·Chapter 127 – Pre-Battle Arrangements19 Sep·For saleShareHearing Buggy's words, Tesoro immediately dropped to one knee and solemnly declared:
"Captain, I will join now. I am willing to become a member of the Yanhuang Pirates."
Buggy could feel the sincerity in his tone. Tesoro wasn't just speaking out of obligation—this was gratitude, loyalty, and true conviction from the bottom of his heart.
"Welcome to the Yanhuang Pirates," Buggy said warmly as he helped him to his feet.
Meanwhile, inside the slave market, a bloated Celestial Dragon named Rosward Saint sneered as he examined a row of trembling slave girls. His gaze was sharp, but not with admiration—rather, as if he were selecting livestock.
"This is all you have?" Rosward's voice dripped with contempt. "Do you take me for a fool? I need the finest toy for my beloved son, and you dare present me with such ugly trash?"
The slave trader, drenched in cold sweat, fell to his knees and groveled. "O-Oh, most noble Lord Rosward, this lowly one deserves death! Please, grant me some time—I swear I will find a batch worthy of your grace!"
One of Rosward's CP agents stepped forward, speaking quietly:
"My lord, intelligence indicates there is a slave here named Stella. Her singing voice is said to be exquisite. Yet… I do not see her among these girls."
The trader's face drained of all color. He had indeed hidden Stella, intending to use her later for his own profit. But now… the Celestial Dragon knew.
"You insect," Rosward snarled, rage twisting his features. "You dare hide a toy from me? You must be tired of living!"
He raised his ornate cane and fired several bullets into the trader's skull. The man collapsed in a heap, blood pooling beneath him. Only then did Rosward lower his weapon, his fury fading back into amusement.
"Search! Find my little toy at once!"
For Rosward, once his interest was piqued, nothing else mattered. He would have what he wanted—always.
It didn't take long before two hulking agents dragged Stella before him.
The girl's face was pale, her eyes brimming with despair and unwillingness. She knew what it meant to be chosen by a Celestial Dragon. Her life would no longer be her own. The dream of a future with Tesoro was shattered in that instant.
Rosward's lips curled into a grotesque smile.
"Hah! Not bad at all. My son will adore this toy. Take her—we're leaving."
Stella closed her eyes, hopelessness washing over her. She didn't resist; she knew resistance would only bring worse pain.
Outside, Buggy and his crew heard the gunshots. His Observation Haki swept through the market once more. He clearly sensed Stella's presence now—and knew things had reached the worst possible outcome.
As Rosward and his guards led Stella out, Buggy quickly motioned his crew into a small grove nearby. Though he intended to save her, charging recklessly into a confrontation with a Celestial Dragon was suicidal. Careful preparation was their only chance.
Tesoro's eyes blazed with fury, his teeth grinding audibly. His entire body shook with the urge to leap forward.
Buggy placed a firm hand on his shoulder, meeting his gaze. "Trust me. I will bring Stella back."
Tesoro, staring into Buggy's steady eyes, forced himself to calm down. He nodded, barely keeping his rage in check.
Buggy then turned to the others and gave crisp orders:
"Hogback, Jessica, Iceburg, and the Cabaji brothers—you return to the Splendor. Go to the shipyard and have the ship coated. Be ready to set sail at a moment's notice."
He then faced Montblanc Cricket.
"Cricket, head to Area 13. Go to Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. Tell the proprietress my name, and say I need to meet an old acquaintance. When you see him, tell him this: a Marine Admiral may soon come for me. I request his help to delay the Admiral's pursuit, if only for a short time."
Buggy's reasoning was clear. Jessica and the weaker crew members couldn't remain. If an Admiral appeared, they would be liabilities, easily crushed in the chaos. Having them back at the ship—and preparing a quick escape route—was the safest option.
As for Rayleigh, Buggy deliberately avoided naming him outright. He didn't want to expose his old mentor unnecessarily. All he needed was Rayleigh to discreetly stall an Admiral long enough for them to escape with Stella.
He had no doubts about Rayleigh's ability. Aside from Garp, there were few in the world who could even pressure the Dark King. And Garp, because of his past with Roger, would hardly risk everything to bring Rayleigh down.
The crew listened intently. Those who already knew of Buggy's past quickly realized who he meant. They exchanged knowing glances, silently awed.
The newer members, however, were dumbfounded. The idea that such a legendary figure—someone capable of facing down an Admiral—was on this very island, and connected to Buggy, shook them to their core.Tesoro's clenched fists loosened slightly. His chest eased for the first time that day. Perhaps… perhaps Buggy really did have a way to save Stella.