T/n: For Every 100 Power Stone 1+ Chapter ( I hope I don't regret it and get burned out!! XD)
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Gunfire erupted in bursts—"Bang! Bang! Bang!"—as the kingdom's soldiers unleashed relentless volleys. The civilians, armed with crude weapons, fell in swaths like wheat before the scythe.
A few agile ones managed to dodge the bullets and even strike back when the opportunity arose. Each wore coarse robes and had red cloth tied around their left arms—clearly the organizers.
Then, a small figure darted through the air, using a jetpack to weave just above the ground, picking off soldiers with precise shots.
Seeing their attire, Leno had a good idea of who they were.
Just as he was about to observe quietly, Yamato suddenly leaped out beside him, cursing furiously.
"Stop it, you damned bastards!"
"Yamato…!"
Nojiko only had time to shout before Yamato was already charging straight at the kingdom's troops.
Seeing her clash with them, Nojiko looked apologetically at Leno.
"Sorry, Leno—I couldn't stop her."
"It's fine. Let her vent. Otherwise, knowing her temper, she might do something even more reckless."
Leno waved his hand dismissively. Impulsive as Yamato was, he didn't seem too bothered and started walking toward the chaotic battlefield.
By the time they arrived, Yamato had already taken down the entire squad of kingdom soldiers.
She stood awkwardly in the center, surrounded by cheering civilians, her face red with embarrassment.
When she spotted Leno and the others, she quickly called out for help.
"Leno! Everyone! Help me out here!"
Leno sighed. "Where'd all that bravado go? You were charging in like a storm a moment ago—now you can't handle a few words of thanks?"
"That's not the same thing!" Yamato muttered defensively.
Leno shot her a look, then turned to address the crowd. "No need to thank us. We just happened to pass by and couldn't ignore what we saw. We'll be leaving soon—everyone, disperse."
Just then, the small flying figure landed in front of Leno. It was a member of the Mink Tribe, wearing a top hat and round spectacles.
"'Thunder God'? You're the 'Thunder God,' aren't you? Nice to meet you. I'm Lindbergh from the Revolutionary Army. Thanks for lending a hand."
At his words, the crowd erupted.
"Thunder God?"
"Is it that 'Thunder God'?"
"The hero who freed the slaves? No wonder he helped us!"
Hearing the chatter, Leno broke into a nervous sweat. "Just call me Leno, please."
Nami leaned toward Robin, whispering in surprise, "Since when is that idiot Leno so famous? Everyone's looking at him like he's some kind of legend!"
Robin smiled softly. "Ara~ Our dear captain is the hero who freed the slaves. To those suffering around the world, he has become a beacon of hope."
Nami frowned. "Seriously? They're treating that idiot like a savior now?"
"Who knows? When light suddenly appears in the darkness, everyone reaches for it." Robin's tone turned quiet as her gaze drifted toward Leno, who was now talking with the Mink.
"Leno… why are you in the South Blue? Shouldn't you be—"
Leno glanced uneasily at the distant crowd. "Why not? We're just traveling around the world."
"Oh, so you haven't heard yet," Lindbergh said, slapping his forehead. He rummaged through his pack and pulled out a newspaper, handing it to Leno. "One of our young comrades told us to deliver this if we ever met you. The Navy's captured your family—Belle-Mère and the others. They're scheduled for public execution at Marine Headquarters in half a month. It's a trap to lure you in."
Boom.
The world went silent. Leno's mind exploded. Belle-Mère's family… captured? Public execution?
Because of him. Damn it. He'd grown careless—too proud lately.
He'd forgotten just how much his actions had provoked the World Government. A government that once slaughtered every pregnant woman on an island just to eliminate a newborn. There was nothing they wouldn't do.
He wasn't afraid for himself—but Belle-Mère's family back home…
He took the newspaper with trembling hands. One glance, and blood surged in his eyes.
"BOOM!"
"WUUUU—"
A wave of Conqueror's Haki burst uncontrollably from his body, black and violet arcs crackling violently around him.
Murderous intent solidified behind him, forming the shape of a crimson dragon's head roaring at the sky.
"Thud. Thud. Thud."
The civilians who had been excitedly talking about the 'Thunder God' collapsed one by one under the overwhelming pressure and killing intent.
After feeling Leno's Conqueror's Haki, Nami, Nojiko, and the others' faces changed drastically, and they quickly looked in his direction.
On the newspaper's front page was a photo: Belle-Mère and her family in chains. Even little Aileen was shackled. Leno's heart twisted in agony, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Good… very good. World Government, Navy—you've signed your own death warrants!"
Across from him, Lindbergh turned ashen, his body trembling. "S-so terrifying! Is this the power of the 'Thunder God'? It feels even stronger than the leader's!"
Despite the crushing pressure, Lindbergh gritted his teeth and forced out, "L-Leno… please, calm down! Think of a way to save them first!"
Huuu...
Leno exhaled deeply, struggling to contain the rage boiling inside him. "Thank you for the message. I owe the Revolutionary Army a big one. Now, if you'll excuse me."
"Wait—take this. It's an Eternal Pose to Marineford. You'll need it."
Leno accepted it, his eyes filled with gratitude. It was exactly what he needed.
"Thanks. Until we meet again."
"Don't mention it. A young girl in our group has been constantly talking about thanking you for saving her life. She prepared this for you, saying it was a small thing, but she hoped it would help."
Leno didn't know who he meant, but he was genuinely thankful. "Tell her thanks. She's helped me more than she knows."
Just then, Nami and Nojiko rushed over, concern written on their faces.
Seeing them, Leno's expression darkened. He silently handed over the newspaper.
A moment later, both women gasped in horror.
"Belle-Mère! Aileen! Uncle Genzo—how could this happen?!"