Anticipating this, Kiri gripped a paper sword, swinging to counter. But Eldrago, recovering faster, opened his mouth, unleashing a piercing shout. The sound deafened her, shattering her focus. Her sword reverted to paper, her balance faltered, and Morgan's axe loomed.
Instinctively, she thrust her left arm forward, turning it to hardened paper. It blocked Morgan's axe just in time, but the impact sent her crashing across the ground.
A narrow escape. Sweating, Kiri leaped back, creating distance.
"That was close… that ability's the problem. If he weren't here—"
"Persistent rat!" Eldrago snapped. "Morgan, are you slacking? Can't even take an arm?!"
"Shut it. Don't order me around," Morgan shot back.
Their alliance was shaky, offering an opening. But Eldrago's ability remained the threat. Underestimating them could spell defeat. Kiri, trapped in thought, froze.
Luffy, so close yet so far, was out of reach. Two enemies overwhelmed her, their coordination thwarting any counterplan.
This couldn't go on. Her gaze hardened, frustration mounting.
"What's with you guys? Struggling, huh? Guess I'll lend a hand," Alvida said, stepping forward.
"Alvida! Your Smooth-Smooth ability's worth a hundred men!" Eldrago cheered.
"Move. I'll kill this one," Morgan growled.
Three enemies now, one a Devil Fruit user. Kiri's expression darkened, but she steeled herself, resuming her attack.
From the platform, Luffy watched with a scowl. Buggy, reveling in victory, taunted him. "Pretty anticlimactic, huh? We gathered all this power to kill you, but it's barely needed. Got any last words for the crowd?"
Buggy pressed a saber to Luffy's neck. Luffy stayed silent, unimpressed.
"No words? Fine. One pathetic pirate's death won't change the world," Buggy sneered.
"I'm—" Luffy began.
As Buggy raised the blade for execution, Luffy's voice rang out, clear and bold, reaching townsfolk, pirates, marines, and Kiri.
"I'm the man who'll become Pirate King!!!"
The shout shook the air, stunning the crowd. Townsfolk gasped, pirates smirked, and Buggy's face twisted with rage.
"You… what did you say?! Pirate King? Don't make me laugh! You know who claimed that title! Captain Roger was a legend! Be grateful you get to die in the same place, you rubber punk!"
Buggy raised both arms, saber poised. Luffy sensed it, clenching his teeth and straining against the restraints, but they held firm. Kiri, sensing the danger, screamed, "Luffy! Get out of the way!"
"Gyahaha! Watch closely, paper-user! Your captain's final moment!" Buggy crowed.
"Stop that execution!" a sharp voice called.
Buggy paused, turning to see two figures rushing the plaza. One, Sanji, was unfamiliar, but the other, Zoro, with a black bandana and swords, was unmistakable.
They aimed to save their captain, but it wouldn't be easy. Buggy laughed. "Here comes Roronoa Zoro! Stop me if you can—hope you make it in time!"
"If I can just cut down that platform…" Zoro growled.
"Get out of the way! I don't have time for small fry!" Sanji shouted.
The encircling pirates moved to intercept, but Zoro and Sanji's skill kept them advancing despite the odds.
Still, the platform was too far. The sheer number of enemies slowed them. Kiri, too, was stalled by the three elite foes.
At the same time, three figures reached a rooftop overlooking the plaza. Silk rushed to the railing, scanning the chaos. Shouts and clashes filled the air, and Luffy's bound form on the platform told her enough.
"There! Luffy's caught!" she cried.
"So many pirates! What the hell's going on?!" Usopp yelped.
"Seriously, he causes trouble the second we look away!" Nami groaned.
They leaned over the railing, eyeing the distant platform. Silk drew her sword, glancing at Usopp. "Can you snipe from here?"
"No way! Too far, even for a pistol!" Usopp replied.
"It's fine. I'll boost the shot with wind," Silk said.
"Right! Let's do it. I won't let Luffy die!" Usopp steeled himself, readying his slingshot.
Silk's sword glowed with wind. But a cold voice interrupted.
"Stop there. You'll only shorten your own lives."
They turned to see Captain Kuro, cat claws equipped, adjusting his glasses. His Black Cat Pirates, led by the Nyaban Brothers, swarmed the rooftop, surrounding them. Escape was impossible.
Usopp and Nami screamed. Silk shielded them, sword raised, facing Kuro's icy stare.
"We've secured these rooftops. Usopp, I knew you'd try to snipe. Want to leave alive? Do nothing," Kuro said.
"Captain Kuro?! Why's he here?!" Usopp stammered.
"Wait! It's just us three against a crowd! That's not fair!" Nami protested.
Usopp and Nami panicked, unable to focus on sniping. Silk glared at Kuro. "Do nothing, and we go free?"
"Of course. I promise not to attack," Kuro replied.
"Liar. Pirates trick enemies into letting their guard down. We're pirates—we know," Silk shot back.
"Fair enough. I apologize for the lie."
Kuro spread his arms, his crew raising weapons. "Your entire crew dies here."
"Aaagh! We're in deep trouble too!" Usopp wailed, the situation spiraling.
It was all calculated. No hope of turning the tide. Buggy, surveying the struggling Straw Hats, grinned wickedly. Revenge was near—just one swing to behead Luffy. His crew would fail to save him, falling in despair.
Buggy raised his saber again. "Time for the finale, Straw Hat. Any last words?"
"Don't mess with me! It's not over!" Luffy roared.
Kiri, enduring relentless attacks, shouted back, her eyes locked on the platform. Her voice and expression—new to Luffy—made him pause. He stared at her, his face calm, emotions hidden.
"Not when we're just getting started! No way I'm letting it end here! Luffy, I'll save you!" Kiri vowed.
Buggy smirked. "Well? Got a response?"
Luffy looked up, scanning the plaza. Chaos roared around him—shouts, clashes, and countless voices.
"Zoro. Sanji."
The two fought through pirates, advancing but not reaching him, overwhelmed by numbers.
"Usopp. Silk. Nami."
On a rooftop straight ahead, the three battled precariously, barely holding their own.
"Kiri."
The closest, yet still out of reach. Luffy's gaze settled on his first crewmate, a grin tugging at his lips.
No regrets. In his usual tone, his words cut through the noisy plaza, reaching his crew clearly.
"Sorry, guys. I'm dead."
Shock rippled through them. Buggy's blade descended.
Time seemed to slow. All eyes locked on Luffy's smile and what seemed his final moment. Nothing stopped the blade, no one halted Buggy. Many believed it was Luffy's end.
But the heavens disagreed.
A bolt of lightning struck the platform, engulfing it in blinding light and thunderous sound.