Smoke filled the evening air. Screams echoed through the narrow streets as Kai and the crew dashed toward the city center.
Buildings burned in orange light, and people ran in every direction.
Luffy charged ahead without hesitation. "Let's go!"
Kai followed right behind him, muttering, "One of these days, I'm putting a leash on that guy."
[Stream: LIVE — "Nanohana Under Attack!"]
[Viewers: 26.3M]
[Chat: "Luffy time!! 🔥" / "Kai's POV about to go crazy 😭" / "Streamer squad in full force again!"]
When they reached the square, the scene hit hard — soldiers clashing with masked agents, civilians crying, and explosions shaking the sand-covered ground.
A large Baroque Works flag fluttered above the chaos.
Nami gasped. "They're here already! Crocodile's men!"
Zoro drew his swords, his tone calm and cold. "Then we clean up."
Kai opened his system menu, his phone glowing faintly through the smoke.
[System: Emergency Quest — "Defend the City."]
[Objectives: (1) Protect civilians. (2) Eliminate Baroque Agents. (3) Stay alive.]
[Reward: 2 Skill Tokens + Viewer Bonus Drop.]
He grinned. "Alright, chat. Let's make it cinematic."
A masked agent lunged at him with dual blades, but Kai dodged, sparks flying as he countered with his staff.
He swung, using Momentum Burst to send a shockwave through the sand, knocking three men off their feet.
One blade slashed across his arm — shallow, but it burned.
Kai winced, then smirked. "You just made me trend, idiot."
[Stream Highlight: "Streamer Bleeds in Battle 😳" / "Chat: 'HE'S STILL JOKING WHILE FIGHTING 💀'"]
Meanwhile, Sanji kicked through a wall of enemies, Zoro was slicing clean paths through the chaos, and Luffy's laughter echoed like thunder.
"Gomu Gomu no… BAZOOKA!"
A dozen enemies flew across the street, crashing into a sand cart.
Kai laughed breathlessly. "Luffy, remind me to never owe you money."
[Chat: "LMAOO 💀" / "Streamer x Luffy banter too good" / "They're unstoppable!"]
Vivi was helping civilians to safety, her voice steady even as panic spread.
Kai ran to her side, covering her from an approaching attacker with a burst of light that sent the man flying.
She turned, eyes wide. "You saved me again."
He smiled faintly. "Can't have my princess getting stabbed before the final act."
[System: Vivi Affection +3 (Flustered)]
[Chat: "PRINCESS 😭😭😭" / "Bro smooth even mid-war."]
After half an hour, the square was quiet again — smoke still rising, but the enemy retreating.
Bodies lay scattered, the wounded being helped to safety.
Kai looked around, breathing hard. "System… status?"
[System: Quest Complete — "Defend the City."]
[Reward: +2 Skill Tokens | Viewer Bonus Drop Received — "Heatproof Cloak (Rare)"]
He blinked. "A cloak? From my chat? You guys spoil me."
[Chat: "Streamer drip incoming 😎" / "Rare loot drop!!" / "Kai deserves it!"]
As the adrenaline faded, Vivi walked to the center of the ruined square.
Her eyes were full of sadness.
"This… this is what Crocodile did. My people are fighting because of lies."
Kai placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll show them the truth. We'll make them see who the real enemy is."
She looked up at him, the firelight reflecting in her eyes. "You promise?"
"I stream my promises live," he said softly.
[System: Crew Morale +5% | Vivi Trust Deepened]
That night, the crew camped at the edge of the ruins, exhausted but alive.
Sanji cooked a simple stew, Nami counted their remaining supplies, and Luffy slept snoring so loud it shook the tent.
Kai sat beside Vivi, both looking at the burning horizon.
"You ever get tired?" she asked quietly.
"Every day," he said with a small smile. "But the thing about being tired… it means you're still moving."
She smiled faintly. "You always know what to say."
He shrugged. "That's what my chat tells me."
[Chat: "🥹🥹🥹" / "Kai talkin like a protagonist again 💫" / "Protect Vivi at all costs."]
The flames slowly died down in the distance, replaced by the quiet hum of the desert night.
Tomorrow, they'd head deeper inland — toward Rainbase, Crocodile's stronghold.
And Kai knew… this was only the beginning of the storm.
[End of Chapter 28 — "Flames in Nanohana."]