The goal was achieved. A flicker of gratitude flashed in Shiryu's eyes as he looked at Buggy.
If it had been him in Buggy's place, faced with such a situation, he would have likely delivered a finishing blow without hesitation. Yet, Buggy didn't strike him down. Instead, he had personally walked over and pulled him out of the pit. That act left a deep impression on Shiryu's heart.
Once Shiryu had climbed out of the ground, Buggy spoke up.
"So? Will you join us and become one of my crew?"
The battle was decided, and now it was time to fulfill their agreement—there was no reason to hide it.
Shiryu didn't agree immediately. He thought for a moment and said,
"That Clear-Clear Fruit… does it exist? And if I join your crew, will you teach me how to become a swordmaster?"
He didn't refuse outright; he simply wanted to confirm whether the Devil Fruit was real.
The Clear-Clear Fruit was something he had dreamed of obtaining for years—of course, he needed to be certain. As for becoming a swordmaster, that too was his lifelong ambition. He hoped Buggy would be willing to guide him toward that goal.
Buggy wasn't offended by Shiryu's hesitation; in fact, he appreciated it.
A man should think carefully before making an important decision. If someone agrees too easily, it could mean they have ulterior motives.
As for the two conditions, first, the Clear-Clear Fruit. Buggy understood how important it was to Shiryu, and there was no harm in letting him confirm it.
Second, becoming a swordmaster, Buggy would gladly help him. If Shiryu reached that level, their crew's overall strength would rise dramatically, better preparing them for future clashes against the monsters of the Grand Line.
"The Clear-Clear Fruit is with one of my crew members. When they arrive in a bit, I'll hand it to you myself. As for becoming a swordmaster, I'll give you my full guidance. Once you reach that level, we'll be stronger than ever, and our voyage across the seas will be that much smoother. I'll do everything I can to help you get there."
Buggy hadn't carried the fruit with him—he'd entrusted it to Weevil, who was in the middle of a fight. Carrying such a valuable item during battle risked damaging it, which would have been a huge loss.
"What's your goal?" Shiryu suddenly asked.
"To become the King of the Seas, of course."
Shiryu was satisfied with the answer. For someone of Buggy's age to have such ambition and strength was no small thing. His future would be extraordinary—perhaps he truly could become the ruler of the seas. Following such a man could make his own life far more thrilling. His decision was made.
"I'll join you… Captain."
Buggy smiled, extended his right hand, and said,
"Welcome aboard."
Shiryu reached out with his left hand and clasped Buggy's firmly. Shiryu was now officially a member of Buggy's crew.
Not long after, Weevil and the others arrived from the other side of the arena.
Buggy took the Clear-Clear Fruit from Weevil and handed it directly to Shiryu. Upon seeing it, Shiryu's eyes lit up, his face breaking into a rare smile as he stared intently at the Devil Fruit.
"Captain, should we be heading out now?"
They had found Shiryu; there was no reason to linger.
But Buggy didn't answer right away. His gaze drifted toward the execution platform, to the kneeling figure carved in stone. He had made up his mind—no matter the cost, he would give Noland the redemption he deserved.
"Stay here and be ready to leave with me at a moment's notice. Be prepared for pursuit."
"Captain, what are you going to do?"
Daddy noticed Buggy's eyes fixed on Noland's statue. He didn't understand what Buggy intended, especially after hearing him mention that soldiers might chase them.
"I'm going to clear Noland's name. This might anger the King of Lvneel, and soldiers could come after us."
"What are you going to prove?" Kuro asked, curious and confused.
"You'll see soon enough. Just be ready to run when I come back."
Buggy knew that proving Noland's innocence would draw the soldiers' attention. But he wasn't planning to kill anyone—these weren't enemies, nor were they evil men. Buggy wasn't the kind to slaughter innocents. Once this matter was resolved, he intended to leave Lvneel with his crew immediately.
Without saying anything more, Buggy strode toward the execution platform. Under the curious eyes of countless spectators, he climbed the steps.
Facing the crowd, Buggy raised his voice so all could hear:
"City of Gold, Shandora, is real! I've been there! Every word Noland spoke was the truth—it all exists in the New World! He was no liar. Everything he said truly happened!"
Before the crowd could react, Buggy vanished from the platform with Soru, reappearing high above.
From overhead, he unleashed his strongest attack—a blazing whirlwind erupted from his blade's tip, spiraling down onto the execution platform.
When the attack landed, the platform and Noland's statue were reduced to dust, leaving behind a massive crater. The force of the strike had been directed entirely downward, ensuring no harm came to the civilians.
The roaring impact eventually faded, and the crowd slowly came to their senses. Looking at the crater, many gasped, their eyes wide with fear.
It took a long while before they began speaking again, digesting Buggy's words. They searched the area for him, but Buggy had already left, returning to the Glory with his crew.
"Do you think what he said was true? Was everything Noland claimed real? Does Shandora exist?"
"Maybe… Someone that powerful has no reason to lie. If he says he's been there, maybe he has."
"That can't be! The legend says Noland searched for Shandora again 300 years ago and found nothing—how could Buggy find it?"
"Would a man like that bother lying to you? Do you think you're important enough for him to deceive? Maybe Shandora just drifted somewhere else."
Opinions were split—some believed, others didn't. But word of Noland's vindication spread quickly across Luneel and the entire North Blue. Many began to wonder if perhaps Noland's tales had always been true. After all, a man of Buggy's power would not lie to protect a "liar" from 300 years ago.
The commotion at the square soon drew the attention of the kingdom's soldiers. When they saw the crater left by Buggy's attack, every one of them felt a chill run down their spine.
None of them dared to pursue him. They knew all too well what would happen if they clashed with someone that strong. Instead, they returned to report to their captain.
The captain quickly informed his superior, who in turn brought the news to the king.
The king, after hearing a partial description of the intruder's power, realized Buggy was far stronger than he'd imagined—far beyond what his small kingdom could handle.
He wasted no time in reporting the incident to the nearest Marine branch, asking them to deal with these dangerous outlaws.
The branch headquarters immediately relayed the information to Marine HQ, and as soon as the message reached him, Akainu—who had been hunting for Buggy—set course for the North Blue.