The little wooden boat rocked back and forth with every wave, smoke still hanging in the air from the cannonballs that had splashed dangerously close.
Luffy stood proudly at the bow, eyes sparkling as usual."Wooooow! Cannons up close! This is so exciting!"
Adam raised an eyebrow, clinging to the ropes just to stay upright."Exciting? These are bombs, idiot! We'll be seafood kabobs in two seconds if one actually hits us!"
Nami shaded her eyes with her hand, staring at the massive ship drawing near, its black flag painted with a clownish skull."That's… that's Buggy the Clown. One of the most dangerous pirates in the East Blue."
Adam groaned. "Of course it's a clown. My life's officially turned into a circus."
Zoro finally cracked his eyes open, sitting up from his nap as if the cannon fire was just a minor inconvenience."Who's making all the noise?"
Luffy grinned wide."Zoro! Pirates! Let's go have fun!"
Adam slapped his forehead. "This guy is going to give me ulcers before we even reach the Grand Line."
Another cannonball slammed into the water beside them. The wave it created rocked their little boat violently, throwing everyone off balance.
Nami shouted, panic creeping into her voice:"We can't take this! One direct hit and this boat is finished!"
Just then, Adam's system chimed in his head:[Alert: Strong enemy encounter detected. Side Quest activated: Survive against Buggy.][Possible Reward: New Skill + 80 points.]
Adam smirked weakly. "So you know I might die, and you're treating it like a mini-game. Thanks a lot, System."
The big ship loomed closer, and suddenly, a booming, manic laugh echoed across the sea."BAHAHAHAHAHA! Who dares sail into my waters?! I am the great Captain Buggy! This sea belongs to me!"
Luffy cupped his hands and shouted back:"I'm Luffy! And I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"
Adam groaned loudly. "Could you please not introduce yourself like that every single time?!"
Zoro unsheathed one of his swords, a small grin tugging at his lips."Finally, something interesting."
Nami stumbled back a step, fear flashing in her eyes. "You idiots don't get it! Buggy's not a normal pirate. He—he's eaten a Devil Fruit!"
Adam caught that detail instantly, eyes narrowing. "Thought so. What's his trick?"
Nami's voice shook. "His body… it comes apart. He can split himself and put it back together. You can't cut him down."
Luffy's grin grew even wider, stars in his eyes."Wooooow! A Devil Fruit user! This is awesome!"
Adam threw up his hands. "Awesome?! That means he can turn us into puzzle pieces!"
The cannon fire suddenly stopped. Instead, Buggy's ship sent out a heavy grappling hook, slamming into their tiny boat and dragging them closer to the massive vessel.
The sea hissed and frothed. The air filled with the smell of gunpowder. And Buggy's laughter carried across the waves like thunder.
Adam took a deep breath, heart pounding so hard he thought it might burst, but for the first time, he smiled wide."Alright… this isn't a game, and it's not a show. This is the real deal. And I'm all in."