Chapter 19
Facing dozens of white serpents, Arlong advanced instead of retreating.
Using Geppo, he charged straight at Smoker.
Serpents blocking the way?
Not a problem!
Arlong always slipped past them by a hair's breadth.
The crowd gasped in regret, unaware that Smoker's scalp was tingling.
Observation Haki!
Arlong not only had Armament Haki to counter Logias—he had Observation Haki for enhanced perception too.
His abilities were completely countered. How the hell was he supposed to fight? [○?｀Д′? ○]!
How did a monster like this appear in the East Blue?
Lost in thought, Arlong's fist slammed forward.
Smoker barely crossed his arms in time to block.
BAM~
Smoker shot downward like a human cannonball.
BOOM!
He cratered the ground, sending stones flying.
Onlookers caught in the crossfire wailed as they were pelted.
Those farther away looked on in horror.
The man they saw as invincible couldn't even block one ordinary punch from Arlong.
Worthy of a 120-million-berry pirate!
Terrifying!
Some still believed in Smoker's strength—he must have been careless and not dodged.
"I underestimated you, Arlong."
Smoker rose into the air again, wiping blood from his mouth.
He drew his weapon, the jitte "Nanashaku Jitte," his expression grave.
Arlong mimicked the motion, pulling out his own weapon.
The saw-like Zanba appeared in his hand.
Mentally, he commanded: "System, use the Weapon Enhancement Card on Zanba."
A flash of light ran across Zanba.
[Ding! Zanba enhancement successful. Promoted to Great Grade Sword level.]
"Arlong's weapon… looks different?"
Smoker felt a twinge of unease.
Pushing it aside, he gripped his jitte and dove at Arlong.
With his fruit's boost, Smoker was incredibly fast.
In a breath, he was in front of Arlong.
The jitte thrust straight at Arlong's chest.
Clang~
Arlong casually parried with Zanba, then kicked at Smoker.
Unable to dodge, Smoker took the full hit and flew backward.
Arlong pressed the attack, slashing relentlessly with Zanba.
Smoker could only defend—and barely at that. Arlong drove him back step by step.
It proved one thing: without his fruit powers, Smoker was no match.
Smoker was frustrated beyond belief |( T﹏T )!
How could he know someone in the East Blue could use two types of Haki? He had slacked on physical training.
Seeing Smoker get dominated, the remaining tourists fled the square.
Arlong didn't know exactly how strong he was now, but beating Smoker easily was no issue.
He was using Smoker as a sparring partner—a rare, high-level one!
"Arlong!"
Smoker realized it too and raged helplessly.
Couldn't win, couldn't escape.
Infuriating!!!
Arlong consoled him. "Don't be mad. Once I'm done playing, I'll give you some important intel."
Zanba swung down at Smoker's head.
Playing!
This was a life-or-death fight, yet Arlong treated it like a game.
Smoker's lungs nearly exploded (╬◣д◢). Smoke billowed as he blocked with everything he had.
He roared, "What intel?"
"Skwahahaha~"
"So loud—I thought you didn't want it!" Arlong burst out laughing.
"Sorry, that was too loud. Please tell me the intel."
Smoker: I don't want to know… but curiosity is killing me!
"It's big. Not sure you can handle it."
Arlong's lips curled, clicking his tongue at the explosive news.
Smoker struggled internally, then muttered, "Admiral Akainu is on his way here."
As expected!
Arlong was mildly surprised. That clown Buggy's intel was spot-on!
"You're not scared?"
Smoker was baffled by Arlong's calm.
Akainu represented the Navy's top combat power—and he was a zealot who hated evil. Pirates got no mercy. To him, there was no "bullying the weak"—only good and evil.
"Scared? Maybe!"
Arlong threw his head back and laughed. "Skwahahaha~"
"Madman."
Smoker gave his two-word review, then pressed, "Can you tell me the intel now?"
"Dragon's son is in Loguetown. And Dragon himself might be too."
Arlong didn't keep him guessing—he revealed Luffy's lineage.
He wasn't sure if Dragon was actually here, but the man had sent Krara to protect Luffy.
What?
Smoker's pupils shrank ┌(.Д.)┐. The intel floored him.
The son of a Navy hero became a revolutionary—and now the grandson was a pirate?
This family was full of traitors!
Mission accomplished. Arlong withdrew, creating distance.
Smoker holstered his jitte and said gravely, "I'll verify this. If it's true, I owe you a favor."
He tossed Arlong his personal Den Den Mushi.
"I'm looking forward to how you'll repay it." Arlong grinned, pocketing it.
Smoker really was a decent guy!
Used and still counting the money for him.
"One piece of advice: leave Loguetown soon."
Smoker turned and left without looking back.
"Train your physical skills when you get back," Arlong called after him.
Smoker: (つД｀)???
Arlong paid no mind to Smoker's warning.
His trap wasn't sprung yet—how could he leave?
That brush with death back in Cocoyasi Village was unforgettable.
…
After Arlong left, the square grew quiet.
Suddenly, a straw-hatted boy burst from an eastern alley, yelling excitedly mid-air.
"The execution platform! I'm here!"
…
It was Luffy.
He landed and stared at the empty square, stunned.
The old man said the square was wide open and crowded.
Wide open, yes—but where was everyone?
Whatever. Find the platform first.
"Execution platform, where are you?"
"I see you—come out!"
Krara, following behind, covered her eyes in pain (ノ‥)ノ.
This idiot!
…
Arlong wandered Loguetown, half-hoping for another beauty—no, system-qualified woman.
Unknowingly, he arrived at a farmers' market.
He was about to leave when a noisy crowd caught his attention.
It looked like a cooking competition.
Arlong remembered his ship needed a proper chef and strode over.
Intimidated by his presence, the crowd parted.
At the front, twenty chefs were preparing ingredients—Sanji among them.
And the judge was a beauty.
Explosive red hair framed a seductive face.
It was the woman he had glimpsed earlier at the barbecue restaurant.
The passionate chef—Flame Carmen.
[Ding! Detected a beauty meeting system requirements. Host, please improve relations as soon as possible.]
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