The air of Orange Town was thick with smoke and dust. The ruins of shattered houses surrounded the square, and Buggy's laughter rang out like a mad circus.
His body parts floated around in mid-air, knives glinting in his hands. His bright red nose caught the firelight as he yelled:
"You pests think you can mess with Captain Buggy? I'll tear you to pieces and paint the streets with your screams!"
Luffy stretched his arms lazily, grinning."Your nose is still funny."
Buggy's veins bulged."I'm not funny!!!"
His flying arm stabbed forward, blades aimed for Luffy's chest—but Zoro intercepted, sparks flying as his sword clashed with the steel.
Nami stepped back, clutching her staff. Her voice shook between anger and fear."This is insane… he can split apart his body and attack from every direction!"
…
Meanwhile, Adam was frozen, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. Suddenly, the system flickered before his eyes:
[Congratulations! You have earned enough points to unlock a special ability.][Ability: Physical Enhancement (Lv.1) – Slight increase in speed, strength, and stamina.]
Adam blinked rapidly."What—now?! I don't even have a cool superhero pose ready!"
The system chimed again:[Note: Ability may auto-activate in danger.]
"Wait, what does that mean—"
Before he could finish, one of Buggy's henchmen lunged from the rubble, swinging an iron bar at Adam's head.
Instinct kicked in. Adam felt his body grow lighter, faster. His hand shot up with the broken staff he held, and in a single motion, he smashed it across the thug's skull, knocking him out cold.
Adam stared at his trembling hands."…I… I actually did that?"
[Successful test. +150 points.]
Adam let out a nervous laugh. "I swear, I'm turning into an accidental hero."
…
The fight surged on. Buggy's body parts flew like daggers, knives whirling in the air.Luffy bounced happily between them."Wahaha! This is fun!"
Zoro circled like a predator, his gaze fixed on Buggy's legs still planted on the ground.
Nami shouted, "His legs! They don't move—hit them!"
Adam saw a small bomb sailing toward Chouchou, the little dog still gnawing fiercely on one pirate's leg.
Without thinking, Adam sprinted forward. His enhanced speed surprised even himself. He hurled his wooden stick, striking the bomb just enough to deflect it. The explosion tore into a wall instead of the dog.
Chouchou barked fiercely at Adam, as if in thanks.
Adam gasped, hands on his knees."…Did I just… save the dog?!"
…
Buggy's rage boiled over."Why won't you brats just die already?!"
Luffy cracked his knuckles, smiling wide."I'm gonna break that nose of yours!"
Zoro roared, "Now, Luffy!"
Luffy launched forward, his arms drawn back."Gomu Gomu no… Bazooka!"
Both fists slammed into Buggy's chest and legs at once, blasting him into a collapsing building. The crash shook the ground, smoke and rubble filling the air.
The henchmen froze, eyes wide in horror.
Adam stood among them, chest heaving, sweat dripping, but for the first time his lips curved into a small, proud smile."I'm still weak… but I'm not just a spectator anymore."
The system chimed softly:[Battle reward: Ability upgrade available.][Details will be explained soon.]
Adam muttered under his breath,"…Great. A cliffhanger inside my own life."
The dust swirled in the air. The fight wasn't over.