"...These are the idiots who threw a bomb at us back at Twin Cape," Leo said angrily.
The moment those words fell, the captured eagle and otter started panicking inside the stone prison, slamming themselves against the bars to break free while Bon Clay quickly stepped forward, trying to smooth things over before Leo decided to casually commit murder out of annoyance.
Leo's cold gaze lingered on the strange animal duo for a moment, wondering whether they were worth killing… or taming.
Honestly, he still hadn't decided on that.
Bon Clay himself became tense because during these past three days together he had learned quite a lot about Leo's adventures, especially the part about the Straw Hat crew.
Unfortunately, the organization he belonged to had already issued orders to assassinate them, alongside Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek.
"I have nothing to do with whatever mess is going on between your organization and Straw Hat's crew," Leo said clearing the misunderstanding while reading the mission order carried by the otter known as Mr. 13.
"They can deal with their own problems. But this order means you'll be leaving soon, huh..."
"Well, that is correct, my good friend," Bon Clay replied with a helpless laugh before suddenly striking a dramatic pose for absolutely no reason.
"AHHHH~! Leaving behind such gorgeous people tears apart my maiden heart, but all good things must come to an end… that is also life!"
He placed a hand over his chest.
"And from the bottom of my heart… Thank you. These last three days have truly been some of the best days of my life." Leo stared at him for a few seconds annoyed but didn't correct the man.
The matter of the bird and otter could wait for later.
Truthfully, he himself was already tired of this island, which meant it was finally time to move towards the next adventure.
Instead of freeing the captured duo, Leo simply walked toward the shore, inhaled deeply, then shouted toward the open sea.
"LABOON!!"
Few seconds later... The ocean trembled, and split apart.
A colossal shadow rose from beneath the water, towering waves crashed against the coastline as an enormous whale surfaced from the depths like some ancient monster awakening from slumber.
Panic exploded among the people who were relaxing under the sun few moments ago.
People screamed and ran from the shore while several ships in the harbor rocked so hard they nearly crashed into each other.
The gigantic whale, nearly the size of Holiday Island, released a deafening cry that echoed across the island like a death sentence.
"Bwwwaahhhhhh!" (Are we leaving? I am bored!!)
Meanwhile Leo casually grabbed both cages before leaping onto Laboon's head undoing the glass shield.
Entering the cabin, he tossed the cages inside before reinforcing them with the metal scraps salvaged from the underwater ruins earlier.
CLANG!
The otter attacked the cage with its claws and tiny knives in pure desperation but instead got thrown backward from the recoil.
Satisfied with the final adjustments of the cage, Leo nodded to himself before leaving the cabin and reappearing beside the others near the shoreline.
By now, complete chaos had already spread across the harbor.
Countless tourists, pirates, workers, and residents had gathered near the shore, all staring at Laboon's gigantic figure with pale faces trying to figure out the monstrous whale's intention.
Some people were already dragging their belongings and running away while others simply stood frozen in fear.
Leo casually walked back toward Bon Clay, Jojo and Nojiko.
"We've rested enough, Nojiko," Leo said calmly. "Now we are taking the jewel of this island with us."
"And I will need your help with that Bon Clay."
Bon Clay froze at the request before dramatically placing both hands against his flushed cheeks.
"This humble servant of friendship shall gladly offer his body, soul and fist for your cause!" Jojo stared at his boss in disbelief.
Leo pointed toward the gigantic Holiday Tree standing proudly at the center of the island.
"I'm moving that entire thing into Laboon's stomach."
Jojo slowly looked toward the giant tree before looking back toward Leo like he had just heard the craziest sentence in his entire life.
"Your job is to deal with anyone who refuses to move or gets in the way, I don't want unnecessary casualties…"
"LEAVE IT TO ME, MY FRIEND!!" Bon Clay replied enthusiastically.
The next second he charged straight toward the crowded harbor while dancing wildly in bizarre poses.
"Kyaaahhh~!! Make way!!"
BAM!
One pirate who tried blocking the road was instantly kicked into a fruit stand.
Another tourist got intentionally sent flying into a fountain after calling Bon Clay bizarre.
"Did he not hear the part where i spoke to avoid unnecessary casualties...?" Leo questioned himself.
The harbor descended even further into chaos.
"You're with Nojiko," Leo said while glancing toward the still-stunned Jojo. "Help her with the task I gave her. I'll meet you guys once I'm done with mine."
"Y-Yes sir…" Jojo answered instinctively.
A few minutes later, Leo infiltrated the Giant trees security room alone.
Most of the workers inside didn't even notice him until the floor beneath their feet suddenly swallowed them, throwing them outside.
Then the emergency announcement system activated across the Holiday Island.
"BEEEPPPPP!!!!"
A calm voice echoed through every speaker installed across the island.
"Emergency Announcement. Emergency Announcement."
"We are the Conqueror Pirates…"
The entire island went silent at the sudden announcement.
"And we are planning to steal the giant tree at the center of this Island."
"…Huh?"
"The giant whale outside will NOT bite anyone unless provoked, so everybody please stay calm, keep a safe distance away from the whale, and evacuate the eastern side of the island immediately so we can safely steal the tree."
There was a brief pause before Leo added politely:
"THIS IS YOUR PIRATE CAPTAIN PORTGAS D. LEO SPEAKING... THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION ON THIS MATTER"
CLICK!
For one full second… The island inhabitants remained completely frozen.
Then all hell broke loose.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN STEAL THE TREE?!"
"WHO ARE THE CONQUEROR PIRATES?!"
"I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THEM!"
"IS THIS SOME KIND OF PRANK?!"
"NO IDIOT, DIDN'T YOU SEE THE GIANT WHALE?, IT IS A PIRATE ATTACK, AND THEY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT IT!"
"HEY I REMEMBER THAT NAME...!"
Meanwhile, standing near the harbor, Bon Clay wiped a tear from his eye while watching the panicked crowd.
"…What a beautiful warning my FRIEND."