand and produced a bottle of healing medicine, instructing his friends to give it to Luffy.
An emerald green aura appeared beneath his feet, spreading out to form a grassy field under Luffy's body. Since he had left Luffy in the breeding house previously and couldn't take him to the Pokémon Center now, this would have to do.
Anyway, Luffy possessed remarkable regenerative abilities. As long as he was out of battle, his strength would recover quickly. Combined with the effects of the healing medicine and Grassy Terrain, he might even recover faster than if they'd taken him to the Pokémon Center.
But things didn't go as Red expected.
With the blessing of various healing effects, Luffy appeared before the two giants full of energy in just ten minutes.
"Wow~! You guys are so awesome! You really are the legendary giant warriors!" Luffy exclaimed with stars in his eyes.
The two ancient giants, nearly two hundred years old, looked at each other in confusion.
The revived Luffy wore an excited expression as he bounced around Dorry and Brogy.
...
Kingdom of Alabasta, Rainbase.
At a time when drought crises were breaking out across the country, Rainbase remained full of life. A cool fountain flowed in the city center, designed to soothe the excitement of gamblers.
In the underground secret office of Rain Dinners, the largest casino in Rainbase...
Crocodile's voice was hoarse as he calmly regarded Miss All Sunday standing before him.
Sitting in the shadows, Crocodile frowned as he studied the woman in front of him, as mysterious and enigmatic as a violet.
This was a famous gambling haven in the first half of the Grand Line.
"And the mission is not completed?!" Crocodile growled.
"You mean... in just one week, Mr. 3, Mr. 5, and Mr. 13 have all disappeared one after another?!"
Miss All Sunday—Nico Robin—let out a charming laugh in response.
"Why are you only telling me such important information now?!" demanded Crocodile.
"Isn't that what you said, boss?" Robin replied coolly. "That this is the critical moment to seize power in Alabasta? That if we had nothing important to report, we shouldn't disturb you."
Upon hearing Robin's response, Crocodile's eyes flashed dangerously.
"Hmm~"
Of course, Crocodile knew Robin had done this deliberately.
But he had indeed said those words, so he couldn't blame her.
"This woman..."
Crocodile seethed with anger, but quickly suppressed it. After all, he still needed this woman's ability to interpret the ancient texts.
The plan he had been developing for years was about to come to fruition. There could be no complications now.
He addressed Robin: "Forget it. They were just useless tools!"
"Our focus remains on the rebel army. Have them continue expanding their forces. Invite all displaced people to join the rebellion and divert attention from the royal capital."
"Notify all officers to gather at our stronghold here!!"
"By the way, since Mr. 5 has disappeared, the mission to eliminate the traitor Miss Wednesday must have failed..."
"This time, go and do it yourself!"
Crocodile issued his instructions rapidly, his eyes conveying a deep threat to Robin.
Over the years, despite their mutual distrust, he and Robin had developed a unique working relationship.
Robin would never refuse a task he assigned and would complete it brilliantly.
But conversely, when opportunity arose, she would occasionally place small obstacles in his path, treating it as a game for her amusement.
Just like concealing the disappearance of Mr. 5 and the others.
And so...
"This time, if you make any mistake again, I will ensure you die in the most unpleasant way possible!" Crocodile's tone carried an undisguised murderous intent.
But facing her boss's ferocious expression, Robin merely displayed an enigmatic smile. "Understood, boss."
Watching Robin's back as she left the office, Crocodile sneered.
"Hmph~" He had always been wary of this woman who betrayed her "partners" as routinely as breathing.
But compared to that, the recent unexplainable events had also made Crocodile irritable and uneasy.
The dark office fell silent once more.
This was the Grand Line.
Even though it was nicknamed "Paradise" by the pirates of the New World, dangerous undercurrents surged at every moment.
...
At the entrance to the Grand Line, Twin Cape...
A peculiar pirate ship with a red-nosed clown figurehead was docked beneath the rushing waters.
On the coast, a group of pirates from the Buggy Pirates watched with wide, shining eyes as two men embraced.
"Woohoohoohoohoohoohoohoohoohoohoohoohoohoo!"
Buggy, the clown with the red nose, had his arms wrapped around Crocus's waist, tears streaming down his face like an unstoppable fountain.
Though slightly embarrassed by Buggy's display in front of the crew, when Crocus spotted a familiar face, his eyes sparkled with recognition.
"It's Buggy~ It's been so long."
"I was shocked when Shanks told me you planned to stay in East Blue."
"Seems you've finally decided to venture into the Grand Line."
Crocus patted Buggy's head gently, just as he used to do on their ship.
This scene sent the nearby pirates into an immediate frenzy.
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Two crew members of the Pirate King?! Am I really seeing this for free?!"
"As expected of Captain Buggy! Everyone he knows is a legendary figure!"
"It's an honor to follow Captain Buggy~! This is the proudest moment of my life!!!"
"..."
"..."
Infected by Buggy's excitement, the pirates became enthusiastic and burst into tears.
Soon, a grand banquet was underway at Twin Cape.
This reunion with his old crewmate helped dilute Crocus's sadness after parting with Laboon.
More importantly...
During their conversation, Buggy revealed that he was now following the Straw Hat Pirates! The same Straw Hat Pirates who had promised to return to Laboon!
"What an interesting young man," murmured Crocus, stunned.
An imperceptible light flashed in the depths of his eyes.
Buggy's inner arrogance was no secret to the Roger Pirates.
For a pirate crew that even Buggy wanted to follow...
"It seems Laboon really found the right person~!"
Crocus felt his concerns melt away as he joined the lively celebration.
But during the banquet, a pirate suddenly ran over, shouting: "Captain Buggy! Captain Buggy!!!"
"Something strange has floated in from the sea!"
"Come look~!"
"Huh? What?!"
Buggy, slightly tipsy, turned his head, his cheeks almost as red as his nose.
He saw two of his men standing on a white sphere, rolling it like circus performers.
"What is this?"
Buggy's curiosity momentarily cleared his intoxication.
But just as he approached for a closer look...
The sphere suddenly split open! "Gyaaah~! It couldn't be a bomb, could it?!"
Naturally cautious, Buggy stumbled backward.
Then, under the curious eyes of all the pirates, the sphere burst completely.
From inside, a thin man tumbled out.
"Water... please give me water and food..."
"Please..."
Mr. 3, Galdino, pleaded weakly.