The square was still covered in dust, broken wood creaking as it fell. Buggy's crew stared in shock, unable to believe their captain had been smashed like that.
But then, a mad laugh burst through the rubble:"Wahahahaha! You thought you finished me, Straw Hat?! I haven't even started yet!"
Buggy emerged, his body scattered like a storm. His head floated above the smoke, one hand clutching a dagger, his legs firmly planted in the ground. His red nose gleamed, and his eyes burned with rage.
Luffy grinned wide."Shishishi! I knew you weren't done yet."
Zoro raised his swords."This clown's a pain. If we don't focus, we'll be stuck playing with him all night."
Nami clutched her staff nervously."We need a way to finish him… or we're all going to get torn apart."
…
Adam's breathing was heavy. The system's screen still floated in front of him:[Physical Reinforcement Active – Level 1][Tip: Use your new ability to support allies.]
Adam muttered under his breath."Support allies? I barely know how to swing a stick…"
Before he could think more, one of Buggy's flying hands shot toward Nami at high speed.She screamed as her staff slipped from her grip.
Adam sprinted, his legs moving faster than he thought possible. He swung his wooden pole, smacking the severed hand away before it could reach her. The hand fell to the ground before snapping back to Buggy's body.
Nami looked at him in shock."You… you saved me?!"
Adam gave her a nervous smile."Sorry, I was just testing out this new speed…"
Luffy laughed loudly."Shishishi! Adam, you're starting to be useful!"
Adam frowned."Starting?!"
…
Buggy's voice roared through the street:"How dare you touch my hand, you worthless brat! I'll slice you into pieces!"
His body exploded into parts, knives and daggers flying through the air like rain.
Zoro deflected as many as he could with his swords, sparks flying everywhere.Luffy's rubber arms shot out, knocking other blades aside.Nami hit the ground, covering her head.
But Adam spotted one dagger spinning straight toward Chouchou, the little dog still guarding the pet shop.
"Not again!" Adam shouted.He threw himself in front of the dog, raising his stick. The dagger lodged deep into the wood instead of piercing flesh.
The system chimed:[New Skill Acquired: Primitive Guard (Level 1)]+200 points.
Adam winced from the impact but stayed on his feet, chest rising and falling."Yeah… I won't let a brave dog like you die. Not while I'm standing."
Chouchou barked loudly, as if cheering him on.
…
Buggy reassembled, laughing maniacally."I am Captain Buggy! My nose will never bow! You're nothing but cockroaches, and I'll crush you one by one!"
Luffy faced him with burning eyes."You're the real clown here! This time, I'm aiming straight for your nose!"
Buggy twitched, his voice changing pitch."Don't talk about my nose!!!"
Zoro smirked."So that's his real weak point."
Adam blinked."His nose? Seriously? That's obvious!"
Nami yanked his arm."Shut up, idiot, or he'll kill us all!"
…
The fight edged toward its climax.Luffy braced himself for another big strike, Zoro stood ready to cover him, Nami gathered what courage she had left, and Adam felt the system buzzing with a new alert.
[Warning: Special Upgrade Available – Can be activated mid-battle.]
Adam forced a nervous grin."Great… the system picks now of all times?!"
As Buggy prepared his biggest attack yet, the entire square seemed to hold its breath.The final clash was about to begin.