"Who knows if their arrival here might cause any problems," Duval said with a headache.
If they got intercepted by the Marines halfway, they might even encounter a Marine Admiral.
Just thinking about it made Duval feel extremely frustrated.
Still, he had to acknowledge the Straw Hat Pirates' willingness to risk danger to stand up for their crewmates.
After all... only those who care about their comrades will be cared for in return!
"Ahahaha, boss! If the ninja brother says it's fine, then it should be fine," Loll laughed.
Duval sighed upon hearing this. At this point, that was all he could think.
He just hoped... the Straw Hat Pirates wouldn't run into that Marine who had questioned him earlier.
That guy didn't seem easy to deal with—his strength was probably no joke.
Right then, Duval heard a man's voice calling from behind.
"Hey~"
"We're here!"
"Huh?"
The entire Flying Fish Riders turned to look, their eyes nearly popping out in shock.
"W-water... a Water Dragon carrying land?!"
"What the hell is that?!"
From their perspective, a massive Water Dragon was speeding across the ocean's surface, its head supporting a huge slab of land carrying all the members of the Straw Hat Pirates.
The one who had just called out to them was none other than their captain—the Straw Hat Boy, Luffy.
"W-water... Water Dragon..." Duval snapped out of his daze, muttering, "Is this what that Marine was asking about? Using a Water Dragon for travel... That Blood-Eyed Ninja's methods are way too extravagant. This is the legendary Water Release Technique!"
Using Water Release just for transportation... seriously...
For a moment, Duval was at a loss for words.
Soon, Meiser maneuvered the Water Dragon alongside Duval, transferring his crewmates onto the group's vehicles before dispelling the dragon.
"Water Release Ninjutsu is so incredible..." Loll gulped.
"If it weren't, why would the Marines find Meiser so troublesome~" Nami chuckled.
"Fair point."
"Ahahaha!"
"Let's go—take us to that guy," Luffy said.
Anyone who dared bully their crewmate was due for a brutal lesson!
"Got it. I'll lead the way," Duval nodded.
As he spoke, he revved the throttle, gradually picking up speed.
Luffy:
Watching the other Flying Fish Motorbikes surge ahead, Luffy gaped. "Hey, speed it up already!"
Everyone else had raced forward—why was this guy crawling along?
Was this supposedly fun ride really this slow?
"Sorry, but this is Motor Baro's top speed," Duval said helplessly.
"Huh?"
"It really is the fastest he can go," Sanji said, equally frustrated. "I rode with him on the way here."
He had no idea what this idiot was thinking. As the leader of the Flying Fish Riders, his travel speed was the slowest.
If this guy hadn't gone straight to Grove 1 earlier, Sanji wouldn't have made it in time for his crew's fight.
"I should've never gotten on your bike in the first place," Luffy said.
Duval simply shrugged in response, offering no further comment.
"Leave it to me."
Franky grinned widely, pulling out a wrench without hesitation.
"What are you planning to do?"
"Obviously gonna modify this motorboat," Franky declared. "I'm an amazing shipwright, after all! Tinkering with this thing is child's play for me!"
As he spoke, Franky crouched down and got straight to work.
In no time at all, under Franky's modifications, the motorboat's speed skyrocketed!
"Wha—?!"
Duval stared at Franky in shock. How had the man managed to upgrade the Motor Baro so quickly?
Wait... Forget the technical skills for a moment—where had all the materials even come from?!
"Whew~"
"Not bad, if I do say so myself."
Wiping sweat from his brow, Franky smirked. "Seems my skills are still top-notch."
"Ahahaha! That's amazing, Franky!" Luffy burst out laughing.
"As expected of our shipwright!"
Sanji also gave Franky a thumbs-up, acknowledging the man's incredible craftsmanship.
"Hahaha!"
"SUPER!"
Praise from his crewmates had Franky striking his signature pose with a booming laugh. For a shipwright, nothing was more satisfying than having his skills recognized.
"Alright!"
"Motor-goo, let's chase down those flying fish ahead!"
"It's Motor Baro..."
Duval corrected, though he soon grinned. "But... with this much power now, we might as well test it out properly."
"Motor Baro, full speed ahead!"
"Moo!!"
With a sharp twist of the throttle, Duval sent the Motor Baro surging forward, rapidly closing the gap on the Flying Fish Motorbikes ahead.
"Hahaha!"
"They're having so much fun..."
Merry glanced back at Luffy and the others. "Wait, why does that bike look different now?"
"No idea."
Chopper shook his head. How was he supposed to know why their bike had changed?
"Franky modified it," Meiser said.
He'd deliberately looked back earlier and caught Franky tinkering with the motorboat. The sight reminded Meiser of the time Franky had built that bridge.
The guy's skills... kinda resembled a certain Wolf King's, though not quite on that level.
Then again, Meiser could understand why—after all, that Wolf King was from a gag manga.
"Wait, Merry, you can move now?"
Chopper suddenly noticed something odd. Looking down at Merry seated in front of him, he realized she'd regained mobility.
"Yeah, I'm fine now," Merry nodded.
According to Meiser, the anesthetic must have worn off. This was good—now that she could walk on her own, the crew wouldn't have to carry her anymore.
"That's great."
Chopper sighed in relief. Regaining movement was the best outcome, especially since... they were still in a pretty dangerous situation.
"Everyone, we're approaching Area 8 now," Loll announced. "Peterman's base is just a little further along the coast."
As he spoke, Loll pointed in a direction, indicating that the target was there.
"Alright, let's head over then," said Meiser.
Soon, the entire Flying Fish Motorbike crew approached and docked by the shore.
"I'll take you there," Duval offered.
"We'd appreciate that."
"Don't mention it~"
Hearing Luffy's words, Duval laughed. "You're Black Leg's comrades—no need to be polite with me."
After saying this, Duval even pulled out a rose and winked flirtatiously at the group.
Straw Hat Pirates: ...
"Could you stop winking already?!!"
Despite their obvious disdain, Duval wasn't offended—he just chuckled.
"Let's go. It's right ahead."
Once they reached higher ground, Duval pointed at a distinctive building in the distance. "That's the one."
"They sure know how to pick a spot," Nico Robin remarked, studying the structure. "This location gives them a clear view of the surroundings... To spot passersby quickly?"
"Naturally," Duval replied. "After all... they're slave traders."
At his words, the expressions of the others instantly darkened.
Slave traders... They deserve to die.
Shing!
Drawing Wado Ichimonji, Zoro said coldly, "Let's just kill them all. Saves others from being captured later."
Zoro's suggestion was met with unanimous agreement from the crew.
After all... eliminating these slavers would save countless lives.
"While it won't completely end the slave trade... it'll at least solve part of the problem," Nico Robin noted.
"Why not?" Chopper asked, puzzled. "Won't defeating them stop this for good?"
"It's not that simple, Chopper," Meiser said. "Because... the Celestial Dragons are the root of it all."
As he spoke, Meiser glanced toward the direction of Auction House No. 1, his gaze growing colder.
As long as those damned Celestial Dragons lived, the slave trade would never disappear.
After all... they were the World Nobles.
Who would dare oppose something the World Nobles permitted?
That was probably why the Marines turned a blind eye to Auction House No. 1.
Tch. The Marines, meant to protect the people, had now become the Celestial Dragons' lapdogs... How far they'd fallen.
The thought made Meiser smirk bitterly at the irony.
"The root of it, huh..."
Those who understood followed Meiser's gaze toward the grove of trees, shadows flickering in their eyes.
Indeed, as Meiser said, unless the source was dealt with, killing a few slavers wouldn't solve anything.
"This isn't something we should worry about right now. Let's focus on the task at hand," Nami said softly.
Killing three Celestial Dragons was already an earth-shattering act. As for wiping them out entirely... that was something for Luffy's father to consider.
In the end, they were just a pirate crew.
The others nodded silently, saying no more.
Then, without another word, the group marched toward the distant building, their killing intent palpable.
In the distance, inside a special building, Peterman's subordinates were leisurely sitting at the entrance of their home, occasionally taking sips from the liquor in their hands, their expressions utterly relaxed.
Meanwhile, Peterman himself lay on a recliner inside the house, glancing at the clock from time to time, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
"Ah~"
"This time, the Merfolk should fetch a good price."
The starting bid for a Merfolk was already close to a hundred million Berries, let alone a young and beautiful female Merfolk!!
And most importantly... he had heard that a Celestial Dragon was visiting Auction House No. 1!
Even the descendants of the gods were attending—his Merfolk was bound to sell for an exorbitant price.
Peterman even felt this Merfolk could go for several hundred million Berries!
That was several hundred million!
Even after sharing a portion with the auction house and the group that had tipped him off, he would still walk away with a hefty sum.
"Hahaha, boss! A Merfolk is a commodity that might not appear even once in several years. It'll definitely sell for an astronomical price!"
"You're damn right!"
"Who knows? Maybe this time, we'll walk away with several hundred million Berries~"
"Ahahahaha!"
Listening to his men, Peterman grinned widely.
"Once the money's in our hands, I'll take you all out for a good time!" Peterman declared with a grand wave.
As a human trafficker, he could never be sure when death might come for him. So... once he got the money, he would take his crew out to enjoy themselves.
Not only would this keep his men loyal, but he could also indulge in the pleasures of life.
"Whoo!!"
"Long live the boss!"
The men erupted in cheers—this was the moment they looked forward to the most.
After all, the work they did was perilous. Any day could be their last.
So... they weren't the type to save money.
Just then, Peterman heard a strange noise—like... someone's throat being squeezed.
"Huh? What?"
Naturally cautious, Peterman stood up, frowning. "What was that?"
"What's wrong, boss?"
"I heard a weird sound just now."
"Boss, it must've been your imagination. Hahaha!"
His men remained oblivious to any danger, chuckling at their boss's paranoia.
They were a notorious kidnapping syndicate in the Sabaody Archipelago—who would dare mess with them?
Hell, they ranked among the top kidnapping groups around!
"No, I trust my instincts." Peterman shook his head, then pointed toward the door. "Go check what's happening outsi—"
Before he could finish, the wall of their hideout exploded inward, and a figure came flying through the debris.
"BOOM!!"
"WHOOSH~"
"CRASH!!"
The flying subordinate slammed into the floor, leaving a crater in his wake.
At this sight, the men's expressions instantly darkened. So someone actually had the guts to attack them?!
"Who's there?!" Peterman bellowed. "You dare come after me?!"
"Do you even know who I am?!"
As he spoke, Peterman drew his weapon, fury burning in his eyes.
How long had it been?
How long since anyone had dared to storm his doorstep?
Come to think of it, the last time was two years ago.
At that moment, Luffy walked in, coldly scanning the room before asking, "Peterman... which one is he?"
"You're... the Straw Hat Boy?!"
Peterman's face instantly paled. Why would the Straw Hat Pirates come here to cause trouble for them? How had they even found his location?
Soon, the dust settled, allowing Peterman to clearly see the situation outside the hollow.
"Duval?!"
"It's you!!"
Peterman's eyes burned with fury. Why had this bastard led the Straw Hat Pirates straight to him?
"Yeah, it's me," Duval grinned. "You pissed off Blackleg Sanji, so naturally, you've got to pay the price."
After saying this, Duval turned to Luffy. "Straw Hat, this is Peterman."
"You bastard, you're breaking the underworld's—"
"BAM!!"
Before Peterman could finish, Luffy's fist slammed into his face with such force that it deformed his features instantly.
"WHOOSH—"
"BOOM!!"
Peterman was sent flying into a pile of junk behind him, his eyes rolling back as he lost consciousness.
This seemed to be the signal. The moment Luffy struck, Meiser and the others immediately charged into the building.
"You bastards deserve to die!"
"Gale Slash!"
"THUD!"
"Yohohoho!"
"Go on, finish them!"
"THUD!"
The group mercilessly attacked the human traffickers before them, every slash aimed to kill. For scum who dared lay hands on their little ones... they would show no mercy!
"THUD!"
"ARGH!!"
"Damn it, fight them to the death!"
"Kill them!"
Peterman's crew also saw red, realizing there was no peaceful resolution—only a desperate struggle.
If they could kill the Straw Hat Pirates, not only would they survive this crisis, but they'd also earn over a billion Berries!
At this thought, their eyes burned even fiercer.
But alas, against a powerful Pirate Crew like the Straw Hats, their resistance was futile.
In less than a minute, every last one of them had been cut down.
Glancing at the unconscious traffickers sprawled on the ground, Luffy adjusted his hat and turned to leave.
And just like that... Peterman's crew was completely annihilated!!
"Hopefully, their deaths will serve as a deterrent," Franky remarked.
"Unlikely."
Meiser shook his head. "After all... money makes the devil turn the millstone."
Hearing this, Franky sighed. "You're right."
With the insane prices a single Fish-Man could fetch, convincing those scum to give up would be tough.
Once outside, Meiser turned around, slamming his hands downward. "Earth Release: Earth Splitting Technique!!"
"BOOM!!"
As his words echoed, the ground trembled violently before splitting apart beneath the building, swallowing it whole like a giant maw.
Then, the earth closed seamlessly, returning to stillness.
The rest of the Straw Hat Pirates said nothing—after all, they were just corpses. Burying them underground made no difference.
As for Duval, witnessing this spectacle left him utterly dumbfounded, his jaw practically hitting the floor.
"E-Earth Release?!"
Not only did this man master the Water Release Technique, but he also possessed the Earth Release to manipulate the earth?
Just how many Ninjutsu had he mastered?
"Interesting, isn't it?" Meiser walked over, looking at Duval. "Want to give it a try?"
"Ahem... I'll pass..."
Duval coughed lightly. He had no desire to be buried alive by Earth Release—that would be an excruciating way to die!
"Thank goodness I'm only interested in pirates... Otherwise... I might've been dealt with too..." Duval muttered inwardly.
At this moment, he felt immensely grateful for his past decision.
"Duval, thanks," Sanji said, looking at him.
"Ahahaha, no need for such words, Black Leg Young Master~" Duval laughed, scratching the back of his head. "You... did me a life-changing favor."
If anything, he was the one who should be grateful.
After all... Sanji had helped alter his appearance, making him far more handsome!
Not only did this allow him to evade the Marines and Bounty Hunters, but it also made him more popular with the ladies.
So... he was deeply indebted to Black Leg Sanji.
Truthfully, I was the one being unreasonable...
"No need for more words," Sanji lit a cigarette. "Anyway... you'd better take your crew and leave Sabaody Archipelago soon."
"Otherwise, the World Government might capture you just to vent their anger."
"Understood. I'll get them out right away," Duval nodded.
But... now that it was time to part ways, Duval found himself reluctant to leave these guys.
For some reason, he'd really grown fond of this bunch.
Seeing the look in Duval's eyes, Sanji chuckled and scolded, "Quit it, you bastard. Cry and I'll kick you!"
"Ahahaha, as if I'd cry," Duval raised his head. "I'm the proud leader of the Rosy Life Riders—crying is beneath me!"
"Ahahaha!"
"Big guy, learn to be strong from now on, okay?"
Hearing Merry's words, Duval felt his nose sting. He nodded heavily and said, "Don't worry. I'm the mighty Duval—I'll definitely stay strong!"
"Anyway... everyone!"
"Safe travels!"
"Whoo!!"
Watching Duval flee without looking back, the Straw Hat Pirates all smiled.
No matter what... they truly were grateful to this group.
Without them, they wouldn't have made it to Auction House No. 1 so quickly.
As Duval ran back, Loll asked in confusion, "Boss, your eyes—"
"Shut it and move," Duval snapped, glaring at Loll. "You talk too much."
So what if he saw? No need to point it out—did he think Duval had no pride?
"Oh..."
"Listen up, men!"
Back on his Motor Baro, Duval raised a hand and declared, "Our debt is repaid. Time to return to the countryside."
"Now... Rosy Life Riders, move out!"
"Yes, handsome!"
"Ahahaha!"