A/N : Attendence ??
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The clash of steel rang across Little Garden as Dorry and Brogy's weapons met in thunderous combat. Sparks flew from their massive blades, each strike powerful enough to level trees. I couldn't help but grin at the spectacle—until my Observation Haki screamed a warning.
Movement in the bushes. Someone with malicious intent, positioning for an attack during the sacred duel.
Oh, hell no.
I drew my bow instantly, energy arrow crackling to life. The shot flew true, striking the hidden figure and sending them crashing through several trees. The explosion echoed across the clearing, causing both giants to immediately cease their battle.
"What happened, Rouge?" Dorry's massive head turned toward me, confusion evident in his booming voice.
Brogy's eyes narrowed dangerously as he scanned the treeline. "Someone dared interfere with our sacred duel?"
I pointed toward the smoking crater where my target had landed. "There's another party here trying to kill you both. First, they tried to make Dorry drink that bomb-filled barrel. Now this guy was positioning to attack during your fight."
The giants' expressions darkened considerably. In all my months here, I'd never seen them truly angry.
"They dishonor our century-long duel," Brogy growled, his knuckles whitening around his weapon's grip. "We'll show them what the captains of the Giant Pirates are capable of."
"Actually," I held up a hand, trying to look casual, "can you guys leave them to me? Think of it as thanks for letting me stay here these past eight months."
Both giants stared at me for a moment before breaking into their trademark laughter.
"Gegyagyagya! You don't need to thank us for anything, Rouge!" Dorry's laughter shook nearby leaves. "But if you wish to handle our revenge as a friend..."
"It'll be more fu—" I caught myself mid-word, clearing my throat awkwardly. "I mean, I'll take your revenge as a friend."
Their laughter doubled in volume, and I felt heat rising to my cheeks.
"Did he just slip and say 'fun' ?" Vivi whispered to Usopp, though her voice carried clearly to my enhanced hearing.
"That's totally what he said," Usopp whispered back conspiratorially. "But who is this guy anyway?"
They both laughed nervously, and Vivi shook her head. "He is Rouge. Been here for eight months, but I don't know much about him."
"Eight months?! Sugoi ne!" Usopp's eyes went wide with admiration before he straightened proudly. "Hey Rouge! I'm Usopp, captain of the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"Oi, Usopp!" Luffy's indignant shout came from behind them. "I'm the captain!"
Without missing a beat, Usopp turned and bowed formally. "Hai! I'm the vice-captain of the Straw Hat Pirates!"
I glanced back at them awkwardly. "You know I can hear everything, right? And yes, I am crazy strong. Hahahaha!"
Vivi sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Everyone here is weird..."
Expanding my Observation Haki across the island, I quickly located several more presences. Two familiar ones were stationary in an artificial structure—definitely not good.
"I'll take care of that wax user," I announced, pointing toward where the enemy had fallen. "Usopp, Vivi, you two should head in that direction." I gestured northwest. "You'll find Nami and Zoro there."
Looking around for Luffy, I frowned. "And Luffy, you can—where is he?"
"It's Luffy," Usopp said with a shrug. "He's gone."
"Huh. Well, whatever. See you both later!"
The figure in the crater was already stirring as I approached. A tall, thin man with the number "3" styled into his hair struggled to his feet, wax coating his body like armor.
"Hello there, Mr. 3," I called cheerfully.
His head snapped up, eyes narrowing. "Who the hell are you? You're not one of the Straw Hats!"
I struck a dramatic pose, one hand on my hip. "Hmm, let's see... Yes! I am Demon Lord Guy Crimson!" The alias rolled off my tongue with practiced ease. "And you just tried to hurt my friends!"
"Demon Lord ? Friends ?" Mr. 3 sneered. "You mean the Straw Hats?"
"Oh no, no, no." I waved dismissively, pointing back at the giants. "I just met them. I'm talking about those two."
Mr. 3's face twisted with rage. "You're an idiot! Here!"
Wax erupted from his hands in thick streams, hardening instantly as it flew toward me. I side-stepped lazily, barely moving as each attack missed by inches.
"What the hell are you doing?!" he screamed in frustration.
"What do you mean? I'm just standing here, and you can't even hit me. Tch tch, that's why you should listen when people talk."
Growing more frustrated, Mr. 3 created multiple wax clones of himself. They spread out, launching coordinated attacks from all angles. Wax projectiles filled the air like a deadly storm.
None of them touched me.
My bow appeared in my hands as I drew the string back. A fiery arrow materialized, but this time I pulled the string much further, channeling significantly more power into the spell.
"Saate ( ok then ) , Wax-san," I grinned widely. "This is my new combo technique. You should be glad to be the first to see it."
"Haha! And where am I, idiot?" one of his clones taunted from behind.
My smile widened. "What do you mean? You're always right here."
The arrow released with a brilliant flash. The explosion engulfed the entire area where Mr. 3 had been standing, far more powerful than my usual shots. Smoke and debris scattered in all directions.
"Hmm, wow. That's one shot down! Hahahaha!" I lowered my bow, quite pleased with the result. "Now then..."
I'd barely taken three steps when my Observation Haki screamed another warning. Diving to the side, I watched a massive wax fist smash into the ground where I'd been standing.
"Oi oi, you're kidding me!" I turned to see Mr. 3 rising from the smoke, his entire body now covered in thick, hardened wax armor. "What the hell is this makeover? Haha!"
"It's my ultimate form!" he declared proudly, throwing another punch that I casually dodged.
The novelty was already wearing off. His movements were slower in that bulky armor, and my Haki made every attack predictable.
"Now I'm bored," I sighed dramatically. "Okay then."
My ring hand came up, pointing directly at him. "Bye bye, Wax-san."
"Confringo! Confringo! Confringo! Confringo! Confringo!"
Five consecutive Blasting Curses erupted from my ring in rapid succession. Each explosion was perfectly aimed, striking different parts of his wax armor. The combined force sent him flying backward, his "ultimate form" cracking and shattering under the magical assault.
Before he could recover, I dashed forward and grabbed him by what remained of his wax coating. His eyes were dazed, clearly struggling to stay conscious after my magical bombardment.
"So then," I said cheerfully as I began dragging him along, "should we end this here, or would you prefer I have a bit more fun with you? Haha!"
Mr. 3 could only groan in response.
My Observation Haki was already picking up more trouble brewing across the island. The familiar presences I'd sensed earlier—Nami and Zoro—were definitely in some kind of structure, and their life forces felt... restricted somehow.
Wax prison, most likely.
There was also another presence near them. Small, calm, but with an underlying sense of danger that made my instincts itch.
Mr. 3's partner, I'd bet.
"Well, Wax-san," I continued conversationally as I dragged the semiconscious agent through the underbrush, "looks like you've got friends who are about to meet some very angry pirates. I do hope they're more entertaining than you were."
The sound of Usopp's panicked shouting reached my ears from the direction I'd sent him and Vivi. Right on schedule.
Time to see how this played out.
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Author Notes:
I, Dai Mao Guy Crimson, humbly demand your jewels… hmm, might sound a bit weird. Infinity Stones it is. 😏
So if you're enjoying the story, don't forget to drop a comment and toss in a few stones to keep this Demon Lord entertained!
PS. I know, I am wierd here.